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`
`USUOGU31915A
`
`United States Patent
`
`[19]
`
`[11] Patent Number:
`
`6,031,915
`
`Okano et at.
`
`[45] Date of Patent:
`
`Feb. 29, 2000
`
`[S4] VOICE START RECORDING APPARATUS
`
`[75]
`
`Inventors; Hideo Okanu, l—Ianngu; YUiChi Saito5
`Sagamihara; Masatoshi Tobinai,
`_
`_
`.
`..
`‘
`_
`_
`““Lhw-‘i’ 1111 ”1 Jdp‘m
`.
`.
`..
`:"Ympm 09mm L0" Ltd" “my“
`aPa“
`
`‘.
`_
`[733 A“"‘g"ce-
`
`4,393,191
`4.929434
`5259.035
`5129312”
`5,337,251
`5.435.522
`5,563,952
`5,598,466
`5.619.554
`
`1119911 Howells ct 1.1..
`5119911 Nakano ................................... 3811110
`1111993 Peters c1211.
`33111110
`31'5“)“ (“id‘-
`811994 Pastor
`381.156
`111991)
`55191: ctal.
`381159
`
`10119913 Mcrccr ............ 381156
`
`
`111991 (iraumann
`381156
`41199-1 Hogan ct al.
`3791719
`
`In} Appl. No; 08!690,158
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`[22
`
`[30]
`
`Filed:
`
`Jul. 19, 1996
`
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`
`Japan .................................... 1483073
`[JP]
`Jul. I9, 1995
`Japan
`.. 7-198741
`1.11"]
`Aug. 3, 1995
`1
`................................ ”1201933
`1?
`A .3.1995
`“Pa“
`1
`1
`"3
`Int. Cl.7 ................................................ H0411 29100
`[51]
`|52] Us. Cl.
`............................................... 38I156- 3811110
`|581
`Field of Search
`381156, 110; 7041211},
`70411215. 233, 231; 379188.01
`
`1561
`_
`
`Refcmnces Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`18-33,??2
`411011.309
`4,542,525
`
`3.31.3.5 Dumlcr .
`2119'1'1 Brickerd, 11..
`911935
`I-lopf
`....................................... 3311119
`
`31491341111
`63—59711]
`
`1111981 Germany.
`1011988
`Japan.
`
`Primary I'fxmnimr—Vifiafl Chang
`Armme 5 Agent, or Finn—Louis Weinslcin
`1571
`AHS'I‘RACI‘
`
`_
`y
`_
`.
`A ”01‘” 5”“ ”‘3'“:de apparatus 1"C]“"°S a “(“0“ 1““
`determining circuit for determining whether consecutive
`frames of input voice is sound or silcnl, each frame being a
`coded voice signal;
`a continuity monitoring circuit
`[or
`moniloring continuity of sound frames or silent frames; and
`a recording control circuil for controlling the 51311 and slop
`of a recording operalion based on [be output from 1111::
`
`Cfll’lllnuil)’ momtormg (311011111
`
`12 Claims, 14 Drawing Sheets
`
`
`
`I
`
`DIGITAL SIGNAL
`PROCESSOR
`(asp)
`
`
`
`
`SYSTEM
`CONTROLLER
`
`.
`
`15
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`—
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`1
`
`GOOGLE 1006
`
`GOOGLE 1006
`
`1
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`be.29,2000
`
`Sheet] 0f14
`
`6,031,915
`
`Em...m>m
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`Emu—AOEHZOU
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`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Feb. 29, 2000
`
`Sheet 2 0f 14
`
`6,031,915
`
`MEMORY
`
`START ADDRESS
`VOICE FILE DATA
`
`SIZE OF
`VOICE FILE DATA
`
`ERASE FLAG OF FILE
`
`RECORDING FILE
`NUMBER
`
`VOICE CODING SCHEME
`IDENTIFY SIGNAL
`
`FLAG REPRESENTING
`FILE STATE
`
`MAXIMUM VALUE NUMBER n OF
`INSERTABLE FILE
`
`LENGTH To
`INSERTED VOICE FILE
`
`START POSITION ADDRESS OF
`FIRST EDITION
`FILE DATA START ADDRESS
`POSITION OF FIRST EDITION
`FILE SIZE OF
`FIRST EDITION
`
`
`
`START POSITION ADDRESS OF
`nTI-I EDITION
`
`FILE DATA START ADDRESS
`POSITION 0F nTI-I EDITION
`FILE SIZE OF
`nTH EDITION
`
`V
`
`1 FRAME DATA
`
`
`
`3 FRAME DATA
`
`C
`
`m FRAME DATA
`
`INDEX PORTION OF
`FIRST EDITION (lNSEFITlON)
`VOICE DATA PORTION OF
`FIRST EDITION (INSERTION)
`
`FILE
`
`
`
`
`INDEX
`PORTION
`10A
`
`10M
`
`10A2
`
`10’43
`
`10A4
`
`10/45
`
`7045
`
`70A 7
`
`70/43
`
`7049
`
`10/410
`
`70A 17
`I
`
`10A12
`
`10413
`
`10A 14
`
`1031
`
`‘
`'
`
`1033
`
`VOICE
`DATA
`PORTION
`
`108
`
`108m J
`
`100
`
`TOD
`
`CODING
`INITIALIZING
`SIGNAL
`‘IOBI
`
`SIGNAL
`REPRESENTING
`SOUND!
`SILENCE
`OF 10B1
`
`3
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Feb. 29, 2000
`
`Sheet 3 0f 14
`
`6,031,915
`
`START- S,
`
`FIG.3
`
`
`
`POWER
`
`
`SUPPLY VOLTAGE
`
`OK?
`
`YES
`
`S2
`
`
`
`823
`DATA TRANSFER
`
`PROCESS
`
`83
`
`'3
`DATA TRANSFER
`
`PERFORMED
`
`?
`
`
`FORMAT OF
`
`
`NO
`SEMICONDUCTOR
`
`MEMORY SECTION
`NORMAL
`85
`
`
`?
`
`
`IS
`MEMORY
`
`
`FORMAT
`PERFORMED
`
`
`7
`
`88
`No
`ERROR
`DISPLAY
`
`
`
`810
`
`PERFORM MEMORY
`FORMAT
`
`
`
`DISPLAY INITIAL
`SETTING COMPLETION
`
`DETECT OPERATION
`POSITION
`
`
`
`
`81 1
`
`812
`
`.
`
`
`HA
`BEEN BUTTON
`
`PRESSED
`
`
`?
`RECORDING
`
`
`PROCESS
`'P
`
`
`
`514REPRODUCING
`BUTTON?
`
`.YES
`
`521
`
`Tfiég‘gfiifig‘gfii‘
`SYSTEM CONTROLLER
`TO SEMICONDUCTOR
`MEMORY SECTION
`
`322
`
`TURN POWER
`- SUPPLY szTCI-I OFF
`
`
` l—l
`
`
`IREPRODUCING PROCESS I
`816
`
`AST FEEDING
`
`BUTTON?
`
`
`818
`|FAST FEEDING PROCESS |
`
`
`
`
`
`MAIN POWER
`SUPPLY SWITCH
`YES
`
`OFF '2
`
`AST
`
`REWINDING
`
`BUTTON?
`
`
`
`
`
`820
`
`FAST REWINDING
`PROCESS
`
`4
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Feb. 29, 2000
`
`Sheet 4 0f 14
`
`6,031,915
`
`FIG.4
`
`"53022;?
`P O
`
`I
`
`DETECTION OF OPERATION
`CONDITION OF RECORDING MODE
`
`83 1
`
`I
`
`S32
`
`TRANSMIT RECORDING MODE SIGNAL
`
`SET MEMORY MANAGEMENT INFORMATION
`
`
`
`INITIALIZE SILENT PEIgIOD COUNT VALUE
`n:
`
`
`
`INITIALIZE SWITCHINC; IISIFORMATION VALUE
`V =
`
`333
`
`S34
`
`835
`
`836
`
`TRANSFER VOICE DATA FROM DSP
`
`SILENT?
`
`RESET SILENT
`
`9
`
`
`
`VF=D
`
`
`OR IS DATA
`
`S43
`RECORDING
`
`
`PERFORMED
`
`OUTPUT CONTROL
`
`545
`INSTRUCTION
`
`“0
`AND DATA TO
`
`MEMORY CONTROL
`
`CIRCUIT
`
`
`
`
`
`UPDATE INDEX
`INFORMATION
`
`NO
`
`TOP
`BISJTTON
`?
`
`UPDATE OPERATION
`POSITION
`INFORMATION
`
`RETURN
`
`847
`
`5
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Feb. 29, 2000
`
`Sheet 5 0f 14
`
`6,031,915
`
`FIG.5
`
`RECORDING MODE
`DETECTION ROUTINE
`
`TURN ANALOG SWITCHES A AND B OFF
`
`850
`
`TURN ANALOG SWITCHES C AND D OFF
`
`351
`
`OUTPUT SAWTOOTH WAVE OF 3kHz
`FROM D/A CONVERTER
`
`RECIEVE INPUT (SAMPLE)
`FROM AID CONVERTER
`
`SET VALUE OF VOICE START OR SILENCE
`ON THE BASIS OF SAMPLE VALUE
`
`852
`
`853
`
`854
`
`TURN ANALOG SWITCHES C AND D OFF
`
`855
`
`TURN ANALOG SWITCHES A AND 3 ON
`
`356
`
`6
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Feb. 29, 2000
`
`Sheet 6 0f 14
`
`6,031,915
`
`ou>
`
`._m>m._$.02
`
`3.55mi;
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`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Feb. 29, 2000
`
`Sheet 7 0f 14
`
`6,031,915
`
`FIG.7
`
`
`
`
`
`
`CODING IN DSP AND DETERMINATION OF
`VOICED AND UNVOICED SOUNDS
`
`
`
`881
`
`INPUT VOICE DATA
`(FRAME PROCESS)
`
`
`PERFORM PREPROCESS
`
`VOICE CODING PROCESS
`
`CALCULATE VOICE ENERGY
`
`882
`
`883
`
`884
`
`
`
`
`YES
`
`586
`
`
`IS
`
`N0
`PREVIOUS
`
`
`FRAME
`SILENT
`
`'?
`YES
`
`887
`
`885
`Is
`
`VOICE ENERGY
`EQUAL TO OR HIGHER
`
`THAN NOISE LEVEL
`(VOICEDsz UN D)
`
`
`889
`N0
`
`IS
`PREVIOUS FRAME
`YES
`
`SILENT
`
`?
`
`
`'5
`PREVIglfggAME
`
`
`,
`'
`n-s
`
`‘
`(VARIABLE AT
`NOISE LEVEL)
`
`894
`
`8.95
`
`
`
`896
`
`
`
`CHANGE
`Famous
`FRAME INTO
`CODE OF
`UNVOICEO
`FRAME
`
`888
`
`
`
`
`
`ADD
`UNVOICED
`CODE
`
`RETURN
`
`ADD
`ADD
`
`VOICED
`SILENT
`
`CODE
`CODE
`
`
`
`8
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Feb. 29, 2000
`
`Sheet 8 0f 14
`
`6,031,915
`
`
`
`REPRODUCING
`PROCESS
`
`
`
`861
`
`DETECT VOICE REPRODUCING
`CONDITION MODE
`
`TRANSFER (INSTRUCT) VOICE
`REPRODUCING CONDITION MODE TO DSP
`
`LOAD REPRODUCING POSITION
`DISPLAY REPRODUCING START
`
`
`
`
`
`
`S62
`
`863
`
`864
`
`OUTPUT ADDRESS TO MEMORY
`CONTROL CIRCUIT
`
`-
`
`865
`
`LOAD VOICE DATA
`
`866
`
`RAPID HEARING
`PROCESS ?
`
`YES
`
`-
`
`LOAD VOICE DATA
`
`867
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`870
`
`TIME AXIS
`COMPRESSION
`
`
`
`RETURN
`
`
`
`9
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Feb. 29, 2000
`
`Sheet 9 0f 14
`
`6,031,915
`
`Pm.
`
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`

`US. Patent
`
`Feb. 29, 2000
`
`Sheet 10 0f 14
`
`6,031,915
`
`FIG.1O
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`SET DISPLAY
`
`SET DISPLAY
`
`$123
`
`
`
`RETURN
`
`
`
`11
`
`11
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Feb. 29, 2000
`
`Sheet 11 01'14
`
`6,031,915
`
`FIG.11
`
`OPERATION IN RECORDING PROCESS
`IN DIGITAL SIGNAL PROCESSOR
`
`INPUT VOICE DATA
`(FRAME PROCESS)
`
`PERFORM PREPROOESS
`
`Sl4l
`
`8142
`
`PERFORM VOICE CODING PROCESS
`
`Sl43
`
`CALCULATE VOICE ENERGY
`
`TRANSFER ENERGY LEVEL
`TO SYSTEM CONTROLLER
`
`8144
`
`8145
`
`12
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Feb. 29, 2000
`
`Sheet 12 0f 14
`
`6,031,915
`
`FIG.12
`
`START
`
`S201
`
`I'ECORDING BUTTON
`BEEN PEIE SSED
`
`S202
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
` HAS
`RECORDING BUTTON
`
`BEEN PRESSED FOR I
`SECOND?OR MORE
`
`
`
`
` IS VOICE
`INPUT LEVEL EQUAL
`
`8204
`TO OR HIGHER THAN
`.-
`PREDETERMINED
`LE‘gEL
`
`
`VOICE START
`YES
`
`RECORDING STANDBY
`
`STATE
`
`
`
`BEEN PEESSED
`8207
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`SET ORDINARY
`RECORDING MODE
`
`
`
`
`
`VOICE START
`RECORDING STATE
`
`ANOTHER BUTTON
`
`TO ANOTHER
`MODE
`
`13
`
`13
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Feb. 29, 2000
`
`Sheet 13 0f 14
`
`6,031,915
`
`FIG.13
`
`N0
`
` S301
` HAS
`RECORDING BU'ITON
` YES
`BEEN EPRE'SSED
`
`HAS
`'ECORDING BUTTON
`BEEN PRESSED
`
`VOICE INPUT
`LEVEL EQUAL TO OF! HIGHER
`THAN VOICE INPUT
`
`FOR ISECOND
`
`
`LEVEL ?
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`VOICE START
`RECORDING
`STANDBY STATE
`
`
`
`
`
`
` HAS
`
`RECORDING
`BUTTON BEEN
`PRE%SED
`
`
`
`
`
`14
`
`14
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Feb. 29, 2000
`
`Sheet 14 0f 14
`
`6,031,915
`
`FIG .1 4
`
`
`
`S407
`
`.
`8401
`
`HOW MANY
`__
`
`
`IMES HAS RECORDIN
`
`
`BUTTON BEEN PRESSED
`
`WITHIN 1
`
`SEQOND
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`IS VOICE
`LEVEL EQUAL TO OR
`
`HIGHER THAN
`PREDETEHMINED
`LEgEL
`
`
`
`
`
`
`VOIC E STA FIT
`HECO R DING STANDBY
`STATE
`
`HAS
`' NOTHHER BUTTON
`BE
`PRESSED
`
`
`
`15
`
`15
`
`

`

`In recent years, there is provided a recorder in which a
`voice signal obtained by a microphone or the like is con-
`verted into a digital signal, the digital signal is stored in, e.g.,
`a semiconductor memory, the voice signal is read from the
`semiconductor memory to be converted into an analog
`signal in a reproducing operation, and the analog signal is
`outputted as voice by a loudspeaker or the like. Japanese
`Unexamined Patent Publication No. 63-259700 discloses an
`example of the recorder described above.
`In the general recorder type described above, in order to
`save an amount of data recorded on the semiconductor
`memory, an amount of generated data is decreased as much
`as possible by performing high-efficient coding to a digital
`voice signal.
`There is also provided a scheme of performing a com- a
`pressing process to a silent portion to obtain the high
`efficient coding. It is generally known that general dialogue
`includes a silent portion, and that a bit rate can be decreased
`by about 30% by compressing the silent portion.
`As a voice recording apparatus, e.g., a tape recorder for
`conference recording, a recorder which automatically starts
`a recording operation in response to voice and stops the
`recording operation a predetermined period of time after the
`voice is interrupted is known. In a recording standby state,
`when such a recorder receives voice having a predetermined ~
`start
`level
`(adjustable by a user),
`the recorder starts a
`recording operation. When the input voice has a level lower
`than the predetermined level, the recorder stops the record
`ing operation 3 to 4 seconds later.
`More specifically, when voice having a level equal to or
`higher than the predetermined start level, the recorder deter-
`mines that "sound" is set to start a recording operation; when
`the input voice has a level lower than the predetermined
`level, the recorder determines that “silence" is set to stop the
`recording operation.
`However, in the recorder described above, the following
`drawbacks occur. That is, a recording operation is errone-
`ously started by environment noise such as sound generated
`by openingfclosing a door or coughs, and the recorder
`cannot be stopped when the recorder must be stopped
`because of external noise. In addition, a leading portion is
`disadvantageously cut at the start of a recording operation.
`In the voice recording apparatus comprising an automatic
`voice starting function, a starttstop level of a recording
`operation is fixed in the apparatus itself, or a user must
`operate a volume or a sensitivity switching switch to set the
`level to he a desired start level in advance.
`
`an
`
`40
`
`50
`
`55
`
`2
`the set switch for the voice start recording function. In this
`case, a predetermined operation must be performed to oper-
`ate the voice start recording function.
`However, when devoted operation members correspond
`ing to the functions described above are independently
`arranged,
`the apparatus itself increases in size, and the
`increase in size ofthe apparatus limits a compact design. In
`addition, workability in an assembling operation is degraded
`with an increase in the number of members, and manufac-
`turing costs may disadvantageously increase.
`When the operation member or the like for the voice start
`recording function is also used as an operation member for
`another function, in use of the apparatus, the operability of
`each operation member is degraded.
`When the operation member or the like for the voice start
`recording function is also used as an operation member for
`another function,
`in general, a general contact-fixed type
`mechanical slide switch or the like is generally applied. In
`this case, unless an operation such as a mode switching
`operation is performed, the recording apparatus is fixed to a
`mode state set by the above operation member or the like.
`Therefore. when use of the above recording apparatus or
`the like is to be started by another set mode but a set mode
`set when the apparatus is previously used, a switching
`operation or the like is performed prior to the start of use,
`and a switching operation to a desired set mode must be
`performed. That is, a preparing operation before use of the
`recording apparatus is started is disadvantageously cumbern
`some.
`
`OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE
`INVENTION
`
`It is a first object of the present invention to provide a
`voice start recording apparatus which is not erroneously
`operated by external noise.
`It is a second object of the present invention to provide a
`voice start recording apparatus which can reliably and easily
`set a voice start level and a recording standby level.
`It is a third object of the present invention to provide a
`voice start recording apparatus which can easily set a mode
`for a voice start recording function without specially arrang-
`ing a devoted operation member for operating the voice start
`recording function.
`Briefly, the voice start recording apparatus according to
`the present invention includes the following means:
`voice level determining means for determining whether
`input voice is sound or silent in units of frames, each of
`which codes a voice signal;
`continuity monitoring means for monitoring continuity of
`a sound frame or a silent frame; and
`recording control means for controlling the start and stop
`of a recording operation on the basis of an output from
`the continuity monitoring means.
`'I'hese as well as other objects and advantages of the
`present
`invention will become further apparent
`from the
`following detailed expression.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of a
`voice start recording apparatus according to a first embodi—
`ment of the present invention;
`FIG. 2 is a view showing the recording arrangement of a
`semiconductor memory section in the voice start recording
`apparatus according to the first embodiment;
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`VOICE START RECORDING APPARATUS
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`
`invention relates to a voice start recording
`The present
`apparatus and. more particularly, to a voice start recording
`apparatus which automatically startststops a
`recording
`operation in response to predetermined voice.
`2. Related Art Statement
`
`It]
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`However, a means for setting the starti'stop level cannot
`easily set a proper level by catching input voice which
`always changes, and the start level must be sought after a
`trial recording operation is performed.
`In the above voice start recording apparatus, as a setting
`switch to operate the voice start
`recording function, a
`devoted operation member must be arranged. If the devoted
`operation member is not used, a setting switch having a
`rapid hearing reproducing function or the like is also used as
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`FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing a main operation in the
`voice start recording apparatus according to the first embodi-
`merit;
`
`FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing a subroutine of a recording
`process in the voice start recording apparatus according to
`the first embodiment;
`FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing a subroutine of a recording
`mode detecting process in the voice start recording apparaw
`tus according to the first embodiment;
`FIG. 6 is a graph showing the relationship between a
`voice energy waveform and a voice waveform when voiced
`sound, unvoiced sound, and silence are determined in the
`voice start recording apparatus according to the first embodi-
`ment;
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`FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing a routine of a process of
`determining voiced sound, unvoiced sound, and silence and
`a coding process in the voice start recording apparatus
`according to the first embodiment;
`FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing a subroutine of a repro-
`ducing process in the voice start recording apparatus accord-
`ing to the first embodiment:a reproducing operation in a
`voice recording’rcproducing apparatus according to a fourth
`embodiment of the present invention;
`FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of a H
`voice start
`recording apparatus according to a second
`embodiment of the present invention;
`FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing a subroutine of a
`recording process in the voice start recording apparatus
`according to the second embodiment;
`FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing an operation of a digital
`signal processor in a recording process in the voice start
`recording apparatus according to the second embodiment;
`FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing an operation of a system
`controller when a recording operation is performed in a third ‘
`embodiment of the present invention;
`FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing an operation of a system
`controller when a recording operation is performed in the
`fourth embodiment of the present invention; and
`FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing an operation of a system
`controller when a recording operation is performed in a fifth
`embodiment of the present invention.
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
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`Embodiments of the present invention will be described
`below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
`FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of a
`voice start recording apparatus according to the first embodi-
`ment of the present invention.
`As shown in FIG. 1, the voice start recording apparatus
`according to this embodiment comprises a microphone l. A
`voice signal from the microphone 1 is input to an analog“
`digital (All—J) converter 4 through an amplilier (AMP) 2, a
`low-pans filter (LPF), and an analog switch 26. An output
`terminal of the ND converter 4 is connected to a first
`terminal D1 of a system controller 6.
`This system controller 6 incorporates a voice
`compressing’cxpanding means,
`a
`time axis compressing
`means, a means for detecting or predicting an input signal
`level, a digital signal processor (USP) 5 serving as a
`constituent element of a data processing means. The first
`terminal Dl is connected to the digital signal processor
`(DSP) 5 in the system controller 6.
`The system controller 6 also functions as a voice level
`determining means for determining whether an input voice
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`level is a voice level which satisfies predetermined condi-
`tions. The voice level which satisfies the predetermined
`conditions means a voice level which is equal to or higher
`than a reference level or which is lower than the reference
`level. For example,
`in this embodiment, "sound” is deter
`mined when the level is equal or higher than the reference
`level, and "silence” is determined when the level is lower
`than the reference level. Therefore, when the reference level
`is set as described above, it can be determined whether input
`voice is “sound" or "silence”.
`
`"Silence" does not always mean that the voice level is
`zero. As described above, a certain reference level is set.
`When an input level is lower than the reference level, it is
`determined that it is “not sound", am “not sound" can be
`recognized as “silence".
`In addition, the system controller 6 determines the voice
`levels in units of frames each of which codes a voice signal.
`The system controller 6 also functions as a continuity
`monitoring means which monitors the continuity of a frame
`of a voice level which satisfies the predetermined
`conditions, e.g., a sound frame or a silent frame. The above
`frame units will be described later.
`
`The system controller 6 also functions as a recording
`control means for controlling the start or stop of a recording
`operation on the basis of the continuity monitor result. Note
`that
`the details of the recording control means will be
`described later. In this case, a monitoring operation for the
`continuity of a sound frame or silent frame performed by the
`continuity monitoring means may be performed in the
`following manner. As in a method (to be described later, in
`place of actual counting of the number of frames,
`for
`example, time is measured using a timer, and it is monitored
`whether the sound frame or the silent frame continues for a
`
`predetermined period of time or more.
`The voice start recording apparatus of this embodiment
`comprises a loudspeaker 13 serving as a voice output means.
`The loudspeaker 13 is connected to a second terminal D2 of
`the system controller 6 through an analog switch 30, an
`amplifier (AMP) 12, and a digitallanalog (DEA) converter
`11.
`
`The analog switch 26 is connected to a control terminal
`E1 of the system controller 6, and is controlled to he turned
`on in a recording operation. The analog switch 30 is con~
`nected to a control terminal E2, and is controlled to be turned
`on in a reproducing operation.
`An analog switch 27 is connected between the AMP 12
`and the analog switch 30, and is also connected to the
`voltage supply terminal of a variable resistor (VR) 28. The
`analog switch 27 is connected to a control terminal E3 of the
`system controller 6, and is controlled to be turned on when
`the state of the variable resistor 28 is detected.
`
`An analog switch 29 is connected between the AID
`converter 4 and the analog switch 26, and is also connected
`to the intermediate tap terminal of the variable resistor {VR}
`28. The analog switch 29 is connected to a control terminal
`E4 of the system controller 6, and is controlled to be turned
`on when the state of the variable resistor 28 is detected.
`
`The variable resistor 28 is used to change the threshold
`value of a reference level when the system controller 6
`serving as the voice level detenrtining means determines
`whether the level is sound or silent. At this time, the system
`controller 6 and the variable resistor 28 function as threshold
`value setting means.
`recording
`When the timing of the start or stop of a
`operation is changed by changing the number of predeter-
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`5
`mined frames which are continuously detected, the variable
`resistor 28 is used to change the liming. At this time, the
`system controller 6 and the variable resistor 28 function as
`recording timing changing means.
`A third terminal D3 of the system controller 6 is con-
`nected to a memory control circuit 7, and a fourth terminal
`D4 is connected to a semiconductor memory section 10
`which is detachable from the recordingtreproducing appa-
`ratus.
`
`A fifth terminal D5 of the system controller 6 is connected
`to a light-emitting diode 17 serving as a data transmitting
`means for transmitting data recorded on the semiconductor
`memory section 10 or an output means for outputting at
`signal representing a receivable. An infrared—emitting diode
`is used as the LED 17 when the LED 17 is used to transmit
`data. However, the LED 17 is also used as a display unit
`which emits light when sound is input to or output from the
`microphone 1 during a recording or reproducing operation.
`Therefore, as the LED 17, an infrared IED which
`includes a large amount of visible light component and has
`a relatively short wavelength having, e.g., a peak wave-
`length of 500 mm to 1,000 mm, preferably, 600 mm to 800
`mm.
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`As shown in FIG. 1, the semiconductor memory section
`10 comprises a temporary recording medium portion 1000‘
`and a main recording medium portion 100?). Although a flash
`memory is generally used as the main recording medium
`portion 1001’). an magneto-optical disk, a magnetic disk, or
`a magnetic tape is used as the main recording medium
`portion with. As the temporary recording medium portion
`lflfln‘, an SRAM, a DRAM, an EEPROM, a high dielectric
`memory, or a flash memory, which can perform reading!
`writing at a speed higher than that of the main recording
`medium portion 100b, may be employed.
`In this
`embodiment, an SRAM is used as the temporary recording
`medium portion 100a, and a flash memory is used as the
`main recording medium portion 10%.
`FIG. 2 is a view showing the recording arrangement of the
`semiconductor memory section 10.
`As shown in FIG. 2, the memory space of the semicon-
`ductor memory section ii] is roughly divided into an index
`portion 10A and a voice data portion 1013. In the voice data
`portion 101?, a plurality of voice message files 10B], 10B2,
`10B3,
`.
`.
`.
`, 10B»: which are recorded on the voice data
`portion 101? are recorded.
`In the index portion 10A, the following information are
`recorded. That is, the index portion 10A is constituted such
`that next voice file start address position information 10A1;
`one-file sine information 10M;
`file erasing information
`10A3; a recording file number 10A4; voice coding scheme
`recognizing information IOAS; information IONS represent-
`ing a file state; maximum value information 10A? of a file
`which can be edited (inserted); information 10A8 represent-
`ing a length to an inscrtable file; an edition start position
`address 10A9 of the first edition; a start position address
`limit! of an inserted voice file of the first edition; and size
`information 10AM, .
`.
`.
`; an edition start position address
`10A12 of the nth edition in which maximum information
`can be performed to sequentially record information similar
`to the information 10A9 to 10AM; start position address
`IOAIS of an inserted voice file of the nth edition in which
`maximum insertion can be performed; and start position
`address 10A” of an inserted voice file of the nth edition in
`which maximum insertion can be performed are recorded.
`The voice frame data IDBI to 10B»! are recorded on the
`voice data portion 10B. In each frame data oflhe voice data
`portion 10B. information representing whether initial setting
`is performed when the voice coding process is performed is
`recorded.
`
`The position at which the information is recorded is
`allocated to the uppermost bit or lowermost bit of the first
`byte of each frame data, or is allocated to the uppermost bit
`or lowermost bit of the last byte of the frame data. In this
`embodiment, the information is recorded at the fourth bit of
`the first byte of the frame data.
`In the semiconductor memory section 10, an address
`serving as information representing a recording position of
`voice information is stored in the detachable semiconductor
`memory section 10. I Iowever, the address may be recorded
`in a semiconductor memory (not shown) controlled by the
`memory control circuit 7 arranged on the recording!
`reproducing side.
`In this case, the Instruction mark and END mark are as
`follows. That
`is, when the Instruction mark button I
`is
`operated by a document recording person during a recording
`operation, an indicating index mark for a typist or secretary
`can be recorded. The document recording person can prac-
`tically indicate attention in typing or the priority with voice
`by using the Instruction mark.
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`In addition, a sixth terminal [)6 of the system controller
`6 is connected to a display unit 8 through a drive circuit 9.
`A memory control circuit 7 of the system controller 6 is
`connected to a contact point between a PIN diode 14 and a
`resistor 15 through a voltage comparator (COMP) 16 and
`terminal D7 of system controller 6.
`In this case, the PIN
`diode 14, and the voltage comparator 16 constitute a data
`receiving means or a means for receiving a data transfer start
`signal.
`An eighth terminal D8 of the system controtter 6 is
`connected to a battery 18 through a DC—DC converter 20 and
`a main power supply switch 19. The DC-DC converter 20
`outputs a voltage boosted from the battery 18, and supplies
`a stable power supply voltage to each means. At the same
`tide,
`the DC-DC converter 20 transmits a signal which
`notifies that the voltage of the battery 18 is smaller than a
`predetermined value. In this manner, the system controller 6
`detects a consumption state of the battery 18.
`The main power supply switch 19 is connected in series
`with a relay 25 such that power supply is prevented from
`being stopped even if the main power supply switch 19 is
`turned off. In order to detect that the main power supply
`switch 19 is turned off, the main power supply switch 19 is
`connected to the system controller 6 such that the voltage of
`the battery 18 can be detected when the main power supply
`switch 19 is turned off.
`In addition, the anode of a diode 21 is connected to a ninth
`terminal D9 of the system controller 6. and a parallel circuit
`constituted by a capacitor 22 and a resistor 23 is connected
`between the cathode and ground of the diode 21. The
`cathode ol‘ the diode 21 is connected to the base of a _
`transistor 24. The coliector of the transistor 24 is connected
`to a contact point between the microphone 1 and the
`microphone am pIiIier 2, and the emitter is connected to the
`ground. These constitute an AGC {Auto Gain Control)
`circuit
`to reduce generation of distortion caused by an
`excessive input.
`In addition, operation buttons such as a recording button
`(REC), a reproducing button (PLAY), a stop button (STOP),
`a fast feeding button (FF), a first rewinding button (REW),
`an Instruction mark button {I}, an END mark button (E), and
`a voice start
`(voice active detector) button (VAD) are
`connected to the system controller 6.
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`In order to indicate partitions between the plurality of
`documents, the END mark button IL is operated to record an
`index mark called an END mark.
`
`A recordingtreproducing operation of the first embodi—
`ment arranged as described above will be briefly described
`below.
`
`When a recording operation is to be performed, an analog
`voice signal obtained from the microphone l is amplified by
`the microphone amplifier2 to limit the frequency band ofthe
`analog voice signal through the low-pass filter 3, and the
`analog signal is converted into a digital signal by the M)
`converter 4 to be input to the digital signal processor (D8?)
`5 in the system controller 6.
`In this case, when a signal input from the microphone 1
`is higher than a reference level, e.g., higher than —6 dB of the
`maximum range of the AID converter 4, a pulse is output to
`the diode 21 connected to the ninth terminal D9 of the
`
`system controller 6, and charges are stored in the capacitor
`22 to apply a voltage to the transistor 24. At this time, an
`impedance between the microphone amplifier 2 and the
`transistor 24 changes, and a signal input to the microphone
`amplifich is limited, thereby adjusting a gain. Note that the
`charges stored in the capacitor 22 are gradually discharged
`by the resistor 23.
`In response to an operation of a plurality of operation
`buttons and switches of the system controller 6, voice data
`obtained by compressing a digital signal by the digital signal
`processor 5 is recorded on the semiconductor memory
`section 10 through the third terminal D3 and the fourth
`terminal D4 of the system controller 6.
`In a reproducing operation, the system controller 6 reads
`data recorded on the semiconductor memory section 10 and
`supplies the data to the digital signal processor 5 to expand
`the data. The voice data expanded by the digital signal
`processor 5 is convened into analog signals by the DEA
`converter 11, amplified by the AMP 12, and then output as
`voice from the loudspeaker 13. The system controller 6
`controls the drive circuit 9 to cause the display unit 8 to
`display various information such as an operation mode.
`An operation of the voice start
`recording apparatus
`according to this embodiment arranged as described above
`will be described below.
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`recording apparatus is stopped, and
`entire voice start
`switches (not shown) arranged between the battery 18 and
`respective circuits are turned off, and a display representing
`that the battery 18 has no capacity is performed through the
`drive circuit 9 and the display unit 8.
`If the system controller 6 detects that the battery '18 can
`be used as a detection result in step 82, the relay switch 25
`is turned on. Thereafter,
`the system controller 6 checks
`whether the relay 25 or the stop button ST and the fast
`feeding button Fl: are simultaneously pressed, thereby deter-
`mining whether data transfer is performed (step 83). If YES
`in step 33, a data transfer process is started.
`If NO in step S3, the system controller 6 loads informa-
`tion of the index portion 10A by the semiconductor memory
`section 10 serving as a recording medium (memory section).
`More specifically , the system controller 6 loads the ope