JP2004334968A - Recording controller and its method, recording medium and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To confirm the quality of the sound and image to be recorded before the sound and image are recorded. <P>SOLUTION: An encoding part 13 compresses the supplied data by a prescribed encoding method or in a mode (compression rate) set at that time and supplies the compressed data to a decoding part 15 through a buffer 14. The decoding part 15 decodes the supplied data and supplies the decoded data to an outputting part 16. The data supplied to the outputting part 16 are supplied to a speaker and a display. A user confirms the sound and image quality at the time of recording in a mode set at that time before recording the data. If the confirmed quality is acceptable, the data are subsequently started to record on a recording medium 3. This invention is applicable to a recording and reproducing device that records data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a recording control device and method, a recording medium, and a program, and particularly to a recording control device and method, a recording medium, and a recording method suitable for applying to a device that can perform recording at different compression ratios when recording data. And about the program.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Devices for compressing input data by a predetermined method and recording the data on a recording medium have been widely used. For example, an MD (Mini Disc) (trademark) player reproduces data recorded on a disk-shaped recording medium called a mini-disc, for example, music data, and provides music to a user.
[0003]
Some MD players have a recording function. In such a player, music data from another device is compressed (encoded) based on a predetermined method and recorded on a disk-shaped recording medium. can do. At the time of the recording, the user can select a mode having a different compression ratio and perform recording in that mode. The mode is related to the total playback time and sound quality when playing back the recorded data.For example, it is possible to record music data for a relatively long time, but the mode with relatively poor sound quality or long It is a mode in which music data for a time cannot be recorded, but the sound quality is relatively good. (For example, see Non-Patent Document 1.)
[0004]
[Non-patent document 1]
Sony Corporation, Sony e-catalog site, [online], [searched on March 20, 2003], Internet <URL: http: // www. ecat. sony. co. jp / audio / walkman / products / index. cfm? PD = 1300 & KM = MZ-N910>
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, the sound recorded in the set mode has a sound quality depending on the mode. For example, when the user sets the mode in which music data for a long time can be recorded and reproduces the music data recorded on the recording medium, if the user does not like the sound quality, the user may set the mode again to a different mode and set the same mode again. Had to be re-recorded on a recording medium.
[0006]
Repetition of the same process is a troublesome process for the user. Also, since the disk used in the MD player described above is a recording medium that can be repeatedly recorded, if the user does not like the sound of the music data that has been recorded once, it may not be possible to re-record on the same recording medium. It is possible.
[0007]
However, in a recording medium such as a CD-R (Compact Disc-Recordable), once data is written (recorded once), data is recorded (overwritten) again on the recording medium. Can not. That is, even if the user records music data in such a recording medium in a predetermined mode, for example, and does not like the sound quality of the sound when the recorded music data is reproduced, the recording is performed again. Music data cannot be recorded on a medium, and as a result, a recording medium on which sound data of unfavorable sound quality is recorded is discarded.
[0008]
Such a situation not only causes the user to perform a troublesome process such as having to repeat the same process, but also results in wasteful consumption of resources such as a recording medium.
[0009]
The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, the quality at the time of reproducing the data recorded on the recording medium, before recording the data on the recording medium, so that the user can check, It is an object of the present invention to eliminate inconveniences such as a user having to repeat the same processing and wasting resources.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The recording control device of the present invention includes an encoding unit that encodes data in a predetermined method, a decoding unit that decodes data encoded by the encoding unit, and a data that is encoded by the encoding unit. Recording means for recording on a predetermined recording medium, and in a state where decoding is being performed by the decoding means, when the user instructs to stop the decoding, recording by the recording means is started. I do.
[0011]
The predetermined scheme includes a plurality of different encoding schemes and a plurality of different compression ratio schemes in the same encoding scheme, and further includes a selection unit that selects one scheme from those schemes. In addition, the encoding means can perform the encoding in the method selected by the selection means.
[0012]
A recording control method according to the present invention includes an encoding step of encoding data in a predetermined method, a decoding step of decoding data encoded in the processing of the encoding step, and an encoding step of encoding data in the encoding step. A recording control step of controlling the recording of the decoded data on a predetermined recording medium, and in the state where the decoding is being performed in the processing of the decoding step, when the stop of the decoding is instructed by the user, the recording control step The recording control is started by the following.
[0013]
The program of the recording medium according to the present invention includes an encoding step of encoding data in a predetermined method, a decoding step of decoding data encoded in the processing of the encoding step, and an encoding step of encoding the data in the processing of the encoding step. A recording control step of controlling the recording of the decoded data on a predetermined recording medium. In a state where decoding is being performed in the processing of the decoding step, when the user instructs to stop the decoding, the recording control is performed. It is characterized in that the control of the recording by the step is started.
[0014]
A program according to the present invention includes an encoding step of encoding data in a predetermined method, a decoding step of decoding data encoded in the processing of the encoding step, and a data encoded in the processing of the encoding step. A recording control step of controlling recording on a predetermined recording medium, and in a state where decoding is being performed in the processing of the decoding step, when stop of the decoding is instructed by the user, recording by the recording control step Is started.
[0015]
In the present invention, immediately after data is encoded by a predetermined method, the encoded data is decoded and provided to the user. Then, when the user instructs to start recording with the decoded data, for example, with sound or video, recording on the recording medium is started.
[0016]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described, but in order to clarify the correspondence between each means of the invention described in the claims and the following embodiments, in parentheses after each means, The characteristics of the present invention will be described as follows by adding the corresponding embodiments (one example). However, of course, this description does not mean that each means is limited to those described.
[0017]
The recording control device according to claim 1 (for example, the recording / reproducing device 4 in FIG. 2) includes an encoding unit (for example, the encoding unit 13 in FIG. 2) that encodes data by a predetermined method, and an encoding unit. A decoding unit (for example, the decoding unit 15 in FIG. 2) for decoding the data encoded by the encoding unit, and a recording unit (for example, in FIG. 2) for recording the data encoded by the encoding unit on a predetermined recording medium. Recording / reproducing unit 17), and when the decoding is stopped by the decoding means and the user instructs to stop the decoding, the recording by the recording means is started (for example, in the flowchart of FIG. 3). Indicated processing).
[0018]
The predetermined method in the recording control device according to claim 2 includes a plurality of different encoding methods and a plurality of different compression ratios in the same encoding method, and selects one of the methods. The apparatus further includes a selection unit (for example, the control unit 12 of FIG. 2 that executes the processing included in the processing of step S12 of FIG. 3), and the encoding unit performs encoding by the method selected by the selection unit. And
[0019]
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of a system including a recording control device to which the present invention has been applied. The recording medium 1 is set in the reproducing device 2. The reproducing device 2 reproduces data recorded on the set recording medium 1 and supplies the reproduced data to the recording / reproducing device 4.
[0020]
The recording medium 3 is set in the recording / reproducing apparatus 4, and the data supplied from the reproducing apparatus 2 is recorded on the recording medium 3. The recording / reproducing device 4 reproduces data recorded on the set recording medium 3 and supplies the data to the speaker 5. The speaker 5 outputs a sound based on the supplied data.
[0021]
Here, the reproducing apparatus 2 and the recording / reproducing apparatus 4 will be described as separate bodies, however, they may be integrally configured.
[0022]
The recording medium 1 or the recording medium 3 may be detachable from or embedded in the reproducing device 2 or the recording / reproducing device 4, respectively.
[0023]
The recording medium 1 or the recording medium 3 includes, for example, a CD (Compact Disc), a CD-R (Compact Disc-Recordable), a CD-RW (CD-ReWritable), a CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory), and a DVD (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory). It is a recording medium belonging to a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a semiconductor memory, or the like, such as a digital versatile disk (HDD) and a hard disk drive (HDD).
[0024]
In addition, the recording medium 1 may record analog data instead of digital data. For example, a record or a cassette tape may be used.
[0025]
The reproducing device 2 and the recording / reproducing device 4 are devices that can handle the recording medium 1 and the recording medium 3 to be set. For example, when the recording medium 1 is a CD, the reproducing device 2 is a CD player.
[0026]
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the internal configuration of the recording / reproducing device 4. The input unit 11 of the recording / reproducing device 4 inputs data recorded on the recording medium 1 reproduced by the reproducing device 2. Here, the description will be made assuming that data is input from the playback device 2, but data from another device connected via a network or the like may be input.
[0027]
The data input to the input unit 11 is supplied to the encoding unit 13 under the control of the control unit 12. The encoding unit 13 encodes (compresses) the supplied data using a predetermined encoding method. The encoding by the encoding unit 13 is performed based on an encoding method such as ATRAC (Advanced Transform Acoustic Coding) and MP3 (MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3).
[0028]
The data encoded by the encoding unit 13 is temporarily stored in the buffer 14. The buffer 14 is not necessarily provided, and may be provided as needed. The data stored in the buffer 14 is supplied to the decoding unit 15. The decoding unit 15 performs decoding corresponding to the encoding performed by the encoding unit 13. For example, when the encoding unit 13 performs encoding according to the ATRAC method, the decoding unit 15 also performs decoding according to the ATRAC method.
[0029]
The data decoded by the decoding unit 15 is supplied to the output unit 16 under the control of the control unit 12. The data supplied to the output unit 16 is supplied to the speaker 5 (FIG. 1).
[0030]
The data stored in the buffer 14 may be supplied to the recording / reproducing unit 17 in some cases. The recording and reproducing unit 17 records the data supplied from the buffer 14 on the recording medium 3 under the control of the control unit 12. The recording / reproducing unit 17 reads data recorded on the recording medium 3 under the control of the control unit 12 and supplies the data to the buffer 14.
[0031]
The data supplied from the recording / reproducing unit 17 and stored in the buffer 14 is supplied to the decoding unit 15, decoded, and supplied to the output unit 16. The data supplied to the output unit 16 is supplied to the speaker 5 as described above.
[0032]
In the recording / reproducing apparatus 4 shown in FIG. 2, there are two paths for data supplied to the output unit 16. First, the first path is a path in which the data supplied from the playback device 2 is encoded by the encoding unit 13, and immediately after that, the data decoded by the decoding unit 15 is supplied to the output unit 16. The second route is a route in which data read from the recording medium 3 and data decoded by the decoding unit 15 are supplied to the output unit 16.
[0033]
The instruction of the route of the data supplied to the output unit 16 is performed based on the content specified by the user through the operation unit 18. The operation unit 18 includes a plurality of buttons (not shown) and the like, and is configured so that a user can instruct a desired process to the recording / reproducing apparatus 4. The status of the operation by the operation unit 18 and the like are displayed on the display unit 19.
[0034]
The display unit 19 is configured by an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or the like, and displays information such as an instruction given by operating the operation unit 18 and a reproduction time.
[0035]
Here, the recording / reproducing device 4 will be described as a device including the recording / reproducing unit 17, but the present invention can be applied to a device including only a recording unit for controlling recording. Can be performed.
[0036]
The operation of the recording / reproducing apparatus 4 having such a configuration will be described. Here, an operation when data reproduced by the reproducing device 2 is recorded on the recording medium 3 will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining a recording operation performed in the recording / reproducing apparatus 4.
[0037]
In step S11, the control unit 12 determines whether or not recording or trial listening has been instructed by operating the operation unit 18. Here, the recording / reproducing device 4 will be described as a device that handles sound data, and will be appropriately described as a recording. However, not only sound data but also image data may be handled. When handling image data, the image may be a moving image or a still image.
[0038]
The control unit 12 determines whether a recording or a preview is instructed by operating the operation unit 18. The operation unit 18 and a display unit 19 that displays information such as an operation status of the operation unit 18 are provided. Is, for example, configured as shown in FIG. The operation unit 18 is provided with a recording button 31, a trial listening button 32, a mode button 33, and a decision button 34.
[0039]
In FIG. 4, for convenience of explanation, only buttons necessary for explanation are shown in a simplified form, but buttons for instructing reproduction, buttons for setting volume, and the like are also provided. Further, it is needless to say that these buttons may be constituted by buttons which are operated by being pressed, but may be constituted to include a jog dial (trademark) or the like.
[0040]
The operation unit 18 and the display unit 19 may be configured integrally with the recording / reproducing device 4 or may be provided as a separate remote controller. The operation unit 18 may be configured by a touch panel. Here, for example, an apparatus such as an MD player is described as an example. However, the recording / reproducing apparatus 4 may be a personal computer. It is composed of a mouse (both not shown) or the like, and is composed of a GUI (Graphical User Interface) including a display for displaying a predetermined screen or the like.
[0041]
The recording button 31 is a button operated when instructing recording. The trial listening button 32 is a button operated when performing a trial listening to be described later. The mode button 33 is a button operated when setting a mode relating to encoding at the time of recording. The decision button 34 is a button that is operated as necessary when recording or the like is performed in the set mode.
[0042]
On the display unit 19, a display corresponding to the operation is performed on the operation unit 18. When a mode is selected by operating the mode button 33, one of the icons 41 of the mode A, the icon 42 of the mode B, and the icon 43 of the mode C is displayed on the display unit 19. You.
[0043]
The preview icon 44 is an icon displayed when the preview button 32 is operated. The recording icon 45 is an icon displayed when recording is instructed or when recording is being performed. The reproduction icon 46 is an icon displayed when a reproduction button (not shown) is operated and reproduction is being executed.
[0044]
Mode A, mode B, and mode C are modes having different compression ratios. For example, in ATRAC, a standard mode (e.g., corresponding to mode A), an ATRAC3-LP2 mode (e.g., corresponding to mode B) that achieves twice the compression rate of the standard mode, and further achieves a double compression rate ATRAC3-LP4 mode (for example, corresponds to mode C). Such modes having different compression ratios can be selected.
[0045]
In such a mode, since the compression ratio is different, even if the same data (data amount) is compressed, the data amount of the compressed data is different. The difference in the data amount of the compressed data results in a difference in the reproduction time (number of songs) of the data recorded on one disk (recording medium). That is, when a mode having a high compression rate is selected, the number of pieces of music that can be recorded on one recording medium increases, and data having a relatively long reproduction time can be recorded. However, the sound when reproducing data recorded in the mode with a high compression rate generally has lower sound quality than the sound when reproducing the data recorded in the mode with a low compression rate. Would.
[0046]
In consideration of such a situation, the user sets the mode at the time of recording.For example, in order to increase the playback time, the user selects the mode with a high compression rate and records a predetermined sound. There is a case where the sound quality of the sound when the recorded one is reproduced is not preferred (not the desired sound quality).
[0047]
Further, in the case of recording an image, it is conceivable that the flicker increases and the image becomes hard to see due to the difference in the mode. In the case where such recorded data is not reproduced in a sound quality or an image quality that is acceptable to the user, the user needs to re-record in a different mode.
[0048]
In order to eliminate such useless processing such as basically performing the same processing, in the present embodiment, a function that allows the user to confirm the sound quality (image quality) when recording in the set mode before recording. Is provided. The preview button 32 is operated when the user wants to execute the function.
[0049]
If the recording / reproducing device 4 includes such an operation unit 18, the control unit 12 (FIG. 2) determines whether the record button 31 or the preview button 32 has been operated in step S11. Alternatively, after such a button is operated, it may be determined whether or not the enter button 34 is further operated.
[0050]
If it is set so that the actual processing is not started unless the enter button 34 is operated at all times, it may be determined in step S11 whether or not the enter button 34 has been operated. Further, for example, when the recording button 31 is operated, the recording is set to be started in the default mode (for example, mode A), and when the preview button 32 is operated, the recording is performed in the default mode. In a case where the sound at the time is set so as to be previewed, it may be determined in step S11 whether the record button 31 or the preview button 32 has been operated.
[0051]
Either setting may be adopted and the determination in step S11 may be made. However, if it is determined in step S11 that recording or trial listening has been instructed, the process proceeds to step S12. In step S12, it is determined whether a preview is instructed. Based on the determination in step S12, it is determined whether recording can be started immediately.
[0052]
If it is determined in step S12 that recording has not been started immediately, but has been instructed to start recording after trial listening, the process proceeds to step S13. In step S13, a mode for listening is set. The user operates the mode button 33 to select a recording mode, regardless of whether the user listens to the sample or immediately starts recording without listening to the sample. Alternatively, a mode is set as a default mode when the recording button 31 or the preview button 32 is operated without being selected by the user.
[0053]
Such a selected mode or a set mode is set in step S13. For example, the user first operates the mode button 33 to select one of the modes A to C as an operation for instructing a trial listening. Only the icon corresponding to the mode selected by the user among the icons 41 to 43 corresponding to the operation is displayed on the display unit 19.
[0054]
If the displayed mode is good, the user operates the preview button 32. When such an operation is performed, a preview icon 44 is further displayed on the display unit 19. When the user operates the enter button 34 (FIG. 4) while the icons corresponding to the mode and the preview are displayed on the display unit 19, it is determined in step S11 that the recording or the preview is instructed. Then, in step S12, it is determined that a preview is instructed, and the process proceeds to step S13.
[0055]
In step S13, in this case, the mode set by the user among the modes A to C is set by the control unit 12 as the encoding mode in the encoding unit 13. The encoding unit 13 starts preparing to encode the supplied data in the set mode.
[0056]
Here, description will be given assuming that modes such as modes A to C are prepared as configurable modes, but for example, a numerical value of a bit rate at the time of recording, a compression rate indicated by a percentage (%), etc. The mode may be indicated (the mode can be selected). Further, a mode for recording a stereo sound source in stereo, a mode for storing a stereo sound source in monaural, and the like may be provided.
[0057]
In step S14, encoding is started by the encoding unit 13. The user makes settings on the recording / reproducing device 4 side and also performs an operation on the reproducing device 2 (FIG. 1) to start the process of reproducing the recording medium 1. Alternatively, in response to an instruction from the recording / reproducing device 4, the reproducing device 2 has a function of starting a process of reproducing the recording medium 1.
[0058]
In response to a user operation or an instruction from the recording / reproducing device 4, the reproducing device 2 starts reproducing the recording medium 1. The data reproduced by the reproducing device 2 is input to the input unit 11 of the recording / reproducing device 4. Further, the data input to the input unit 11 is supplied to the encoding unit 13 under the control of the control unit 12.
[0059]
The encoding unit 13 encodes the data thus supplied in the set mode. When the encoding unit 13 starts encoding, in step S15, the decoding unit 15 starts decoding. The decrypted data is temporarily stored in the buffer 14. The data stored in the buffer 14 is supplied to the decoding unit 15 under the control of the control unit 12.
[0060]
The decoding unit 15 decodes the supplied data in step S15. The encoding in the encoding unit 13, the storage of the data in the buffer 14, and the decoding in the decoding unit 15 are performed under the control of the control unit 12. The control unit 12 controls the decoding unit 15 to perform decoding in synchronization with the timing at which the data encoded by the encoding unit 13 is stored in the buffer 14. The method of controlling the synchronization is realized by processing such as interruption and polling.
[0061]
The data decoded by the decoding unit 15 is supplied to the output unit 16. The data supplied to the output unit 16 is further supplied to the speaker 5 (FIG. 1).
[0062]
As described above, the data encoded in the predetermined mode is decoded immediately after being encoded, and the decoded data is provided to the speaker 5, so that the user can perform the encoding in the predetermined mode. When the recorded data is reproduced, it is possible to confirm what kind of sound quality the sound is before the recording of the data on the recording medium 3 is actually started.
[0063]
As described above, in the present embodiment, the recording / reproducing device 4 is provided with a function that can perform encoding and decoding at the same time so that the user can perform a trial listening, so that the user can obtain a desired sound quality. The mode of the compression ratio at which sound can be obtained can be easily set.
[0064]
The user checks the sound quality of the sound output from the speaker 5, and if the recording is started with the sound quality, the actual recording is started. It is determined in step S16 whether or not the start of the recording has been instructed. This determination is made, for example, by determining whether or not the recording button 31 of the operation unit 18 has been operated. In a case where the setting is made so that the audition is canceled and the recording is started by another method, it is determined whether or not an operation based on the method is performed, so that the determination processing in step S16 is performed. Done.
[0065]
If it is determined in step S16 that the record button 31 has not been operated, in other words, if it is determined that the user intends to continue the audition, the process proceeds to step S17, and whether a mode change instruction has been issued. It is determined whether or not. Here, as described with reference to FIG. 4, three modes A to C are prepared.
[0066]
When the process proceeds to step S17, the encoding is performed in one of the three modes. However, the user is required to perform sound encoding using the data encoded in the mode set at that time. If the user does not like the sound quality, or if he / she desires to listen to the sound quality of the sound obtained by the data encoded in another mode, the mode set at that time can be changed.
[0067]
For example, when the user wants to change the mode, he operates the mode button 33 (FIG. 4). It is determined in step S17 whether such an operation has been performed. If it is determined in step S17 that the mode conversion has been instructed, the process returns to step S13, and the subsequent processing is repeated. That is, processing similar to the above-described processing is performed in the mode changed by the user. By performing such processing, the user can confirm the sound quality of the sound based on the data encoded in the newly set mode.
[0068]
On the other hand, when it is determined in step S17 that the mode change has not been instructed, the process proceeds to step S18, and it is determined whether or not interruption (stop) of the preview has been instructed. Since the user may stop the audition itself without actually performing the recording or changing the mode, the processing in step S18 is provided to cope with such a situation. ing.
[0069]
In step S18, when it is determined that the interruption of the preview is not instructed, in other words, when it is determined that the user intends to continue the preview, the process returns to step S14, and the subsequent processing is performed. Is repeated.
[0070]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S18 that interruption of the preview has been instructed, the process proceeds to step S19. It is assumed that the interruption of the preview is determined to be instructed, for example, when the preview button 32 of the operation unit 18 is operated. When the preview button 32 is operated in a state where the preview is being performed, it is determined that interruption (stop) of the preview is instructed, so that such determination can be performed. It is possible to realize.
[0071]
In step S19, the trial listening is stopped. That is, the processing of the flowchart as shown in FIG. 3 is stopped. Then, the system is in a standby state until the user gives a new instruction.
[0072]
In this way, it is possible to confirm the sound quality of the sound after the recording before the actual recording is started. By performing such confirmation, it is possible to prevent the following inconvenience from occurring.
[0073]
That is, the user plays back the data encoded in the predetermined mode and recorded on the recording medium 3, but does not like the sound quality of the sound, encodes the same data again in a different mode, If it is desired to record, both the user and the recording / reproducing apparatus 4 must repeat the same process, which is a troublesome process for the user, and the time required for the process is wasted. Can be prevented.
[0074]
If the recording medium 3 is a recording medium 3 (for example, a CD-R) that cannot be overwritten once data has been written, the recording medium 3 on which sound data of unfavorable sound quality is recorded However, there is an inconvenience of being disposed of and wasting, but such an inconvenience can be prevented from occurring.
[0075]
Returning to the description of the flowchart of FIG. 3, when the user determines that recording is to be started without trial listening, or when the user determines that recording is to be started in a mode set at that time as a result of the trial listening, the recording / reproducing apparatus At 4, the process of recording (recording) the data supplied from the playback device 2 on the recording medium 3 is started. That is, if it is determined in step S12 that a trial listening has not been instructed, or if it has been determined in step S16 that recording has been instructed, the process proceeds to step S20.
[0076]
In step S20, encoding is started by the encoding unit 13. Data supplied from the playback device 2 is input to the input unit 11 and supplied to the encoding unit 13 under the control of the control unit 12. Then, the encoding unit 13 encodes the supplied data in the set mode at that time. The encoded data is supplied to the buffer 14 and stored.
[0077]
The data supplied to the buffer 14 is supplied to the recording / reproducing unit 17 under the control of the control unit 12. In this case, since the recording is performed, the data from the buffer 14 is supplied to the recording / reproducing unit 17. Then, the recording / reproducing unit 17 records (writes) the supplied data on the recording medium 3 as the process of step S21.
[0078]
In this manner, data recording on the recording medium 3 is performed.
[0079]
In the above-described embodiment, although there is no description about applying any limitation to the data supplied from the playback device 2, for example, considering a trial listening, it is better to compare the same sound. It is considered better than listening to different sounds. For example, when listening to the sound quality of data coded in different modes (listening and comparing), it is more accurate to listen to the same part of the song than to listen to different parts of the song. Can be compared, and the user can select a desired mode more accurately.
[0080]
Therefore, the same data may be encoded at the time of trial listening. In such a case, the configuration of the recording / reproducing device 4 is, for example, as shown in FIG. Comparing the recording / reproducing device 4 shown in FIG. 5 with the recording / reproducing device 4 shown in FIG. 2 described above, the recording / reproducing device 4 shown in FIG. And a storage unit 61 is additionally provided. The other configuration is the same as that of the recording / reproducing device 4 shown in FIG. 2, and the description thereof is omitted.
[0081]
The storage unit 61 is configured to store data supplied from the input unit 11 to the control unit 12. Further, the data stored in the storage unit 61 is configured to be supplied to the encoding unit 13. Therefore, the storage unit 61 is configured to store data from the playback device 2 input by the input unit 11 before being supplied to the encoding unit 13.
[0082]
The data stored in the storage unit 61 is, for example, a data amount corresponding to one minute as a reproduction time or a predetermined data amount irrespective of time, of the data of the recording medium 1 reproduced by the reproduction device 2. Is stored. That is, the capacity of the storage unit 61 may be a capacity capable of storing the data amount required for the trial listening.
[0083]
For example, assuming that data for one minute is stored in the storage unit 61, the data reproduced and supplied by the reproducing device 2 is stored for one minute before the sound is provided to the user. I do. Alternatively, when the user is provided with a preview sound, that is, when the encoding unit 13 is performing encoding in a predetermined mode, the storage unit 61 stores data. Is also good.
[0084]
In such a case, the storage unit 61 determines whether the amount of data supplied to the encoding unit 13 as the data to be encoded has reached the data amount for one minute (one minute has elapsed since the start of data storage). Is done). Until it is determined that the amount of data for one minute has been reached, data is supplied to the encoding unit 13 and the supplied data is stored.
[0085]
As described above, even when a predetermined amount of data is stored in the storage unit 61, the operation of the recording / reproducing apparatus 4 is basically the same as that described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Done in However, if it is determined in step S17 that the mode change has been instructed, the process returns to step S13, where the mode is set, and in step S14, the encoding is performed. The data is stored in the storage unit 61, and is not data supplied from the playback device 2 at that time.
[0086]
If the recording / reproducing device 4 can perform control so that the same portion is repeatedly reproduced on the reproducing device 2 side, the data of the same portion is repeatedly supplied from the reproducing device 2 side. By doing so, the above-described processing can be basically performed without providing the storage unit 61 in the recording / reproducing device 4. In such a case, the storage unit 61 needs to be provided in the recording / reproducing device 4. There is no.
[0087]
As described above, the storage unit 61 is provided, and the data stored in the storage unit 61 is the data to be encoded in different modes, so that the user can use the same sound (part of a predetermined music). Thus, it is possible to compare and hear the sound of the data encoded in different modes, so that it is possible to more accurately select a mode having a desired sound quality.
[0088]
In the above-described embodiment, the mode in which the user listens is selected. However, the recording / reproducing apparatus 4 may switch the mode so that the user listens. Here, three modes A to C are described as being prepared in the recording / reproducing apparatus 4. However, for example, when the user instructs a trial listening, first, the data encoded in the mode A is used. The sound is provided to the user, then the sound according to the data encoded in mode B is provided to the user, and then the sound according to the data encoded in mode C is further provided to the user. May be.
[0089]
As described above, when the mode is switched on the recording / reproducing device 4 side during the trial listening, the configuration of the recording / reproducing device 4 is the same as the configuration of the recording / reproducing device 4 shown in FIG. When the mode is switched on the recording / reproducing apparatus 4 side during the trial listening, the operation of the recording / reproducing apparatus 4 is performed based on the flowchart shown in FIG.
[0090]
Steps S41 to S46 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 are basically the same as steps S11 to S16 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 3, and a description thereof will be omitted. In step S47, it is determined whether the encoding in the set mode at that time has elapsed for a predetermined time. Here, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed. However, it may be determined whether or not encoding has been performed for a predetermined data amount.
[0091]
When it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed, the predetermined time is, for example, one minute. When it is necessary to measure such a time, the recording / reproducing device 4 is provided with a timer (not shown), and the timer measures the time.
[0092]
If it is determined in step S47 that the predetermined time has elapsed, the process returns to step S43, and the subsequent processing is repeated. When the process relating to the audition is started, and the process proceeds to step S43 for the first time (when the process proceeds from step S42 to step S43), the mode (for example, mode A) set as a default is set. Is done. Then, when the process comes from step S47 to step S43, a mode (for example, mode B) subsequent to the mode (for example, mode A) set at that time is set.
[0093]
In this way, the mode is sequentially changed regardless of the user's instruction. As a result, the user can confirm the sound quality of the sound based on the encoded data for each mode that is sequentially changed.
[0094]
When the process is performed based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 6, the mode is sequentially switched in the order of mode A, mode B, and mode C, and after mode C, the mode is switched to mode A again. Of course, as described above, the mode may be switched repeatedly as long as there is no instruction from the user. However, the mode switching is stopped on the recording / reproducing apparatus 4 side under some conditions. You may do it.
[0095]
For example, if it is determined in step S47 that the predetermined time has elapsed, before returning to step S43, a process (not shown) for determining whether or not the mode has been switched to all modes is provided, and the mode is switched to all modes. Only when it is determined that there is no mode, the process may return to step S43, and the subsequent processes may be repeated. When it is determined that all the modes have been switched, the process of the audition may be terminated.
[0096]
In this way, while the preview process is performed, if it is determined in step S42 that the preview is not instructed, that is, if it is determined that the recording is to be started without performing the preview process, step S42 is performed. The process proceeds to S50. The processing in steps S50 and S51 is the same as the processing in steps S20 and S21 in the flowchart shown in FIG.
[0097]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S46 that recording has been instructed while the preview is being performed, the process proceeds to step S50 via the process in step S52. In step S52, as a result of the trial listening, the user determines which mode is to be used for recording, and sets the determined mode. When such setting is performed on the user side, the control unit 12 controls the encoding unit 13 so that encoding is started in a mode based on the setting.
[0098]
After such mode setting is performed, the process proceeds to step S50, and recording of data on the recording medium 3 is started.
[0099]
As described above, in the present embodiment, before starting recording, it is possible to confirm whether or not recording can be performed with a desired sound quality, so that recording can be efficiently performed with a desired sound quality. It becomes possible.
[0100]
In the above-described embodiment, only decoded data is provided to the user immediately after being encoded. However, such data and data before being encoded, that is, the playback device 2 May be provided to the user at substantially the same time.
[0101]
When the speaker 5 (FIG. 1) is composed of at least two speakers for the right channel and the left channel, for example, the right channel speaker receives decoded data immediately after encoding. The data may be supplied from the playback device 2 to the left channel speaker. In other words, the data supplied from the decoding unit 15 to the output unit 16 is supplied to the right channel speaker, and the data supplied directly from the input unit 11 to the output unit 16 is supplied to the left channel speaker. May be supplied.
[0102]
By doing so, the original sound and the sound when the original sound is encoded and recorded in the predetermined mode can be simultaneously auditioned, so that the user can easily recognize the difference in sound quality, Mode can be set easily.
[0103]
Degradation of image quality due to more encoding by displaying the original image and the image when the original image was encoded and recorded in the predetermined mode in different windows, such as an image instead of sound Is easily recognized by the user, and a mode for obtaining a desired image quality is easily set.
[0104]
In this case, the original sound (original image) and the sound (image) of the data decoded immediately after encoding are alternately arranged at predetermined intervals (for example, at intervals of 10 seconds) instead of simultaneously. May be provided to the user.
[0105]
In the above-described embodiment, a case where a plurality of different modes can be set within one encoding method has been described as an example. However, a plurality of encoding methods are prepared, and a plurality of modes are prepared for each of the encoding methods. Different modes may be set. For example, ATRAC and MP3 can be selected (prepared) as a plurality of encoding methods, and three modes can be selected for the ATRAC, and three modes can be selected for MP3. May be.
[0106]
As described above, even in the recording / reproducing apparatus 4 in which a plurality of encoding schemes can be selected, it is basically possible to cope with the above-described processing procedure. That is, a plurality of encoding schemes are considered as one of the modes, and when three modes are selectable for the ATRAC and three modes are selectable for MP3, a total of six modes are set. The processing may be performed assuming that there is.
[0107]
Of course, it is also possible to make it possible to select an encoding method before selecting a mode.
[0108]
Within the same encoding method, a mode with a high compression rate has poorer sound quality and image quality, but even with almost the same compression rate, different sound quality and image quality can be obtained with different encoding methods. As described above, there is a possibility that, as described above, a plurality of encoding schemes can be selected, so that the user can select a mode in which a desired sound quality (image quality) can be obtained from a wider range of options, A desired mode can be selected more appropriately.
[0109]
Note that a plurality of encoding methods can be selected, and a mode is not set for these encoding methods, and only the encoding method may be selected. Even if only the encoding method can be selected in this way, since the sound quality and the image quality are different depending on the encoding method, the user can select the encoding method and can perform the above-mentioned audition. Makes it easier to obtain data of a desired quality.
[0110]
Although the decoding is stopped by the decoding unit 15 when the trial listening ends and the recording on the recording medium 3 is started, the decoding unit 15 stops the recording even when the recording on the recording medium 3 is performed. 15 may be performed, and the state in which sound and video are provided to the user may be maintained. Further, in such a case, even if the user is in the middle of recording, if the user does not think that the data is encoded by the desired encoding method, the user may reselect the encoding method (mode) at that time. From that point, encoding may be performed in the newly selected mode, and recording may be continued.
[0111]
The series of processes described above can be executed by hardware having respective functions, but can also be executed by software. When a series of processing is executed by software, various functions can be executed by installing a computer in which the programs constituting the software are embedded in dedicated hardware, or by installing various programs For example, it is installed from a recording medium to a general-purpose personal computer or the like.
[0112]
Before describing the recording medium, a personal computer will be briefly described. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the internal configuration of a general-purpose personal computer. A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101 of a personal computer executes various processes according to a program stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102. A RAM (Random Access Memory) 103 appropriately stores data and programs necessary for the CPU 101 to execute various processes. The input / output interface 105 is connected to an input unit 106 including a keyboard and a mouse, and outputs a signal input to the input unit 106 to the CPU 101. The input / output interface 105 is also connected to an output unit 107 including a display, a speaker, and the like.
[0113]
Further, the input / output interface 105 is also connected to a storage unit 108 including a hard disk and the like, and a communication unit 109 for exchanging data with other devices via a network such as the Internet. The drive 110 is used to read data from or write data to a recording medium such as a magnetic disk 121, an optical disk 122, a magneto-optical disk 123, and a semiconductor memory 124.
[0114]
As shown in FIG. 7, the recording medium is a magnetic disk 121 (including a flexible disk) on which the program is recorded and an optical disk 122 (CD-CD) which are distributed to provide the program to the user separately from the personal computer. It is configured by a package medium including a ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory), a DVD (including a Digital Versatile Disc), a magneto-optical disk 123 (including an MD (Mini-Disc) (registered trademark)), a semiconductor memory 124, or the like. Not only that, but also a hard disk including a ROM 102 and a storage unit 108 in which a program is stored, which is provided to a user in a state of being incorporated in a computer in advance.
[0115]
In this specification, the steps of describing a program provided by a medium are not necessarily performed in chronological order, but may be performed in parallel or individually according to the described order. This includes the processing to be executed.
[0116]
Also, in this specification, a system represents the entire device including a plurality of devices.
[0117]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, data supplied from another device or the like can be recorded on a predetermined recording medium.
[0118]
According to the present invention, before recording data on a predetermined recording medium, the sound quality or image quality of the sound or image when the recorded data is reproduced, before the recording is actually performed on the recording medium, You can check.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of a system including a recording / reproducing apparatus to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an internal configuration of a recording / reproducing apparatus.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the recording / reproducing apparatus.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an operation unit and a display unit.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating another example of the internal configuration of the recording / reproducing apparatus.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining another operation of the recording / reproducing apparatus.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a medium.
[Explanation of symbols]
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 recording medium, 2 playback device, 3 recording medium, 4 recording and playback device, 11 input unit, 12 control unit, 13 encoding unit, 14 buffer, 15 decoding unit, 16 output unit, 17 recording and playback unit, 18 operation unit , 19 display unit, 61 storage unit

Claims (5)

Encoding means for encoding data in a predetermined manner;
Decoding means for decoding the data encoded by the encoding means,
Recording means for recording the data encoded by the encoding means on a predetermined recording medium,
A recording control device wherein the recording by the recording means is started when the user gives an instruction to stop the decoding while the decoding by the decoding means is being performed. The predetermined scheme includes a plurality of different encoding schemes, and a plurality of schemes having different compression ratios in the same encoding scheme, and further includes a selection unit that selects one of the schemes,
2. The recording control device according to claim 1, wherein the encoding unit performs encoding according to a method selected by the selection unit. An encoding step of encoding the data in a predetermined manner;
A decoding step of decoding the data encoded in the processing of the encoding step,
A recording control step of controlling recording of the data encoded in the processing of the encoding step on a predetermined recording medium,
A recording control method, characterized in that, in a state where decoding is being performed in the processing of the decoding step, when a stop of the decoding is instructed by a user, control of recording by the recording control step is started. An encoding step of encoding the data in a predetermined manner;
A decoding step of decoding the data encoded in the processing of the encoding step,
A recording control step of controlling recording of the data encoded in the processing of the encoding step on a predetermined recording medium,
In a state where the decoding is being performed in the processing of the decoding step, when a user instructs to stop the decoding, the control of the recording by the recording control step is started. A recording medium on which a possible program is recorded. An encoding step of encoding the data in a predetermined manner;
A decoding step of decoding the data encoded in the processing of the encoding step,
A recording control step of controlling recording of the data encoded in the processing of the encoding step on a predetermined recording medium,
In a state where decoding is being performed in the processing of the decoding step, when the user instructs to stop the decoding, the control of recording by the recording control step is started by the computer. Program to let.

Images