JP2001014264A - Data transfer system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make transferable data in an optimum state in such a data transfer system that consists of plural data recording/reproducing devices and a data processor which can be connected to these data recording/reproducing devices and can transfer the data to them. SOLUTION: A recognition code, i.e., the identification information that can specify a voice data recording/reproducing device 20 is previously stored in a semiconductor memory 26 of the device 20 functioning as a data recording/ reproducing device. Then a personal computer 10 functioning as a data processor acquires the identification information and sets a data transfer mode for every data recording/reproducing device to change a data transfer rate or a data format, for example, according to the identification information.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention comprises a data recording / reproducing apparatus and a data processing apparatus which can connect a plurality of data recording / reproducing apparatuses and can transfer data between the data recording / reproducing apparatuses. Related to data transfer system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In general, dictation recording is one of applications of an audio recording / reproducing apparatus, that is, a tape recorder. In this dictation record, for example, the contents of the letter to be sent are recorded in advance on a tape recorder with a voice, and the recorded tape is passed to a secretary, etc., and the secretary plays the tape and reproduces the voice. There are various uses, such as typing a letter while listening, or recording the contents of a meeting, and later creating a minutes while listening to this recording.

In recent years, in audio recording / reproducing devices,
In response to a demand for downsizing of the apparatus, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 63-259
As disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 700, an apparatus using a semiconductor memory instead of a magnetic tape as a recording medium has been developed.

Some of such audio data recording / reproducing apparatuses for recording audio data in the semiconductor memory have a configuration in which the semiconductor memory cannot be attached to or detached from the main body of the apparatus.
In such a device, when it is desired that the audio data recorded in the secretary or the like in the dictation recording described above be passed and typed, that is, in another external device such as an audio reproducing device other than the device, If the user wants to use the audio data recorded in the semiconductor memory, the audio data is transferred to an external device by connecting a cable or the like.

Here, with the recent spread of personal computers (PCs), type creation is usually performed by a word processor operating on the PC. Many of these PCs have a sound function, and can reproduce and output audio data from a speaker connected to the PC. In view of this, there has been seen a usage in which audio data recorded on a PC is transferred from the audio data recording / reproducing apparatus, and the audio data is played back on the PC and typed in by a word processor.

[0006]

By the way, in recent years, PCs adopting a USB (Universal Serial Bus) conforming to a so-called plug and play function, which adopts an interface specification capable of connecting a large number of devices, have become widespread. ing.

Therefore, it is conceivable not to use this to transfer data between the audio data recording / reproducing apparatus and the PC. However, many of the devices (including a plurality of audio data recording / reproducing apparatuses) are connected. The data transfer rate and format are different from each other, and the transfer method and control code are different, and it has not yet been sufficiently considered how to set data to the optimum state for each device and perform data transfer. Is the actual situation.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and it is possible to connect a plurality of data recording / reproducing devices and a plurality of data recording / reproducing devices to transfer data between the data recording / reproducing devices. An object of the present invention is to enable data transfer in an optimal state in a data transfer system including a simple data processing device.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above object, a data transfer system according to the first aspect of the present invention comprises a data recording / reproducing device and a plurality of data recording / reproducing devices which can be connected to each other for data recording / reproducing. A data transfer system comprising a data processing device capable of transferring data to and from a device, provided on each data recording / reproducing device side, and identification information capable of specifying the data recording / reproducing device. Storage means for storing the
Data transfer control means for acquiring the identification information and changing data transfer settings for each data recording / reproducing device based on the identification information.

That is, according to the data transfer system of the present invention, the identification information capable of specifying the data recording / reproducing device is stored in the storage means provided on each data recording / reproducing device side, The data transfer control means provided on the processing device side obtains this identification information and changes the settings at the time of data transfer for each data recording / reproducing device based on the identification information. Will be able to do it.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the data transfer system according to the first aspect, the data transfer control means is provided for each data recording / reproducing apparatus based on the identification information. The data transfer rate is set.

That is, according to the data transfer system of the present invention, the data transfer rate can be set optimally for each data recording / reproducing device.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the data transfer system according to the first aspect, the data transfer control means is provided for each data recording / reproducing apparatus based on the identification information. , A data format at the time of data transfer is set.

That is, according to the data transfer system of the third aspect, it is possible to optimally set the data format at the time of data transfer for each data recording / reproducing device.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the data transfer system according to the first aspect, the identification information is information indicating a model name of a data recording / reproducing apparatus or a user ID. It is characterized by information.

That is, according to the data transfer system of the present invention, information indicating the model name of the data recording / reproducing apparatus or user ID information is used as the identification information.

[0017]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1A shows a configuration of a data transfer system according to an embodiment of the present invention. A plurality of data recording / reproducing devices can be connected and data can be transferred between the data recording / reproducing devices. A PC 10 as a data processing device capable of performing transfer, and a plurality of USs connected to the PC 10
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an audio data recording / reproducing device 20 which is one of the data recording / reproducing devices configured as the B device.

Here, in the audio data recording / reproducing apparatus 20, the microphone (MIC) 21 is connected to the amplifier (AMP) 2
2, low-pass filter (LPF) 23, and analog /
It is connected to a system controller 25 via a digital (A / D) converter 24. This system control unit 25
Although not shown in the figure, a digital signal processing unit (DSP) as an encoding / decoding circuit for compressing / decompressing audio data is built in. This system control unit 25
Has a nonvolatile semiconductor memory 26 as a recording medium,
The power control unit 27 is connected. A speaker 31 is connected to the system control unit 25 via a digital / analog (D / A) converter 28, an LPF 29, and a power AMP 30.

Further, an operation input unit 32 is connected to the system control unit 25. This operation input unit 32
Includes a playback button, a fast-forward button, a fast-reverse button, an I-mark button, an E-mark button, an endless recording switching button, and the like (not shown), in addition to the recording button REC and the stop button STOP.

Here, the I mark and the E mark are as follows. That is, since a plurality of sentences are recorded in the semiconductor memory 26, in the audio data recording / reproducing apparatus 20 of this type, when the sentence recorder operates the I mark button at the time of recording, the speech data is recorded in the semiconductor memory 26. In addition, an instruction (I) mark indicating a priority relationship between a plurality of sentences and an index mark for an instruction for a typist or a secretary can be recorded. It is possible to specifically indicate a priority relationship. An index mark called an end (E) mark can be recorded by operating an E mark button to indicate a break between a plurality of sentences.

The system control unit 25 includes a US
A data transfer data conversion unit 33 for performing communication with the PC 10 via the B cable 40 is connected. The data transfer data converter 33 constitutes means for receiving a signal from an external device such as a PC, means for transmitting a connection confirmation completion signal to the external device, and means for transmitting data. Further, the data transfer data conversion unit 33 uses the US
When the B cable 40 is connected, the connection confirmation signal 34 is supplied to the terminal T1 of the system control unit 25.

That is, in the audio data recording / reproducing device 20,
An analog signal obtained from the MIC 21 is amplified by the AMP 22, passed through the LPF 23, and then passed through the A / D converter 24.
Into a digital signal, and the system control unit 2
5 and is encoded, and the encoded data is recorded in the semiconductor memory 26.

The data recorded in the semiconductor memory 26 is read and decoded by the system control unit 25, and the decoded read data is input to the D / A converter 828 and the LPF 29 After that, it is converted into an analog signal. Then, the signal output from the LPF 29 is amplified by the power AMP 30 and the speaker 31
It is output to the outside as more sound.

Further, the data recorded in the semiconductor memory 26 is read out by the system control unit 25, input to the data transfer data conversion unit 33, and transferred to the PC 10 via the USB cable 40. ing.

Next, the operation of the PC 10 to which a plurality of audio data recording / reproducing devices 20 having such a configuration can be connected will be described.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a control program of the audio data recording / reproducing apparatus 20 executed by the PC 10.

That is, when the control program is started, first, initial settings such as screen display and setting of each parameter are performed (step S11). In this initial setting,
For each parameter setting, a connection routine as shown in FIG. 1B is executed. That is, in this connection routine, first, a connection confirmation subroutine for checking all currently connected USB-compatible devices and creating a connection table is called (step S11A). Then, based on this connection table, a control switching (parameter setting) subroutine for the audio data recording / reproducing device 20 as a desired USB device is called (step S11B).

Here, the connection confirmation subroutine of step S11A is as shown in FIG. That is, first, as an initial setting of the connection number, the internal counter N (not shown) is reset to 0 (step S1).
1A1). After that, a request to transfer the recognition code is transmitted to the USB device having the connection number N indicated by the counter N (step S11A2). And for a predetermined time,
Waiting for data (recognition code) (step S1)
1A3). Here, it is determined whether or not the Nth USB device is connected based on whether or not data has been received (step S11A4). If not, the connection confirmation subroutine is terminated and the process returns to the higher-level connection routine. . On the other hand, if it is determined that the connection is established, the connection number (No. N) and the received recognition code are
Additional recording is performed on a connection table provided in a RAM (not shown) in the PC 10 (step S11A5). Here, the recognition code includes, for example, model name (connection model) information or user ID information (ID number) of the USB device. Then, the connection number N indicated by the counter N is incremented by 1 (step S11A6), and the above-described step S11A
Returning to step 2, a recognition code transfer request is transmitted to the next USB device. Such a step S11A2
By repeating steps S11A6, a list of all connected USB devices is created as a connection table.

In the present embodiment, it is assumed that devices connected to the PC 10 are automatically assigned connection numbers in order from 0.

The control switching (parameter setting) subroutine in step S11B is as shown in FIG. 1D. That is, first, the connection recorder is determined (step S11B1). This is because a list of all the USB devices connected to the PC 10 recorded in the connection table is displayed on the monitor, that is, the connection number is displayed on the monitor, and the input of the connection number by the operator is received. This is a process for selecting an audio data recording / reproducing device (recorder) 20 as a USB device. Then, the operator again obtains the recognition code from the device having the connection number selected and input by the operator, and compares it with the corresponding recognition code (connector type and ID number) recorded in the connection table (step). S11B2). This is because during the connection confirmation subroutine, while the connection confirmation of the USB device in the connection order after the connection-confirmed USB device is being performed, the connection-confirmed USB device is disconnected or newly last connected. In this case, the USB device is again checked to see if the USB device is connected.

Next, it is determined whether the data transfer control method of the USB device, in this case, the audio data recording / reproducing apparatus 20, is the control method A (step S11B).
3). In this case, the determination can be made by registering the determination criteria in the PC 10 in advance, for example, by registering the model name and the control method in association with each other. Alternatively, the semiconductor memory 26 of the audio data recording / reproducing device 20 stores the control method of the audio data recording / reproducing device 20 and transmits it to the PC 10 so that the PC 10 makes the determination. Such a configuration can be adopted.

If it is determined that the data transfer control method A is used, a parameter A corresponding to the data transfer control method A is set (step S11A).
4) If not, set parameter B corresponding to data transfer control method B (step S11A5). Note that this is an example in which there are only two types of data transfer control methods, and it is needless to say that three or more types may be used.

After the initial setting is completed, the PC 10 displays the main screen for controlling the audio data recording / reproducing device 20 on the monitor (step S12), and waits for a mouse or keyboard input (step S13).

Here, when a file transfer process is instructed by a mouse or keyboard input (step S14),
A file transfer processing subroutine, which will be described in detail later, is called, and the audio data recording / reproducing device 20
The file is received via the cable 40 (step S
15). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the end of the control program has been instructed by a mouse or keyboard input (step S16). If the end has not been instructed, the process returns to step S13.

When file reproduction is instructed by mouse or keyboard input (step S17), a file reproduction processing subroutine is called (step S1).
8). In this file playback processing subroutine,
By transmitting the fill reproduction command to the audio data recording / reproducing apparatus 20, the specified file is reproduced in the audio data recording / reproducing apparatus 20. Then, the process proceeds to step S16.

When the recorder recording information confirmation is instructed by a mouse or keyboard input (step S1).
9), a recorder recording information confirmation processing subroutine is called (step S20). In this recorder recording information confirmation processing subroutine, by transmitting a record recording number confirmation command to the audio data recording / reproducing device 20,
The number of records recorded in the semiconductor memory 26 is returned from the audio data recording / reproducing device 20 and is displayed on the monitor. And after that, the above step S
Proceed to 16.

Further, P is input by mouse or keyboard input.
When the C time setting is instructed (step S21), a time setting processing subroutine is called (step S2).
2). In the time setting processing subroutine, a time setting command (including time data measured by the PC built-in clock) is transmitted to the audio data recording / reproducing apparatus 20 so that the built-in clock of the audio data recording / playing apparatus 20 is Time. Then, the process proceeds to step S16.

When a recording process is instructed by a mouse or keyboard input (step S23), a recording process subroutine is called (step S24). In the recording process subroutine, a recording process command is transmitted to the audio data recording / reproducing device 20 so that the audio data recording / reproducing device 20 performs recording on the semiconductor memory 26. Then, the process proceeds to step S16.

If it is determined in step S16 that termination of the control program has been instructed, a power-down processing subroutine is called (step S25). In this power down processing subroutine, a command to turn the power of the audio data recording / reproducing apparatus 20 to low power is issued to the audio data recording / reproducing apparatus 2.
By transmitting to 0, the audio data recording / reproducing device 20 is shifted to the power saving mode.

On the other hand, in the audio data recording / reproducing apparatus 20, the system control unit 25 operates as a main routine shown in FIG.

That is, in response to turning on of a power switch (not shown), first, an internal work memory and registers (not shown) are initialized (step S31), and then an operation button of one of the operation input units 32 is operated. It is determined whether or not it has been performed (step S32). When the record button REC is pressed (step S33), a recording process is executed (step S34), and when a play button (not shown) is pressed (step S35), a reproduction process is executed (step S35). Step S36). When the fast-forward button (not shown) is pressed (step S37), fast-forward processing is executed (step S38). When the fast-return button (not shown) is pressed (step S39), fast-return processing is performed. Is executed (step S40). These recording processing, reproduction processing, fast-forward processing, and fast-return processing are the same as those in the related art, and therefore, the details are omitted here.

When it is determined in step S32 that the operation button has not been pressed, a USB connection confirmation signal 34 from the data transfer data
It is determined whether or not the connector of the cable 40 is connected (step S41). If the connector is not connected, the process returns to step S32. If the connector is connected, a connection process subroutine is executed (step S42).

In this connection processing subroutine, as shown in FIG. 3B, it is determined whether there is a recognition code transfer request or a remote operation request from the PC 10 (steps S42A and S42B). ,
Further, it is determined whether or not the connector has been disconnected (step S42C). If the connector has not been disconnected, the process returns to step S42A. If the connector has been disconnected, the process returns to the upper main routine.

When the data transfer data conversion unit 33 receives a recognition code transfer request from the PC 10 via the USB cable 40 at the time of the initial setting in step S11 (step S42A), the system control unit 25
A recorder recognition code, which is the identification information of the audio data recording / reproducing device 20 and is stored in a predetermined area of the nonvolatile semiconductor memory 26 as a storage unit, is read in advance (step S42D). Then, after transferring the read recognition code to the PC 10 (step S
42E), and returns to step S42A.

The steps S15, S18, S2
In each subroutine of 0, S22, S24, and S25, when a remote operation request (command) from the PC 10 via the USB cable 40 is received by the data transfer data conversion unit 33 (step S42B), the system control unit 25 will be described later. Such a remote processing subroutine is executed (step S42F), and the process returns to step S42A.

As described above, in this connection subroutine, a press input of the operation button of the audio data recording / reproducing device 20 is not accepted.

The remote processing subroutine in step S42F is performed as shown in FIG.

That is, first, it is confirmed whether or not a command has been received from the PC 10 (step S42F1), and if not, the process returns to the higher-level connection processing subroutine.

On the other hand, if any command is received, it is first determined whether or not it is the file transfer command transmitted in step S15 (step S42F2). The read audio data of the file is read from the semiconductor memory 26 and supplied to the data transfer data conversion unit 33.
The data is transferred to the PC 10 via the SB cable 40 (Step S42F3). Then, the process returns to the higher-level connection processing subroutine.

The communication procedure between the PC 10 and the audio data recording / reproducing device 20 in this case is as shown in FIG. That is, first, the file number of the file to be transferred is transmitted from the PC 10 to the audio data recording / reproducing device 20. In response to this, the audio data recording / reproducing apparatus 20 first reads file information such as the file size of the file in preparation for transfer, and then actually transfers the file information to the PC 10. Note that the preparation for the transfer includes changing the data transfer format if necessary. next,
The PC 10 requests the audio data recording / reproducing apparatus 20 to transfer data of an n-byte block, for example, 1024 bytes, which is a packet unit of the file.
Side, the data of 1024 bytes, which is the packet unit, is transferred. This transfer request of 1024 bytes of data and the transfer corresponding thereto are repeated until the remaining data of the file becomes less than 1024 bytes. Finally, the audio data recording / reproducing device 20 is
Is requested to transfer the remaining bytes (n 'byte blocks) of data, and the remaining bytes of data are transferred from the audio data recording / reproducing apparatus 20 side to the PC 10 side.

If the command transmitted from the PC 10 is the file playback command in step S18 (step S42F4), the audio data of the designated file is read out from the semiconductor memory 26 and read as described above. The processing is performed and reproduced and output from the speaker 31 (step S42F5). Then, the process returns to the higher-level connection processing subroutine.

When the record record number confirmation command transmitted in the above steps and 20 is received (step S42F6), the record record number is confirmed with reference to the semiconductor memory 26 and displayed on the display unit (not shown) (step S42F6). S42F7). Also, by transmitting the information on the number of records to the PC 10 via the data transfer data conversion unit 33 and the USB cable 40, the information can be displayed on the monitor of the PC 10. Then, the process returns to the higher-level connection processing subroutine.

When the PC time setting command transmitted in step S22 is received (step S42F8), the internal clock (not shown) is synchronized with the clock of the PC 10 (step S42F9). Return to the processing subroutine.

If a command to set the power source to low power from the PC 10 is received in step S25 (step S42F10), the power control unit 27 executes a process of setting the power down, that is, the power saving mode. (Step S42F11), and returns to the higher-level connection processing subroutine.

When the recording processing command transmitted in step S24 is received (step S42F12), the recording processing of the voice input from the MIC 21 is performed as described above (step S42).
F13), returning to the upper connection processing subroutine.

The file transfer subroutine called as step S15 on the PC 10 when the file transfer process is executed in step S42F3 is as shown in FIG.

That is, the PC 10 executes the above step S11A
4 or the parameter set in step S11A5 is
It is determined whether or not the parameter is a parameter of the transfer rate A (step S15A). If so, the transfer rate is set to the setting A, that is, the low-speed transfer (for example, 1.5 Mbps) (step S15).
15B), otherwise, set the transfer speed to setting B, that is, high-speed transfer (for example, 12 Mbps) (step S1)
5C). After that, the file number of the file requiring transfer specified by the operator is transmitted to the audio data recording / reproducing device 20 via the USB cable 40 (step S15D). Then, in response to this, file information such as the file size (L) of the file transmitted from the audio data recording / reproducing device 20 is obtained (step S15E).

Next, the PC 10 transmits to the audio data recording / reproducing device 20 a signal requesting transfer of 1024 bytes of data, which is a packet unit in the file (step S15F). Subsequently, when receiving 1024 bytes of data from the audio data recording / reproducing device 20 (step S15G), the PC 10 calculates L-1024 and stores the result as a new file size L (step S15H). Then, it is determined whether or not the newly stored file size L is 1024 bytes or more (step S15I).
Repeats the processing of steps S15F to S15I.

If it is determined in step S15I that the file size L is smaller than 1024 bytes, the PC 10 determines whether the parameter set in step S11A4 or S11A5 is a format A parameter. Is determined (step S15).
J) If so, the conversion method (for example, data decompression method) is set to conversion A for converting the data of format A to the data format for PC 10 (step S1).
5K), otherwise, format B data to P
The conversion method is set to the conversion B for converting to the data format for C10 (step S15L). Then, a signal requesting the transfer of the remaining L bytes of data is transmitted to the audio data recording / reproducing device 20 (step S15M), and by receiving the L bytes of data, this series of file transfer processing is performed. finish.

Thereafter, the transferred data stored in the memory is converted according to the conversion method set above and stored as a file. At this time, it is confirmed whether or not the size of the data stored in the memory matches the file size obtained in step S15E. If the size matches, the file is converted to a file. Discard it, display an error on the monitor, and record and reproduce the audio data 2
0 may be requested to be retransmitted.

The setting of the data format conversion method is not limited to this position in the processing, and may be performed, for example, before the transmission of the file number in step S15D.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the PC 1
0 performs a search by associating the connection order of a plurality of USB devices with an identification code and creates a table of the connection order and the identification code, thereby enabling communication with a specific USB device such as the audio data recording / reproducing device 20. To decide (select). Here, if the recognition codes are duplicated, the USB devices can be distinguished according to the connection order. Then, by instructing the audio data recording / reproducing device 20 selected based on the recognition code and the connection order to transfer the file, the audio data can be transferred. Further, the PC 10 corresponds to a data transfer control unit that switches a setting at the time of data transfer, for example, a data transfer rate or a data format to an optimal one for the connected audio data recording / reproducing apparatus 20 by identifying the recognition code. Therefore, the data transfer can be performed in an optimal state.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to an embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and applications may be made within the scope of the present invention. It is possible.

For example, an audio data recording / reproducing apparatus for recording / reproducing audio data has been described as an example of a data recording / reproducing apparatus connected to a data processing apparatus.
It goes without saying that a device for recording and reproducing other data may be used. In addition, although the description has been made assuming that both connections are made by USB, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0066]

As described in detail above, according to the present invention,
In a data transfer system comprising a data recording / reproducing device and a data processing device capable of connecting a plurality of data recording / reproducing devices and capable of transferring data between the data recording / reproducing devices, data transfer is performed in an optimal state. Can be performed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1A is a diagram showing a configuration of a data transfer system according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1B is a flowchart of a connection routine in a PC as a data processing device, and FIG. (D) is a flowchart of a control switching subroutine in (B).

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a control program executed by a PC to control an audio data recording / reproducing device as a data recording / reproducing device.

FIG. 3A is a flowchart of a main routine in a system control unit of the audio data recording and reproducing apparatus;
(B) is a flowchart of a connection processing subroutine in (A).

4A is a flowchart of a remote processing subroutine in FIG. 3B, and FIG. 4B is a diagram for explaining a communication procedure between a PC and an audio data recording / reproducing device.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a file transfer processing subroutine in FIG. 2;

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 personal computer (PC) 20 audio data recording / reproducing device 21 microphone (MIC) 22 amplifier (AMP) 23, 29 low-pass filter (LPF) 24 analog / digital (A / D) converter 25 system control unit 26 non-volatile semiconductor memory 27 power control unit 28 digital / analog (D / A) converter 30 power AMP 31 speaker 32 operation input unit 33 data transfer data conversion unit 34 connection confirmation signal 40 USB cable

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A data transfer system comprising: a data recording / reproducing device; and a data processing device capable of connecting a plurality of data recording / reproducing devices and capable of transferring data between the data recording / reproducing devices. Storage means provided on the data recording / reproducing device side for storing identification information capable of specifying the data recording / reproducing device; provided on the data processing device side, acquiring the identification information,
A data transfer system, comprising: data transfer control means capable of changing settings at the time of data transfer for each data recording / reproducing device based on the data transfer. 2. The data transfer system according to claim 1, wherein the data transfer control means sets a data transfer rate for each data recording / reproducing device based on the identification information. 3. The data transfer system according to claim 1, wherein the data transfer control means sets a data format at the time of data transfer for each data recording / reproducing device based on the identification information. 4. The data transfer system according to claim 1, wherein the identification information is information indicating a model name of the data recording / reproducing device, or user ID information.