KR20040106161A - Apparatus and method for saving battery using a flash memory in portable digital audio device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A battery saving device and a method using a flash memory of a portable digital audio apparatus are provided to copy a file stored in an HDD to an embedded or external flash memory when reproducing the file by using a portable digital audio apparatus, thereby minimizing battery consumption. CONSTITUTION: A key input unit(110) outputs a key signal for copying files stored in an HDD(125) and storing the copied files in a flash memory(135). A controller(120) controls copying and storing processes of a selected file when the key signal is inputted, directly accesses the corresponding file stored in the flash memory(135) according to the key signal, and reproduces/outputs the accessed file. The flash memory(135) stores digital-type files, and outputs the specific file to the controller(120). A CODEC(140) converts the digital-type files into analog files, and outputs the analog files to an earphone(145).

Description

Battery saving device and method using flash memory of portable digital audio device {Apparatus and method for saving battery using a flash memory in portable digital audio device}

The present invention relates to a battery power saving device and method.

More specifically, the present invention relates to a battery power saving device and method using a flash memory of a portable digital audio device to maximize the playback time by minimizing battery consumption of the portable digital audio device.

In recent years, with the rapid development of information and communication, MP3, which plays digital music files, etc., mainly among younger generations, has the advantage of being able to carry and listen to their favorite music, regardless of time and place. The use of portable digital audio devices such as players is increasing significantly.

Portable digital audio equipment such as an MP3 player is provided with a storage means such as a hard disk drive to store digital files downloaded by a user through a PC or the like, and then play digital files according to a user's key operation. It performs the basic function of outputting, and is additionally equipped with various functions such as a recording function.

That is, each manufacturer is gradually diversifying the functions of the portable digital audio device by additionally including a recording function in addition to the basic playback function to maximize the convenience of users.

However, the conventional portable digital audio apparatus as described above uses the buffer memory of RAM (e.g., SDRAM) when playing music or voice files stored in the storage means. Due to the current supply for the battery was consumed a lot, this caused a problem that the battery can not be used for a long time.

An object of the present invention is to solve the above problems, when playing a file using a portable digital audio device equipped with a storage means such as a HDD, according to the user's operation to the built-in or external flash memory Disclosed is a battery saving apparatus and method using a flash memory of a portable digital audio device for minimizing the amount of battery consumed when a file is copied and reproduced.

Another object of the present invention, when recording an external input audio signal through a portable digital audio device, by recording the recording file in the internal or external flash memory instead of storing in the HDD, recording of the external input audio signal and playback of the recording file To provide a battery power saving device and method using a flash memory of a portable digital audio device to minimize the consumption of the battery.

1 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of a battery power saving device using a flash memory of a portable digital audio device according to the present invention;

2 is a flowchart illustrating in detail an operation of a battery power saving method using a flash memory of a portable digital audio device according to the present invention.

Explanation of symbols on the main parts of the drawings

100: portable digital audio equipment

105: power supply

110: key input unit

115: display unit

120: control unit

125: Hard Disk Drive

130: random access memory (RAM)

135: flash memory

140: codec section

145: Earphone

150: microphone

155: FM radio receiver

160: PC interface unit

A battery saving device using a flash memory of a portable digital audio device according to the present invention for achieving the above object, the analog file is stored in the digital form on the HDD using the buffer memory of the RAM according to the user's playback key operation In the portable digital audio device that is converted to the output via the earphone, the user confirms the various menu data and operation state for driving the portable digital audio device through the display unit is stored in the HDD input to use the power saving mode of the battery A key input unit that outputs a key signal for copying a file and storing the copied file to a flash memory to the outside, and controls the overall operation of the portable digital audio device, and copies and copies files stored in the HDD from the key input unit. Input of storage key signal to flash memory of one file Controls copying of the file selected by the user and saving the copied file to the flash memory, and saves the file stored in the HDD to the flash memory according to the user's selection. A control unit controls to directly access, play, and output a corresponding file stored in a flash memory according to an input key signal, and stores a digital file stored in an HDD under the control of the control unit, and stores the control file under the control of the control unit. And a codec unit for converting a digital file stored in the flash memory into an analog form and outputting the earphone to an earphone under the control of the controller.

In addition, the above-described flash memory is preferably configured as an internal type or an external type according to the type of portable digital audio device.

When the user's recording key signal is input from the key input unit, the control unit stores the external input audio signal input through the microphone in the flash memory, and the recording is stored in the flash memory according to the user's key signal input through the key input unit. It is preferable to output the file to the earphone through the analog conversion process of the codec unit or to upload the recorded file stored in the flash memory to the PC through the PC interface unit included in the portable digital audio device.

When the external control unit stores the external input audio signal input through the microphone in the flash memory according to the user's recording operation, the controller controls the recording process after copying the recording file stored in the flash memory to the HDD when the capacity of the flash memory is insufficient. It is preferable to continue to perform, and to configure to delete the recording file stored in the flash memory.

In addition, the battery power saving method using a flash memory of a portable digital audio device according to the present invention, by converting the file stored in the digital form in the HDD in the analog form using the buffer memory of the RAM according to the user's key operation to convert the earphone In the portable digital audio device output through the (1) the process of determining whether a copy of the file stored in the HDD from the key input unit and the storage key signal of the copied file from the key input unit to the flash memory input from the control unit of the portable digital audio device And (2) when the determination result indicates that a copy of a file stored in the HDD and a stored key signal to the flash memory are input from the key input unit, the controller copies the file selected by the user from among the files stored in the HDD. Thereafter, storing the copied file in the flash memory, and (3) the control unit from the key input unit Determining whether a reproduction key signal of a specific file stored in the memory is input; and (4) if the reproduction key signal of the specific file stored in the flash memory is input from the key input unit, the control unit stores the stored key in the flash memory. And (5) the control unit outputs a file accessed directly from the flash memory to the codec unit, converts the digital file into an analog form, and outputs the same through an earphone. It is characterized by.

Then, after the above-described step (5), (6) the control unit determines whether the recording key signal of the external input audio signal is input from the key input unit, and (7) the determination result of the recording key of the external input audio signal from the key input unit When the signal is input, the control unit stores the external input audio signal input through the microphone in the flash memory, and (8) whether the capacity of the flash memory for recording the external input audio signal input from the microphone is sufficient. And (9) if the capacity of the flash memory for recording the external input audio signal is sufficient, the process of continuing recording to the flash memory by the controller; and (10) the process (8). If it is determined that the capacity of the flash memory for recording the external input audio signal is not sufficient, the control unit stores the stored flash memory. After copying the recording file to the HDD, it is preferable to continue the recording process and to perform the process of deleting the recording file stored in the flash memory.

In addition, since the recording key signal of the external input audio signal is not input from the key input unit or the recording file of the external input audio signal is stored according to the recording key signal input from the key input unit, (11) a process of determining whether a control signal of a recording file stored in the flash memory is input from the key input unit or a key signal for uploading to an external PC connected to the portable digital audio device; ) As a result of the determination, when the reproduction key signal of the recording file stored in the flash memory is input from the key input unit, the control unit directly accesses the corresponding recording file stored in the flash memory, and (13) the control unit directly accesses the flash memory from the flash memory. Output one file to codec and convert digital file to analog file After outputting through the earphone and (14) when the key signal for uploading to the external PC connected to the portable digital audio device is input as a result of the determination of step (12), the corresponding recording file stored in the flash memory in the control unit It is preferable to perform the process of further uploading to the PC via the PC interface unit.

Hereinafter, a battery power saving apparatus and method using a flash memory of a portable digital audio device of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a battery power saving device using a flash memory of a portable digital audio device according to the present invention.

As shown, the power supply unit 105 supplies power for the operation of the portable digital audio device 100 to each component described below.

The key input unit 110 controls a key signal (for example, various keys related to the use of pre-stored files such as play, stop, search, and record) for the operation of the portable digital audio device 100 input by the user. Output to the (120), the user to check the various menu data and operation state for driving the portable digital audio device 100 through the display unit 115 is stored in the HDD 125 input for use of the power saving mode of the battery The control unit 120 outputs a key signal for copying the existing file and storing the copied file to the flash memory 135.

The display unit 115 is typically configured as an LCD, and displays various menu data and operation states for driving the portable digital audio device 100 on the screen under the control of the controller 120 so that the user can check them.

The control unit 120 controls the overall operation of the portable digital audio device 100, and copies the file stored in the HDD 125 and saves the battery from the key input unit 105 and the flash memory 135 of the copied file. When a storage key signal is input to the control unit, the control unit copies the file selected by the user among the various files stored in the HDD 125 and stores the copied file in the flash memory 135.

The controller 120 stores a specific file stored in the HDD 125 in the flash memory 135 according to a user's selection, and then, when a playback key signal of the specific file is input from the key input unit 105, the flash memory ( The file stored in 135 is directly accessed, and the directly accessed file is output to the codec unit 130 to control the digital file to be converted into an analog file.

In addition, when the recording key signal is input from the key input unit 105 according to the user's operation, the controller 120 stores the external input audio signal input through the microphone 150 in the flash memory 135. According to a user's key signal input through the key input unit 105, the recording file stored in the flash memory 135 is output to the earphone 145 through the analog conversion process of the codec unit 140, or the flash memory 135 The recording file stored in the control unit is uploaded to a PC (not shown in the drawing) through the PC interface unit 160 provided in the portable digital audio apparatus 100.

In this case, the above-described control unit 120, when storing the external input audio signal input through the microphone 150 in the flash memory 135 according to the user's recording operation, when the capacity of the flash memory 135 is insufficient, flash memory After copying the recording file stored in the 135 to the HDD 135, the recording process is continued, and the recording file stored in the flash memory 135 is deleted.

The HDD 125 stores a plurality of files (music, voice, etc.) in a digital form, and receives information of a specific file according to the control of the control unit 120 that receives a key signal for battery power saving from the key input unit 105. Output by reading

Here, in the embodiment of the present invention will be described using the HDD 125 as a storage means provided in the portable digital audio device 100 as an example, but is not limited to this, in addition to the storage means in the form of PCMCIA IO memory Of course, any storage means for storing and outputting files can be used.

The RAM 130 extracts and reproduces the corresponding file stored in the HDD 125 under the control of the control unit 120 receiving the reproduction key signal of the specific file from the key input unit 105. Play a role.

The flash memory 135 stores various types of digital files copied from the HDD 125 performed by the controller 120 that receives a key signal for battery power saving from the key input unit 105, and from the key input unit 105. The control unit 120 outputs a specific file stored under the control of the control unit 120 that receives the reproduction key signal.

In this case, the above-described flash memory 135 is configured as an internal type or an external type according to the type of the portable digital audio device 100.

The codec unit 140 converts a digital file that is directly accessed from the flash memory 135 into an analog form under the control of the controller 120 and outputs the analog file to the earphone 145.

The FM radio receiver 155 is an element of the portable digital audio device 100 equipped with the FM radio function. The FM radio receiver 155 receives the FM radio broadcast signal received through an antenna (not shown) to the controller 120. Output

The PC interface unit 160 is configured with a USB port or an IEEE1394 port for processing data transmission and reception with a PC after connecting to an external PC according to a user's operation, and controls the digital file downloaded from the PC. Save to the built-in HDD 125 or flash memory 135, and uploads the recording file of the external input audio signal stored in the flash memory 135 to the PC under the control of the controller 120 .

Next, an embodiment of a battery power saving method using a flash memory of a portable digital audio device according to the present invention configured as described above will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 2.

2 is a flowchart illustrating in detail an operation of a battery power saving method using a flash memory of a portable digital audio device according to the present invention.

First, the controller 120 of the portable digital audio apparatus 100 determines whether a copy of a file stored in the HDD 125 from the key input unit 105 and a storage key signal of the copied file to the flash memory 135 are input. It is determined (S105).

That is, the user determines whether a key signal for copying and storing the files pre-stored in the HDD 125 to the internal or external flash memory 135 to save battery power is input.

As a result of the determination, when a copy key of the file stored in the HDD 125 from the key input unit 105 and a storage key signal of the copied file to the flash memory 135 are input, the control unit 120 stores the stored key signal in the HDD 125. After copying the file selected by the user among the files, the copied file is stored in the flash memory 135 (S110).

Thereafter, the controller 120 determines whether a reproduction key signal of a specific file stored in the flash memory 135 is input from the key input unit 105 (S115).

As a result of the determination, when a reproduction key signal of a specific file stored in the flash memory 135 is input from the key input unit 105, the controller 120 directly accesses the corresponding file stored in the flash memory 135 (S120).

After directly accessing a specific file stored in the flash memory 135, the control unit 120 outputs the file to the codec unit 140, converts the digital file into an analog form, and then outputs it through the earphone 145. (S125).

That is, the file stored in the HDD 125 is not reproduced using the buffer memory of the RAM 130 as in the related art, but the file stored in the flash memory 135 is directly accessed and reproduced.

Now, as described above, the controller 120 records the external input audio signal from the key input unit 105 while controlling the reproduction and output of the specific file stored in the flash memory 135 according to the user's playback key operation. In operation S130, it is determined whether a recording key signal is inputted.

As a result of the determination, when the recording key signal of the external input audio signal is input from the key input unit 105, the controller 120 stores the external input audio signal input through the microphone 150 in the flash memory 135 (S135).

Thereafter, the controller 120 determines whether the capacity of the flash memory 135 for recording the external input audio signal input from the microphone 150 is sufficient (S140), and the flash memory for recording the external input audio signal. If the capacity is sufficient, recording to the flash memory 135 is continued (S145).

However, if the capacity of the flash memory 135 for recording the external input audio signal is not sufficient as a result of the above-described determination (S140), the controller 120 stores the recording file stored in the flash memory 135 in the HDD 125. Continue the recording process after copying, and deletes the recording file stored in the flash memory 135 (S150).

Then, as described above, after storing the recording file of the external input audio signal in the flash memory 135 according to the recording key signal input from the key input unit 105, or as a result of the determination in step S130, the key input unit ( If the recording key signal of the external input audio signal is not inputted from 105, the control unit 120 inputs a playback key signal for reproducing the recording file stored in the flash memory from the key input unit 105, or records the recording file. In order to utilize the other device, it is determined whether a key signal for uploading to an external PC connected to the portable digital audio device 100 is input (S155).

As a result of the determination, when the reproduction key signal of the recording file stored in the flash memory 135 is input from the key input unit 105, the control unit 120 directly accesses the corresponding recording file stored in the flash memory 135 (S160). In step S165, the corresponding file is output to the codec unit 140 to convert the digital file into an analog form and then output through the earphone 145 (S165).

However, when a key signal for uploading to an external PC connected to the portable digital audio device 100 is input as a result of the determination in step S140, the controller 120 stores the corresponding recorded file stored in the flash memory 135. Upload to the PC via the PC interface unit 160 (S170).

As described above, according to the battery saving apparatus and method using the flash memory of the portable digital audio device of the present invention, when using the portable digital audio device, music files or voice files stored in the HDD are stored in the internal or external flash memory. Since file reproduction is performed after copying, minimizing the amount of battery consumed by restraining the drive of the HDD and RAM during file reproduction, this has the effect of using the battery for a long time.

In addition, when recording an external input audio signal through a portable digital audio device, the recording file is stored in the internal or external flash memory instead of the HDD. Therefore, the battery consumption is reduced when recording the external input audio signal and playing the recording file. There is an effect that can be minimized.

Herein, while the present invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will variously modify the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below. And can be changed.

Claims (8)

In a portable digital audio device that converts a file stored in the digital form in the HDD into an analog form using the buffer memory of the RAM according to the user's playback key operation, and outputs it through the earphone, Copying of a file stored in the HDD input by a user who has confirmed various menu data and operation states for driving the portable digital audio device through the display unit to use a power saving mode of the battery, and the copied file to the flash memory. A key input unit for outputting a key signal for storage to the outside; Controls the overall operation of the portable digital audio device, and the user of the files stored in the HDD when a copy key of the file stored in the HDD from the key input unit and a storage key signal of the copied file are input. Control the copying of the selected file and the storing process of the copied file to the flash memory, and storing the file stored in the HDD in the flash memory according to a user's selection. A control unit configured to directly access, reproduce, and output the corresponding file stored in the flash memory according to the present invention; A flash memory for storing a digital file stored in the HDD under the control of the controller, and outputting a specific file stored under the control of the controller to the controller; And And a codec unit configured to convert a digital file stored in the flash memory into an analog form and output the same to an earphone under the control of the controller. The method of claim 1, wherein the flash memory, Battery saving device using a flash memory of a portable digital audio device characterized in that the built-in. The method of claim 1, wherein the flash memory, Battery saving device using a flash memory of a portable digital audio device, characterized in that the external type. The method of claim 1, wherein the control unit, When a recording key signal is input from the key input unit according to a user's operation, an external input audio signal input through a microphone is stored in the flash memory. According to a user's key signal input through the key input unit, the recording file stored in the flash memory is output to the earphone through an analog conversion process of the codec unit, or the recording file stored in the flash memory is output to the portable digital audio device. Battery saving device using a flash memory of a portable digital audio device, characterized in that uploading to the PC via the provided PC interface unit. The method of claim 4, wherein when storing an external input audio signal input through the microphone according to a user's recording operation in the flash memory, When the capacity of the flash memory is insufficient, the recording process stored in the flash memory is copied to the HDD to continue recording, and the flash memory of the portable digital audio device may be deleted. Battery saver used. In a portable digital audio device that converts a file stored in a digital form in the HDD into an analog form using a buffer memory of the RAM according to the user's key operation, and outputs it through the earphone, (1) determining, by the controller of the portable digital audio device, whether a copy of a file stored in the HDD and a storage key signal from the copied file to the flash memory are input; (2) As a result of the determination, when the key of the file stored in the HDD is copied from the key input unit and the storage key signal of the copied file is input to the flash memory, the controller copies the file selected by the user from among the files stored in the HDD. Thereafter, storing the copied file in a flash memory; (3) determining, by the control unit, whether a playback key signal of a specific file stored in the flash memory is input from the key input unit; (4) when the reproduction key signal of the specific file stored in the flash memory is input from the key input unit, directly accessing the corresponding file stored in the flash memory by the controller; And (5) a portable digital audio device comprising the step of outputting a file directly accessed from the flash memory to the codec unit by converting the digital file into an analog form and outputting the same through earphones; How to save battery using flash memory. The method of claim 6, wherein after the step (5), (6) determining, by the controller, whether a recording key signal of an external input audio signal is input from the key input unit; (7) when the recording key signal of the external input audio signal is input from the key input unit, storing the external input audio signal input through the microphone in the flash memory; (8) determining, by the controller, whether the capacity of the flash memory for recording the external input audio signal input from the microphone is sufficient; (9) if it is determined that the capacity of the flash memory for recording an external input audio signal is sufficient, continuing performing recording to the flash memory by the controller; And (10) If it is determined in step (8) that the capacity of the flash memory for recording the external input audio signal is not sufficient, the control unit copies the recording file stored in the flash memory to the HDD and proceeds with recording. The battery power saving method using the flash memory of the portable digital audio device, further comprising the step of continuing and deleting the recording file stored in the flash memory. The recording file of the external input audio signal according to claim 7, wherein the recording key signal of the external input audio signal is not input from the key input unit or the recording key signal input from the key input unit is determined as the result of the step (6). After saving (11) determining whether the control unit receives a reproduction key signal of a recording file stored in the flash memory from the key input unit or a key signal for uploading to an external PC connected to the portable digital audio device; ; (12) if the reproduction key signal of the recording file stored in the flash memory is input from the key input unit, directly accessing the corresponding recording file stored in the flash memory by the controller; (13) the control unit outputting a file directly accessed from the flash memory to a codec unit to convert a digital file into an analog form and output the same through an earphone; (14) If a key signal for uploading to an external PC connected to the portable digital audio device is input as a result of the determination of step 11, the controller transmits the corresponding recorded file stored in the flash memory to the PC through the PC interface unit. A battery saving method using a flash memory of a portable digital audio device, characterized by further performing the uploading process.