JP2004335055A - Recording/reproducing device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a recording/reproducing device which enables a user to exactly grasp the recording progress situation by reproducing the compressed digital audio information in sound when transferring (recording) the compressed digital audio information to a recording medium. <P>SOLUTION: The recording/reproducing device is provided with a memory 13 for temporarily storing the compressed digital audio information transferred from the outside, a media I/F control part 14 for recording the compressed digital audio information on a recording medium 15, an encoding/decoding part 17 and a D/A&AMP part 18 for reproducing the compressed digital audio information in sound, and a μCOM part 16 for causing the media I/F control part 14 to record the compressed digital audio information stored in the memory 13 in the recording medium 15, and the encoding/decoding part 17 and the D/A&AMP part 18 to reproduce the information in sound in parallel with the recording operation. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a terminal capable of inputting, for example, compressed music content as compressed digital audio information and having a recording / reproducing function, for example, a recording / reproducing apparatus such as a semiconductor audio device, a NetMD device, a personal computer, and a mobile phone having an audio reproducing function. It concerns the device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a recording means in an AV (audio visual) device, analog input recording using uncompressed data (line input using a microphone, an AM / FM tuner, a CD, a DVD, etc. as a sound source), and digital input using uncompressed data Recording (optical digital input for audio such as SPDIF) was mainly used.
[0003]
In recent years, downloading music content from a music content server on the Internet to a recording device of a personal computer (PC) or a dedicated terminal using the Internet using compressed data, and storing the music content in the recording device of the PC using the interface function of the PC Means, such as transferring the selected music content to a music recording / reproducing apparatus, have also been used.
[0004]
In recording between conventional AV devices, transfer is performed according to specifications originally designed for transferring audio audio information, so that the receiving terminal can easily reproduce data in parallel with the recording process. That is, recording monitoring was possible.
[0005]
For example, in the case of a line input, a recording monitoring output was possible by inputting a recording input signal to an input of a reproducing amplifier. This enabled recording monitoring.
[0006]
In digital input recording, a playback device and a recording device are connected by a dedicated recording cable (for example, in SPDIF). At this time, the data to be transferred is PCM data of uncompressed data, and is transferred at a constant speed in synchronization with a clock after a transfer band is secured in advance, and data is recorded at a constant speed. The data can be reproduced by inputting the data to a reproduction circuit in a recording device, thereby enabling recording monitoring.
[0007]
In the transfer of music content from a music content server connected to a network system such as the Internet to a client terminal (music dedicated terminal, general-purpose PC terminal, portable audio terminal, etc.) also connected to the network system, a music content server is used. Is transferred from the server to the client.
[0008]
There are various audio data compression methods such as AAC (MPEG2 AAC, MPEG4 AAC), MP3 (MPEG1 AUDIO layer 3), ATRAC3, WMA, etc., and the data is transferred according to the request of the client device. The transfer of the music content may be performed in a protected state (encrypted state) corresponding to the copyright, or in an unprotected state (plaintext).
[0009]
As the transfer of music content, streaming transfer (reception data is discarded after the reproduction is completed) for the purpose of real-time audio reproduction on the client side, and data is temporarily transferred to the client side, recorded, and stored. There is a download transfer that is used (reproduction procedure) on the client side using data. In any case, the transfer of the music content is performed according to a protocol specified by the network system.
[0010]
In the case of streaming transfer, real-time performance is required, and in the case of download transfer, accuracy and high speed are required. Conventionally, download transfer did not have a recording monitor function.
[0011]
As a network distribution system, for example, as shown in FIG. 12, music content is downloaded from a music content server to a dedicated music terminal, and a recording medium (PM (portable memory): MD, semiconductor memory card) is downloaded from the dedicated terminal. Etc.), a system for downloading music content from a music content server to a general-purpose PC terminal, and a system for writing to a recording medium (PM: MD, semiconductor memory card, etc.) from the PC terminal, and music content from a music content server. There is a system in which music contents are directly downloaded by a portable audio terminal having a portable telephone function, and written into a recording medium (PM: MD, semiconductor memory card, built-in memory, etc.) by the portable audio terminal. There is also a system for transferring music data from a PC terminal to a portable terminal (PD (portable device): semiconductor audio device, NetMD device, or the like).
[0012]
Here, the music content downloaded from the music content server is compressed by any of the various audio compression methods described above, stored in this compressed state, and downloaded in a compressed state as necessary. . In the following description, the compressed music content is referred to as compressed music content (compressed digital audio information).
[0013]
Transfer processing of music content from a music content server connected to a network system such as the Internet to a client terminal (dedicated music terminal, general-purpose PC terminal, portable audio terminal, etc.) also connected to the network system, especially real-time reproduction In the case of download transfer processing instead of streaming transfer for the purpose of, the user checks the transfer status such as download progress on a screen displayed on the display unit of the client terminal (for example, a screen as shown in FIG. 13). become. As described above, a technique for displaying the transfer status such as the progress status of the data download is disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1.
[0014]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2000-30366 (released on January 28, 2000)
[0015]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, while the compressed music content stored in the music content server is being transferred from the server to the client, the user uses a conventional client terminal to display (blink) an indicator indicating that the transfer is in progress as shown in FIG. Etc.) or text display, etc., and the progress of the download is only displayed using the display function of the receiving terminal, such as percentage display, bar display, received capacity display, etc., and the music content being downloaded is monitored. No monitor audio output was performed.
[0016]
Also, in the case of writing from a PC terminal to a recording medium (MD, semiconductor memory card, etc.) or transferring to a PD, the user operates with the PC terminal but does not output monitor sound. Was. For example, music content to be transferred is selected from music content displayed on the monitor screen of the PC, and a transfer process start procedure is performed. When the transfer was started, information for displaying the transfer status (transfer status display, progress information, etc.) was displayed on the monitor of the PC.
[0017]
In any of the above cases, the output of the transfer status of the music content is only the progress display and the transfer status display by the display device, and the monitor audio output is not performed. As a result, the user could not perform a confirmation operation by audio output of the music content until the transfer was completed. In addition, the reception amount percentage display or the bar display in the progress status display includes processes that do not accompany the transfer of actual music content data, such as device authentication procedure processing and device internal processing. Was stopped, and it was not possible to grasp to which part of the song the reception actually progressed.
[0018]
That is, according to the conventional technique, it is impossible to accurately grasp the recording progress while transferring (recording) the compressed digital audio information including the compressed music content transferred via the network or from the personal computer to the recording medium. Problems arise.
[0019]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its object to reproduce compressed digital audio information as audio while transferring (recording) the compressed digital audio information to a recording medium. Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a recording / reproducing apparatus capable of accurately grasping the recording progress.
[0020]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention includes: a memory for temporarily storing externally transferred compressed digital audio information; a recording unit for recording the compressed digital audio information on a recording medium; Playback means for playing back digital audio information as sound, and control for causing the recording means to record the compressed digital audio information stored in the memory on a recording medium and playing back the sound as sound by the playback means in parallel with the recording operation Means.
[0021]
According to the above configuration, while the compressed digital audio information is recorded on the recording medium, the recorded compressed digital audio information is reproduced, so that the contents of the compressed digital audio information recorded on the recording medium can be confirmed by voice. can do. That is, the contents of the audio information being recorded on the recording medium can be accurately grasped.
[0022]
As a result, the progress of the recording of the compressed digital audio information on the recording medium can be grasped more accurately than in the conventional case of confirming only by visual observation.
[0023]
The memory includes a first area for storing compressed digital audio information to be recorded on a recording medium by the recording means, and a second area for storing compressed digital audio information to be reproduced as audio by the reproducing means. You may go out.
[0024]
In this case, by separately providing a memory area used by the recording means and a memory area used by the reproduction means, recording of the compressed digital audio information on the recording medium by the recording means and compression of the compressed digital audio information by the reproduction means Reproduction can be performed independently.
[0025]
With this, even if the transfer speed when the compressed digital audio information is transferred from the outside to the first storage area varies, the influence on the reproduction by the reproducing means can be reduced. Audio information can be reproduced smoothly.
[0026]
If the above-mentioned variation in the transfer speed becomes large, the audio cannot be reproduced simultaneously during the recording of the compressed digital audio information, and the audio reproduction may be accelerated or delayed, and it is difficult to accurately confirm the information during the recording. Occurs.
[0027]
Accordingly, if the transfer speed of the compressed digital audio information transferred from the outside to the first area is lower than the reproduction speed of the compressed digital audio information by the reproduction means, Alternatively, compressed digital audio information to which silence audio information corresponding to the transfer speed delay is added may be transferred.
[0028]
Thus, even when the transfer speed is low, the audio can be reproduced simultaneously during the recording of the compressed digital audio information.
[0029]
Further, if the transfer speed of the compressed digital audio information transferred from the outside to the first area is higher than the reproduction speed of the compressed digital audio information by the reproduction means, Alternatively, the compressed digital audio information obtained by thinning out the compressed digital audio information for the excess of the transfer speed may be transferred.
[0030]
Thus, even when the transfer speed is high, audio can be reproduced simultaneously during recording of the compressed digital audio information.
[0031]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
An embodiment of the present invention will be described below.
[0032]
In the present invention, as shown in FIG. 12, transfer of music content from a music content (compressed digital audio information) server to a client (PC, mobile phone, dedicated terminal, etc.) using the Internet, and This is an invention in which sound monitoring is enabled in a receiving device of transfer from a personal computer) to a PD (personal device).
[0033]
Here, the music content is transferred from the PC to a PD (portable device) or a PM (portable memory) as a recording / reproducing device. PD is a recording / reproducing device such as a semiconductor audio terminal having a built-in nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory, a semiconductor-audio terminal to which a semiconductor memory card can be connected, and an MD (mini disk) terminal having an interface function with a PC. It is. The PM is a variety of recording / reproducing devices such as a semiconductor memory card (memory stick card, SD card, MMC card, Compact Flash (registered trademark) card, etc.), MD (mini disk), and the like.
[0034]
In the present embodiment, a description will be given of a sound monitor by a PD when music content is transferred from a PC to a PD.
[0035]
A PD (portable device) as a recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG.
[0036]
The PD is a terminal having a music playback function. As shown in FIG. 1, a PC interface (PC I / F) 10, a PC IF control unit 11, a memory control unit 12, a memory 13, a media I / F control unit 14, a recording medium (recording medium) 15, a μCOM unit 16, an encode / decode unit 17, a D / A & AMP unit 18, and a speaker 19. In FIG. 1, solid lines (S1 to S10) indicate the flow of transferred information, and broken lines from the μCOM unit 16 indicate the flow of control signals.
[0037]
Music content (compressed digital audio information) recorded on the PC is input to the PD via the PC interface.
[0038]
The PC interface 10 serving as a PD input means includes, for example, a wired interface such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) or IEEE1394, or a wireless interface such as Bluetooth, but the present invention does not matter in any form. In the present embodiment, a case where a USB interface is used as the PC interface 10 will be described.
[0039]
The USB interface has transfer modes such as control transfer for controlling PD, bulk transfer for data transfer to a recording medium, and isochronous transfer for securing a transfer band for music reproduction. In the case of downloading music content, bulk transfer is used for high speed and reliability.
[0040]
The data transferred from the PC via the PC interface 10 is divided by the memory control unit 12 into control codes and music content data.
[0041]
The control code is input to the μCOM unit 16. Further, the response data to the PC is transmitted from the μCOM unit 16 to the PC via the PC IF control unit 11.
[0042]
The music content data is stored via a memory control unit 12 in a reception buffer memory 13 composed of a RAM serving as a temporary recording unit. When a certain amount of music content data is stored in the memory 13, the music content data is written to the recording medium 15 via the media I / F control unit 14.
[0043]
For example, when the recording medium 15 is a card using a NAND flash memory, the minimum storage amount in the reception buffer memory 13 for writing the medium is the data amount of one page of the flash memory or In the case of, for example, an MD (mini-disc), the writing is performed intermittently in units of sectors or clusters.
[0044]
The media I / F control unit 14 has different data write control depending on the type of the target recording medium.
[0045]
That is, the media I / F control unit (recording means) 14 controls writing and reading of data based on the specification of the target recording medium. For example, when the recording medium 15 is a memory card with a controller, data communication is performed with a card-side controller according to a predetermined protocol. For example, when the recording medium is an MD, a recording laser, a magnetic head, and a spin servo are used. And the like to record data at a desired address.
[0046]
The music content (compressed digital audio information) transferred from the PC by the PD having the above configuration is recorded on a recording medium.
[0047]
The PD having the above configuration further includes a reproducing unit including an encode / decode unit 17 and a D / A & AMP unit 18 so that the music content data stored in the memory 13 can be stored in parallel with the data transfer and recording. Is expanded by the decoding function of the encoding / decoding unit 17, converted and amplified by the D / A & AMP unit 18 into an analog signal, converted into sound from the speaker 19, and output, thereby realizing a transfer audio monitor. ing.
[0048]
Therefore, in the PD having the above configuration, it is possible to monitor the audio of the compressed music content while recording the input compressed music content on the recording medium 15 as a recording medium. At this time, it is important to monitor the sound without hindering the smooth transfer of data.
[0049]
For example, when it is guaranteed that the transfer speed of the input data transferred to the memory 13 is one time as high as the transfer speed of the reproduction data from the memory 13, the sound monitor can be realized by the same processing as the normal reproduction processing. .
[0050]
In the above configuration, the memory 13 is provided with a download buffer 31 which is a memory area used by the media I / F control unit 14 and an audio monitor buffer 32 which is a memory area used by the encode / decode unit 17 and the D / A & AMP unit 18. Are separately provided, the recording of the compressed digital audio information on the recording medium 15 by the media I / F control unit 14 and the reproduction of the compressed digital audio information by the encoding / decoding unit 17 and the D / A & AMP unit 18 are independent. You can do it.
[0051]
Accordingly, even if the transfer speed when the compressed digital audio information is transferred from the outside to the download buffer 31, which is the first area, varies, the influence on the reproduction by the encode / decode unit 17 and the D / A & AMP unit 18 is exerted. Can be reduced, so that the compressed digital audio information being recorded can be smoothly reproduced.
[0052]
By the way, in the case of bulk transfer for the purpose of the download targeted by the present invention, since the transfer band is not guaranteed, the transfer speed of the input data to the memory 13 is not guaranteed. For example, if there is a conflict with the transfer to another device, the transfer speed of the input data may be lower than 1 times, and if the transfer line is free, the transfer speed of the input data may be lower. Is performed at a speed as high as 1 or more times. In particular, in the case of highly compressed data, the transfer speed of the input data is 32 to 64 times.
[0053]
In order to realize such an audio monitor in bulk transfer for the purpose of downloading, a transfer speed determining means for determining a transfer speed is required. There are various methods for determining the transfer speed. In this embodiment, the transfer speed is determined by comparing the amount of data input to the memory 13 with reference to the reproduction processing time. This transfer speed determination is performed by the μCOM unit 16.
[0054]
The music content compression process is performed by dividing the audio information for a certain period of time into frequency bands and performing various data amount reduction processes such as data reduction of inaudible portions and entropy coding using a human auditory psychological model. Do. Further, the amount of data after compression differs depending on the target compression level expressed by, for example, 132 Kbps, 105 Kbps, 66 Kbps, or the like.
[0055]
When the original data of the music content is 44.1 kHz sampling, 16-bit quantization, and stereo (two channels of L & R), the data amount per second is 44100 × 16 × 2 = 1,411,200 bits. Therefore, if 10.7 times compression and 21.3 times compression are performed, the compression rates are 132 Kbps and 66 Kbps, respectively.
[0056]
Although the behavior of the audio monitor at 132 Kbps is described in the present embodiment, the effect is the same at other transfer rates by converting each of the memory amounts and the like.
[0057]
Control of monitor reproduction in consideration of the transfer speed of the compressed music content, which is input data, to the memory 13 will be described below with reference to FIGS. Here, as described above, the transfer rate is determined by the μCOM unit 16 as control means based on the reproduction time and the amount of data loaded into the memory 13.
[0058]
Here, for convenience of explanation, a description will be given assuming that the continuous reproduction unit of the audio monitor is, for example, 2 seconds. Actually, the time is set in units of an integral multiple of 23.22 msec, which is the basic time for compression at a 132 Kbps rate. The unit is a time longer than a time during which sound in discontinuous sound reproduction during sound monitoring can be determined, and is defined by an area usable as a sound monitoring buffer in a memory. As a buffer for 2 seconds, 132,000 (bps) × 2 (sec) = 164,000 (bit) = 33,000 (byte) ≒ 33 Kbyte.
[0059]
As shown in FIG. 2, the memory 13 includes a download buffer (first area) 31 and an audio monitor buffer (second area) 32 as a reception buffer. The output is controlled.
[0060]
As pointers for controlling the download buffer 31, there are an input pointer (In-pointer) for input data from a PC and an output pointer (Out-pointer) for outputting data to the recording medium 15. There are a monitor pointer (Monitor-pointer) and a next data pointer (Next end pointer) indicating the end of the next audio monitor data.
[0061]
First, at the start of download transfer, both the download buffer 31 and the audio monitor buffer 32 are empty, as shown in FIG. Therefore, Out-pointer, In-pointer, Monitor-pointer, and Next end pointer are initial values.
[0062]
Next, when the download transfer starts, the In-pointer is incremented as shown in FIG. 3, and the data (the shaded portion in the figure) is accumulated in the download buffer 31.
[0063]
Then, when the amount of data stored in the download buffer 31 exceeds the unit of recording on the recording medium 15, writing to the recording medium 15 starts, and as shown in FIG. 4, Out-pointer is incremented. The writing of data to the recording medium 15 is performed in a unit amount specified for each recording medium 15.
[0064]
Here, when data for the audio monitor buffer is accumulated in the download buffer 31,
(1) Audio monitor buffer = empty (empty)
(2) Next end pointer ≦ In-pointer
When the condition (1) shown in FIG. 5 is satisfied, as shown in FIG. 6, the data of the audio monitor buffer is copied from the download buffer 31 to the audio monitor buffer 32, the next end pointer is updated, and the audio monitor buffer is updated. The audio reproduction is started based on the audio data copied to the.
[0065]
The audio reproduction path in this case is a path connected to the speaker 19 via the encoder / decoder 17 and the D / A & AMP unit 18 via the memory control unit 12 shown in FIG. , Expansion processing, DA conversion, AMP amplification, and electrical signal / voice conversion processing by the speaker 19.
[0066]
Download processing of music content is also performed during such audio monitor processing reproduction.
[0067]
When the reproduction process in the audio monitor buffer 32 progresses and the data becomes almost empty, a pre-process for the next audio monitor buffer process is performed. As preprocessing, a transfer speed determination process is performed based on the positional relationship between the Next end pointer and the In-pointer.
[0068]
In the transfer speed determination process, the transfer speed of the download and the amount of data stored in the download buffer 31
(1) When the In-pointer has not yet reached the Next end pointer (see FIG. 7)
(2) When the In-pointer reaches the Next end pointer and is within a certain range from the Next end pointer (in the case of the present embodiment, an audio monitor buffer is assumed) (see FIG. 8).
(3) When In-pointer exceeds a certain range from Next end pointer (see FIG. 9)
Are determined.
[0069]
Then, a voice monitoring process is executed for each case described above.
[0070]
In the case of the above (1), that is, as shown in FIG. 7, when the In-pointer has not reached the Next end pointer, it is determined that the data transfer speed to the download buffer 31 is lower than 1 × speed, and the fade-out is performed. At the same time, and shifts to a silent insertion process.
[0071]
Specifically, silence insertion is performed until the In-pointer reaches the Next end pointer. That is, in the download buffer 31, which is the first area, the silence information is added to the information of the compressed music content by the delay of the transfer speed and stored. When the In-pointer arrives at the Next end pointer, the data is copied to the audio monitor buffer 32, and the Next end pointer is updated. At the start of the next audio monitor output, audio output is performed together with the fade-in process.
[0072]
In the case of the above (2), that is, as shown in FIG. 8, in the case where the In-pointer reaches the Next end pointer and is within a certain range from the Next end pointer, the transfer rate of the data to the download buffer 31 is almost equal. It is determined that the speed is 1 ×, and processing for continuing reproduction of audio data that is continuous with the data currently being processed for audio monitoring is performed.
[0073]
Specifically, when the audio monitor buffer 32 becomes empty without performing the fade-out process, data following the processed audio monitor data (33 Kbytes before the next end pointer) is copied from the download buffer 31 to the audio monitor buffer 32. Then, the audio output process is continued. At this time, the Next end pointer is updated.
[0074]
If this process is repeated and performed continuously, the sound monitor will produce a reproduced sound equivalent to that at 1 × speed.
[0075]
In the case of the above (3), that is, as shown in FIG. 9, when the In-pointer exceeds a certain range from the Next end pointer, it is determined that the transfer speed of the data to the download buffer 31 is faster than 1 ×. Performs data thinning reproduction processing.
[0076]
Specifically, the fade-out process is performed, and when the audio monitor buffer 32 becomes empty, the latest received data (33 Kbytes before the In-pointer) is copied from the download buffer 31 to the audio monitor buffer 32, and the Monitor-pointer is copied. , And Next end pointer. That is, a process of thinning out the information of the compressed music content transferred to the audio monitor buffer 32 which is the second area so as to match the capacity of the audio monitor buffer 32 is performed.
[0077]
At the time of audio monitor data reproduction, fade-in processing is performed and audio output is resumed. As a result, thinning-out reproduction of data is realized.
[0078]
In any of the above cases, once the audio monitor data amount for one time is reproduced, the next audio monitor data is stored in the audio monitor buffer 32 as shown in FIG.
[0079]
By performing the above processing until the download of the music content is completed, even the compressed data can be reproduced by voice during the download, and the content can be confirmed. Moreover, since the sound is reproduced during the download, the progress of the data being downloaded can be accurately grasped.
[0080]
In the present embodiment, the case where the download buffer 31 and the audio monitor buffer 32 are provided in different areas in the memory 13 has been described, but the download buffer 31 is sufficiently large, and the transfer rate is the maximum value. If the audio monitor buffer 32 is not overwritten or the transfer speed is not reduced to protect the audio monitor buffer 32, the data in the download buffer 31 can be used for the audio monitor data. Under the above conditions, for example, in an environment in which transfer at a maximum speed of 64 times is possible, a memory of 33 Kbytes × 64 = 2112 Kbytes ≒ 2 Mbytes is required as a memory for audio monitoring.
[0081]
The download buffer 31 can also be used as a shock-proof memory when playing back music content, and the memory capacity is determined in relation to the use at the time of the playback.
[0082]
In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 10, the audio monitor data is copied from the download buffer 31 to the audio monitor buffer 32. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As a source of audio monitoring data to Instead of the download buffer 31, it is also possible to realize an audio monitor by directly inputting from the PC interface 10.
[0083]
In this case, this can be realized by using FIFO (first-in / first-out) memories 41 and 42 connected in parallel as shown in FIG. In FIG. 11, only the configuration necessary for the audio monitoring process is described, and the part related to data recording on the recording medium 15 is omitted because it is the same as the memory control unit 12 and the recording medium 15 shown in FIG. I have.
[0084]
That is, at the start of data transfer (at the start of music content download), data is injected into the first FIFO memory 41 from the PC interface 10 via the PC IF control unit 11. When the first FIFO memory 41 becomes full, the data input is switched to the second FIFO memory 42, the output from the first FIFO memory 41 is input to the decode processing unit of the encode / decode unit 17, and the audio monitor output process is performed. Is
[0085]
Next, when the processing of the data stored in the first FIFO memory 41 is completed, if the data in the second FIFO memory 42 is not full, the silent output processing is performed until the second FIFO memory 42 is full. When the second FIFO memory 42 becomes full, the data in the second FIFO memory 42 is reproduced and the input from the PC interface 10 is switched to the first FIFO memory 41.
[0086]
Even if the FIFO memory on the receiving side is full before the end of the reproduction process, old data is discarded and new data is accumulated by continuing recording in the FIFO memory.
[0087]
By repeating the above processing, it is possible to realize silent insertion of the audio monitor at low speed transfer and thinning-out reproduction at high speed transfer.
[0088]
Further, the recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention includes an input terminal to which compressed digital audio information can be input, a memory for storing an input signal input to the input terminal, and an output signal from the memory stored on a recording medium. Recording means for intermittent recording, expansion means for expanding the input signal input to the input terminal and a reproduction signal reproduced from the recording medium, and first audio conversion for converting the expansion signal from the expansion means into audio Means, a transfer rate determining means for determining whether a transfer rate of an input signal input to the input terminal is higher or lower than a transfer rate to the decompression means, and when the transfer rate determining means determines that the transfer rate is high. A second voice converting means for decimating the input signal and converting the input signal into a voice; and converting the voice into a voice by inserting a silent signal into the input signal when the transfer speed determining means determines that the speed is low. A third speech conversion means that may be configured to include a.
[0089]
In other words, the present recording / reproducing apparatus comprises a first input means for inputting compressed digital audio information, and a second memory for temporary recording comprising a memory for storing an input signal input by the first input means. Recording means, a third recording means for intermittently recording an output signal from the second recording means on a recording medium, an input signal inputted from the first input means or a reproduction signal reproduced from the third recording means Expansion means for expanding the data, fifth voice conversion means for converting the expansion signal from the fourth expansion means into voice, and the transfer rate of the input signal input to the first input means is determined by the expansion means. A sixth transfer rate determining means for determining whether the input signal rate is higher or lower than the input signal rate to be processed. If the sixth transfer rate determining means determines that the input signal rate is higher, a seventh means for thinning out the input signal and converting the input signal into voice. Voice conversion means, When the sixth transfer rate determining means determines that the input signal is low, an eighth voice converting means for inserting a silent signal into the input signal and converting the input signal into a voice, a signal recorded in a second temporary recording means or A ninth decompression means for decompressing the reproduction signal reproduced from the third recording means.
[0090]
Therefore, the digital audio information compressed by the first input means can be input. The second recording unit is a recording unit used as a buffer for input data of an input signal from the first input unit and a buffer for output data to the third recording unit, thereby smoothly inputting and recording data. Is possible. By the third recording means, it is possible to record a large amount of audio information (music content). Expanding compressed digital audio information, which is an input signal input from the first input means, or compressed digital audio information, which is a reproduction signal reproduced from the third recording means, by a fourth decompression means. Is possible. The fifth audio converting means includes a digital / analog converting means (DA conversion), an amplifying circuit (amplifier), an output device (speaker), etc., and converts the digital audio information expanded by the fourth or ninth expanding means into analog. And outputs a voice signal. The sixth transfer rate determining means can compare and determine the transfer rate of the input signal input to the first input means with the input signal rate for the fourth expansion processing. When the sixth transfer rate discriminating means determines that the transfer rate of the input signal input to the first input means is high by the seventh sound converting means, the sixth signal is decimated and the fourth sound expansion is performed. By inputting to the means, it is possible to compress and reproduce the audio on the time axis. When the sixth transfer rate determining means determines that the transfer rate of the input signal input to the first input means is low by the eighth voice converting means, a silent signal is inserted into the input signal and the fourth transfer rate is determined. , It is possible to expand and reproduce the audio on the time axis. The ninth decompression means decompresses the compressed digital audio information which is the input signal input from the second temporary recording means or the compressed digital audio information which is the reproduction signal reproduced from the third recording means. It is possible.
[0091]
The input signal targeted by the second voice means is the input signal stored in the memory, and the input signal targeted by the third voice means is the input signal stored in the memory. You may.
[0092]
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope shown in the claims, and embodiments obtained by appropriately combining technical means disclosed in different embodiments. Is also included in the technical scope of the present invention.
[0093]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention includes a memory for temporarily storing externally transferred compressed digital audio information, a recording unit for recording the compressed digital audio information on a recording medium, and Playback means for playing back as audio, and control means for causing the recording means to record the compressed digital audio information stored in the memory on a recording medium, and playing back as audio by the playback means in parallel with the recording operation. Configuration.
[0094]
Therefore, while the compressed digital audio information is recorded on the recording medium, the recorded compressed digital audio information is reproduced, so that the contents of the compressed digital audio information recorded on the recording medium can be confirmed by voice. . That is, the contents of the audio information being recorded on the recording medium can be accurately grasped.
[0095]
As a result, there is an effect that the progress of the recording of the compressed digital audio information on the recording medium can be grasped more accurately than in the conventional case where it is confirmed only visually.
[0096]
The memory includes a first area for storing compressed digital audio information to be recorded on a recording medium by the recording means, and a second area for storing compressed digital audio information to be reproduced as audio by the reproducing means. You may go out.
[0097]
In this case, by separately providing a memory area used by the recording means and a memory area used by the reproduction means, recording of the compressed digital audio information on the recording medium by the recording means and compression of the compressed digital audio information by the reproduction means Reproduction can be performed independently.
[0098]
With this, even if the transfer speed when the compressed digital audio information is transferred from the outside to the first storage area varies, the influence on the reproduction by the reproducing means can be reduced. This produces an effect that audio information can be smoothly reproduced.
[0099]
Further, if the transfer speed of the compressed digital audio information transferred from the outside to the first area is lower than the reproduction speed of the compressed digital audio information by the reproduction means, Alternatively, compressed digital audio information to which silence audio information corresponding to the transfer speed delay is added may be transferred.
[0100]
As a result, even when the transfer speed is low, there is an effect that the sound can be reproduced simultaneously during the recording of the compressed digital sound information.
[0101]
Further, if the transfer speed of the compressed digital audio information transferred from the outside to the first area is higher than the reproduction speed of the compressed digital audio information by the reproduction means, Alternatively, the compressed digital audio information obtained by thinning out the compressed digital audio information for the excess of the transfer speed may be transferred.
[0102]
As a result, even when the transfer speed is high, there is an effect that the audio can be simultaneously reproduced during the recording of the compressed digital audio information.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration block diagram of a recording / reproducing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an information write / read state of a buffer in the recording / reproducing apparatus shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an information write / read state of a buffer in the recording / reproducing apparatus shown in FIG.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an information write / read state of a buffer in the recording / reproducing apparatus shown in FIG.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an information write / read state of a buffer in the recording / reproducing apparatus shown in FIG.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an information write / read state of a buffer in the recording / reproducing apparatus shown in FIG.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an information write / read state of a buffer in the recording / reproducing apparatus shown in FIG.
8 is a diagram showing a state in which information is written to and read from a buffer in the recording and reproducing apparatus shown in FIG. 1;
9 is a diagram showing a state of writing and reading information in and from a buffer in the recording and reproducing apparatus shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an information write / read state of a buffer in the recording / reproducing apparatus shown in FIG.
FIG. 11 is a schematic block diagram of a recording / reproducing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a music content transfer system.
FIG. 13 is a diagram of a display example showing a general download progress state.
[Explanation of symbols]
10. PC interface
11 IF control section
12 Memory control section
13 memory
14 Media I / F control unit (recording means)
15 Recording media (recording media)
16 μCOM section (control means)
17 Encoding / decoding unit (reproducing means)
18 AMP section (reproduction means)
19 Speaker
31 Download buffer (first area)
32 audio monitor buffer (second area)
41 first FIFO memory (second area)
42 second FIFO memory (second area)

Claims (4)

A memory for temporarily storing compressed digital audio information transferred from the outside,
Recording means for recording compressed digital audio information on a recording medium;
Playback means for playing back the compressed digital audio information as audio;
Recording means for recording the compressed digital audio information stored in the memory on a recording medium by the recording means, and reproducing the audio as audio by the reproducing means in parallel with the recording operation. Playback device. The memory has a first area for storing compressed digital audio information to be recorded on a recording medium by the recording means, and a second area for storing compressed digital audio information to be reproduced as audio by the reproducing means. The recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The control means includes:
If the transfer speed of the compressed digital audio information transferred from the outside to the first area is lower than the reproduction speed of the compressed digital audio information by the reproducing means, the second area has a delay of the transfer speed. 3. The recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the compressed digital audio information to which the silent information is added is transferred. The control means includes:
If the transfer speed of the compressed digital audio information transferred from the outside to the first area is higher than the reproduction speed of the compressed digital audio information by the reproducing means, the excess of the transfer speed is stored in the second area. 3. The recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the compressed digital audio information obtained by thinning the compressed digital audio information is transferred.

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