JP2005215466A - Apparatus, method, and program for information processing - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To shorten the processing time of processing for reading the audio data out of a recording device, in an information processing apparatus which can reproduce the audio data recorded in the recording device. <P>SOLUTION: When a USB memory, in which one or more MP3 files are recorded and a CSV file containing pieces of information needed to decode the respective MP3 files respectively together is recorded, is loaded to the portable information processing apparatus (step S2 (YES)), the type of MPEG of an object to be reproduced (MP3 file) is recognized by refering to the CSV file (step S3). Encoding settings, corresponding to the recognized type of MPEG3, are carried out (steps S4 to S6), and the reproduction object is decoded and reproduced, based on the decoding settings (steps S7 to S10). The present invention is applicable to a portable information processor which has the function of decoding and reproducing an MP3 file. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and method, and a program, and in particular, in an information processing apparatus capable of reproducing audio data recorded in a recording apparatus, it is possible to shorten the processing time of processing for reading the audio data. The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and method, and a program.

  Recent information processing apparatuses are often configured so that various expansion apparatuses can be attached thereto.

  As such an expansion device, for example, Patent Literature 1 and Patent Literature 2 disclose a memory card.

  As one of such expansion devices, an expansion device (hereinafter referred to as a USB peripheral device) that performs communication using a USB (Universal Serial Bus) has also become widespread. As such a USB peripheral device, for example, as with a memory card, there is a device (hereinafter referred to as a USB memory) on which a semiconductor memory element capable of recording data is mounted.

  The power used by such a memory card or USB memory (hereinafter collectively referred to as a recording device as appropriate) is often supplied from an information processing device to which the recording device is connected.

  By the way, in recent years, as an information processing apparatus equipped with such a recording apparatus, a reproducing apparatus capable of reproducing audio data recorded in the recording apparatus has become widespread. An example of such a reproducing apparatus is also disclosed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 described above.

  The audio data reproduced by such a reproducing apparatus is often recorded in a recording apparatus in a predetermined file format. For example, an MP3 (Moving Picture Experts Group 1 audio layer 3) file format is known as one file format of such audio data.

  The audio data recorded on the recording device in the MP3 file format is encoded according to the MPEG system as the name suggests. As a version of the MPEG system, the MPEG2 system (MPEG2. 0, 2.5, etc.) exist, and future versions may appear in the future. That is, as an encoding method (version) of audio data in the MP3 file format, there are an MPEG2 method and the like in addition to the MPEG1 method.

  For this reason, when reproducing the audio data recorded on the recording device in the MP3 file format, the reproducing apparatus side needs to perform a decoding process (decoding process) corresponding to the encoding method (version) of the audio data. That is, the decoding type varies depending on the encoding method.

  Specifically, for example, in the case of audio data encoded in the MPEG1 format, the playback device further performs n (n is an arbitrary positive value determined by a request from a decoder or the like after ADDRESS LATCH. n = 4) After CLOCK (nWAIT), it is necessary to obtain the audio data to be decoded next from the recording device and decode it. On the other hand, for example, in the case of audio data encoded by the MPEG2 system, the playback device further performs m (m is an arbitrary positive value determined by a request from a decoder or the like after ADDRESS LATCH. m = 9) After CLOCK (mWAIT), it is necessary to obtain the audio data to be decoded next from the recording device and decode it.

  Also, the sampling frequency and the bit rate are often different for each audio data (especially when the MPEG versions are different), and it is necessary to decode them correspondingly.

JP 2001-326892 A JP 2002-149458 A

  However, in the conventional playback device, when the audio data recorded in the recording device in the MP3 file format is read and decoded, the MPEG1 format is first supported regardless of the encoding method of the audio data. The process is executed with the decode type. That is, in the conventional reproducing apparatus, first, after ADDRESS LATCH and further after 4 CLOCK (4 WAIT), a process of reading data to be decoded next from the audio data recorded in the recording apparatus is executed. The sampling frequency and bit rate are also set so as to correspond to the MPEG1 system.

  When the conventional playback device fails in the first reading process, it recognizes for the first time that the audio data encoding method is not the MPEG1 method but the MPEG2 method, and decodes the decoding type corresponding to the MPEG2 method. Update to type and execute the process. That is, for the first time at this point, the conventional playback apparatus executes a process of reading out data to be decoded next from the audio data recorded in the recording apparatus after ADDRESS LATCH and further after 9 CLOCK (9 WAIT). The sampling frequency and bit rate are also set so as to correspond to the MPEG2 system.

  As described above, when the encoding method of the audio data is the MPEG2 method, the reading process of the data to be decoded next is eventually repeated twice.

  For this reason, there has been a problem that the time efficiency of communication (communication processing accompanying reading processing) between the conventional reproducing device and recording device is poor, and it takes time to complete the reading processing. In other words, there is a problem that the reproduction process is slow.

  In particular, when the playback device is portable (portable), the power source of the playback device is often a battery, and as a result of the occurrence of this problem, there arises a problem that the life of the battery is shortened. However, in the case of a rechargeable battery such as a battery, the life of the battery refers to the time when the output voltage drops below the specified voltage after recharging.

  Furthermore, this problem becomes significant when the recording device is a USB memory. That is, the life of the battery becomes faster. The USB memory operates at a higher voltage than other recording devices such as the memory card described above, that is, operates between 4.5 [V] to 5.5 [V] defined by the USB standard. This is because it is configured.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and in an information processing apparatus capable of reproducing audio data recorded in a recording apparatus (extension apparatus), the processing time of the process of reading the audio data is shortened. Is to be able to.

  In the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, one or more first files including audio data encoded according to a predetermined encoding method are recorded, and audio data included in each of the one or more first files is recorded. A communication unit that communicates with a recording device in which a second file that collectively includes each of the first information necessary for decoding is recorded, and a first that is acquired from the recording device by communication of the communication unit Decoding means for decoding audio data included in the file and control means for acquiring the second file from the recording device by controlling the communication means, and processing of one or more pieces of first information included in the second file Based on the first information corresponding to the target first file, a setting means for setting the decoding type of the audio data to be processed, and the communication means is controlled based on the type set by the setting means. To, to obtain a first file to be processed from the recording apparatus, and controls the decoding means, characterized in that it comprises a decoding control means for decoding the audio data included in the first file.

  The file format of the first file is MP3 (Moving Picture Experts 1 audio layer 3) file format, and the encoding method of the audio data included in each of the one or more first files is MPEG1 or MPEG2 Each of the information indicating the encoding method of the audio data included in each of the one or more first files is included as each of the first information in the second file, When the first information corresponding to the first file to be processed is information indicating the MPEG1 format, the setting means sets the type corresponding to the MPEG1 format as the type of decoding of the audio data included in the first file. When the first information corresponding to the first file to be processed is information indicating the MPEG2 system, MPEG is selected as the decoding type of the audio data included in the first file. It can be made to set the type corresponding to the type.

  The first information included in the second file includes a sampling frequency and a bit rate for the audio data included in each of the one or more first files, and the setting unit stores the first file in the processing target first file. Of the first information included in the second file, the first value and the second value corresponding to the first file are set as the sampling frequency and the bit rate of the included audio data, respectively. To be able to.

  The second file further includes second information necessary for managing each of the one or more first files recorded in the recording device, and is acquired by communication of the communication means. In addition, it is possible to further provide a presentation control means for performing control for causing a predetermined presentation device to present at least one of the one or more pieces of second information included in the second file.

  The file format of the second file can be a CSV (Comma Separated Values) format.

  In the information processing apparatus of the present invention, one or more first files including audio data encoded according to a predetermined encoding method are recorded, and audio data included in each of the one or more first files Communication is performed with a recording device in which a second file that collectively includes each of the first information necessary for decryption is recorded, and a predetermined file is obtained from one or more first files As a result, the audio data included therein is decoded. Specifically, the first file corresponding to the first file to be processed among the one or more pieces of first information included in the second file is acquired by communication with the recording device. Based on the information, the type of decoding of the audio data to be processed is set. Then, based on the set type, the first file to be processed is acquired by communication with the recording device, and the audio data included in the first file is decoded.

  According to the information processing method of the present invention, one or more first files including audio data encoded according to a predetermined encoding method are recorded, and the audio data included in each of the one or more first files is recorded. Included in the first file acquired from the recording device by communication of the communication device that communicates with the recording device in which the second file collectively including each information necessary for decoding is recorded An information processing method of an information processing apparatus comprising: decoding means for decoding audio data to be transmitted, wherein the communication means is controlled to acquire a second file from the recording apparatus, and one or more included in the second file A setting step for setting a decoding type of audio data included in the first file to be processed based on information corresponding to the first file to be processed among the information; Based on the type set by the processing of the step, the communication means is controlled to acquire the first file to be processed from the recording device, the decoding means is controlled, and the audio data contained in the first file And a decoding control step for decoding.

  The program of the present invention records one or more first files including audio data encoded according to a predetermined encoding method, and decodes audio data included in each of the one or more first files. Communication means for communicating with an expansion device in which a second file including all necessary information is recorded, and audio included in the first file acquired from the expansion device by communication of the communication means A program executed by a computer that controls a main apparatus including a decoding unit that decodes data, controls the communication unit to acquire a second file from the recording apparatus, and includes one or more included in the second file The type of audio data included in the first file to be processed is set based on information corresponding to the first file to be processed among the information Based on the setting step and the type set by the processing of the setting step, the communication unit is controlled to acquire the first file to be processed from the recording device, the decoding unit is controlled, and the first file And a decoding control step for decoding the audio data included in the data.

  In the information processing method and program of the present invention, one or more first files including audio data encoded according to a predetermined encoding method are recorded and included in each of the one or more first files. A communication unit that communicates with a recording device (or an expansion device) in which a second file that collectively includes information necessary for decoding audio data is recorded; An information processing apparatus (or main apparatus) including decoding means for decoding audio data included in the first file acquired from the expansion apparatus is controlled. Specifically, the communication unit is controlled to acquire the second file from the recording device, and based on information corresponding to the first file to be processed among one or more pieces of information included in the second file. Thus, the decoding type of the audio data included in the first file to be processed is set. Then, based on the set type, the communication means is controlled, the first file to be processed is acquired from the recording device, the decoding means is controlled, and the audio data contained in the first file is decoded. Is done.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an information processing apparatus capable of reproducing audio data recorded in a recording apparatus (extension apparatus) in the MP3 file format. In particular, it is possible to shorten the processing time of the processing for reading out the audio data.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. Correspondences between constituent elements described in the claims and specific examples in the embodiments of the present invention are exemplified as follows. This description is to confirm that specific examples supporting the invention described in the claims are described in the embodiments of the invention. Therefore, even if there are specific examples that are described in the embodiment of the invention but are not described here as corresponding to the configuration requirements, the specific examples are not included in the configuration. It does not mean that it does not correspond to a requirement. On the contrary, even if a specific example is described here as corresponding to a configuration requirement, this means that the specific example does not correspond to a configuration requirement other than the configuration requirement. not.

  Further, this description does not mean that all the inventions corresponding to the specific examples described in the embodiments of the invention are described in the claims. In other words, this description is an invention corresponding to the specific example described in the embodiment of the invention, and the existence of an invention not described in the claims of this application, that is, in the future, a divisional application will be made. Nor does it deny the existence of an invention added by amendment.

  According to the present invention, an information processing apparatus is provided. In this information processing apparatus (for example, the portable information processing apparatus 3 in FIGS. 1 and 5), one or more first files including audio data encoded according to a predetermined encoding method are recorded. A second file (for example, a CSV-format file corresponding to the table of FIG. 3) is recorded which collectively includes the first information necessary for decoding the audio data included in each of the first files. Communication means (for example, the USB interface 31 and the USB communication control unit 101 in FIG. 5) that performs communication between the recording device (for example, the USB peripheral device (USB memory) 2 in FIGS. 1 and 4), and the communication Decoding means for decoding the audio data contained in the first file acquired from the recording device by communication of the means (for example, the decoding unit 105 in FIG. 5), and the communication means to control the second Phi Is acquired from the recording device, and the processing target is based on the first information corresponding to the first file to be processed among the one or more first information included in the second file. Setting means for setting the type of decoding of the audio data included in the first file (for example, the main control unit 102 in FIG. 5 that executes the processing of steps S3 to S6 in FIG. 6) and the setting means Based on the set type, the communication unit is controlled to acquire the first file to be processed from the recording device, and the decoding unit is controlled to control the audio included in the first file. Decoding control means for decoding data (for example, the main control unit 102 of FIG. 5 that executes the process of step S7 in FIG. 6 and controls the process of step S8) is provided.

  In this information processing apparatus, the file format of the first file is an MP3 (Moving Picture Experts 1 audio layer 3) file format, and the encoding method of the audio data included in each of the one or more first files Is one of the MPEG1 system and the MPEG2 system, and each of the information indicating the encoding system of the audio data included in each of the one or more first files is included in the second file. Each of the first information is included (for example, in the table format of FIG. 3, the item “MPEG information (MPEG1 or MPEG2)” in the first column includes “MPEG1” and “MPEG2”. When the first information corresponding to the first file to be processed is information indicating the MPEG1 format (for example, in the process of step S4 in FIG. 6). If it is determined as “NO”, a type corresponding to the MPEG1 system is set as the type of decoding of the audio data included in the first file (for example, the process of step S6 in FIG. 6 is executed) When the first information corresponding to the first file to be processed is information indicating the MPEG2 system (for example, when “YES” is determined in the process of step S4 in FIG. 6). As a decoding type of the audio data included in the first file, a type corresponding to the MPEG2 system can be set (for example, the process of step S5 in FIG. 6 is executed).

  In this information processing apparatus, as the first information included in the second file, a sampling frequency and a bit rate for the audio data included in each of the one or more first files (for example, FIG. 3). In the tabular format of the second column, the contents described in the items of “sampling frequency” in the second column and “bit rate” in the third column), and the setting means includes the first file to be processed The first value and the second value corresponding to the first file of the first information included in the second file are respectively set as the sampling frequency and the bit rate of the audio data included in Set (for example, one row in the table of FIG. 3 corresponds to one first file, and each of the first value and the second value set at this time is processed by In the row corresponding to the first file of the elephant and the "sampling frequency" are the respective values described in the item of "bit rate").

  In this information processing method, the second file further includes second information necessary for managing each of the one or more first files recorded in the recording device (for example, in FIG. 4). Each item other than “MPEG information”, that is, information described in “title”, “artist name”, etc.) is included, and is included in the second file acquired by communication of the communication means. Presentation control means (for example, the display control unit 110 in FIG. 5) that performs control for presenting at least one of the one or more pieces of the second information on a predetermined presentation device (for example, the display unit 111 in FIG. 5). Can be further provided.

  In this information processing method, the file format of the second file is a CSV (Comma Separated Values) format (for example, each piece of information described in each item of the table in FIG. 3 is arranged in a comma (') delimiter. CSV format).

  According to the present invention, an information processing method is provided. In this information processing method (for example, the method corresponding to the flowchart of FIG. 6), one or more first files including audio data encoded according to a predetermined encoding method are recorded, and one or more first files are recorded. A recording device (for example, a USB peripheral device (USB memory) of FIGS. 1 and 4) in which a second file that collectively includes information necessary for decoding the audio data included in each of the one file is recorded. 2) included in the first file acquired from the recording device by communication with the communication means (for example, the USB interface 31 and the USB communication control unit 101 in FIG. 5) and the communication means. An information processing method of an information processing apparatus (for example, the portable information processing apparatus 3 in FIGS. 1 and 5) including a decoding unit (for example, the decoding unit 105 in FIG. 5) that decodes the audio data. Thus, the communication unit is controlled to acquire the second file from the recording device, and corresponds to the first file to be processed among the one or more pieces of information included in the second file. A setting step for setting the type of decoding of the audio data included in the first file to be processed based on the information to be processed (for example, the processing in steps S3 to S6 in FIG. 6), and the processing in the setting step Based on the type set by the control unit, the communication unit is controlled to acquire the first file to be processed from the recording device, and the decoding unit is controlled to include the first file included in the first file. And a decoding control step (for example, the processes in steps S7 and S8 in FIG. 6) for decoding the audio data.

  According to the present invention, a program is provided. In this program, one or more first files including audio data encoded according to a predetermined encoding method are recorded, and the audio data included in each of the one or more first files is decoded. Communication means (for example, communication between the expansion device (for example, the USB peripheral device (USB memory) 2 in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4)) in which the second file including each of the necessary information is recorded is recorded. The USB interface 31 and the USB communication control unit 101 in FIG. 5 and a decoding unit (for example, in FIG. 5) that decodes the audio data included in the first file acquired from the expansion device through communication between the communication units. A computer (for example, not shown in the main control unit 102 in FIG. 5) that controls a main device (for example, the portable information processing device 3 in FIGS. 1 and 5) including the decoding unit 105). A program computer) executes a program corresponding to the information processing method described above. This program is recorded in, for example, the built-in memory 112 included in the main control unit 102 in FIG.

  Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of an information processing system to which the present invention is applied, that is, an information processing system including an information processing apparatus to which the present invention is applied.

  In FIG. 1, white dotted arrows indicate the flow of power, and dotted arrows indicate the flow of information.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an information processing system to which the present invention is applied includes an arbitrary number (one in the example of FIG. 1) of stationary information processing apparatuses 1 and an arbitrary number (in the example of FIG. One USB peripheral device 2 and an arbitrary number of portable information processing devices 3 (one in the example of FIG. 1).

  As shown in FIG. 1, each of the stationary information processing device 1, the USB peripheral device 2, and the portable information processing device 3 is provided with a USB interface 11, a USB interface 21, and a USB interface 31. It has been.

  That is, the USB peripheral device 2 and the stationary information processing device 1 can be connected to each other via the USB interface 21 and the USB interface 11. In this case, the power used by the USB peripheral device 2 is supplied from the stationary information processing device 1.

  Accordingly, for example, the stationary information processing apparatus 1 is connected to the USB peripheral device 2 via the USB interface 11 and the USB interface 21 when the USB peripheral device 2 (see FIG. 4 described later) capable of recording data is connected (mounted). Communicates with the device 2 and records one or more first files including audio data encoded according to a predetermined encoding method (the stationary information processing device 1 itself may perform encoding processing). be able to. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, at this time, the stationary information processing apparatus 1 includes each of the first information necessary for decoding the audio data included in each of the one or more first files, and one or more of the first information. The USB peripheral device 2 can record the second file that collectively includes the second information necessary for managing each of the first files.

  Each of the first file and the second file may be generated by the stationary information processing apparatus 1 itself, or may be generated by another information processing apparatus (not shown). Also good. Specifically, for example, other information processing apparatuses include a content distribution server (not shown) arranged on a network (not shown) or the like.

  The USB peripheral device 2 and the portable information processing device 3 can be connected to each other via the USB interface 21 and the USB interface 31. In this case, the power used by the USB peripheral device 2 is supplied from the portable information processing device 3.

  Therefore, for example, each of the first information corresponding to each of the one or more first files is recorded while one or more of the first files including the audio data encoded according to the predetermined encoding method are recorded. When the USB peripheral device 2 in which the second file collectively including the second information is recorded is connected (attached), the portable information processing device 3 executes the following process it can.

  That is, the portable information processing device 3 communicates with the USB peripheral device 2 via the USB interface 31 and the USB interface 21, acquires the second file first from the USB peripheral device 2, and the first The decoding of the audio data included in the first file to be processed based on the first information corresponding to the first file to be processed among the one or more pieces of first information included in the two files. A process of setting the type can be executed. Then, the portable information processing device 3 acquires the first file to be processed by communication with the USB peripheral device 2 based on the set type, and decodes the audio data included in the first file. Thus, the playback process can be executed.

  As a result, the time efficiency of communication between the portable information processing device 3 and the USB peripheral device 2 (communication processing associated with the reading processing of the first file) is improved as compared with the conventional one, and the reading processing is completed. The time until this is shortened, and accordingly, the reproduction process is also faster than that of the conventional one. That is, the conventional problem can be solved.

  As a result, the power consumption of the portable information processing device 3 is also reduced as compared with the conventional one, and accordingly, the life of a battery (such as a battery 113 in FIG. It is possible to produce an effect of extending compared with that of the above.

  The details of such a series of processing of the portable information processing device 3 will be described later with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  One configuration example of each of the stationary information processing device 1, the USB peripheral device 2, and the portable information processing device 3 that constitutes such an information processing system is shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 4, and FIG. It is shown. Therefore, referring to FIG. 2, FIG. 4, and FIG. 5, respectively, one configuration example of each of the stationary information processing device 1, the USB peripheral device 2, and the portable information processing device 3 will be described in that order. I will explain.

  First, a configuration example of the stationary information processing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 2 shows a configuration example when the stationary information processing apparatus 1 is configured as a personal computer.

  In the stationary information processing apparatus 1 of FIG. 2, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 51 is loaded into a RAM (Random Access Memory) 53 from a program recorded in a ROM (Read Only Memory) 52 or a storage unit 58. Various processes are executed according to the program. The RAM 53 also appropriately stores data necessary for the CPU 51 to execute various processes.

  For example, as described above, the CPU 51 can encode an audio signal (for example, an audio signal for one music piece) according to a predetermined encoding method and generate a first file including the audio data obtained as a result. . One or more such first files are generated. The CPU 51 also has second information necessary for managing each of the first information necessary for decoding the audio data included in each of the one or more first files and each of the one or more first files. A second file that includes each of the information can be generated.

  For example, when a USB peripheral device 2 (see FIG. 4 described later) capable of recording data is connected (attached) to the USB interface 11, communication is performed with the USB peripheral device 2 via the USB interface 11. One or more first files and second files can be recorded in the USB peripheral device 2.

  The CPU 51, ROM 52, and RAM 53 are connected to each other via a bus 54. An input / output interface 55 is also connected to the bus 54.

  The input / output interface 55 includes an input unit 56 such as a keyboard and a mouse, an output unit 57 composed of a display, a storage unit 58 composed of a hard disk, and a communication unit 59 composed of a modem, a terminal adapter, etc. It is connected.

  The communication unit 59 performs communication processing with other information processing apparatuses (not shown) via a network (not shown) including the Internet. For example, when content data is distributed from a content (music etc.) distribution server existing on the Internet, the communication unit 59 can receive the content data and provide it to the storage unit 58 or the like.

  The stationary information processing apparatus 1 can download content data distributed from the content distribution server and store it in the storage unit 58 or the like. Furthermore, as content data, for example, audio data may be transmitted in the above-described MP3 file format (hereinafter, MP3 file format audio data is simply referred to as an MP3 file). In such a case, the stationary information processing apparatus 1 can store the MP3 file in the storage unit 58 or the like as the first file described above.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the stationary information processing apparatus 1 generates and stores a second file that collectively includes the above-described first information and second information corresponding to the first file. It can be stored in the unit 58 or the like. Specifically, for example, the stationary information processing apparatus 1 converts the table shown in FIG. 3 into CSV (Comma Separated Values) file format data (hereinafter, CSV file format data is simply referred to as a CSV file). That is, a CSV file in which the description contents (data) of each item in the table of FIG. 3 are separated by commas (,) can be generated and stored in the storage unit 58 or the like as a second file. .

  That is, FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the second file (CSV file) used in the present embodiment in a table format. Therefore, the first information and the second information included in the second file used in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the example of FIG. 3, the first information and the second information for one first file (in this case, one MP3 file) are described in the same line (actual CSV file). Are separated by commas (,)).

  That is, in the example of FIG. 3, “MPEG information (MPEG1 or MPEG2)”, “RAC”, “8.3”, “bit rate”, “file name” is used as the first information or the second information for one first file. ”,“ Title ”,“ Time ”,“ Time stamp when sending ”,“ Artist name ”,“ Album name ”,“ Genre ”, and“ Track No. ”(information corresponding to these item names) In an actual CSV file, this information (information described in each item in the corresponding line in FIG. 3) is separated by a comma (,) for each first file. Will be arranged in that order.

  For example, “MPEG information (MPEG1 or MPEG2)” of these pieces of information is an example of first information necessary for decoding audio data included in the first file. Specifically, for example, although not shown, when “MPEG1” is described in the item of “MPEG information (MPEG1 or MPEG2)” on a predetermined line, it is included in the first file corresponding to that line. Indicates that the audio data encoding method is the MPEG1 method. On the other hand, when “MPEG2” is described in the item of “MPEG information (MPEG1 or MPEG2)” in a predetermined line, the encoding method of the audio data included in the first file corresponding to the line is the MPEG2 system. (MPEG2.0, MPEG2.5, etc.)

  Further, for example, “sampling frequency” and “bit rate” of these pieces of information are also examples of the first information necessary for decoding the audio data included in the first file.

  On the other hand, for example, information other than “MPEG information (MPEG1 or MPEG2)”, “sampling frequency”, and “bit rate” is an example of second information necessary for managing the first file. It is. Specifically, for example, although not shown, the description content of the item “title” in a predetermined line indicates the title of the music (audio data) included in the first file corresponding to the line. Similarly, in the other information, the description content of each item on a predetermined line indicates information corresponding to the item name for the first file corresponding to the line.

  The file format of the second file is the CSV file format in the present embodiment as described above. However, if the file format can express the table as shown in FIG. The format is not limited. However, as described later, the file format needs to be usable on the playback device side (in this embodiment, the portable information processing device 3 side in FIG. 5 described later). In other words, it is of course possible to adopt a special file format as the file format of the second file, but in this case, it is assumed that this special file format can be used on the playback device side. The problem of being done will occur. Therefore, when it is necessary to solve this problem, that is, in order to apply the present invention to as many kinds of playback devices as possible, a general-purpose file format such as a CSV file format is used as the file format of the second file. It is preferable to use a file format.

  Returning to FIG. 2, a drive 60 is connected to the input / output interface 55 as necessary, and a removable recording medium 61 made of a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a semiconductor memory, or the like is appropriately mounted and read from them. The issued computer program is installed in the storage unit 58 as necessary.

  The above-described USB interface 11 is further connected to the input / output interface 55. That is, the stationary information processing apparatus 1 has a USB host function, and can communicate with the USB peripheral device 2 (see FIG. 1 and FIG. 4 described later) connected to the USB interface 11. For example, as described above, when the USB peripheral device 2 capable of recording data is attached to the USB interface 11, the stationary information processing device 1 uses the first file (for example, the MP3 file in the above example). ) And the second file (for example, in the above example, the CSV file corresponding to the table of FIG. 3) can be recorded in the USB peripheral device 2. Further, as shown in FIG. 1 described above, the stationary information processing apparatus 1 can supply power to the USB peripheral device 2 connected to the USB interface 11.

  In FIG. 2, the stationary information processing apparatus 1 is configured as a personal computer, but the form is not limited to the example of FIG. 2 as long as the form has a USB host function. Specifically, for example, the stationary information processing apparatus 1 can be configured as a stationary audio device, a stationary television receiver, a stationary hard disk recorder, or the like.

  However, when the target USB peripheral device 2 connected to the stationary information processing apparatus 1 is configured as a USB memory as shown in FIG. 4 to be described later, the stationary information processing apparatus 1 further includes the USB peripheral device. 2 may have a function for storing data (such as the above-described MP3 file (first file) or CSV file (second file)). In this case, the data stored in the USB peripheral device 2 may be data stored in advance in the stationary information processing apparatus 1 or may be data supplied from the outside at that time. However, in the former case, the stationary information processing apparatus 1 needs to have a function of holding data. In the latter case, the stationary information processing apparatus 1 needs to have a function of acquiring data supplied from the outside.

  Next, a configuration example of the USB peripheral device 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 4 shows a configuration example when the USB peripheral device 2 is configured as a USB semiconductor storage device (so-called semiconductor memory). Therefore, hereinafter, the USB peripheral device 2 will be referred to as a USB memory 2 for explanation.

  In FIG. 4, white arrows indicate the flow of power, and solid arrows indicate the flow of information.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in addition to the USB interface 21 described above, the USB memory 2 includes a connection destination information processing device (in the example of FIG. 1, the stationary information processing device 1 or the portable information processing device 3). A control unit 81 and a storage unit 82 that operate with supplied power are provided.

  The control unit 81 controls the entire USB memory 2. That is, the control unit 81 controls, for example, communication with a connection destination information processing apparatus.

  Specifically, for example, when the connection destination is a stationary information processing apparatus (when the USB memory 2 is attached to the stationary information processing apparatus 1), the control unit 81 supplies from the stationary information processing apparatus 1. The above-described MP3 file (first file), CSV file (second file), and the like are received via the USB interface 21 and stored in the storage unit 82.

  Thereafter, for example, when the USB memory 2 is attached to the portable information processing device 3 (when the connection destination is the portable information processing device 3), the control unit 81 selects from among the data stored in the storage unit 82. Control is performed to read predetermined data and transmit it to the portable information processing device 3 via the USB interface 21.

  Further, for example, the control unit 81 is held by itself or the storage unit 82 based on an instruction from the information processing apparatus (the stationary information processing apparatus 1 or the portable information processing apparatus 3) as a connection destination. Control is performed to transmit information (self-profile information, which will be described later) to the information processing apparatus of the connection destination via the USB interface 21.

  The storage unit 82 is configured as a semiconductor memory element, for example, and stores data and the like provided from the information processing apparatus to be connected (in the above-described example, the stationary information processing apparatus 1). Specifically, for example, when the portable information processing device 3 is configured as a portable audio playback device as shown in FIG. 5 to be described later, one or more MP3 files provided from the stationary information processing device 1 (First file described above) and a CSV file (second file described above) corresponding to the table of FIG. 3 that collectively includes information necessary for decoding or managing those MP3 files Stored in the unit 82.

  In FIG. 4, the USB peripheral device 2 is configured as a USB memory, that is, a USB semiconductor storage device. However, the form is not limited to the example in FIG. Good.

  Next, a configuration example of the portable information processing device 3 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 5 shows an example of the configuration when the portable information processing device 3 is configured as a portable audio playback device.

  As in FIG. 4 described above, also in FIG. 5, white arrows indicate the flow of power, and solid arrows indicate the flow of information.

  In the portable information processing device 3 of FIG. 5, the USB communication control unit 101 has a USB host function. That is, the USB communication control unit 101 controls communication with the USB memory 2 (FIGS. 1 and 4) connected to the USB interface 31 based on the control of the main control unit 102.

  Specifically, for example, the USB memory 2 is configured as a USB semiconductor storage device as shown in FIG. 4 described above, and one or more MP3 files (first file described above) and their MP3 files are included. Assume that a CSV file (second file described above) corresponding to the table of FIG. 3 in which each piece of information is described is stored.

  In this case, for example, when the USB memory 2 is connected (attached) to a predetermined one (not shown) of the hubs of the USB interface 31, the USB communication control unit 101 recognizes the hub.

  Then, the USB communication control unit 101 recognizes the USB memory 2 connected to the hub (since it is still unclear what kind of device the USB peripheral device 2 is), the USB memory 2 itself An acquisition request such as profile information, that is, PID (product ID) and VID (vendor ID) is issued and transmitted to the USB memory 2 via the USB interface 31.

  Then, since the self profile information is transmitted from the USB memory 2, the USB communication control unit 101 acquires (receives) the self profile information via the USB interface 31 and recognizes the USB memory 2.

  The series of recognition processes of the USB communication control unit 101 as described above will be appropriately referred to as enumeration processes hereinafter.

  In addition, for example, when a user gives an instruction to play a predetermined song (a block for inputting an instruction from the user is not shown), the USB communication control unit 101 first stores the data stored in the USB memory 2. The CSV file (second file) corresponding to the table of FIG. 3 described above is acquired (received) via the USB interface 31 and provided to the main control unit 102.

  Thereafter, as will be described later, the main control unit 102 adds information included in the second file (here, “MPEG information (MPEG1 or MPEG2)”, “sampling frequency”, and “bit rate” in FIG. 3). Based on the described information), the type of decoding (decoding) of the music (audio data) instructed to be reproduced is set. Therefore, the USB communication control unit 101 reads out, via the USB interface 31, the MP3 file corresponding to the music for which playback has been instructed from the data stored in the USB memory 2 based on the decoding type ( Received) and provided to the main control unit 102.

  Specifically, when the decoding type corresponding to the MPEG1 system is set, that is, in the table of FIG. 3, “MPEG1” is added to the item of “MPEG information (MPEG1 or MPEG2)” in the row corresponding to the music for which playback is instructed. Is described, the USB communication control unit 101, as described above, after the ADDRESS LATCH, after the CLOCK (4 WAIT) after n (according to the conventional example, n = 4 hereinafter) CLOCK (4 WAIT) The MP3 file corresponding to the music instructed to be played is acquired (received) from the data stored in the USB interface 31 and provided to the main control unit 102.

  On the other hand, when the decoding type corresponding to the MPEG2 system is set, that is, in the table of FIG. 3, “MPEG2 (MPEG1 or MPEG2)” in the item corresponding to the music for which playback is instructed is set to “MPEG2”. ”Is described, the USB communication control unit 101, as described above, after the ADDRESS LATCH, further m (in the conventional example, m = 4 hereinafter) CLOCK (9 WAIT), after the USB memory 2 obtains (receives) the MP3 file corresponding to the music for which playback is instructed from the data stored in 2 via the USB interface 31, and provides the MP3 file to the main control unit 102.

  As the sampling frequency and bit rate, values described in the respective items of “sampling frequency” and “bit rate” in the row corresponding to the music for which reproduction is instructed are set.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when an instruction to play back a predetermined musical piece (the MP3 file that is the first file) recorded in the USB memory 2 is given, the CSV file corresponding to the above-described table of FIG. (Second file) is obtained first from the USB memory 2, and based on the second file, the type of decoding of the MP3 file for which reproduction is instructed is set. Accordingly, the time efficiency of communication between the portable information processing device 3 and the USB memory 2 (communication processing accompanying the reading processing of the MP3 file instructed to be played back) is improved as compared with the conventional one, and the reading processing is improved. The time until completion is shortened, and accordingly, the reproduction process is also faster than the conventional one. That is, the conventional problem can be solved.

  As a result, the power consumption of the portable information processing device 3 is reduced as compared with the conventional one, and accordingly, the life of the battery 113 that is the power source of the portable information processing device 3 is extended as compared with the conventional one. An effect can be achieved.

  The USB communication control unit 101 further supplies (relays) the power supplied from the power supply unit 109 to the USB memory 2 via the USB interface 31.

  The main control unit 102 controls the entire portable information processing device 3. That is, the main control unit 102 is provided with a built-in memory 112 composed of ROM, RAM, etc., and the main control unit 102 (a CPU (not shown) provided therein) is recorded in the built-in memory 112. Various processes are executed according to the program.

  For example, when the USB memory 2 is attached and the reproduction of music recorded on the USB memory 2 is instructed, the main control unit 102 executes processing according to flowcharts of FIGS. 6 and 7 described later.

  The main control unit 102 is connected to the USB communication control unit 101 described above, an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) 103, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) 104, a decoding unit 105, a voltage setting unit. 108 and a power supply unit 109 are connected.

  The SRAM 103 stores the MP3 file (first file) provided from the USB memory 2. On the other hand, the EEPROM 104 stores a CSV file (second file) provided from the USB memory 2. The EEPROM 104 also stores, for example, information on the output volume (volume) as information indicating the current reproduction state.

  Based on the control of the main control unit 102 (based on the set decoding type), the decoding unit 105 decodes (decodes) the MP3 file supplied from the SRAM 103 via the main control unit 102, and performs digital audio. The signal is supplied to an A / D converter (Analog / Digital converter) 106 as a signal.

  The A / D conversion unit 106 converts the digital audio signal supplied from the decoding unit 105 into an analog audio signal and supplies the analog audio signal to the audio output unit 107.

  The audio output unit 107 is configured as a speaker, a headphone terminal, or the like (or configured as a combination thereof). When the audio output unit 107 is configured as a speaker, the audio output unit 107 converts the analog audio signal supplied from the A / D conversion unit 106 into audio (that is, a music instructed to be reproduced) and converts it to an external Output to. On the other hand, when the audio output unit 107 is configured as a headphone terminal, the audio output unit 107 outputs an analog audio signal supplied from the A / D conversion unit 106 to headphones connected thereto.

  The voltage setting unit 108 sets the voltage of the power supplied from the power supply unit 109 and supplies the setting result (voltage setting value) to the main control unit 102. The main control unit 102 supplies the voltage setting value supplied from the voltage setting unit 108 to the power supply unit 109.

  Then, the power supply unit 109 uses the battery 113 attached to the portable information processing device 3 as an input power supply, and the voltage (voltage) set by the voltage setting unit 108 for each part of the portable information processing device 3. Power is supplied at a voltage of a voltage setting value supplied from the setting unit 108 via the main control unit 102. Note that the battery 113 referred to here indicates a broad battery including a so-called dry battery and a rechargeable battery.

  The display control unit 110 includes information provided from the EEPROM 104 via the main control unit 102, for example, information included in a CSV file (second file) (information described in each item of the table in FIG. 3). ) Is displayed on the display unit 111. In other words, the display control unit 110 converts information (data) provided from the EEPROM 104 via the main control unit 102 into an image signal in a format corresponding to the display unit 111 (if necessary, before and after that, various information can be displayed. Image processing is performed) and provided to the display unit 111. The display unit 111 displays an image corresponding to the image signal provided from the display control unit 110, that is, information included in the CSV file (second file). Specifically, for example, the display control unit 110 can display the “title”, “time”, and the like of the currently played music on the display unit 111.

  As described above, each of the second information necessary for managing each of one or more MP3 files (first files) recorded in the USB memory 2 is a file of a general file format such as a CSV file ( The second file), and when the MP3 file is played back, the second file is stored in advance in the EEPROM 104, so the display control unit 110 provides various information to the user. It can be presented easily and quickly (displayed on the display unit 111).

  In FIG. 5, the portable information processing device 3 is configured as a portable audio playback device, but in order to set the USB host function, the MP3 file decoding function, and the decoding type at that time. In addition, as long as it has a function of analyzing the second file (for example, CSV file) stored in the USB memory 2, the form is not limited to the example of FIG. Specifically, for example, the portable information processing apparatus 3 can be configured as a portable audio recording / playback apparatus capable of recording, or can be configured as a portable video playback apparatus or recording / playback apparatus. Alternatively, the portable information processing device 3 can be configured by a portable telephone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistants), or the like.

  Next, referring to the flowcharts of FIGS. 6 and 7, the audio data (MP3 file) recorded in the USB memory 2 in the processing of the portable information processing apparatus 3 is acquired and reproduced. The process up to this point (hereinafter referred to as reproduction process) will be described.

  6 and 7, the USB memory 2 (FIGS. 1 and 4) is attached to the portable information processing apparatus 3, the above-described enumeration process is completed, and It is assumed that power supply from the portable information processing device 3 to the USB memory 2 is started.

  In this case, in step S1, the main control unit 102 in FIG. 5 determines whether or not reproduction is instructed.

  If it is determined in step S1 that reproduction is not instructed, the process returns to step S1, and it is determined again whether or not reproduction is instructed. That is, the main control unit 102 constantly monitors the instruction for reproduction.

  When playback is instructed (when it is determined in step S1 that playback has been instructed), in step S2, the main control unit 102 determines whether a CSV file is recorded in the USB memory 2.

  When the conventional USB memory 2, that is, the USB memory 2 in which only the MP3 file (first file) is recorded, it is determined that the CSV file is not recorded in the USB memory 2 in step S 2. Similar processing is executed. That is, the process proceeds to step S11 in FIG. 7, and the subsequent processes are executed. However, the processing after step S11 will be described later.

  On the other hand, in addition to the MP3 file (first file), a CSV file (second file) corresponding to the table of FIG. 3 described above is recorded in the USB memory 2 of the present embodiment. If the USB memory 2 of this embodiment is attached, it is determined in step S2 that a CSV file is recorded in the USB memory 2, and the process proceeds to step S3.

  That is, in step S <b> 3, the main control unit 102 controls the USB communication control unit 101 to acquire a CSV file from the USB memory 2 via the USB interface 31. Then, the main control unit 102 refers to the CSV file, that is, refers to the description content of the item “MPEG information (MPEG1 or MPEG2)” in the row corresponding to the reproduction target (MP3 file) in the table of FIG. The MPEG type (encoding method) to be reproduced is recognized.

  In step S4, the main control unit 102 determines whether or not it is MPEG 2.0 or higher.

  In the table of FIG. 3, when “MPEG2” is described in the item of “MPEG information (MPEG1 or MPEG2)” in the row corresponding to the reproduction target (MP3 file), the main control unit 102, in step S4, selects the MPEG 2.0. In step S5, the decoding setting is set to MPEG 2.0 or higher. That is, for example, as described above, the main control unit 102 sets the read WAIT time to 9 clocks (CLOCK), and sets the sampling frequency and bit rate of the row corresponding to the reproduction target (MP3 file). The values described in “Sampling frequency” and “Bit rate” are set. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S7.

  On the other hand, in the table of FIG. 3, when “MPEG1” is described in the item of “MPEG information (MPEG1 or MPEG2)” in the row corresponding to the reproduction target (MP3 file), the main control unit 102 performs step S4. In step S6, the decoding setting is set to MPEG 1.0. That is, for example, as described above, the main control unit 102 sets the read WAIT time to 4 clocks (CLOCK), and sets the sampling frequency and bit rate of the row corresponding to the reproduction target (MP3 file). The values described in “Sampling frequency” and “Bit rate” are set. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S7.

  In step S7, the main control unit 102 performs USB communication after the set WAIT time (four clocks when MPEG1.0 is set and nine clocks when MPEG2.0 is set) passes. The control unit 101 is controlled to read the reproduction target (MP3 file) from the USB memory 2 via the USB interface 31 and transfer it to the decoding unit 105.

  In step S8, the decoding unit 105 decodes (decodes) the reproduction target transferred in the process of step S7 based on the control of the main control unit 102, and A / D converts the resulting digital audio signal. Part 106. In other words, the main control unit 102 controls the decoding unit 105 to execute the process of step S8.

  In step S9, the A / D conversion unit 106 performs A / D conversion on the digital audio signal provided in the process of step S8, and provides the resulting analog audio signal to the audio output unit 107.

  In step S10, the audio output unit 107 outputs the analog audio signal provided in the process of step S9 to the outside.

  Thereby, the reproduction process of the portable information processing device 3 is ended.

  However, to be exact, in the present embodiment, the reproduction target (MP3 file) sequentially transferred from the USB memory 2 is sequentially stored (stored once) in the SRAM 103, and a predetermined amount of data ( The data is transferred to the decoding unit 105 at a stage where data of a predetermined data amount is accumulated.

  Therefore, when the total capacity of the playback target (MP3 file) exceeds the prescribed data amount of the SRAM 103, actually, the decoding unit 105 is independent (in parallel) with the execution of the decoding process in step S8. The main control unit 102 acquires the data to be decoded next from the reproduction target from the USB memory 2 and stores the data in the SRAM 103 (processing in step S7).

  In other words, the flow of processing in steps S7 to S10 in FIG. 6 shows the flow of processing when attention is paid to predetermined data (data corresponding to a part of the music) in the reproduction target (MP3 file). Yes.

  Next, processing when a conventional USB memory 2, that is, a USB memory 2 in which a CSV file (second file) is not recorded, is mounted will be described.

  In this case, as described above, it is determined in step S2 that no CSV file is recorded in the USB memory 2, and the process proceeds to step S11 in FIG. Is executed.

  Specifically, in step S11, the main control unit 102 determines whether or not the data transfer is the first time.

  In this case, since the reproduction target (MP3 file) has not been transferred yet, the main control unit 102 determines in step S11 that the data transfer is the first time, and in step S12, sets the decoding setting to MPEG 1.0. Set to. That is, for example, as described above, the main control unit 102 sets the read WAIT time to 4 clocks (CLOCK), and sets the sampling frequency and bit rate to values corresponding to MPEG1.

  Thus, when data transfer is the first time, the decoding setting is forcibly set to MPEG 1.0 regardless of the MPEG type of the reproduction target (MP3 file).

  Next, in step S13, the main control unit 102 controls the USB communication control unit 101 after the set WAIT time (that is, 4 clocks) has elapsed, and the reproduction target (MP3 file) is transferred from the USB memory 2 to the USB interface. The data is read via 31 and transferred to the decoding unit 105.

  In step S14, the main control unit 102 determines whether or not the transfer is successful (whether it is MPEG 1.0 or more).

  When the encoding method of the reproduction target (MP3 file) is MPEG1, naturally, the decoding unit 105 can decode the reproduction target (MP3 file) with the setting of MPEG1.0. In such a case, it is determined in step S14 that the transfer has been successful, the process proceeds to step S8 in FIG. 6, and the subsequent processes are executed. That is, the playback target (MP3 file) is decoded by the decoding unit 105 in the process of step S8, A / D converted by the A / D conversion unit 106 in the process of step S9, and the audio output unit in the process of step S10. 107. Thereby, the reproduction process of the portable information processing device 3 is ended.

  However, when the encoding method of the reproduction target (MP3 file) is MPEG2, the decoding unit 105 cannot decode the reproduction target (MP3 file) with the setting of MPEG1.0 (becomes unreadable). ). In such a case, the decoding unit 105 issues a retransmission request to the main control unit 102.

  Therefore, when receiving the retransmission request, the main control unit 102 determines that the transfer has failed (not succeeded) in step S14, returns the process to step S11, and repeats the subsequent processes.

  That is, the main control unit 102 determines that the data transfer is not the first time in step S11, and sets the decoding setting to MPEG2.0 or higher in step S16. That is, for example, as described above, the main control unit 102 sets the read WAIT time to 9 clocks (CLOCK), and sets the sampling frequency and bit rate to values corresponding to MPEG2.

  Next, in step S17, the main control unit 102 controls the USB communication control unit 101 after the set WAIT time (that is, 9 clocks) has passed, and the reproduction target (MP3 file) is transferred from the USB memory 2 to the USB interface. The data is read via 31 and transferred to the decoding unit 105.

  Since the setting has been updated to MPEG 2.0 or higher in this way, the decoding unit 105 can decode the playback target (MP3 file) this time. Therefore, the process proceeds to step S8 in FIG. 6, and the subsequent processes are executed. That is, the playback target (MP3 file) is decoded by the decoding unit 105 in the process of step S8, A / D converted by the A / D conversion unit 106 in the process of step S9, and the audio output unit in the process of step S10. 107. Thereby, the reproduction process of the portable information processing device 3 is ended.

  As described above, in the conventional processing (processing when the USB memory 2 in which the CSV file as the second file is not recorded) is attached, the encoding method of the reproduction target (MP3 file) is even MPEG2. Even if there is, at first, the decoding setting is forcibly set as MPEG 1.0 setting (steps S11 to S14 are executed), and only when the attempt fails, the decoding setting is MPEG2 The setting is updated to .0 or higher.

  For this reason, after reproduction is instructed (after it is determined in step S1 in FIG. 6 that reproduction has been instructed), the reproduction target is read and decoding is started (processing in step S8 in FIG. 6). Processing time) until the above-described conventional problem is generated.

  On the other hand, when the USB memory 2 of the present embodiment, that is, the USB memory 2 in which the CSV file as the second file is recorded is mounted, playback is performed with reference to the second file. The target decoding setting is first performed, and the reproduction target reading process (the processes of steps S3 to S7) is executed with the decoding setting.

  Therefore, after reproduction is instructed (after it is determined in step S1 in FIG. 6 that reproduction has been instructed), until the reproduction target is read and decoding is started (the process of step S8 in FIG. 6 is performed). The processing time until it is started is shortened compared to that of the conventional method. That is, the conventional problem described above can be solved.

  As a result, the power consumption of the portable information processing device 3 is reduced as compared with the conventional one, and accordingly, the life of the battery 113 that is the power source of the portable information processing device 3 is extended as compared with the conventional one. An effect can be achieved.

In the above-described example, the sampling frequency and the bit rate are set when the MPEG version (MPEG system 1 or 2) is set as the decoding setting, but the MPEG version (MPEG system 1) is set. Alternatively, the sampling frequency and bit rate can be set independently independently. That is, the order of setting the MPEG system version (MPEG system 1 or 2), the sampling frequency, and the bit rate is not limited to the above-described example, and may be an arbitrary order. Specifically, for example, the sampling frequency and the bit rate may be set first, and then the MPEG version (MPEG 1 or 2) may be set.

  Although the configuration and operation of the information processing system of FIG. 1 have been described above, the information processing system to which the present invention is applied is not limited to the information processing system of FIG. 1 and can take various forms. is there.

  For example, instead of the USB peripheral device 2, one or more first files including audio data encoded according to a predetermined encoding method can be recorded, and the audio included in each of the one or more first files is recorded. A recording device capable of recording a second file that collectively includes each of the first information necessary for data decoding can be applied.

  Specifically, for example, although not shown, a Memory Stick (trademark) can be applied as such a recording apparatus. A memory stick is a type of flash memory card developed by Sony Corporation, the applicant of the present application. This memory stick stores a flash memory device, a type of EEPROM that is a nonvolatile memory that can be electrically rewritten and erased, in a small, thin plastic case measuring 21.5 x 50 x 2.8 mm. It is possible to write and read various data such as images, sounds and music via a 10-pin terminal. The memory stick also stores a data control controller.

  Therefore, for example, instead of the portable information processing device 3, a communication unit that performs communication with a recording device (such as a memory stick) that is different from the USB peripheral device 2, and a communication unit that communicates with the recording device. The decoding unit that decodes the audio data included in the acquired first file and the communication unit are controlled to acquire the second file from the recording device, and the one or more first files included in the second file are acquired. Setting means for setting the type of decoding of audio data included in the first file to be processed based on the first information corresponding to the first file to be processed among the information, and setting by the setting means Based on the type, the communication unit is controlled to acquire the first file to be processed from the recording device, and the decoding unit is controlled to decode the audio data included in the first file. It can be applied to an information processing apparatus provided with the decoding control unit that.

  By the way, when the above-described series of processing is executed by software, a program constituting the software is installed from a network or a recording medium.

  As shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 5, the recording medium is distributed to distribute the program to the user separately from the apparatus main body, and includes a magnetic disk (including a floppy disk) on which the program is recorded. ), Optical disk (including compact disk-read only memory (CD-ROM), DVD (digital versatile disk)), magneto-optical disk (including MD (mini-disk)), or semiconductor memory The ROM 52 (FIG. 2) and the built-in memory (the built-in memory 112 in FIG. 5 and the diagram in FIG. 4) in which a program is recorded are distributed to the user in addition to being configured by the device main body. A built-in memory included in the control unit 81 (not shown), a hard disk included in the storage unit 58 (FIG. 2), and the like.

  The series of processes described above may be executed by hardware as needed.

  Further, in the present specification, the step of describing the program recorded on the recording medium is not limited to the processing performed in chronological order according to the described order, but may be performed in parallel or It also includes processes that are executed individually.

  Further, in this specification, the system represents the entire apparatus constituted by a plurality of apparatuses.

It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the information processing system to which this invention is applied. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the stationary information processing apparatus of the information processing system of FIG. It is a figure which shows the information required for the decoding and management of the audio | voice data memorize | stored with audio | voice data in the USB peripheral device of the information processing system of FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a USB peripheral device (USB memory) of the information processing system of FIG. 1. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the portable information processing apparatus of the information processing system of FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a reproduction process of the portable information processing apparatus (FIG. 5) of the information processing system of FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a reproduction process of the portable information processing apparatus (FIG. 5) of the information processing system of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Stationary information processing apparatus, 2 USB peripheral device, 3 Portable information processing apparatus, 11, 21, 31 USB interface, 81 Control part 81 Memory | storage part, 101 USB communication control part, 102 Main control part, 103 SRAM, 104 EEPROM , 105 decoding unit, 106 A / D conversion unit, 107 audio output unit, 108 voltage setting unit, 109 power supply unit, 110 display control unit, 111 display unit, 112 built-in memory

Claims (7)

One or more first files including audio data encoded according to a predetermined encoding method are recorded, and the first file necessary for decoding the audio data included in each of the one or more first files is recorded. Communication means for performing communication with a recording device in which a second file that collectively includes each of the information is recorded;
Decoding means for decoding the audio data included in the first file acquired from the recording device by communication of the communication means;
Controls the communication means to acquire the second file from the recording device, and corresponds to the first file to be processed among the one or more pieces of the first information included in the second file Setting means for setting a type of decoding of the audio data included in the first file to be processed based on the first information
Based on the type set by the setting means, the communication means is controlled, the first file to be processed is acquired from the recording device, the decoding means is controlled, and the first file is controlled. An information processing apparatus comprising: decoding control means for decoding the included audio data. The file format of the first file is an MP3 (Moving Picture Experts 1 audio layer 3) file format, and the encoding method of the audio data included in each of the one or more first files is MPEG1 format and MPEG2 format. One of the methods,
Each of the second files includes information indicating an encoding method of the audio data included in each of the one or more first files as each of the first information.
When the first information corresponding to the first file to be processed is information indicating the MPEG1 format, the setting means, as the type of decoding of the audio data included in the first file, When the type corresponding to the MPEG1 system is set, and the first information corresponding to the first file to be processed is information indicating the MPEG2 system, the audio data included in the first file is decoded. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a type corresponding to the MPEG2 system is set as the type. As the first information included in the second file, a first value indicating a sampling frequency and a second value indicating a bit rate for the audio data included in each of the one or more first files. Including
The setting means includes a first of the first information included in the second file as a sampling frequency and a bit rate of the audio data included in the first file to be processed. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the first value and the second value corresponding to a file is set. The second file further includes each of second information necessary for managing each of the one or more first files recorded in the recording device,
It further comprises presentation control means for performing control for causing a predetermined presentation device to present at least one of the one or more pieces of the second information included in the second file acquired by communication of the communication means. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the file format of the second file is a CSV (Comma Separated Values) format. One or more first files including audio data encoded according to a predetermined encoding method are recorded, and information necessary for decoding the audio data included in each of the one or more first files is recorded. A communication means for performing communication with a recording device in which a second file including each of them is recorded;
In an information processing method of an information processing apparatus comprising: decoding means for decoding the audio data included in the first file acquired from the recording device by communication of the communication means;
The information corresponding to the first file to be processed among the one or more pieces of information included in the second file by controlling the communication means to acquire the second file from the recording device. A setting step for setting a type of decoding of the audio data included in the first file to be processed, based on:
Based on the type set by the processing of the setting step, the communication unit is controlled to acquire the first file to be processed from the recording device, the decoding unit is controlled, and the first file is controlled. A decoding control step for decoding the audio data included in the file. One or more first files including audio data encoded according to a predetermined encoding method are recorded, and information necessary for decoding the audio data included in each of the one or more first files is recorded. A communication means for communicating with an expansion device in which a second file including each of them is recorded;
A program executed by a computer that controls a main device comprising: decoding means for decoding the audio data included in the first file acquired from the extension device by communication of the communication means;
The information corresponding to the first file to be processed among the one or more pieces of information included in the second file by controlling the communication means to acquire the second file from the recording device. A setting step for setting a type of decoding of the audio data included in the first file to be processed, based on:
Based on the type set by the processing of the setting step, the communication unit is controlled to acquire the first file to be processed from the recording device, the decoding unit is controlled, and the first file is controlled. And a decoding control step for decoding the audio data included in the file.

Images