JPH09282404A - Code recording and reproducing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily confirm recording contents and improve the usability of an operator. SOLUTION: This code recording and reproducing device is equipped with a speech input part 11a for inputting multimedia information, a code conversion part 11b which converts the inputted multimedia information into optically readable codes, a medium recording part 11c which prints the generated codes as an optically readable image on a specific print medium, a dot pattern read part 12c which optically reads the printed codes on the print medium, a speech restoration part 12b which restores the read codes to the original multimedia information, and a speech output part 12a which outputs the restored multimedia information so that an operator can recognize it, and can be switched to a specific mode.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus for recording and reproducing so-called multimedia information including audio information and the like on a medium as an optically readable code, and particularly, in terms of confirmation of a recording result. The present invention relates to a code recording / reproducing device with improved usability.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Various techniques relating to a code recording device for recording so-called multimedia information including audio information such as voice as an optically readable dot code are disclosed by the present applicant in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-231466. Is proposed as.

Here, an external view of the code recording apparatus is shown in FIG. 13 and will be described. As shown in the figure, a voice information creation tool 102 such as a personal computer for creating voice information is connected to the code recording device 101, and the voice information created by the voice information creation tool 102 is connected. Is a code recording device 1 as digital data
01 through the interface (I / F) cable 103. A microphone 104 is connected to the voice information creation tool 102. A user inputs a desired voice through the microphone 104, and the voice information creation tool 102 performs processing such as editing to obtain voice information. become.

Upon receiving the digital data, the code recording device 101 converts the data into dot codes and then actually prints on the paper inserted from the paper holder (insertion port) 109. At this time, a mode or the like is selected by the operation switch 107 provided in the code recording device 101, and the recording position is set by the recording position setting switch 106. In this way, the print result is discharged from the paper holder (discharge port) 110 on the front surface of the code recording apparatus 101.

Next, FIG. 14 shows a specific functional block diagram of the code recording / reproducing apparatus in the above publication and will be described.
As shown in the figure, in the code recording device 111, a voice input unit 111 such as a personal computer is used.
Audio data is input from a, converted into digital data, converted into dot pattern data by the code conversion unit 111b, and recorded by the medium recording unit 111c. That is, specifically, the print head prints on the recording medium and ejects it.

In this example, a sound reproducing device 112 for reproducing sound is provided separately, and when the recording medium on which the code is printed is inserted, for example, a dot pattern formed by a photoelectric conversion element or the like such as CCD. The dot pattern code is photoelectrically converted by the reading unit 112c, converted into an electric signal, and output to the voice restoration unit 112b. In the audio restoration unit 112b, the dot pattern of the image data is converted into audio data, and the audio output unit 112 including a speaker or the like is included.
Sound is output from a.

FIG. 15 shows a more detailed structure of the code recording apparatus and will be described. As shown in the figure, the voice data created by the voice information creation tool 102 is transmitted to the I / F controller 121 of the code recording device 101. The I / F controller 121 receives audio data as digital data and temporarily stores the data in the buffer RAM 122. The audio data stored in the buffer RAM 122 is read by the I / F controller 121 and transmitted to the control unit 123 such as a microcomputer. The audio data transmitted to the control unit 123 is converted from the audio data into dot pattern data based on a predetermined software sequence, and then stored in the dot pattern RAM 124.

When the operation command and the recording position information from the operation switch 125 are obtained, the recording position on the recording medium is determined, and the control unit 123 sets the print head of the printing unit 129 to the recording position. , Generate a command to send the recording medium. Printing unit 12
The information such as whether the recording medium is inserted or ejected and the print head position information are displayed from the control unit 123.
Is output to In response to the instruction to send the recording medium, the information that the recording medium is inserted is sent to the control unit 123.

The printing unit 129 prints with a dot pattern when a desired recording position is reached based on the position information of the print head. By repeating this series of processing, the printing is completed, and the information that the paper is ejected is displayed on the printing unit 12.
At the stage when the control unit 123 receives 9 from 9, all print recording is finished.

The operation of the code recording apparatus according to the above will be described in more detail below with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. When the operation is started, the subroutine "voice data transfer" is first called (step S10).
1). Here, FIG. 17 shows and describes a sequence of the subroutine "voice data transfer" executed in step S101.

That is, when this subroutine is called, the voice information creation tool 102 outputs voice data to the I / F controller 121, and the voice data is stored in the buffer RAM 122 (steps S111 and S1).
12). This voice data contains an end code for recognizing whether the transfer of all data has ended,
The I / F controller 121 determines the end code,
The above data reception is repeated until the end code is recognized. When the end code is recognized (step S113), the reception of a series of audio data is ended, and the process returns to the main routine.

Then, the subroutine "dot pattern conversion" is called (step S102). Here, FIG. 18 shows the sequence of the subroutine "dot pattern conversion" executed in step S102, and will be described.

That is, when this subroutine is called, the audio data is read from the buffer RAM 122, input to the I / F controller 121, and sent from the I / F controller 121 to the control unit 123 (step S121). . The control unit 123 converts the data into a dot pattern, and the dot pattern is stored in the dot pattern RAM 124 (step S
122, S123).

At the end of this storage, the control unit 123 determines whether or not the received voice data is the end code (step S124). If it is not the end code, the operations of steps S121 to S123 are repeated again, and the end code is returned. If it is, the process returns to the main routine.

Next, the subroutine "recording position setting" is called (step S103). Here, FIG. 19 shows the sequence of the subroutine "recording position setting" executed in step S103 and will be described.

That is, when this subroutine is called, the print setting position is read (step S131). This is set in the control unit 123 by operating the voice information creation tool 102 or the operation switch 125. When this reading is completed, it returns to the main routine.

Next, the subroutine "dot pattern print" is called (step 104). Here, FIG.
The sequence of the subroutine "dot pattern printing" executed in step S104 is shown in FIG.

That is, when this subroutine is called, the control unit 123 issues a command for feeding the medium to the printing unit 129 (step S14).
1). Then, the print unit 1 displays the position information of the print head and the information whether the medium is inserted or placed.
29 to the control unit 123 (step S
142). Then, the control unit 123 inserts this medium, and determines whether or not the position of the print head is at the desired recording position by the print position comparison operation (step S143).

Here, if they do not match, it means that the desired position has not been reached, so the process returns to step S141, and the instruction to send the medium is sent again from the control unit 123 to the printing unit 129, and a series of mediums are sent. Since the sending instruction is issued and the print positions are compared in step S143, the process proceeds to step S144.

If the print positions match in step S143, recording is performed on the recording medium. Therefore, the converted dot pattern is read from the dot pattern RAM 124 (step S1).
44). Then, the read dot pattern data is output to the printing unit 129. Printing unit 1
In 29, the actual dot code is printed according to the dot pattern data (step S145).

Then, in the control unit 123, it is judged whether or not the dot pattern code is the end code (step S146). If the dot code does not reach the end code, it means that the dot pattern still remains. The operation during S145 is repeated. When considered as an end code, the control unit 123
Then, a medium ejection command for sending the medium to the printing unit 129 is issued (step S147). This completes the dot pattern printing and completes all operations.

[0022]

As described above, the code recording device described above does not integrally have a recording function but a reproducing function, and a separate code reading device for reproducing sound is not prepared. Then, it was not possible to immediately judge whether the recorded contents or the recorded condition were good or bad.

Further, since the recorded voice information cannot be reproduced and output almost at the same time as the code recording, there is a problem that it takes time to confirm the print results of a large number of sheets. In addition, no particular consideration has been given to the function of checking information other than voice recorded on a medium paper or the like, as necessary, against the voice while directly looking at pictures or characters.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to make it possible to easily confirm the recorded contents and to see other information such as a picture when outputting a voice. It is possible to improve the usability of the operator by enabling the above-mentioned operation and outputting the voice substantially simultaneously with the recording.

[0025]

In order to achieve the above object, the code recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention comprises audio information,
Input means for inputting multimedia information including at least one of video information and digital code data,
Code generation means for converting the multimedia information input by the input means into an optically readable code, and the code generated by the code generation means can be optically read on a predetermined print medium. Recording means for printing, reading means for optically reading the code of the print medium printed by the recording means as an image, restoring means for restoring the code read by the reading means to the original multimedia information, Outputting means for outputting the multimedia information restored by the restoring means so that it can be recognized by an operator, a recording mode in which the recording means performs a code printing operation, and the reading means reads the code, and the restoring means outputs it. A mode switching member for selectively switching between a reproduction mode in which restoration processing is performed and output as original multimedia information, The recording mode to the device in response to the switching operation by the serial mode switching member is characterized by comprising a control means for setting to one of the above modes playback mode.

That is, in the code recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention,
Multimedia information including at least one of audio information, video information, and digital code data is input by the input means, and the multimedia information input by the input means is converted into an optically readable code by the code generation means. The recording means prints the code generated by the code generating means on a predetermined print medium in an optically readable manner, and the reading means optically reads the code of the print medium printed by the recording means as an image. Then, the code read by the reading means is restored to the original multimedia information by the restoring means, and the multimedia information restored by the restoring means is output by the output means so that it can be recognized by the operator, and the mode is switched. A recording mode in which the recording means performs a code printing operation by a member and the reading The reproduction mode in which the stage reads the code and the restoration means performs the restoration process to output the original multimedia information is selectively switched, and the control means responds to the switching operation by the mode switching member to the device. Any one of the recording mode and the reproduction mode is set.

[0027]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, the dot code shown in FIG. 21 is used as an example of the code that can be optically read as an image, but the code is not limited to this code. In the figure,
In the dot code 101 data format, one block 104 includes a marker 102 and a block address 1
05, address error detection and error correction data 10
6 and a data area that stores actual data. The blocks 104 are arranged vertically, horizontally, and two-dimensionally, and are gathered to form the dot code 101. Regarding this, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-231466 mentioned above.
Since it is shown in detail in the publication, further explanation is omitted.

First, the configuration of a code recording / reproducing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1 and will be described. As shown in the figure, the code recording / reproducing apparatus 1 is connected to a voice information creation tool 2 such as a personal computer for creating voice information. The voice information created by the voice information creation tool 2 is converted into digital data and then transmitted to the code recording / reproducing apparatus 1 via the interface (I / F) cable 3. A microphone 4 is connected to the voice information creation tool 2, and after the user inputs a desired voice through the microphone 4, the voice information creation tool 2 performs processing such as editing to obtain voice information. create.

Upon receiving the digital data, the code recording / reproducing apparatus 1 converts the data into dot codes and then actually prints on the paper inserted from the paper holder (insertion port) 9. At this time, a mode or the like is selected by the operation switch 7 provided in the code recording / reproducing apparatus 1,
The recording position of the code on the paper is set by the recording position setting switch 6. In this way, the recorded result is discharged from the paper holder (discharge port) 10 provided on the front surface of the code recording apparatus 1.

In the above-described code recording apparatus shown in FIG. 13, the print head is built in the main body of the recording apparatus, but in the present embodiment, the print head and the reading head 5 are built in. Further, an operation switch 7 is provided for making various fine settings used in the reproduction mode. Further, since the code recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present embodiment also has a mode in which the audio reproducing operation is performed along with the recording, the speaker 8 for reproducing the audio is attached to the side surface of the housing. This operation will be described later in detail.

Next, FIG. 2 shows a detailed configuration of the above-described embodiment and will be described. As shown in the figure, the code recording / reproducing apparatus 1 is configured by integrating a code recording unit 11 and an audio reproducing unit 12.

First, in the code recording unit 11, for example, voice data is input from a voice input unit 11a such as a personal computer, converted into digital data, and then converted into dot pattern data by the code conversion unit 11b. Printing is performed on the recording medium in the section 11c. The code of the recording medium recorded by the code recording unit 11 in this way is the dot pattern reading unit 1 of the audio reproducing unit 12.
2c will be optically read.

On the other hand, in the sound reproducing section 12, the recording medium is a dot pattern reading section 12 such as a CCD.
The image is picked up by c, photoelectrically converted, the dot pattern code is converted into an electric signal, and the electric signal is output to the audio restoration unit 12b. In the audio restoration unit 12b, the dot pattern of the image data is converted into audio data, which is output as audio from the audio output unit 12a including a speaker and the like.

Here, the medium recording section 11c is a print head, the dot pattern reading section 12c is a reading sensor for reproduction, and the two are integrated in terms of configuration.
That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the image pickup device 14 is provided on the left side of the head support member 13 and the print head 15 is provided on the right side thereof, and the image pickup device 14 detects the state of the recording medium and reads the code. In the figure, the head scans from left to right, and the recording medium relatively moves from right to left. Therefore, after recording, the recording result is read by the image sensor 14.

Next, FIG. 4 shows a more detailed structure of the above embodiment and will be described. As shown in the figure, the audio data created by the audio information creation tool 2 is transmitted to the I / F controller 21 of the code recording / reproducing apparatus 1. I /
The F controller 21 receives the audio data as digital data and temporarily stores the data in the buffer RAM 22. The audio data stored in the buffer RAM 22 is read by the I / F controller 21 and transmitted to the control unit 23 that also controls the entire apparatus.

The voice data thus transmitted to the control unit 23 is converted from the voice data into dot pattern data based on a predetermined software prepared in advance, and then stored in the dot pattern RAM 24.

When the operation command and the recording position information by the operation of the operation switch 25 are obtained, the recording position on the recording medium is determined, and the control unit 23 sets the print head of the printing unit 29 to the recording position. A command to send the recording medium is generated for this purpose. The printing unit 29 outputs information such as whether the recording medium is inserted or ejected and the print head position information to the control unit 23. In response to the command to send the recording medium, the information that the recording medium is inserted is sent to the control unit 23.

The printing unit 29 prints with a dot pattern when a desired recording position is reached based on the position information of the print head. Printing is ended by repeating this series of processing, and printing is ended when the control unit 23 receives the information that the paper has been ejected from the printing unit 29.

The recording medium on which the code is recorded by the printing unit 29 is optically read as an image by the photoelectric conversion element 33. That is, the timing generator 31
Generates a timing signal for driving the photoelectric conversion element 33, and the driver 32 receives this signal information,
A drive signal is issued from the driver 32 and the photoelectric conversion element 3
3 is driven.

The video signal output from the photoelectric conversion element 33 is input to the signal processing circuit 34, and the analog signal is shaped by an analog clamp circuit or amplifier. Then, it is input to the A / D converter 35 as an analog video signal. The A / D converter 35 converts the video signal into a digital signal and stores the data in the read image storage RAM 36. For the read image storage RAM 36,
The memory controller 30 receiving the timing signal from the timing generator 31 supplies and controls a control signal such as a write or read address.

The dot pattern data input to the read image storage RAM 36 is converted to the dot voice data conversion circuit 3.
7 reads out and monitors the start code or end code of the dot code according to the operation mode described later, gives a command of the detection result to the control unit 23, and based on the detection, the dot is again read from the read image storage RAM 36. The voice data conversion circuit 37 performs conversion into actual voice data.

The converted voice data is output to the control unit 23, and the control unit 23 receives the data and the D / A converter 2 together with the operation command and the recording position information.
6 is output. It is converted into an analog signal by the D / A converter 26 and is output from the speaker 28 as an audio signal via the audio output circuit 27.

Hereinafter, with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
The operation of this embodiment will be described in more detail. When the operation is started, the control unit 23 determines the operation mode (step S1). This is set by the setting switch, and in this embodiment, there are three types of operation modes. That is, in the "recording mode" and the "reproduction mode", recording or reproduction is performed independently, and in the "recording / reproduction mode", reproduction is performed while recording.

First, in the recording mode, the same sequence as the conventional recording operation is performed, and when the recording is completed, the operation mode determination in step S1 is returned to (step S2). Next, when the reproduction mode is entered (step S1), the control unit 23 determines the switch input in the repeat mode (step S3). In this embodiment, there are three types of modes such as a manual repeat mode, a normal reproduction mode, and an auto repeat mode.

First, in the manual repeat mode, the control unit 23 determines whether or not the content of the read image storage RAM 36 is empty (step S6). Basically, in step 4 above, the read image storage RAM 3
It is conceivable that 6 comes in in an initialized and empty state, but here, it is determined whether or not data transmission is completed. Here, the read image storage RAM
If the data is not stored in 36, it means that the code reading sequence has not been performed yet, and thus the subroutine "code reading" is executed (step S).
7). If it has already been stored, it is determined whether or not the reproduction switch has been input. Here, the process waits until the reproduction switch is input (step S8).

When the reproduction switch is thus input (step S8), the subroutine "simple reproduction" is executed,
The actual voice is reproduced and output (step S9). Next, when the reproduction output is finished, the power supply is discriminated whether the power switch has received an instruction to turn it off or is kept turned on (step S10). If it is on, the operation mode discrimination in step S1 is performed. Returning again, the operation is terminated when the off command is received.

Next, when the normal mode of the reproduction mode is discriminated (step S3), the read image storing RAM is first stored.
The contents of 36 are initialized (step S4). Next, of the playback modes, normal mode, manual mode,
It is determined whether the mode is the real mode (step S
5). In the manual mode, the above step S6
The sequence from step S10 to step S10 is performed. On the other hand, in the case of the normal mode (step S5), the subroutine "code reading end designation reproduction" is executed (step S5).
11). Furthermore, in the real mode (step S
5) The subroutine "code reading start designated reproduction" is executed (step S12).

In step S3, in the case of auto repeat, the control unit 23 executes a subroutine "auto repeat" (step S13). In the case of the manual repeat described above, after the reproduction switch has read the code, it can be repeated by receiving the input of the reproduction switch. That is, when the reproduction switch is pressed, it can be repeated once, twice, or three times in response to the switch input. On the other hand, in the case of auto repeat, when the code reading is completed, the repeat will be continued unless the setting is automatically canceled.

In the recording / reproducing mode, the control unit 23
Discriminates between two types of recording / reproducing modes (step S14). The two types of modes are the normal mode and the real-time mode in the recording / reproducing mode. If the normal mode is determined (step S14), the subroutine "code reading end designation / recording and reproduction" is executed by the control unit 23 (step S15), and if the real time mode is determined, the subroutine "code reading" is performed. Start designation, recording & playback ”
Is executed (step S16). When all of these sequence calls are completed, the process proceeds to the step 10 branching of the power switch.

Next, the sequence of the subroutine "code reading" executed in step S7 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Here, the code reading is an operation of optically reading the code of the already recorded medium and transferring the data to the code reading image storage RAM 36.

Now, when entering this sequence, first, in order to read the recorded medium, a medium feed command is given from the control unit 23 to the printing unit 29 (step S21). Subsequently, the read head position information and the medium insertion / ejection information are input. This is given from the printing unit 29 to the control unit 23 and the memory controller 30 (step S22). When the position information is thus input, the memory controller 30 sets an address according to the information and gives it to the image storage RAM 36.

On the other hand, the video signal output from the photoelectric conversion element 33 is converted into digital data through the signal processing circuit 34 and the A / D converter 35 and stored in the read image storage RAM 36 (step S23). At this time, the above-mentioned memory controller 30 generates a write enable signal for addressing and writing to the read image storage RAM 36.

Then, while the dot data of the image is stored in the read image storage RAM 36, the dot audio data conversion circuit 37 again reads the image data written in the read image storage RAM 36 (step S24).

The operation of converting the read dot data into audio data is performed in the dot audio conversion circuit 37 (step S25). Then, the dot voice data conversion circuit 37 determines whether or not the converted voice data is an end code, and a command to move the print head is issued until the end code is reached. In reality, since the print head and the code conversion input head are mounted together, a command to move the input head relative to the medium is generated.

In this way, the operation of reading this data is repeated, and finally the end code in the audio data is detected, and it is judged that all the data has been stored in the read image storage RAM 36 (step S26). Return to routine.

Next, the sequence of the subroutine "simple reproduction" executed in step S9 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In this sequence, the memory controller 30 first generates an address for reading the image data (step S31). This address is given to the read image storage RAM 36,
The image data is read, and this image data is transferred to the dot sound data conversion circuit 37 (step S3).
2).

Next, an operation of converting the sent dot data into voice data is performed by the dot voice data conversion circuit 37 (step S33). Next, the converted voice data is read. This is for transferring data from the dot voice data conversion circuit 37 to the control unit 23 (step S34).

Next, digital data is output from the control unit 23 to the D / A converter 26, and the audio output circuit 27 is output.
The voice is converted to voice by the speaker 28 via the voice output operation (step S35). Subsequently, the dot voice data conversion circuit 37 determines whether the voice data has become an end code (step S36).

If the voice data is not the end code, the above step S3 is performed until it becomes the end code.
The operations from 1 to S36 are repeated. When the dot voice data conversion circuit 37 determines that all the voice data has been transmitted, the process proceeds to step S37, the end recognition code of the voice data is transmitted to the control unit 23, and the process returns to the main routine.

Next, the sequence of the subroutine "code reading end designation reproduction" executed in step S11 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This is a sequence in which the reproduction output is started after all the codes are read, and the subroutine "code read" is called and then the subroutine "simple reproduction" is called. By the way, in steps S7 to S9 of FIG. 5, when the code reading sequence call and the simple reproduction sequence call are made in the manual mode,
The operation was to look at the input state of the playback switch, read it, and then move to playback output.

On the other hand, the sequence of the subroutine "code read end designated reproduction" is to immediately shift to the simple reproduction sequence after reading the code without inputting the reproduction switch.

Next, the real time mode of the reproduction mode will be described. In the real-time mode, the recorded recording medium is read by the recording / reproducing apparatus, and the reproduction output operation is performed substantially at the same time.First, the start portion of the code is detected, and when it is detected, the reproduction output is performed immediately. is there. Therefore, the operation of detecting the code while always reading the code has been introduced.

The sequence of the subroutine "code reading start designation" will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In this sequence, first, a command to send a medium is sent from the control unit 23 to the printing unit 29 (step S51). When sent to the print unit 29, basically, the print head and the image pickup device are integrally mounted, so that the print head is in the same state as that sent to the read head.

Next, the read head position information and the medium insertion / ejection information are input (step S52). This means that data is sent from the printing unit 29 to the control unit 23 and the memory controller 30. Then, the code-converted analog data is converted into digital data by the A / D converter 35 and stored in the read image storage RAM 36 (step S53).

Then, the image data is read from the read image storage RAM 36 to the dot sound data conversion circuit 37. Here, similarly, the memory controller 3
0 gives an address to the read image storage RAM 36 (step S54). Subsequently, conversion of dot audio data is performed in the dot audio data conversion circuit 37 (step S
55). The dot voice data conversion circuit 37 determines whether or not the voice data is the start code (step S).
56). If it is not the start code, the process returns to step S51 to issue a command to send the medium to the printing unit 29.

On the other hand, when the voice data is recognized as the start code, the address of the image data is set to the memory controller 30.
Occurs (step S57). Subsequently, the image data is read again from the read image storage RAM 36 to the dot audio data conversion circuit 37 (step S58), and the audio data is converted (step S59).

Subsequently, the converted voice data is transferred by the dot voice data conversion circuit 37 to the control unit 23 (step S60), and then the voice output operation is performed (step S61). In this system, digital data is supplied from the control unit 23 to the D / A converter 26, and a sound signal is supplied to the speaker 28 via the sound output circuit 27. Then, the dot voice data conversion circuit 37 determines whether the voice data is an end code (step S62). Here, if it is not an end code, the operations of steps S57 to S60 are repeated, conversion to dot voice data, transmission of voice data to the microcomputer, and voice output are repeated.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the end code has been reached, the end of the voice data is recognized (step S6).
3) The dot voice data conversion circuit 37 sends a code for the end recognition to the control unit 23. This completes a series of code reading start sequence calls.

Next, the sequence of the subroutine "auto repeat" will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When entering this sequence call, first, the control unit 2
3 determines the contents of the read image storage RAM 36 (step S71). RAM3 for storing this read image
If the content of 6 is empty, it means that the code has not been read yet, and the code reading sequence is called (step S72). If it has already been stored, it means that the code reading is completed, and the process proceeds to the next simple reproduction sequence (step S73). In this way, the subroutine "simple reproduction" sequence is performed, and the process returns to the main routine.

Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG.
The sequence of the subroutine "code reading end designation recording &reproduction" executed in step S15 will be described. Here, basically, it is different from the code end designated reproduction sequence of step S11 in that a code reading operation is also performed while recording.

When this sequence is called, the subroutine "voice data transfer" is called (step S8).
1) Next, the subroutine "dot pattern conversion" is called (step S82), the subroutine "recording position setting" is called (step S83), and the subroutine "end code detection instruction" is called (step S84). . This is sent from the microcomputer to the dot voice data conversion circuit 37.

Next, the subroutine "dot pattern printing / reading" is called. In this, the printing operation and the reading operation are performed in parallel (step S85).
Next, it is judged whether or not the end code is detected from the dot voice data conversion circuit (step S86),
If the end code is not detected, the process returns to step S85. On the other hand, when the end code is detected, the subroutine "reproduction" is called and the audio reproduction output operation is executed (step S87).

Then, it is judged whether or not the recording / reading operation is completed (step S88). If the recording / reading operation is not completed, the operation returns to the operation of detecting the code reading end code, and If it is determined that the recording / reading operation has been completed, the process returns to the main routine. Here, instead of detecting the end code, by detecting the end that is the end point of the medium,
It can be replaced with an exit code.

Next, with reference to FIG. 12, the sequence of the subroutine "recording and reproduction of code reading start designation" will be described. When this sequence is called, the subroutine "voice data transfer" is called (step S91),
Next, the subroutine "dot pattern conversion" is called (step S92), and the subroutine "recording position"
Is called (step S93), and the subroutine "start code detection instruction" is called (step S94).
This is sent from the microcomputer to the dot voice data conversion circuit.

Next, the subroutine "dot pattern printing and reading" is called. In this, the printing operation and the reading operation are performed in parallel (step S9).
5). Next, it is determined whether or not the start code is detected in the dot voice data conversion circuit (step S96), and if the start code is not detected, the process returns to step S95. On the other hand, when the start code is detected, the subroutine "reproduction" is called and the audio reproduction output operation is executed (step S97).

Then, it is judged whether or not the recording / reading operation is completed (step S98). If the recording / reading operation is not completed, the procedure returns to step S95, and the recording / reading operation is completed. If it is determined that the above, the process returns to the main routine.

The above-described embodiments of the present invention include the following inventions. (1) Input means for inputting multimedia information including at least one of audio information, video information, and digital code data, and converting the multimedia information input by the input means into an optically readable code For generating the code generated by the code generating means on a predetermined print medium in an optically readable manner, and an optical code for the print medium printed by the recording means. A reading means for reading an image as an image, a restoring means for restoring the code read by the reading means to the original multimedia information, and outputting the multimedia information restored by the restoring means so that it can be recognized by an operator. An output unit, a recording mode in which the recording unit performs a code printing operation, and a reading mode in which the reading unit reads the code. Means restores the information and outputs it as the original multimedia information, and a mode switching member for selectively switching the reproduction mode; and the device according to the switching operation by the mode switching member. Is a control means for setting any one of the above reproduction modes, and a code recording / reproducing apparatus.

According to this aspect, the content of the code printed on the medium and the content of the code printed on the medium can be obtained without separately preparing a code reproducing device.
It is possible to provide a device which is easy to use for the operator because the quality of the print result can be judged easily and immediately. (2) The control means further causes the recording means to perform a code printing operation of the apparatus in response to a switching operation by the mode switching member, and the reading means to automatically read the code, and the restoring means. The code recording / reproducing apparatus according to the above (1), wherein the code recording / reproducing apparatus is set to a recording / reproducing mode in which this is restored and the original multimedia information is output.

According to this aspect, the content of the code printed on the medium and the judgment of the quality of the printing result can be easily made by a dedicated mode without performing a switch operation, which is particularly convenient when the printing amount is large. is there. (3) In the recording / reproducing mode, after the recording means prints all the codes to be printed on a predetermined print medium, the reading means reads the codes and the restoring means restores the codes. Of the normal mode for outputting the multimedia information, and the reading means reads the code while the recording means performs the printing operation of the code, and the restoring means restores the code to sequentially output the original multimedia information. And a real-time mode to be performed, wherein the control means sets the device to any one of the normal mode and the real-time mode according to the switching operation by the mode switching member. ) The code recording / reproducing apparatus described.

According to this aspect, in the normal mode in which the reading and reproducing output is performed after all the codes are printed,
In the case of a printing method that requires a long time for fixing the ink or the like of the printing medium, or in the case of a printing medium, it is possible to check the printed contents in a physically stable printing state and judge whether the printing state is good or bad. In addition, since it is not necessary for a person to perform the reproduction start operation, the reproduction output operation can be easily performed.

Further, in the real-time mode, the printing operation and the reproduction output operation are performed substantially at the same time, so that the waiting time between them is short and the person who confirms the printing result does not feel uncomfortable. Further, in recording / reproducing of a large number of media, the waiting time is shortened, so that it is possible to confirm the contents and judge whether the printing state is good or bad in a short time. (4) The reproduction mode is a first reproduction mode in which the reading unit reads all the codes from the print medium, the restoring unit restores the codes, and the output unit outputs multimedia information. A second reproduction mode in which the reading unit reads the code from the print medium, the restoring unit restores the code, and the output unit sequentially outputs the multimedia information. Depending on the switching operation by the mode switching member,
The code recording / reproducing apparatus according to (1), wherein the apparatus is set to any one of the first reproducing mode and the second reproducing mode.

According to this aspect, in the normal mode,
Since it is not necessary for a person to perform the reproduction start operation, the reproduction output operation can be easily performed. In the real-time mode, the waiting time from the medium insertion to the start of the reproduction output operation is short, and the person who confirms the print result does not feel uncomfortable.
Further, in recording / reproducing of a large number of media, the waiting time is shortened, so that it is possible to confirm the contents and judge whether the printing state is good or bad in a short time. (5) When the code printed on the print medium is a code corresponding to audio information, in the reproduction mode, the code read by the reading means from the print medium is restored and the original audio information is given a predetermined value. The control means includes a manual repeat mode that repeatedly outputs each time an operation input is made, and an auto repeat mode that automatically repeats the original audio information by restoring the code read by the reading means from the print medium. The code recording / reproducing apparatus according to (1) above, wherein the apparatus is set to any one of a manual repeat mode and an auto repeat mode according to a switching operation by the mode switching member.

According to this aspect, in the auto repeat mode, it is not necessary to perform frequent operations in response to a request for repeated reproduction output that occurs when a user misses listening or when a subtle judgment is required. You can check the print contents and judge whether the print status is good or bad. (6) The control means sets the normal mode,
The recording means controls the output of the original multimedia information by detecting the print end instruction code in the code printed on the print medium, and when the real-time mode is set, the recording means prints the medium. The code recording / reproducing apparatus according to the above (3), further comprising means for controlling to sequentially output the original multimedia information by detecting a reproduction start instruction code in the code printed on the code. .

According to this aspect, when the code recorded on the medium is located relatively on the start side in the medium scanning direction, the reproduction output is started without waiting for the scanning time to the end of the medium. , It does not give annoyance to the person who confirms the print result. Further, in recording / reproducing of a large number of media, the waiting time is shortened, so that it is possible to confirm the contents and judge whether the printing state is good or bad in a short time. (7) The control means controls, when the first reproduction mode is set, to output the original multimedia information by detecting the print end instruction code in the code printed on the print medium. When the second reproduction mode is set, it further includes means for controlling to sequentially output the original multimedia information by detecting the reproduction start instruction code in the code printed on the print medium. A code recording / reproducing apparatus according to the above (4), which is characterized.

According to this aspect, when the code recorded on the medium is located relatively on the start side in the medium scanning direction, the reproduction output is started without waiting for the scanning time to the end of the medium. , It does not give annoyance to the person who confirms the print result. Further, in recording / reproducing of a large number of media, the waiting time is shortened, so that it is possible to confirm the contents and judge whether the printing state is good or bad in a short time. (8) When the normal mode is set, the control means is
The recording means includes means for controlling to output the original multimedia information by detecting the end position of the print medium instead of detecting the print end instruction code in the code printed on the print medium. The code recording / reproducing device according to the above (6).

According to this aspect, since it is not necessary to detect the code for instructing printing and it is not necessary to perform the code detection operation in real time, the circuit configuration is simplified and the apparatus can be provided at low cost. Further, since the device has a means for shifting to the reproduction output operation after the medium is ejected, the reproduction output contents can also be confirmed while visually confirming other multimedia information such as other papers and characters printed on the medium. (9) When the first reproduction mode is set, the control means detects the end position of the print medium by detecting the end position of the print medium instead of detecting the print end instruction code in the code printed on the print medium. The code recording / reproducing apparatus according to (7) above, further including means for controlling to output multimedia information.

According to this aspect, it is not necessary to detect the code for instructing printing and it is not necessary to carry out the code detection operation in real time, so that the circuit configuration becomes simple and the apparatus can be provided at low cost. Further, since the device has a means for shifting to the reproduction output operation after the medium is ejected, the reproduction output contents can also be confirmed while visually confirming other multimedia information such as other papers and characters printed on the medium.

[0088]

As described above, according to the present invention,
It is possible to easily check the recorded contents, to see other information such as pictures when outputting voice, and to output the voice almost at the same time as the recording. A code recording / reproducing device that improves usability can be provided.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a code recording / reproducing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state of an image sensor and a print head mounted on a head indicating member.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a more detailed configuration of the exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the code recording / reproducing apparatus according to the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a sequence of a subroutine “code reading”.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a sequence of a subroutine “simple reproduction”.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining a sequence of a subroutine “code reading end designation reproduction”.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining a sequence of a subroutine “code reading start designated reproduction”.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a sequence of a subroutine “auto repeat”.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining a sequence of a subroutine “code reading end designation recording & reproduction”.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining a sequence of a subroutine “code reading start designation recording & reproduction”.

FIG. 13 is an external view of a code recording device.

14 is a specific functional block diagram of the code recording device shown in FIG.

15 is a diagram showing a more detailed configuration of the code recording device shown in FIG.

16 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the code recording device shown in FIG. 15 in more detail.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining a sequence of a subroutine “voice data transfer”.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a sequence of a subroutine “dot pattern conversion”.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart for explaining a sequence of a subroutine “recording position setting”.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a sequence of a subroutine “dot pattern printing”.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a dot code as an example of an optically readable code.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Code Recording / Reproducing Device 2 Voice Information Creation Tool 3 I / F Cable 4 Microphone 5 Printing Head / Reading Head 6 Recording Position Setting Switch 7 Operation Switch 8 Speakers 9 and 10 Paper Holder

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. Input means for inputting multimedia information including at least one of audio information, video information and digital code data, and a code capable of optically reading the multimedia information input by the input means. A code generating means for converting into a code, a recording means for printing the code generated by the code generating means on a predetermined print medium in an optically readable manner, and a code for the print medium printed by the recording means. A reading unit that optically reads an image, a restoring unit that restores the code read by the reading unit to the original multimedia information, and a multimedia information restored by the restoring unit so that the operator can recognize the information. Output means for outputting, a recording mode in which the recording means performs a code printing operation, and the reading means reads the code. In addition, a mode switching member for selectively switching between a reproduction mode in which the restoring means restores the information and outputs it as the original multimedia information, and the apparatus according to the switching operation by the mode switching member. A code recording / reproducing apparatus comprising: a recording mode or a control unit for setting one of the reproduction modes. 2. The control means further includes, in response to a switching operation by the mode switching member, the recording means performs a code printing operation of the apparatus and the reading means automatically reads the code and restores the code. 3. The means sets the recording / reproducing mode in which the means performs restoration processing to output the original multimedia information.
The code recording / reproducing apparatus according to 1. 3. The first reproduction in which the reproduction mode is such that after the reading means has read all the codes from the print medium, the restoration means restores the codes and the output means outputs multimedia information. And a second reproduction mode in which the reading unit reads a code from a print medium, the restoring unit restores the code, and the output unit sequentially outputs multimedia information. 2. The code recording according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is set to any one of the first reproduction mode and the second reproduction mode in response to a switching operation by the mode switching member. Playback device.