WO2002063442A1

WO2002063442A1 - Method and apparatus for playback and recording in personal computer

Info

Publication number: WO2002063442A1
Application number: PCT/KR2001/001567
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hong Gu Kang
Original assignee: Hong Gu Kang
Priority date: 2001-02-07
Filing date: 2001-09-19
Publication date: 2002-08-15
Also published as: KR100390012B1; KR20010035368A

Abstract

Disclosed is a method and an apparatus for playback and recording in a personal computer, which can reproduce sound source recorded in a cassette tape in the personal computer, download the sound source through a communication network, or record audible sound source into the cassette tape by detachably attaching a cassette tape playback and recording part in the personal computer. The apparatus reproduces audio recorded in the cassette tape if the play back of the cassette tape is required with the result of searching a key input in a state that electric power is supplied to a cassette tape play back and recording part inside the computer. The reproduced audio is processed to be suitable for the computer, transferred to an audio output distributor and sent through an audio output device to the outside. Alternatively, if the recording of the cassette tape is required, record sources selected by a user is transferred to the audio output distributor, the cassette tape play back and recording part is controlled into a record mode and the audio output distributor is controlled in audio output. Audio to be recorded is processed and transferred to the audio output device through an output terminal of the audio output distributor, and at the same time, transferred to the cassette tape play back and recording part through another output terminal of the audio output distributor.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PLAYBACK AND RECORDING IN

PERSONAL COMPUTER

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for playback and recording in a personal computer, and more particularly, to a method and an apparatus for playback and recording in a personal computer, which can reproduce sound source recorded in a cassette tape in the personal computer, download the sound source through a communication network, or record audible sound source into the cassette tape by detachably attaching a cassette tape playback and recording part in the personal computer.

Also, the present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for playback and recording in a personal computer, which can record sound output from the personal computer into the cassette tape and reproduce the recorded sound through general cassette tape players, such as compact audio equipments, household audio equipments, without the computer.

Background Art

In general, a brief process for processing sound source in a personal computer is as follows.

When sound source is reproduced in the personal computer, the sound source stored in the personal computer is reproduced and transmitted to a sound card. The sound source reproduced from the sound card is transmitted to an audio output device(speaker or headphone) and transferred to the outside.

Next, in case of using a communication network, audio signal is downloaded through the communication network in a real time, processed and transmitted to the sound card. The sound source from the sound card is transmitted to the audio output device and transferred to the outside.

Meanwhile, to listen to sound source of the computer without using the computer, there is a method of recording sound signal (MP3, WAV and so on) using a CD-R(RW). Alternatively, there is also a method of downloading sound signal from the computer and reproducing sound source using a player for the exclusive use of MP3. Also, sound source may be reproduced through an external audio device by connecting an output terminal of the sound card to the external audio device. However, the above methods require the CD-R(RW) or the MP3 player to download sound source from the computer and reproduce it. Actually, the CD- R(RW) or the MP3 player is very expensive and not popular till now.

Additionally, there are several problems that the personal computer in itself cannot reproduce the sound source recorded in the cassette tape and the computer sound source cannot be recorded into the cassette tape.

Presently, compact cassette players are popular audio media, but have a restriction that only exclusive cassette tapes can be used in the compact cassette players.

Disclosure of Invention

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method and an apparatus for playback and recording in a personal computer, which can make a cassette tape be played and recorded in the personal computer. It is another objection of the present invention to provide a method and an apparatus for playback and recording in a personal computer, which can improve functions of the computer by having the cassette tape play back and recording function and have an improved practical use by detachably mounting the cassette tape play back and recording part in the personal computer.

It is a further objection of the present invention to provide a method and an apparatus for playback and recording in a personal computer, which can completely control recording of the cassette tape by performing the recording through the programmable control, compared with a method that a user directly records sound through a cassette tape recorder.

It is a still further objection of the present invention to provide a method and an apparatus for playback and recording in a personal computer, which can allow all sound sources output from the computer to be recorded in a portable and popular cassette tape.

The present invention can be changed, converted, replaced and substituted within a range of the business model, technical method and system and is not restricted in the above.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Further objects and advantages of the invention can be more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing in which: FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a playback and recording apparatus for a cassette tape in a personal computer according to the present invention;

FIGS. 2a and 2b illustrate a view of a structure of front and rear parts of a cassette tape playback and recording part of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates a view of a structure of a connection card according to the present invention; and

FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart showing a playback and recording method for the cassette tape in the personal computer. Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

The present invention will now be described in detail in connection with preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. For reference, like reference characters designate corresponding parts throughout several views.

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a playback and recording apparatus for a cassette tape in a personal computer according to the present invention.

The reference numeral 110 designates a keyboard or a mouse connected to a personal computer. The keyboard or mouse is an input unit for selecting record sources and inputting specific data. The reference numeral 120 designates a communication interface part connected to an Internet or a communication network such as a PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) and interfacing communication data. The reference numeral 140 designates a power supply part for supplying electric power.

Additionally, the reference numeral 150 designates a main board embedded in the personal computer. The main board 150 analyzes key data input through the input device 110, determines function to be performed, processes audio signal for play back and recording of the cassette tape if the function to be performed is play back or recording of the cassette tape, and generally controls audio output and record. The reference numeral 160 is a cassette tape play back and recording part.

The cassette tap play back and recording part 160 is connected to the main board 150, reproduces audio recorded in the cassette tape when a user plays the cassette tape, and records audio to be recorded into the cassette tape. The reference numeral 170 designates a sound card part. The sound card part 170 transfers audio reproduced from the cassette tape play back and recording part 160 to the main board 150 and converts and outputs audio processed in the main board 150 into analog signal. The reference numeral 180 designates an audio output distributor. The audio output distributor transfers audio output from the sound card part 170 to an audio output device 190 according to the control of the main board 150 and transfers audio not only to the audio output device 190 but also to the cassette tape play back and recording part 160 only when audio is recorded.

Referring to FIGS. 2a, 2b and 3, the function of the apparatus for play back and recording in the personal computer according to the present invention will be described as follows.

First, a communication function in the present invention is performed in the same method as a general communication method of the personal computer, and therefore, its description will be omitted in the present invention. Next, in a state that the cassette tape play back and recording part 160 is mounted in the computer, when electric power is supplied, the power supply part 140 provides the main board 150, the cassette tape play back and recording part 160 with electric power.

In the above condition, when the user presses a play back key or a record key disposed on the cassette tape play back and recording part 160, the main board 150 recognizes it and operates corresponding to it.

FIG. 2a illustrates a view of a structure of a front panel of the cassette tape play back and recording part 160.

Here, the reference numeral 261 designates a tape insertion hole for inserting or drawing out the cassette tape in a slide-in manner. The reference numeral 262 designates an audio output terminal, with which external output terminals such as headphones are connected, for sending reproduced sound source to the outside. The reference numeral 263 designates an audio input terminal, with which a microphone is connected, for receiving recording audio signal or other audio signals.

Furthermore, the reference numeral 264 designates a volume controller for controlling volume output to the outside, and the reference numeral 265 is an indication lamp including an LED for indicating an operation condition of a cassette tape deck. Here, the indication lamp shows blue color during play back and red color during recording.

The reference numeral 266 designates a front play back button for upper play back(forward direction) of the cassette tape inserted into the cassette tape deck, and 267 designates a rear play back button for lower play back(reverse direction) of the cassette tape inserted into the cassette tape deck. The reference numeral 268 designates an FFWD(Forward Fast Winding) button for fast winding the tape inserted into the cassette tape deck in a forward direction. The reference numeral 269 designates a REW(Rewinding) button for fast winding the tape inserted into the cassette tape deck in a reverse direction.

Moreover, the reference numeral 270 designates a record button for recording sound source output from the computer into the cassette tape inserted into the cassette tape deck. The reference numeral 271 designates a temporary stop button used when the user wants to stop the play back and recording temporarily while the cassette tape inserted into the cassette tape deck is played or recorded. The reference numeral 272 designates a stop button used for stopping all operations of the cassette tape deck operating now, and 273 designates a tape draw-out button used for taking out the cassette tape from the cassette tape deck.

FIG. 2b illustrates a view of a structure of a rear panel of the cassette tape play back and recording part 160.

Here, the reference numeral 361 designates an analog signal input-output terminal for inputting and outputting output sound of the computer, 362 designates an interface terminal connected with a port (serial port or parallel port) of the computer and a signal sending and receiving part of the cassette tape deck for sending and receiving control signal and data between the computer and the cassette tape deck, and 363 designates a power supply input terminal connected with a DC power supply cable of the inside of the computer for supplying electric power(DC12V) to the cassette tape deck.

As shown in FIG. 3, the cassette tape play back and recording part 160 according to the present invention includes a connection card 410 inside the analog signal input-output terminal 361, the interface terminal 362 and the power supply input terminal 363. The connection card 410 has a space for passing a signal and sound source input-output part of the cassette tape deck mounted in the computer, a sound sending and receiving part for connecting a control port disposed on the outside of the computer and a terminal for connecting the sound card, and a control cable.

That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the connection card 410 includes a sound signal sending and receiving terminal part 411 connected with the cassette tape deck in the inside of the computer, a terminal part 412 for connecting the input- output part of the sound card with the external output device such as the speaker, and a cable passing part 413 for passing a cable sending and receiving control signal by connecting the port of the computer and the cassette tape deck. In the cassette tape play back and recording part 160 having the above structure, when the user inserts the cassette tape into the cassette tape deck and presses the play back button(front play back button) 266, a control device(not shown) mounted in the cassette tape play back and recording part 160 transmits reproduction signal to the main board 150. After that, when the main board 150 receives control data, audio recorded in the cassette tape inserted into the cassette tape deck is reproduced and transferred to the sound card part 170. The sound card part 170 converts the reproduced audio into digital data and transfers it to the main board 150. The main board 150 processes the transferred digital audio data into sound source for computer and transfers again it to the sound card part 170.

The sound card part 170 converts the digital audio data into analog audio signal and transfers it to the audio output distributor 180 through the output terminal(Line Out).

At this time, the main board 150 does not control the audio output distributor 180 during reproducing sound source. The audio output distributor

180, if there is no control from the main board 150, serves to transfer audio to the audio output device 190 in its initial mode, that is, transfer audio received from the sound card part 180 as it is without distribution.

Therefore, the audio output device 190 sends audio to the outside, and thereby the cassette tape can be played in the computer. Here, the audio output device 190 is the speaker or the headphone.

Of course, various functions, such as temporary stop during playing, stop of play back, autoreverse, FFWD and REW, are the same as a conventional cassette tape deck, and therefore, its description will be omitted in this invention.

When the user presses the record button 270 after inserting the cassette tape, the cassette tape play back and recording part 160 informs the main board 150 of a record mode through a data communication. Here, when recording, the user must select record sources, for example volume of the recorded tape (for example, for sixty minutes, ninety minutes and so on), interval between pieces of music, designated music, recording period of time and so on, through the input device 110.

By using the record sources, the user can accurately record sound, compared with a recording method using conventional cassette tape recorders.

That is, when the main board 150 controls the recording of the cassette tape in a programmable manner, the recording can be completely controlled compared with the method that the user directly records sound through the cassette tape recorder. In other words, in case that the user records sound by manually manipulating the cassette tape recorder, the user may measure time in error, and thereby music is stopped during the play back and the interval between the pieces of music becomes too short or too long. However, according to the present invention, the main board 150 recognizes the volume of the tape, accurately calculates the reproduced period of time of each piece and the interval between the pieces of music and controls the recording, thereby solving the problems of the conventional methods.

Furthermore, if additional functions such as fade-in and fade-out functions are set, the user can listen to the recorded audio in an agreeable condition through the fade-out function even in the case that the piece of music is stopped due to a shortage of volume of the cassette tape.

Meanwhile, the main board 150 controls the recording of the cassette tape by controlling the output as the above. For example, if the user selects one of the pieces of music stored in a file storing device, the main board 150 controls the cassette tape play back and recording part 160 and the audio output distributor 180 when the selected piece is reproduced.

After that, the main board 150 processes audio data drawn out from the file storing device and transfers the audio data to the sound card part 170. The sound card part 170 converts the received audio data into analog audio signal and transfers it to the audio output distributor 180.

The audio output distributor 180 recognizes the record mode according to the control of the main board 150 and distributes the transferred audio. The audio output distributor 180 sends one of the distributed audio to the audio output device 190 to send it to the outside, and at the same time, send the other of the distributed audio to the cassette tape play back and recording part 160.

Then, the cassette tape play back and recording part 160 records the input audio into the cassette tape inserted into the cassette tape deck.

Additionally, the user can take out the cassette tape completely recorded and reproduce it through a cassette tape player in another place or can give the cassette tape, which the user directly manufactures, to other person as a present.

FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart showing a playback and recording method for the cassette tape in the personal computer. As shown in the drawing, the present invention includes the steps of supplying electric power to the cassette tape play back and recording part 160(S101), determining whether or not the play back of the cassette tape is required(S102), playing the cassette tape if the play back of the cassette tape is required(S103), transferring reproduced audio to the sound card part 170(S104), processing audio transferred from the sound card part 170 and returning the processed audio to the sound card part 170 for feedback control(S105 and SI 06), converting the audio returning from the sound card part 170 into analog audio signal and transferring it to the audio output distributor 180(S107), transferring audio signal from the audio output distributor 180 to the audio output device 190(S180), and sending audio signal transferred from the audio output device 190 to the outside(S109).

In the step of determining whether or not the play back of the cassette tape is required, if the play back of the cassette tape is not required, the method further includes the steps of determining whether or not the record of the cassette tape is required(SHO), controlling the record sources to be inputted by the user if the record of the cassette tape is required(Slll and SI 12), controlling the cassette tape play back and recording part 160 and the audio output distributor 180(S113), processing sound source designated by the user and transferring it to the sound card part 170(S114 and S115), distributing analog audio signal input in the audio output distributor 180 and transferring the distributed audio signal to the cassette tape play back and recording part 160 and the audio output device 190 at the same time(S117), and recording the transferred audio into the cassette tape in the cassette tape play back and recording part 160 and sending audio through the audio output device 190 to the outside(S118).

Additionally, the apparatus according to the present invention performs general functions of the computer if not in the cassette tape play back or recording state. As described above, the method for play back and recording in the personal computer according to the present invention, first, supplies electric power to the cassette tape play back and recording part 160 in the step(SlOl) if electric power is supplied to the apparatus.

Next, the apparatus determines whether or not the play back of the cassette tape is required in the step(S102), and controls the cassette tape play back and recording part 160 and controls to reproduce audio recorded in the cassette tape in the step(S103) if the play back of the cassette tape is required.

After that, the cassette tape play back and recording part 160 transfers the reproduced audio to the sound card part 170 in the step(S104), and the sound card part 170 converts the transferred audio into digital audio data and transfers it to the main board 150 in the step(S105). The main board 150 processes digital audio data into sound source for computer and returns the processed audio to the sound card part 170 for feedback control in the step(S106).

The sound card part 170 converts audio data into analog audio signal and transfers it to the audio output distributor 180 in the step(S107), and the audio output distributor 180 transfers the analog audio signal to the audio output device 190 as it is in the step(S108).

The audio output device 190 (for example, the speaker or the headphone) π sends the transferred audio to the outside in the step(S109), thereby reproducing audio recorded in the cassette tape in the computer.

In the step(S102) of determining whether or not the play back of the cassette tape is required, if the play back of the cassette tape is not required, the apparatus determines whether or not the recording of the cassette tape is required in the step(SHO).

If the recording of the cassette tape is required, in the step(S112), the apparatus controls output of the record sources selected by the user in the step(Slll). Here, as described above, the record sources are volume of the recorded tape (for example, for sixty minutes, ninety minutes and so on), interval between pieces of music, designated music, recording period of time and so on.

By using the record sources, the user can accurately record sound, compared with a recording method using conventional cassette tape recorders. That is, when the main board 150 controls the recording in a programmable manner, the recording can be completely controlled compared with a method that the user directly records sound through the cassette tape recorder.

Next, the cassette tape play back and recording part 160 is controlled into the record mode in the step(S113), and at the same time, the audio output mode of the audio output distributor 180 is controlled into an audio distribution mode in the step(S113).

After that, audio selected by the user is processed in the step(Sl 14). Here, audio selected by the user is audio that is mainly downloaded through the communication network in a real time. Next, the processed audio data is transferred to the sound card part 170 in the step(S115). The sound card part 170 converts the transferred audio data into analog audio signal and transfers it to the audio output distributor 180 in the step(S116). In the step(S117), the audio output distributor 180 distributes the input analog audio signal into two, and then, transfers one of the distributed audio signal to the audio output device 190 and the other of the distributed audio signal to the cassette tape play back and recording part 160. Finally, in the step(S118), the cassette tape play back and recording part

160 records the transferred audio signal into the cassette tape and the audio output device 190 sends the transferred audio signal to the outside.

Meanwhile, if the user does not select both the play back and recording of the cassette tape, the apparatus performs as the personal computer through the step(S119).

Industrial Applicability

As described above, the method and apparatus for playback and recording in the personal computer according to the present invention can make the cassette tape be played and recorded in the personal computer.

Moreover, the present invention improves the functions of the computer by having the cassette tape play back and recording function and has an improved practical use by detachably mounting the cassette tape play back and recording part in the personal computer.

Furthermore, because the present invention performs the recording through the programmable control, the recording can be completely controlled compared with a method that the user directly records sound through the cassette tape recorder. Additionally, the present invention can allow all sound sources output from the computer to be recorded in a portable and popular cassette tape.

While the present invention has been described with reference to the particular illustrative embodiments, it is not to be restricted by the embodiments but only by the appended claims. It is to be appreciated that those skilled in the art can change or modify the embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

Claims

What Is Claimed Is :

1. An apparatus for play back and recording in personal computer, the apparatus comprising: a main board embedded in the personal computer, the main board analyzing key data input through an input device, the main board determining function to be performed, processing audio signal for play back and recording of a cassette and generally controlling audio output and record tape if the function to be performed is play back or recording of the cassette tape; a cassette tape play back and recording part connected to the main board, the cassette tape play back and recording part reproducing audio recorded in the cassette tape when a user plays the cassette tape and recording audio to be recorded into the cassette tape; a sound card part for transferring audio reproduced from the cassette tape play back and recording part to the main board, the sound card part converting and outputting audio processed in the main board into analog signal; and an audio output distributor for transferring audio output from the sound card part to an audio output device according to the control of the main board, the audio output distributor transferring audio not only to the audio output device but also to the cassette tape play back and recording part only when audio is recorded.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cassette tape play back and recording part is detachably mounted in a prescribed position inside the personal computer.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cassette tape play back and recording part has a front panel, the front panel including: a tape insertion hole for inserting or drawing out the cassette tape in a slide-in manner; an audio output terminal for sending reproduced sound source to the outside; an audio input terminal for receiving recording audio signal or other audio signals; a volume controller for controlling volume output to the outside; an indication lamp including an LED for indicating an operation condition of a cassette tape deck; a front play back button for upper play back(forward direction) of the cassette tape inserted into the cassette tape deck; a rear play back button for lower play back(reverse direction) of the cassette tape inserted into the cassette tape deck; an FFWD(Forward Fast Winding) button for fast winding the tape inserted into the cassette tape deck in a forward direction; a REW(Rewinding) button for fast winding the tape inserted into the cassette tape deck in a reverse direction; a record button for recording sound source output from the computer into the cassette tape inserted into the cassette tape deck; a temporary stop button used when the user wants to stop the play back and recording temporarily while the cassette tape inserted into the cassette tape deck is played or recorded; a stop button used for stopping all operations of the cassette tape deck operating now; and a tape draw-out button used for taking out the cassette tape from the cassette tape deck.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cassette tape play back and recording part has a rear panel, the rear panel including: an analog signal input- output terminal for inputting and outputting output sound of the computer; an interface terminal connected with a port (serial port or parallel port) of the computer and a signal sending and receiving part of the cassette tape deck for sending and receiving control signal and data between the computer and the cassette tape deck; and a power supply input terminal connected with a DC power supply cable of the inside of the computer for supplying electric power(DC12V) to the cassette tape deck.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cassette tape play back and recording part has a connection card, the connection card including: a sound signal sending and receiving terminal part connected with the cassette tape deck in the inside of the computer; a terminal part for connecting the input-output part of the sound card with the external output device such as the speaker; and a cable passing part for passing a cable sending and receiving control signal by connecting the port of the computer and the cassette tape deck.

6. A method for play back and recording in personal computer having a cassette tape play back and recording part capable of inserting or taking out a cassette tape, reproducing audio recorded in the cassette tape and recording audio input from the outside in the cassette tape, the method comprising the steps of: reproducing audio recorded in the cassette tape if the play back of the cassette tape is required with the result of searching a key input in a state that electric power is supplied to the cassette tape play back and recording part; processing the reproduced audio to be suitable for the computer, transferring audio to an audio output distributor and controlling audio to be sent through an audio output device to the outside; controlling the cassette tape play back and recording part into a record mode if the recording of the cassette tape is required with the result of searching the key input, and controlling audio output of the audio output distributor; and processing audio to be recorded, transferring audio to the audio output distributor, transferring audio to the audio output device through an output terminal disposed at a side of the audio output distributor, and at the same time, transferring audio, to be recorded, to the cassette tape play back and recording part through another output terminal disposed at the other side.