JP4019459B2 - Portable recording / reproducing device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention has a so-called secret function when information that is not desired to be known to others is recorded.PortableThe present invention relates to a recording / reproducing apparatus.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a recording / reproducing apparatus for recording / reproducing data on / from a recording medium has a so-called secret function for reproducing information on condition that a password is input when information that is not desired to be known to others is recorded. In many cases. For example, a word processor that records and reproduces character information and the like, and a device that handles personal information such as a so-called electronic notebook generally have the above-described secret function.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, many of the secret functions in the conventional recording / reproducing apparatus are very difficult to use. For example, a secret function in a conventional recording / reproducing apparatus often requires a setting operation for the secret every time after data recording. However, in general, it is often already clear whether the information to be recorded from now on is content that may be known to others or not. For this reason, after the information is stored in the recording medium, the operation related to the secret is troublesome twice.
[0004]
In addition, the secret function in the conventional recording / playback apparatus generally requires a password to be input each time the information is played back when the recorded information is played back. Such operations are also inconvenient, especially when it is necessary to continuously reproduce a plurality of pieces of information for which passwords are set.
[0005]
Furthermore, the secret function in the conventional recording / reproducing apparatus sets passwords individually for information that is to be secreted. Therefore, when a different password is set for each item, the management is very complicated. became.
[0006]
  The present invention has been proposed in view of the above-described conventional situation, and the operability of the secret function has been improved.PortableAn object is to provide a recording / reproducing apparatus.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to solve the above-described problem, the portable recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present invention sets a plurality of files in which a plurality of pieces of audio data are stored, and one of the plurality of files is assigned to the secret file. A recording medium, recording means for recording the audio data in the recording medium by storing the audio data in the file, and reproducing means for reading out and reproducing each audio data stored in the file of the recording medium; , Secret setting means for setting whether or not the secret file of the recording medium is a secret requiring a password, control means for controlling the means, and an instruction for giving an instruction to the control means Input means. The control means waits for input of a password from the instruction input means when the secret setting means is set to make the secret file secret, and when the password is input, the control means Storing the password, controlling the reproduction means to prohibit reproduction of each audio data stored in the secret file until the password is input again by the instruction input means, and making the secret file a secret When the secret file is set, the secret file is selected and the password is input from the instruction input means, so that each audio data in the secret file can be reproduced.
Further, even when the voice data stored in the secret file can be reproduced because the password is again input by the instruction input means, an instruction from the instruction input means is given. If the predetermined time elapses without the password, the playback unit is further controlled to prohibit playback of each audio data stored in the file until the password is input again by the instruction input unit.
Further, when the secret file is set to be a secret by the secret setting means, the number of audio data stored in the secret file is displayed when the audio data is recorded in the secret file. Do not display on the means.
[0008]
  According to the portable recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention as described above, when the control unit is set to make the secret file a secret by the secret setting unit, it waits for the password input from the instruction input unit. When the password is entered, the password is stored, and the playback means is controlled to prohibit the playback of each data stored in the secret file until the password is input again by the instruction input means. To do. Also, when the secret file is set to be a secret, this secret file is selected and the password is input from the instruction input means, so that each audio data in the secret file is reproduced.
In addition, the control means receives an instruction from the instruction input means even when the voice data stored in the secret file can be reproduced due to the password being input again by the instruction input means. When the predetermined time has passed without being given, the reproducing means is controlled so as to prohibit the reproduction of each audio data stored in the file until the password is input again by the instruction input means. In addition, when the secret setting means is set to make the secret file secret, when recording the audio data in the secret file, the number of audio data stored in the secret file is not displayed on the display means. To.
[0009]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
An embodiment of a recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the embodiment described below, an audio signal from a microphone is converted into audio data and written to a semiconductor memory as a recording medium, and audio data stored in the semiconductor memory is read out from a speaker. The recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention is applied to an IC recorder that outputs sound based on audio data. This IC recorder is capable of verbally storing necessary items as voice data, instead of a user writing predetermined items on a memo sheet or the like.
[0010]
As shown in FIG. 1, the IC recorder 1 converts a sound signal from the microphone 11 into sound data and stores the sound data in the semiconductor memory 9 and the sound data stored in the semiconductor memory 9. A playback unit 20 that reads out and converts the audio signal to drive the speaker 24, a control unit 30 that controls the recording unit 10 and the like, a display unit 40 that displays an operation state, an operation procedure, and the like, and various operations performed by the user And an operation unit 50 for giving an instruction to the control unit 30 by performing the above.
[0011]
The recording unit 10 includes an amplifier 12 that amplifies the audio signal from the microphone 11 and an automatic gain controller (hereinafter referred to as AGC) 13 that sets the level of the audio signal amplified by the amplifier 12 to an appropriate level. And an encoder 14 that converts the audio signal from the AGC 13 into audio data, and a buffer memory 15 that temporarily stores the audio data from the encoder 14.
[0012]
In the recording unit 10, sound input from the microphone 11 is converted into an audio signal and supplied to the amplifier 12, and the amplifier 12 amplifies the audio signal and supplies it to the AGC 13. Then, the AGC 13 amplifies the audio signal amplified by the amplifier 12 so that the level becomes an appropriate level, and supplies the amplified signal to the encoder 14.
[0013]
Since the audio signal has a strong temporal correlation, the encoder 14 encodes the audio signal with a small amount of data by, for example, adaptive differential pulse code modulation (hereinafter referred to as ADPCM), and converts the audio data into The audio data is generated and supplied to the buffer memory 15.
[0014]
The buffer memory 15 temporarily stores the audio data supplied from the encoder 14 and supplies it to the semiconductor memory 9.
[0015]
In the semiconductor memory 9, for example, an electrically erasable / electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (hereinafter referred to as an EEPROM) is turned off. However, the memory content of the memory element is constituted by a non-volatile flash memory that is retained without being erased. The semiconductor memory (hereinafter referred to as a flash memory) 9 has a storage capacity of 4M × 8 bits, for example, and stores the audio data supplied from the buffer memory 15 in the data area 9a and indexes each audio data. By storing management information (hereinafter referred to as TOC information) managed for the number, storage area, stored time, and the like in the management area (hereinafter referred to as TOC) 9b, audio corresponding to an audio signal in a predetermined band is stored. Data can be stored up to about 24 minutes. A plurality of files are set in the flash memory 9, and the IC recorder 1 stores a plurality of the above-mentioned audio data in each of these files, so that the maximum amount of audio data is stored in the data area 9a. Up to 99 cases can be stored. At the time of recording the audio data, information on which file the audio data is stored in the TOC 9b is also stored as TOC information.
[0016]
Here, the file is used to store a plurality of pieces of audio data as described above, and corresponds to the concept of a directory or folder used in a personal computer here. In this embodiment, five types of files are set. Further, in the IC recorder 1, one of these files is assigned to a secret file for storing private information. Details of the secret file will be described later.
[0017]
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1, the playback unit 20 amplifies the audio signal from the decoder 21 and the filter 22 that converts the audio data read from the data area 9 a of the flash memory 9 into an audio signal, and the filter 22. And an amplifier 23 to be supplied to the speaker 24.
[0018]
The decoder 21 corresponds to the encoder 14 of the recording unit 10 and decodes the audio data read from the data area 9a, that is, the audio data encoded by the ADPCM method, and generates a so-called PAM signal. . The filter 22 removes high frequency components of the voice band or higher from the PAM signal and outputs a voice signal. The amplifier 23 amplifies the audio signal supplied from the filter 22 and drives the speaker 24. Thus, the recorded sound is output from the speaker 24.
[0019]
The control unit 30 includes a ROM 31 that stores a program for controlling the operation of the IC recorder 1 and a microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as a CPU) that controls each block by executing the program stored in the ROM 31. ) 32 and a random access memory (hereinafter referred to as RAM) 34 for temporarily storing time, program execution results, and the like.
[0020]
The display unit 40 displays the operation state of the IC recorder 1 and the storage state of audio data based on a control signal from the control unit 30, and illuminates the liquid crystal display panel 41 and the liquid crystal display panel 41. The backlight 42 is provided.
[0021]
The operation unit 50 supplies various input signals to the control unit 30 to give instructions to the control unit 30 when recording / reproducing audio and various settings related thereto. The operation unit 50 includes various operation buttons, operation switches, and a jog dial, which will be described later, for the user to operate during recording / reproduction. In the IC recorder 1, various input signals from these operation buttons / switches and the jog dial are supplied to the control unit 30.
[0022]
When detecting an input signal from the operation unit 50, the CPU 32 of the control unit 30 reads out and executes a program corresponding to the input signal from the ROM 31, and controls each block. For example, when an input signal from a recording start button described later is detected, the CPU 32 reads out and executes a program corresponding to recording from the ROM 31, operates the amplifier 12, the AGC 13, the encoder 14, the display unit 40, etc. The temporarily accumulated audio data is stored in one of the above files, so that it is recorded in an empty area of the data area 9a in the flash memory 9 and TOC information related to the audio data is stored in the TOC 9b of the flash memory 9. Control writing. When reproducing audio data, the CPU 32 reads out and executes a program corresponding to the reproduction from the ROM 31, operates the decoder 21, filter 22, amplifier 23, display unit 40, etc., and stores them in the TOC 9 b of the flash memory 9. By referring to the stored TOC information, audio data stored at a predetermined address in the data area 9a is read out and output to the speaker 24 is performed.
[0023]
The CPU 32 controls the writing and reading of the voice data to and from the flash memory 9 as described above. For example, the CPU 32 is set so that up to 99 pieces of voice data can be stored in each file, and an index number for identifying each is set. In addition, control for writing to the TOC 9b of the flash memory 9 is performed. This index number increases in the order of recording, such that the index number of the first recorded audio data is 01, the index number of the next recorded audio data is 02...
[0024]
Further, during reproduction, the CPU 32 controls to read out corresponding audio data from the data area 9a in ascending order of the index number based on the index number written in the TOC 9b.
[0025]
Further, the CPU 32 includes an initial setting changing unit 35 and a TOC rewriting unit 36, as shown in FIG. The initial setting changing unit 35 of the CPU 32 changes the initial setting of the program stored in the ROM 31 based on the input signal from the operation unit 50. Specifically, regarding the recording and / or reproduction. The setting of various functions such as an alarm, a timer, a beep sound, and a sensitivity of the microphone 11 are changed. Further, the initial setting changing unit 35 makes a setting for whether or not the secret file is assigned, that is, whether the secret function is ON / OFF.
[0026]
Further, the TOC rewriting unit 36 of the CPU 32 performs a process of rewriting the TOC information in the TOC 9 of the flash memory 9 as necessary based on the result changed by the initial setting changing unit 35. Of the results changed by the initial setting changing unit 35, those that do not require rewriting the TOC information are stored in the RAM 34 of the CPU 32. For example, in this embodiment, the result regarding whether or not to set the secret for the secret file set by the initial setting changing unit 35 is stored in the RAM 34.
[0027]
Note that the CPU 32 shifts to a so-called sleep mode in a stop state other than the operation such as recording / reproducing audio data or changing the initial setting, minimizing power consumption and various data stored in the RAM 34. Control so that does not disappear.
[0028]
FIG. 3 schematically shows the appearance of the IC recorder 1. This IC recorder 1 shown in FIG. 3 is portable, and electrical circuits such as the recording unit 10 and the playback unit 20 described above are mounted inside an exterior casing 2 that is configured to be gripped with a palm. A printed circuit board (not shown) is provided. In addition, the liquid crystal display panel 41 and the speaker 24 described above are disposed on the main surface portion 2 a of the exterior housing 2.
[0029]
In the IC recorder 1, various operation buttons / switches 51 to 57 constituting the operation unit 50 and a jog dial 60 are disposed on the main surface 2 a and each side surface of the exterior housing 2. As a result, the IC recorder 1 can be operated while being gripped with the left hand, and can be used in combination with work such as writing normally performed by the user with the right hand.
[0030]
Here, as the operation buttons, as shown in FIG. 3, a file (FILE) button 51, a menu (MENU) button 52, a priority (PRIORITY) button 53, and a stop (STOP) for stopping recording or the like. A button 54, a recording start (REC) button 55 for starting recording, and an erase (ERASE) button 56 for erasing audio data stored in the flash memory 9 are respectively provided on the exterior casing 2. Arranged on the main surface 2a. In addition, as an operation switch, a slide-type hold switch 57 is attached slightly below the left side surface portion 2 b of the exterior housing 2. The operation unit 50 includes a volume for adjusting the volume of reproduced sound, an earphone jack, and the like, and each is provided on a side surface of the exterior housing 2 although not shown.
[0031]
The file button 51 is a button for switching the above five files when recording / reproducing audio data. In the IC recorder 1, each file can be identified by displaying different icons on the liquid crystal display panel 41. As a result, the IC recorder 1 can recognize at a glance which file the audio data is stored in or which audio data is stored in which file.
[0032]
Here, on the liquid crystal display panel 41, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, an icon display unit 70 that selectively displays any one of the icons 71, 72, 73, 74, and 75 for five files, An audio data display unit 80 that shows information about each audio data stored in any of the above files and a character information display unit 90 that displays various character information related to the initial setting state, operation, and the like are provided. . Although not shown, the liquid crystal display panel 41 also has a recording or reproduction time of each audio data, a current date and time, a recording or reproduction in progress, a remaining power supply, an operating state and an operation. Various information related to the above is displayed.
[0033]
For example, each icon displayed on the icon display unit 70 corresponds to a file in which the icon 71 stores voice data for action, the icon 72 corresponds to a file in which voice data for schedule is stored, and the icon 73 is the first. The icon 74 corresponds to a file storing voice data for the second memo, and the icon 74 corresponds to a file storing voice data for the second memo. In the IC recorder 1, the key icon 75 corresponds to a secret file that stores private audio data that is not desired to be known to others. In the IC recorder 1, a plurality of files are set for each use as described above, and the sound data is stored in each file, so that the sound data can be arranged according to the use.
[0034]
Note that the secret file corresponding to the icon 75 is in the so-called open file state in the initial state, similar to the other four files, and is used for storing and playing back audio data and between the other four files. Voice data can be freely copied and moved without requiring password setting or input. Then, the IC recorder 1 performs a setting to give a secret function to the secret file corresponding to the icon 75 (turn ON) by performing an operation for changing the initial state, which will be described in detail later, with respect to the initial state. Can be done.
[0035]
On the other hand, the voice data display unit 80 displays the index number of the voice data. Specifically, the numerator denominator is displayed as a fraction with a 2-digit integer. Here, the number of denominators displayed in the voice data display unit 80 is the number of voice data stored in the file corresponding to the icon displayed in the icon display unit 70, and the number of numerators is currently reproduced or immediately. Represents the index number of the audio data in a reproducible state.
[0036]
In addition, the character information display unit 90 can display, for example, up to 10 characters of various character information relating to the initial setting state and operation.
[0037]
In the IC recorder 1 shown in FIG. 3, the icon 75 indicating the above-mentioned secret file is displayed on the icon display unit 70 of the liquid crystal display panel 41, and the fraction “02/37” is displayed on the audio data display unit 80. In addition, no character is displayed on the character information display unit 90. In this case, the secret file is in the above-described open file state, and 37 pieces of audio data are stored in this file, and the audio data having the index number 02 is reproduced or is in a reproduction standby state. It is shown that.
[0038]
The menu button 52 is a button that is pressed to display or change the initial setting of the IC recorder 1.
[0039]
The priority button 53 is a button for setting the priority (priority) in the reproduction order for each audio data. In the IC recorder 1, when the priority button 53 is pressed, the priority value of the target audio data can be changed. When this value is changed, the index written in the TOC 9b of the flash memory 9 is changed accordingly. The number is rewritten by the TOC rewriting unit 36 of the CPU 32. Specifically, in the IC recorder 1, the priority values are set in four stages of 0, 1, 2, and 3, and the higher the priority value is, the more important data is reproduced preferentially. As shown, the index number is changed.
[0040]
The delete button 56 is a button for deleting audio data stored in the flash memory 9. In the IC recorder 1, the file to which the audio data to be deleted belongs is specified, and the deletion button 56 is pressed while reproducing the audio data to be deleted in the file or in a reproduction standby state of the audio data. The erasure is performed by this.
[0041]
The hold switch 57 is a switch for holding the operation or stopped state of the IC recorder 1. When the hold switch 57 is turned on, the IC recorder 1 is in a state where it does not accept operations of the operation buttons 51 to 56, the jog dial 60, and the like.
[0042]
In the IC recorder 1, a part of the jog dial 60 is exposed from a notch 2c formed on the upper side of the left side surface 2b of the exterior housing 2. The jog dial 60 includes a disk-like rotation operation member 61 having a rotation center shaft 62 and an electrode (not shown) attached to the rotation operation member 61. 2 and a part of the rotation operation member 61 faces outward from the notch 2c. The rotation operation member 61 of the jog dial 60 is rotatable in the A and B directions shown in FIG.
[0043]
Further, the rotation operation member 61 of the jog dial 60 has a rotation center shaft 62 movable in the X and Y directions shown in FIG. 3 in the exterior housing 2 and in a normal state, the rotation operation member 61 is moved in the Y direction by a spring (not shown). It is energized. Therefore, the rotation operation member 61 of the jog dial 60 can be rotated in the AB direction and can be pressed in the X direction orthogonal to the rotation center axis 62 by a user operation.
[0044]
The jog dial 60 supplies an input signal corresponding to the rotation angle and the rotation speed to the control unit 30 when the rotation operation member 61 is rotated in the AB direction, and presses the rotation operation member 61 in the X direction. Thus, an input signal corresponding to the pressing time is supplied to the control unit 30. Specifically, in the IC recorder 1, the CPU 32 detects the rotation direction, the rotation angle, and the rotation speed of the rotation operation member 61, or whether or not the rotation operation member 61 is pressed. By detecting whether or not the pressing has exceeded a certain time, a program corresponding to each result is read from the ROM 31 and executed, and each block shown in FIG. 1 is controlled.
[0045]
The jog dial 60 is operated in various cases such as to perform various operations during reproduction or to change the initial setting described above, and is frequently used. For this reason, the jog dial 60 is arranged at the position as described above, so that when the user holds the outer casing with the left hand, the jog dial 60 can be rotated and pressed only with the thumb. For convenience of explanation, the rotation / press of the rotation operation member 61 in the jog dial 60 will be described simply as the rotation / press of the jog dial 60 below.
[0046]
Next, a process for changing the initial setting in the IC recorder 1 will be described with reference to FIG. When the user rotates the jog dial 60 to select an index number of predetermined audio data and presses the menu button 52 while the IC recorder 1 is stopped, the CPU 32 drives the initial setting changing unit 35 shown in FIG. To enter menu mode. Then, the CPU 32 displays the characters “ALARM” on the character information display section 90 of the liquid crystal display panel 41 at the start of the menu mode. Then, when the jog dial 60 is rotated, for example, in the X direction shown in FIG. 3, the character information display section 90 has “TIMER”, “SECRET”, “REC MODE”, “BEEP” The characters “VOR”, “MIC SENCE”, “CONTINUE”, “LIGHT”, and “DATE & TIME” are displayed in this order. When the jog dial 60 is further rotated in the X direction, “ALARM”, “TIMER”,... Are displayed again. When the jog dial 60 is rotated in the reverse Y direction, “ALARM”, “DATE & TIME”, “LIGHT”... Are displayed in the reverse order.
[0047]
Here, for example, if the jog dial 60 is pressed in the X direction shown in FIG. Detected and shifts to an alarm setting mode for setting for reproducing the audio data for the already selected index number at a predetermined time.
[0048]
When the jog dial 60 is pressed in the X direction while “TIMER” is displayed on the character information display unit 90, the CPU 32 shifts to the timer setting mode. This timer setting mode is a mode for setting a timer for reproducing desired audio data after the predetermined time has elapsed by setting a predetermined time.
[0049]
When the jog dial 60 is pressed in the X direction while “SECRET” is displayed on the character information display unit 90, the CPU 32 shifts to the secret setting mode. In this secret setting mode, setting of a password for maintaining the confidentiality of audio data stored in the secret file, setting for canceling it, and the like are performed. The details of the setting in the secret setting mode will be described later.
[0050]
When the jog dial 60 is pressed in the X direction while “REC MODE” is displayed on the character information display unit 90, the CPU 32 shifts to the recording setting mode. In this recording setting mode, by setting the encoder 14 to either the SP mode or the LP mode, the setting of switching the bandwidth of the voice to be encoded and the recordable time associated therewith is performed.
[0051]
When the jog dial 60 is pressed in the X direction while “BEEP” is displayed on the character information display unit 90, the CPU 32 shifts to a beep sound setting mode. In this beep sound setting mode, for example, each time a button on the operation unit 50 is pressed, a setting for switching whether or not a beep sound is made is performed.
[0052]
When the jog dial 60 is pressed in the X direction while “VOR” is displayed on the character information display unit 90, the CPU 32 shifts to a VOR (Voice Operated Recording) setting mode. In this mode, recording is automatically performed only when a sound of a certain level or higher is detected, and it is set whether or not to execute the above VOR function that does not perform recording when there is no sound.
[0053]
When the jog dial 60 is pressed in the X direction while “MIC SENCE” is displayed on the character information display unit 90, the CPU 32 shifts to the microphone sensitivity setting mode. In the microphone sensitivity setting mode, the level of amplification by the amplifier 12 is switched in two stages of H (high) / L (low).
[0054]
When the jog dial 60 is pressed in the X direction while “CONTINUE” is displayed on the character information display unit 90, the CPU 32 shifts to the continuous reproduction setting mode. In this continuous playback setting mode, when a plurality of pieces of audio data are recorded, the above-mentioned continuous playback for continuously reproducing the plurality of audio data is performed, or the audio data is set to 1 without performing this. Set either to stop each playback.
[0055]
When the jog dial 60 is pressed in the X direction while “LIGHT” is displayed on the character information display unit 90, the CPU 32 shifts to the light lighting setting mode. In this mode, for example, when any button on the operation unit 50 is pressed, the backlight 42 can be turned on for 10 seconds, or the backlight 42 can be turned on only during the recording / reproducing operation.
[0056]
When the jog dial 60 is pressed in the X direction while “DATE & TIME” is displayed on the character information display section 90, the CPU 32 shifts to the date / time setting mode. In the date / time setting mode, for example, when it is desired to change the already set time, the year, month, day, and hour are changed by rotating and pressing the jog dial 60.
[0057]
Thus, in each of the above modes, character information corresponding to each mode is displayed on the character information display unit 90, and this display is switched by turning the jog dial 60, and the character information display unit 90 is pressed by pressing in the X direction. A determination is made about the information displayed on the screen. When each setting in each mode is completed, the CPU 32 stops driving the initial setting changing unit 35 and stores data relating to setting items in, for example, the RAM 34 or drives the TOC rewriting unit 36 as necessary. After rewriting the TOC information of the TOC 9b of the flash memory 9, the process returns to the stop state.
[0058]
Next, details of processing in the secret setting mode will be described. In the IC recorder 1, when the secret setting mode is set, a character “OFF” is displayed on the character information display section 90 as shown in FIG. 6. When the jog dial 60 is rotated in any direction in this state, the CPU 32 controls the display unit 40 so that the display is switched to “ON”, “OFF”, “ON”,. When the jog dial 60 is pressed in the X direction while “ON” is displayed, the CPU 32 shifts to a secret ON mode for turning on the secret function. On the other hand, when the jog dial 60 is pressed in the X direction while “OFF” is displayed, the CPU 32 shifts to a secret OFF mode for canceling the secret function.
[0059]
When the CPU 32 shifts to the secret ON mode, it determines whether or not a password has already been set, as shown in the lower part of FIG. If YES, that is, if it has already been set, the CPU 32 shifts to the stop state because the secret function is already ON and no processing is required. On the other hand, if NO, that is, if no password has been set, the CPU 32 shifts to the password input mode. Then, when a predetermined password is input in this password input mode, the CPU 32 stores the password in the RAM 34 and performs a process of turning on the secret function, and then shifts to a stop state.
[0060]
On the other hand, when the CPU 32 shifts to the secret OFF mode, the CPU 32 determines whether or not the secret function is ON as shown in the upper part of FIG. This determination may be made as to whether or not a password has already been set in the same manner as described above.
[0061]
If YES, that is, if the secret function is in the ON state, the CPU 32 shifts to the password input mode and waits for an input to wait for an already set password to be input. Then, when the password is input, the CPU 32 shifts to a stop state after performing a process for deleting the password stored in the RAM 34 and a predetermined process for releasing the secret to turn off the secret function.
[0062]
On the other hand, if NO, that is, if the password has not yet been set and the secret function is already in the OFF state, the CPU 32 shifts to the stop state as no processing is required.
[0063]
When the secret function ON / OFF is changed in the above-described secret ON mode or secret OFF mode, the CPU 32 stores, for example, data to that effect in the RAM 34.
[0064]
Next, processing performed in the password input mode described above will be described with reference to FIG. In the password input mode, the CPU 32 allows the user to input a password, for example, a 4-digit number as a password. Specifically, the CPU 32 displays, for example, characters “PASS-INPUT” on the character information display unit 90 and waits for input of the password. Here, when the jog dial 60 is rotated, the CPU 32 displays, for example, “0”, “1”, “2”,... “9”, “0” on the character information display unit 90 of the liquid crystal display panel 41. , “1”,... And the display unit 40 is controlled so as to display one number in order. When the jog dial 60 is pressed in the X direction when a specific number is displayed, the CPU 32 registers this number as the first digit of the password, and the second to fourth digits. Is registered by the same process as described above. Then, the CPU 32 terminates the password input mode process when all four digits of the password are registered. At this time, the CPU 32 stores the password in, for example, the RAM 34.
[0065]
In the IC recorder 1 configured as described above, before recording, for example, when the file button 51 is pressed, the CPU 32 displays any one of the icons 71 to 75 shown in FIG. 4 corresponding to various files on the liquid crystal display panel. The process which displays on the icon display part 70 of 41 is performed. The CPU 32 controls to sequentially display the icons on the icon display unit 70 as the jog dial 60 rotates. Then, by rotating the jog dial 60 to select one of the icons and pressing the jog dial 60, the icon is designated. Thereby, the CPU 32 determines in which file the audio data is stored.
[0066]
Here, when the icon 75 indicating the secret file is selected and the secret function is set to ON, the CPU 32 displays “-/-” on the audio data display unit 80 of the liquid crystal display panel 41. The display unit 40 is controlled to do so. Thereby, in the IC recorder 1, information such as the number of pieces of audio data stored in the secret file can be kept secret.
[0067]
The IC recorder 1 enters a recording start state when the recording start button 55 is pressed. When the user utters a sound toward the microphone 11, the designated address of the data area 9 a in the flash memory 9 is set. Starts writing audio data. When the stop button 54 is pressed, the recording process is canceled, and one piece of audio data is stored in the data area 9a. At this time, under the control of the CPU 32, the TOC 9b of the flash memory 9 is stored in the TOC information with a head address, an index number, a file in which the audio data is stored (in this case, a secret file), recording start time, recording time, and the like Is recorded.
[0068]
In the IC recorder 1, by further recording after the end of recording, it is possible to store a number of pieces of audio data in the secret file within 99 cases. As described above, in the IC recorder 1, when the secret function is turned on, it is not necessary to perform the secret function setting operation after recording the audio data. That is, it is possible to store a plurality of pieces of audio data in the secret file by setting the password only once.
[0069]
Note that, when the secret function is set to OFF, the same processing as the other four files is performed as described above, and therefore the CPU 32, when the recording start button 55 is pressed, The display unit 40 is controlled to display, for example, “38/38” on the audio data display unit 80 of the liquid crystal display panel 41. As a result, in the IC recorder 1, 37 voice data are already stored in the secret file, and the fact that the 38th voice data will be recorded can be notified to the user.
[0070]
Even in this case, by pressing the menu button 52 after recording the audio data and performing the secret ON setting described above with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the 38 audio data stored in the secret file can be stored once. It can be kept secret from others by operation.
[0071]
Next, when the recorded audio data is reproduced in the IC recorder 1, when the file button 51 is pressed, for example, as in the recording, the CPU 32 displays one of the icons 71 to 75 corresponding to various files. Processing to display on the icon display unit 70 of the liquid crystal display panel 41 is performed. Then, the jog dial 60 is turned to select any icon, and the jog dial 60 is pressed to designate the icon. Thereby, the CPU 32 determines which file the audio data stored in is to be reproduced. In this state, when the jog dial 60 is further pressed in the X direction, the CPU 32 performs a process of starting reproduction of the audio data stored in the file.
[0072]
Here, when the jog dial 60 is pressed while the icon 75 corresponding to the secret file is displayed on the icon display unit 70, the following processing is performed. That is, when the secret function is OFF, the same processing as other files is performed as described above. Therefore, when the jog dial 60 is pressed in the X direction, the CPU 32 does not request the input of a password. A process of starting playback of each audio data stored in the secret file is performed.
[0073]
On the other hand, when the jog dial 60 is pressed in the X direction when the secret function is ON, the CPU 32 shifts to the password input mode described with reference to FIG. 6 until the 4-digit password registered as the password is input. The audio data stored in the secret file is not played back. That is, in this state, reproduction of audio data in the secret file is prohibited until a password is input. Then, when a 4-digit password as a password is input by turning and pressing the jog dial 60 described with reference to FIG. 7, the CPU 32 starts reproduction of each audio data stored in the secret file. Process.
[0074]
After the start of the reproduction process, for example, when the jog dial 60 is rotated in the direction A shown in FIG. 3, the CPU 32 stops the reproduction process of the audio data being reproduced, and the next index number. Control to play the audio data.
[0075]
Further, after the reproduction process is started, for example, when the stop button 54 is pressed, the CPU 32 controls the reproduction unit 20 to stop the reproduction process of the audio data being reproduced.
[0076]
Further, in the so-called stop state in which the reproduction process is stopped in the IC recorder 1, when the operation signals such as the operation buttons and the jog dial 60 are not operated and the input signal from the operation unit 50 is not detected for a predetermined time, The CPU 32 controls so as not to perform the reproduction process of the audio data stored in the secret file until the password input mode described above is entered again and the 4-digit password is input again. Then, when the 4-digit password is input again by the rotation and pressing operation of the jog dial 60 described with reference to FIG. 7, the CPU 32 restarts the reproduction of each audio data stored in the secret file. I do. In the IC recorder 1, the secret function is enhanced by the CPU 32 performing such processing.
[0077]
As described above, since the IC recorder 1 is configured to set the password for the entire file that can store a plurality of audio data, the reproduction of the audio data in the secret file with the secret ON is performed. A plurality of audio data can be reproduced by inputting a password once, and thus the operability is very excellent.
[0078]
On the other hand, in the event that the password is forgotten, the CPU 32 erases the password stored in the RAM 34 when the voice data stored in the secret file is completely erased by the operation of the erase button 56. Perform the process. Thereby, in the IC recorder 1, the secret can be released by an operation different from the operation for releasing the secret described above with reference to FIG.
[0079]
Furthermore, the IC recorder 1 can move audio data stored in a file other than the secret file into the secret file by the following operation. In the IC recorder 1, the display unit 40 is configured so that the CPU 32 switches the display of the icon display unit 70 of the liquid crystal display panel 41 to another icon when the file button 51 is pressed during reproduction of the audio data in the secret file. To control. Specifically, the CPU 32 controls the display unit 40 so that the icons displayed according to the number of times the file button 51 is pressed are the icon 71, the icon 72, the icon 73, the icon 74, the icon 71,. When the icon corresponding to the file to be moved is displayed, for example, when the jog dial 60 is pressed, the CPU 32 drives the TOC rewriting unit 36 and rewrites the contents of the TOC 9b of the flash memory 9, thereby reproducing the voice. Performs data movement between files. By this operation, since the voice data to be moved is stored in the secret file in the IC recorder 1, it becomes possible to make the voice data inaudible to others without entering a password.
[0080]
On the other hand, in the IC recorder 1, in order to move the audio data stored in the secret file into another file, it is necessary to cancel the password setting in advance and turn off the secret function. Yes. With this setting, the IC recorder 1 can maintain the confidentiality of the audio data in the secret file.
[0081]
【The invention's effect】
  As described above in detail, according to the portable recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention, a password is set not for individual data but for a secret file in which a plurality of data is stored. Therefore, if the password is set once in advance, a plurality of pieces of audio data can be stored in the secret file by a normal operation method. On the other hand, according to this recording / reproducing apparatus, even when audio data is reproduced, it is possible to reproduce all audio data in the secret file by inputting the password only once. Therefore, according to the portable recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention, operability and usability are greatly improved.
  Also,Even when the voice data stored in the secret file can be reproduced because the password is input again by the instruction input means, the instruction input means does not give an instruction for a predetermined time. When the password has elapsed, the secret function can be enhanced by controlling the reproduction means so as to prohibit the reproduction of each audio data stored in the file until the password is input again by the instruction input means. it can.
Further, when the secret file is set to be a secret by the secret setting unit, when recording the audio data in the secret file, the number of audio data stored in the secret file is not displayed on the display unit. By doing so, information such as the number of pieces of audio data stored in the secret file can be kept secret.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a circuit configuration diagram of an IC recorder to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an initial setting changing unit and a TOC rewriting unit provided in a CPU.
FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing the appearance of an IC recorder.
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a configuration of a liquid crystal display panel.
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining processing when changing the initial setting of the IC recorder.
FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining processing for setting and canceling a secret function in a secret setting mode.
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining processing for password entry in a password entry mode.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 IC recorder, 2 exterior housing, 9 semiconductor memory, 10 recording unit, 20 playback unit, 30 control unit, 40 display unit, 41 liquid crystal display panel, 50 operation unit, 51 file button, 52 menu button, 60 jog dial

Claims (3)

A recording medium in which a plurality of files in which a plurality of audio data is stored is set, and one of the plurality of files is assigned to the secret file;
Recording means for recording audio data in the recording medium by storing the audio data in the file;
Reproduction means for reading out and reproducing each audio data stored in the file of the recording medium;
Secret setting means for setting whether to make a secret requiring a password for the secret file of the recording medium;
Control means for controlling the above means;
Instruction input means for giving an instruction to the control means,
The control means waits for input of a password from the instruction input means when the secret setting means is set to make the secret file secret, and when the password is input, the control means Storing the password and controlling the reproduction means to prohibit reproduction of each audio data stored in the secret file until the password is input again by the instruction input means;
When the secret file is set to be a secret, the secret file is selected, and the password is input from the instruction input unit, thereby reproducing each audio data in the secret file. to be able,
Even if the voice data stored in the secret file can be reproduced because the password is input again by the instruction input means, the instruction from the instruction input means is not given. If the predetermined time has elapsed, the playback unit is further controlled to prohibit playback of each audio data stored in the file until the password is input again by the instruction input unit.
In the case where the secret file is set to be a secret by the secret setting means, when recording the voice data in the secret file, the number of voice data stored in the secret file is displayed on the display means. A portable recording / reproducing apparatus characterized in that it is not displayed . Portable recording and reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a voice data moving means for moving the said secret file audio data stored in a file other than the secret file. Portable recording and reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a voice data moving means for moving the file other than the secret file audio data stored in the secret file.

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