JP3852890B2 - Recording / playback device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an information recording / reproducing apparatus.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, various apparatuses for recording and reproducing analog information such as music and movies into digital information have been developed. In addition, many devices have been developed to record information by further compressing it for effective use of the recording medium, and to decompress and reproduce the information.
[0003]
Many information compression methods have also been standardized or proposed, and in many devices, a digital signal processor (hereinafter referred to as DSP) incorporated in the apparatus performs arithmetic processing.
[0004]
In general, compression and decompression algorithms use human auditory characteristics, and perform unnecessary pattern analysis and frequency analysis based on digitized analog information within a unit time. The information is compressed in
[0005]
Recently, tape-type devices, disk media-type portable audio devices, and video devices applying these compression techniques have been put into practical use.
[0006]
In addition, recording / reproducing apparatuses that apply these compression techniques to semiconductor memories are being developed, and a large-capacity semiconductor memory is attracting attention as an information recording medium in accordance with miniaturization of devices and power saving.
[0007]
In particular, a flash memory, which is a batch erasure type memory, has attracted attention as an information recording medium because it does not require a backup power source and can be increased in capacity.
[0008]
On the other hand, from the functional aspect, the audio is played quickly in order to cue the playback start position and the recording start position (hereinafter referred to as fast playback), or it is intentionally played back slowly for accurate positioning (hereinafter referred to as Various functions that are convenient for the user are also provided.
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, many devices have a fast listening playback function and a slow listening playback function. However, in a device that compresses and records audio, the following problems occur during variable speed playback.
[0010]
First, I will explain the problem when listening quickly.
[0011]
For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the audio compression is performed by compressing and recording information included in a predetermined time interval (10 msec in FIG. 3) using a DSP.
[0012]
In the case of normal playback, on the contrary, it is only necessary to read out the data in order and reproduce the waveform with the same time lapse as when recording, but in the case of fast listening, this is a process for shortening the time lapse by some means. Is required.
[0013]
In principle, if the user wants to listen twice as fast as possible, it is necessary to complete the DSP expansion process earlier than half the real time during recording.
[0014]
Actually, since there is also a shortening correction in the time axis direction and an accompanying process on the system, it is necessary to perform the expansion process in about 1/4 of the real time at the time of recording.
[0015]
However, the processing speed of the DSP has a capacity limit of the processor itself. Even if it is within the capacity limit of the processor itself, the faster the processing speed, the larger the current consumption, which is a fatal defect especially in portable devices using batteries.
[0016]
For this reason, many current portable devices that reproduce compressed information perform fast listening processing by thinning out a predetermined time interval.
[0017]
Therefore, since the audio included in the delimited period of time is discarded and is not played back, the continuity of the audio is lost during fast listening, and the faster the fast listening, the harder it is to hear There's a problem.
[0018]
Next, the problem during slow listening will be described.
[0019]
On the contrary, at the time of slow listening, the DSP processing speed works more favorably than at the time of fast listening, so there is no problem in the capability of the processor itself.
[0020]
However, the process of extending the passage of time is necessary, and for this reason, the voice at the same fixed time interval is repeated several times.
[0021]
If the slow listening reproduction is performed using only the waveform obtained by decompressing the compressed information as described above, there is a problem that the voice is not continuous and the reproduction is difficult to hear.
[0022]
Next, problems related to effective use of the memory will be described.
[0023]
On the other hand, there are also issues regarding the memory utilization efficiency and utilization method. Many disk-based recording media have fixed recording units represented by sectors due to physical limitations of tracks.
[0024]
However, the compressed information as shown in the example of the fixed recording unit 512 bytes in FIG. 3 does not necessarily match the number of recordable bytes in the fixed recording unit.
[0025]
Therefore, the remaining part is often left unused. The reason is as follows.
[0026]
When compressing and recording information with a time axis such as audio information and video information, it cannot be realized without real-time capability, so writing compressed information units across tracks and sectors is a search for the recording location. The method is complicated and the processing is limited, so it is not realistic.
[0027]
The other is a buffer flush (physical writing from the buffer to the recording medium when the number of bytes of a fixed recording unit is accumulated), which requires more time than usual. Due to restrictions, it is necessary to increase the buffer size to absorb the time.
[0028]
Furthermore, even when processing such as partial rewriting is performed, if the compressed information unit is written across tracks and sectors, the processing becomes very complicated and the processing efficiency is inefficient.
[0029]
In order to perform such complicated processing, a highly functional control circuit and a buffer such as SRAM are required. However, this leads to an increase in cost. Depending on the distribution of main information, there is an aspect that it is advantageous in terms of cost, reliability, and function to use a cheap large-capacity memory even though there are a few unused parts. is there.
[0030]
The same can be said for a recording medium using a semiconductor memory emulating a disk recording medium.
[0031]
In fact, some flash memories have the same physical write specifications of the chip as the recording unit of the disk system.
[0032]
In a sense, considering compatibility with information recorded on a disk system, there is also an aspect that it is better to keep the same when recording on a semiconductor.
[0033]
As described above, the present situation is that the surplus portion is not so effectively used regardless of the recording medium.
[0034]
In view of these problems, the present invention is intended to simultaneously solve the problem of unpleasant speech and the effective use of memory, and further to effectively use this to improve the function of the apparatus.
[0035]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention incorporates the following functions for the purpose of solving the above problems.
[0036]
The present invention Then, in order to compress and record analog data, it is necessary to convert analog information into digital information. This can be realized by an A / D converter. Further, the information is compressed by the DSP. In addition, a circuit is provided that processes the output of the A / D converter as information that is not compressed by another circuit simultaneously with the input to the DSP. There are also provided a circuit for outputting the compressed information as sound, a circuit for outputting the thinned information as sound without performing compression, and an operation key for selecting which circuit to operate.
[0037]
further, A circuit is provided for thinning out the output information of the A / D converter acquired at the sampling rate of the analog information to be compressed with reference to a sampling rate lower than that of another system.
[0039]
Also, To record the compressed information and the information thinned out without compression in the same recording unit of the recording medium, write it in the buffer of the same size as the recording unit, and write it when the compressed information is output. A circuit is provided for writing.
[0040]
Also, A circuit for reading only the thinned information without compression is provided, and a D / A circuit for reproducing at the sampling rate at the time of recording is provided.
[0041]
Also, A circuit for changing the D / A reference clock when performing reproduction based on the information thinned out without compression is provided to perform variable speed reproduction processing such as review and cue.
[0042]
Also When performing accelerated playback of reviews, cues, etc., variable speed playback processing is performed without changing the pitch.
[0043]
Also By applying a variable speed playback processing algorithm that does not change the pitch based on the information sampled during recording processing at a low sampling rate, the repetition rate is detected and the number of repetitions is recorded to further reduce the bit rate. To do.
[0044]
Also A circuit is provided that simultaneously processes reproduction at a low sampling rate and compression and recording operations at a high sampling rate in different systems.
[0045]
Also A means for detecting a break in a phrase is provided by applying a circuit for detecting a repeated pattern of phonemes.
[0046]
Also An interface circuit is provided that separately manages information that has been thinned out without compression and information that has been compressed and transfers the information to another device.
[0047]
Also Then, writing and reading are performed on the recording medium by an algorithm in accordance with the writing and reading control of the fixed-length recording unit writing type semiconductor memory represented by the flash memory. Alternatively, a card slot and a card interface circuit that are removable using a memory card are provided.
[0048]
The operation of the present invention is as follows.
[0049]
The present invention The effect of is that processing using compressed information and non-compressed information becomes possible, and those can be selectively played back as audio.
[0050]
Also In addition to being able to perform processing using compressed information and non-compressed information, the amount of information of non-compressed information can be reduced.
[0052]
Also The compressed information and the uncompressed information can be processed simultaneously, and these can be recorded in the same area, so that the area can be used effectively and at high speed.
[0053]
Also Since reproduction is performed based on uncompressed information, reproduction is possible without operating a DSP decompression circuit.
[0054]
Also In other words, uncompressed information can be used for variable-speed playback processing.
[0055]
Also In addition, non-compressed information can be used for variable-speed playback processing, and a low bit rate can be achieved.
[0056]
Also Even if the DSP is operating in the recording mode, playback can be performed during recording.
[0057]
Also It is possible to perform meaningful (audible) playback in the reverse direction.
[0058]
Also It is possible to transfer or receive only uncompressed information or only compressed information to another device.
[0059]
Also Therefore, it is possible to provide a high-functional portable semiconductor recording / reproducing apparatus that uses a flash memory writing method and effectively uses a free space.
[0060]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0061]
First, the case of recording in the embodiment will be described. The basic configuration of the present invention will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. Here, a music recording / reproducing apparatus will be described as an example with sampling rate = 48 KHz and resolution = 16 bits.
[0062]
When recording is instructed to the control circuit (M0) by the key input means (K1), the control circuit (M0) sets the voice compression / expansion circuit (D1), which is a DSP, to the compression mode, and also the A / D conversion circuit ( Activate A3).
[0063]
As a result, audio information is input from the analog input circuit (A1), and 16-bit digital information is output every 48 KHz by the A / D conversion circuit (A3).
[0064]
Conventionally, the 16-bit digital information here is only the path through which the compressed data is sent to the audio compression / decompression circuit (D1) and read by the system control circuit (M0). Are simultaneously sent to the sampling conversion circuit (D2).
[0065]
For example, the sampling conversion circuit (D2) performs a process of thinning the sampling conversion circuit from 48 KHz to 8 KHz.
[0066]
Further, 16-bit information can be further converted into 8-bit data by the μ-low rule using human auditory characteristics. This may be performed by hardware or by software in the control circuit (M0).
[0067]
As a result, compressed information and uncompressed low sampling information are simultaneously input to the control circuit (M0) during recording.
[0068]
Next, the control circuit (M0) sequentially writes these data to the memory chip group (M1 to Mn).
[0069]
In this example, it is assumed that the compressed information is 424 bytes (L channel = 212 bytes, R channel = 212 bytes), and the uncompressed information is 80 bytes.
[0070]
When writing, the compressed information is recorded in the main area of FIG.
[0071]
Using the 84 bytes of the unused area in FIG. 2, 80 bytes of uncompressed information are recorded.
[0072]
The page in FIG. 2 is an example in which a page write type flash memory is used as the semiconductor memory.
[0073]
This page corresponds to a fixed recording unit represented by a sector in many disk recording media.
[0074]
Of course, the main compressed information and uncompressed information may be recorded according to other rules and laws.
[0075]
Next, normal reproduction in the embodiment will be described.
[0076]
When reproduction is instructed to the control circuit (M0) by the key input means (K1), the control circuit (M0) sets the audio compression / expansion circuit (D1), which is a DSP, to the expansion mode, and the D / A conversion circuit ( Activate A4).
[0077]
Next, the compressed information written in the main area (shown in FIG. 2) of the memory chip group (M1 to Mn) is read by the control circuit (M0).
[0078]
The audio compression / decompression circuit (D1) periodically requests compression information from the control circuit (M0), and in the example of FIG. 3, when the 212 bytes (L or R channel) are received, the decompression process is performed.
[0079]
The expanded data is sent to the D / A conversion circuit (A4) according to the sampling rate at the time of recording (48 KHz in the example of FIG. 3) and reproduced from the analog output circuit (A2).
[0080]
Next, reproduction of uncompressed information in the embodiment will be described.
[0081]
The fast listening function is a function that allows the user to move the position while confirming the sound to the place where the user wants to cue. This function is used when you want to hear a message earlier than the actual recording time.
[0082]
However, as described in the section of the problem to be solved by the invention, according to the conventional method, since the fast listening process is performed by thinning out a predetermined time interval, the continuity is lost in the voice.
[0083]
Therefore, in this embodiment, an example of fast listening using uncompressed information will be described in order to solve this problem.
[0084]
The uncompressed information is recorded simultaneously with the compressed information as described in the normal recording embodiment.
[0085]
First, when fast playback is instructed by the key input means (K1) to the control circuit (M0), the control circuit (M0) pauses the voice compression / decompression circuit (D1), which is a DSP, by a switching signal.
[0086]
This is because decompression is not required for fast playback because uncompressed information with a low sampling rate is used.
[0087]
However, the sampling conversion circuit (D3) and the D / A conversion circuit (A4) are activated.
[0088]
Next, uncompressed information written in the main area (shown in FIG. 2) of the memory chip group (M1 to Mn) is read by the control circuit (M0).
[0089]
The sampling conversion circuit (D2) periodically requests information from the control circuit (M0), is sent to the D / A conversion circuit (A4), and is reproduced from the analog output circuit (A2).
[0090]
Next, fast playback of uncompressed information in the embodiment will be described.
[0091]
This is basically the same processing flow as that of the embodiment for reproducing the above-described uncompressed information.
[0092]
The difference is that the sampling conversion circuit (D3) shortens the waveform in the time axis direction, so that the same effect as the so-called “cue reproduction” in which the tape recording device reproduces while fast-forwarding the tape is obtained although the pitch is increased.
[0093]
Next, a first example of quick playback of uncompressed information without changing the pitch in the embodiment will be described.
[0094]
Basically, the processing flow is the same as that of the embodiment for reproducing the uncompressed information described above.
[0095]
The difference is that the waveform in the time axis direction is deleted in the sampling conversion circuit (D3), so that so-called “variable speed reproduction” in which fast-forward reproduction is performed without changing the pitch is obtained.
[0096]
More specifically, the reproduced speech waveform is stored in the memory, and sampling and rejection are repeated alternately for each basic unit, and the sampled speech waveform is temporally extended by the length of the rejection period. This lowers the pitch and makes it easier for the listener to hear.
[0097]
An example of this type of technology is disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 2624826.
[0098]
Next, a second example of quick playback of uncompressed information without changing the pitch in the embodiment will be described.
[0099]
Basically, it is the same processing flow as in the first embodiment for reproducing the uncompressed information described above.
[0100]
The difference lies in applying a method of shortening the time by analyzing a repeated pattern of waveform information to be reproduced in the time axis direction and deleting a portion where the same waveform is repeated.
[0101]
If this is applied, it is possible to perform fast playback without changing the pitch with a more natural generated sound. In the case of the present embodiment, uncompressed waveform information has already been recorded, so that a waveform as a source of analysis can be obtained without decompressing the compressed information.
[0102]
This analysis may be performed by the audio compression / decompression circuit (D1) DSP depending on the accuracy, or the function may be incorporated in the sampling conversion circuit. It is also possible to do this by software processing of the control circuit (M0).
[0103]
In order to approximate more natural pronunciation, it is necessary to analyze phoneme repetition with a time width of a plurality of frames. In this case, uncompressed information of a plurality of frames is read at a time.
[0104]
Next, slow listening reproduction in the embodiment will be described.
[0105]
The same can be said as in the first and second embodiments in which the above-mentioned uncompressed information is reproduced.
[0106]
The difference is that instead of analyzing the repeating pattern of the waveform information to be reproduced in the time axis direction and deleting the part where the same waveform is repeated, a method is applied that repeats several times more than real time. It is.
[0107]
As a result, it is possible to perform slow listening reproduction without changing the pitch with a more natural generated sound.
[0108]
Next, a description will be given of a reduction in the bit rate of recorded uncompressed information in the embodiment.
[0109]
As described in the second example of the quick playback of the uncompressed information without changing the pitch, the recorded non-compressed information is used for the quick listening without changing the pitch. If it is determined, there is a method of shortening the time by analyzing a repetitive pattern in the time axis direction of waveform information to be reproduced in advance during recording and deleting a portion where the same waveform is repeated.
[0110]
This is basically the same processing flow as the recording embodiment described above, but the difference is that the waveform information input simultaneously with the recording is analyzed in the time axis direction and the same waveform is repeated. That is, the process of recording in the memory after deleting the existing part is included.
[0111]
As a result, if only the remaining waveform is recorded, the processing at the time of recording increases, but at the time of reproduction, it is possible to perform quick playback without changing the pitch with simple processing.
[0112]
Next, simultaneous recording and reproduction according to the embodiment will be described.
[0113]
As in the embodiment of playing back uncompressed information and the embodiment of fast listening, when playing back uncompressed information, the voice compression / decompression circuit (D1), which is a DSP, does not operate. Good.
[0114]
Accordingly, even during recording as in the recording embodiment, reproduction is possible by operating the sampling conversion circuit (D3) and D / A converter (A4).
[0115]
Next, comment recording of uncompressed information according to the embodiment will be described.
[0116]
In the above embodiments, the recording of the uncompressed information is performed simultaneously with the recording of the compressed information. In addition, when the compressed information is recorded, the user can be set not to record the uncompressed information. May be.
[0117]
In this case, if, for example, a comment recording button is pressed later while the compressed information is being reproduced, the content may be recorded as uncompressed information at the current position.
[0118]
This is just the reverse of the playback of uncompressed information during recording in the embodiment of simultaneous recording and playback.
[0119]
Next, transfer according to the embodiment will be described.
[0120]
As shown in FIG. 3, the low-sampled uncompressed information is in the gap between the main information. For example, only this portion can be cut out and read out.
[0121]
Next, the card of the embodiment will be described.
[0122]
The semiconductor memory group (M1 to Mn) in FIG. 1 can be detached from the control circuit (M0) in a detachable manner.
[0123]
Next, a first example of mixed writing according to the embodiment will be described.
[0124]
FIG. 3 illustrates the concept of recording an area in a page by dividing it into two. Of course, it is possible to write this arrangement in a mixture of compressed information and uncompressed information.
[0125]
For example, it may be determined that the compressed information is alternately written at even addresses and the uncompressed information is alternately written at odd addresses.
[0126]
Next, a second example of mixed writing according to the embodiment will be described.
[0127]
In the first example of the mixed writing embodiment, an example in which the same page is mixed is shown. However, it is of course possible to write uncompressed information using a completely different area of the memory space.
[0128]
However, in this case, the unused area in the page may be used for another purpose (for storing text information, spare buffer for music division, etc.).
[0129]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, since both compressed information and non-compressed information can be recorded using an area that has not been used so far, a more valuable device can be provided by using each information effectively.
[0130]
The first effect relates to a function for playing back uncompressed information, and is that playback can be easily provided. If playback is to be performed from a recording medium on which only compressed information is recorded, the decompression circuit must be operated.
[0131]
However, according to the present invention, since uncompressed information is recorded at the same time, it can be easily reproduced simply by reproducing it. The decompression circuit has a much larger amount of processing per time than a general control circuit, and consumes a large amount of current because the decompression process is performed in real time by increasing the operating clock.
[0132]
This can be a fatal defect for portable devices using batteries. Therefore, in order to reduce the current consumption as much as possible, the uncompressed information according to the present invention may be reproduced in a scene other than the actual reproduction with high sound quality. Application examples include the following.
[0133]
As a second effect, a method of reproducing uncompressed information is also conceivable for reproduction of dictation recording that is not so much questionable as music reproduction. Of course, in this case, playback with high sound quality can be designated and switched.
[0134]
For example, suppose you are playing a recorded meeting. Initially, playback starts as uncompressed information. The user can start playback of high sound quality as soon as a certain speaker makes an important remark while listening to this, or when it is difficult to hear, by pressing a key specifying high sound quality.
[0135]
When listening is complete, uncompressed information can be replayed. As a result, the current consumption can be significantly saved. Further, during the mute reproduction, reproduction of uncompressed information may be applied because the sound quality is not noticeable even when the sound quality is lowered.
[0136]
The third effect is that five pieces of music information are recorded continuously for 30 minutes live. However, since the device side is recording continuously, even if it says 5 music, it will be regarded as 1 music.
[0137]
Therefore, it is necessary to designate a flag indicating that there is a song break at an appropriate song break by some means. A so-called “divide” process is required.
[0138]
This makes it possible to skip songs. However, determining the divide position requires key operations at extremely delicate timing. This is because the position where the user intended to divide is slightly different from the actual position.
[0139]
If you do it, there is a possibility that it will divide in the sound part. Therefore, a device equipped with a rehearsal function is provided. The rehearsal function is a function that determines the divide position and allows the user to confirm whether or not the divide is actually possible at this position.
[0140]
If the non-compressed information is reproduced according to the present invention during this rehearsal, the current consumption can be remarkably saved.
[0141]
The fourth effect is related to the third effect, and in a device having a dot display, the waveform before and after the divide is graphically displayed on the time lapse axis, the display waveform is confirmed, and the divide is executed. An application can be considered.
[0142]
Conventionally, in order to display the waveform, it is necessary to expand the compressed information once. However, in the present invention, since the uncompressed information is recorded, it may be read and displayed.
[0143]
Due to the dot resolution, even low sampling rate information is sufficient for graphic display. Since the current is not expanded, the current consumption is reduced and the time required for the expansion is not required, so that the waveform can be displayed at a high speed and the convenience is remarkably improved. Of course, the graphic display of the waveform may be performed even when the divide is not performed.
[0144]
The fifth effect relates to a variable speed reproduction function for uncompressed information. According to the present invention, variable speed reproduction can be easily provided. If variable speed playback is to be performed from a recording medium on which only compressed information is recorded, it is necessary to operate the decompression circuit and adjust the time axis direction as described in the problem to be solved by the invention.
[0145]
In addition, when listening quickly, the time required for decompression is too long, so there is a drawback that it is difficult to hear quickly because thinning reproduction is unavoidable.
[0146]
However, according to the present invention, uncompressed information is recorded at the same time, and since this is used, there is no need to operate the decompression circuit. Further, the decompression circuit has a much larger amount of processing per time than a general control circuit, and consumes a large amount of current because the decompression process is performed in real time by increasing the operating clock.
[0147]
This can be a fatal defect for portable devices using batteries. Therefore, in order to reduce the current consumption as much as possible, the uncompressed information according to the present invention may be used in a scene other than the actual reproduction with high sound quality.
[0148]
Application examples include the following.
[0149]
As a sixth effect, a method of listening quickly by variable-speed playback is also conceivable for the reproduction of oral recordings that are not as questionable as music playback. This is because parts that are not very important are heard quickly.
[0150]
Of course, in this case, playback with high sound quality can be designated and switched. For example, suppose you are playing a recorded meeting. Initially, playback starts as uncompressed information.
[0151]
The user can start playing the high-quality sound immediately by pressing a key for designating a high-quality sound when a certain speaker makes an important remark while listening to this, or when it is difficult to hear.
[0152]
When you have finished listening, you can start listening again. As a result, the current consumption can be significantly saved.
[0153]
In addition, there is a merit that the continuity of voice is not lost even in variable speed playback, and it is easy for the user to hear.
[0154]
As described in the third effect, the seventh effect can use this function during rehearsal. On the other hand, there is also a method of slow playback for specifying a subtle position. Furthermore, there is an advantage that fine alignment is possible in the case of slow listening.
[0155]
This can be applied not only during rehearsal but also during fast-forward playback when you want to cue up a part of a song. As described above, since the decompression circuit does not operate, there are advantages that the processing time is not excessive and the current consumption is small.
[0156]
Also, even with variable speed playback, there is a merit that the continuity of voice is not lost and it is easy for the user to hear.
[0157]
The eighth effect is that, as described in the embodiment of the fast listening playback 2 in which the pitch is not changed, when analyzing the repeated pattern of phonemes and playing the fast listening playback, this analysis is performed with a certain time width. However, according to the present invention, uncompressed information can be read over several pages without decompression, which is very suitable.
[0158]
The ninth effect relates to the backward reproduction function for each syllable, and the reproduction in the backward direction can be performed while maintaining the advantages in the forward processing described in the first to eighth effects.
[0159]
Even in this case, since non-compressed information is digitized and recorded in the semiconductor memory, various processes are possible.
[0160]
The tenth effect is that the reproduction in the reverse direction is meaningless as it is, but if it is reproduced in a certain unit in the forward direction, it can be distinguished to some extent.
[0161]
The eleventh effect is that, if a means for detecting a silent portion or a repeated portion of speech is further provided, the reproduction in the forward direction is repeated while skipping in the reverse direction with the portion as a break, thereby reversing the direction of each syllable. Playback is possible.
[0162]
This is a process that can be easily performed because uncompressed data is recorded in advance although the sampling rate is low. This makes it possible to perform reverse playback more easily.
[0163]
It is also possible to record the syllable break as a flag together with uncompressed information at the time of recording.
[0164]
Of course, the twelfth effect can be reproduced in the reverse direction in the time-series direction, not during the reverse reproduction as in the tenth effect and the eleventh effect. In this case, the voice cannot be heard as meaningful.
[0165]
However, a certain degree of identification is possible. At that time, if the waveform display as in the fourth effect is performed, the identification can be effectively performed.
[0166]
As described above, it goes without saying that these processes work advantageously from the viewpoint of current consumption and the processing speed by using uncompressed information.
[0167]
The thirteenth effect relates to simultaneous recording / playback. For example, it is assumed that conference recording is being performed. However, suppose that during the recording, it becomes necessary to listen to a memo recording of the telephone number that was previously recorded in an emergency.
[0168]
The situation arises that the meeting must be recorded and the memo recording must be played back. However, there is usually only one voice compression / decompression circuit, and decompression cannot be performed during the recording mode.
[0169]
Apart from large-scale systems, especially in battery-powered portable devices that have to operate limited resources with limited current consumption, two audio compression / decompression circuits are installed for compression and decompression. That is not very realistic.
[0170]
The fourteenth effect is that non-compressed information can be reproduced even during recording, so that not only can it be reproduced during recording, improving convenience but also reducing current consumption even in portable devices. There is an effect that this convenient function can be realized without adding hardware.
[0171]
The fifteenth effect relates to the comment function, as described in the above embodiment, since it is possible to set not to record uncompressed information at the time of recording, only compressed information can be recorded first.
[0172]
Alternatively, only the uncompressed information can be recorded first, and the compressed information can be recorded later. For example, a song can be recorded in the main area, and a comment such as the singer's name can be recorded as uncompressed information later.
[0173]
Alternatively, the singer's name may be recorded as uncompressed information first, and the song may be recorded later in the main area.
[0174]
By doing so, during the cueing operation, the uncompressed information is reproduced, so that the comment is reproduced, and the music can be heard by switching to the compressed information, so that convenience is improved.
[0175]
The sixteenth effect is that non-compressed information can be written in the remaining unused area in which compressed information is written in the main area in the same page of the semiconductor memory in FIG.
[0176]
Here, since it takes time to compress audio information in a certain section, if writing is performed according to the flow of information output timing, compressed information and non-compressed information written in the same page are not temporally non-compressed. The compressed information is the information on the past side.
[0177]
Of course, it is easy to write the same information in time on the same page by buffer processing. However, here, buffer processing is not performed, and recording is performed by deliberately shifting the time.
[0178]
In this way, there is an advantage that an outline of information to be decompressed in advance can be understood in advance during reproduction, as well as unnecessary buffer processing is not necessary.
[0179]
For example, if the information to be reproduced next is almost silent, the power consumption can be reduced by pausing the decompression circuit.
[0180]
Also, if the next page fails to load for some reason, if uncompressed information is output instead, the sound quality will change instantaneously, but continuity can be ensured, so the phoneme will be lost. The reliability is improved.
[0181]
As the seventeenth effect, the effects of the invention have been described so far, focusing on the convenience of audio recording and playback and the current consumption. From the viewpoint of effective use of the memory, As explained in the issues related to effective use, not only can the area that was not used originally be used effectively, but it is possible to achieve greater convenience and lower power consumption, and to significantly improve the value of the device. it can.
[0182]
As an eighteenth effect, it is of course possible to mix compressed information and non-compressed information in one page as in the mixed writing embodiment.
[0183]
For example, if it is decided that the compressed information is alternately written to the even address and the uncompressed information is written to the odd address, the non-compressed information is managed by the same address management from the host side by switching the lowest address control signal with another control signal. And compressed information can be instantaneously switched and read, and the processing can be simplified.
[0184]
Further, in a device having a 16-bit data bus, compressed information and non-compressed information can be read simultaneously, so that data processing can be performed efficiently.
[0185]
Further, with this method, in the so-called “divide” process, even when the page is divided at a position where the page is divided, the compressed information and the non-compressed information are divided in the same manner, so that the process is simplified. be able to.
[0186]
The nineteenth effect relates to the transfer function. Since uncompressed information is managed in a separate area, only that portion can be taken out and transferred to the outside.
[0187]
Thus, by extracting uncompressed information corresponding to a large amount of main information, a voice headline can be created instantaneously.
[0188]
For example, it is only necessary to transfer to a personal computer, create a layout for editing based on the information, and extract only necessary main information (compressed information). Thus, there is an advantage that the working efficiency is remarkably improved.
[0189]
Information can also be passed directly to a personal computer using a removable card.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of a page of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram of compressed information and uncompressed information according to the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
K1 key input means
M0 control circuit
D1 Audio compression / decompression circuit
D2 Sampling conversion circuit
M1-Mn memory chip
A1 Analog input circuit
A3 A / D conversion circuit

Claims (9)

In a recording / reproducing apparatus that records and reproduces audio data using a recording medium that reads and writes information in a fixed-length recording unit,
Means for simultaneously recording the information obtained by digitizing and compressing audio analog data having a time axis in the recording unit and the information thinned out without compression into the same recording unit of the recording medium;
First reproducing means for reproducing the compressed information as sound;
Second reproduction means for reproducing the thinned information as audio without performing the compression;
A means for thinning out the AD information acquired at the sampling rate of the analog information to be compressed to a sampling rate lower than this when performing the thinning, and one of the reproducing means is configured to operate. A characteristic recording / reproducing apparatus.   2. The recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording medium is a page write type semiconductor memory, the compressed information is recorded in a main area of the page, and the compression is performed in an unused area of the page. A recording / reproducing apparatus in which thinned information is recorded without being performed. 3. The recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising variable speed reproduction processing means such as a review and a cue for reproducing the thinned information without performing compression. A recording and reproducing apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, review, when performing variable speed reproduction of the queue, etc., a recording and reproducing apparatus characterized in that it comprises a variable-speed reproduction processing means without changing the pitch . A recording and reproducing apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, the recording and reproducing apparatus characterized by comprising means for further applying a low bit rate to the information of the low sampling rate in the recording process. A recording and reproducing apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, a recording and reproducing apparatus characterized in that it comprises a means for processing and reproducing at a low sampling rate, compression at a high sampling rate, the recording operation at the same time . A recording and reproducing apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, when information is reproduced low sampling rate in the opposite direction, means for reproducing in a direction back in time while playing a forward for each phrase A recording / reproducing apparatus comprising: A recording and reproducing apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, manages and thinned without compression information was carried out compressed information separately comprising means for transferring to other apparatus A recording / reproducing apparatus. Claim 1, a device according to any one of claims 3 to 8, reading and writing using the fixed-length recording unit writing type semiconductor memory or a memory card, typified by a flash memory in a recording medium And a recording / reproducing apparatus comprising means for writing compressed information and non-compressed information using an in-chip page buffer of a page writing type flash memory.

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