WO2000055853A1

WO2000055853A1 - Portable data storage/audio reproduction apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2000055853A1
Application number: PCT/KR2000/000202
Authority: WO
Inventors: Byung-Soo Kim; Huong-Su Park; Yong-Sup Lee
Original assignee: Kim Byung Soo; Park Huong Su; Lee Yong Sup
Priority date: 1999-03-13
Filing date: 2000-03-13
Publication date: 2000-09-21
Also published as: KR20020006678A; KR100354715B1; CN1349647A; EP1166266A1; JP2002539508A; KR19990046448A; AU3332100A

Abstract

A portable data storage/audio reproduction apparatus comprising a power supply (36) for supplying operating power to the reproduction apparatus, a key input unit (10) for inputting a plurality of key signals, a personal computer (12) for downloading and storing audio data and various information data through Internet or PC communication, a flash memory (14) for storing the audio data and various information data from the personal computer (12), a microphone (16) for converting external input voice or sound into an electrical signal, an FM radio receiver (18) for receiving a desired band of FM radio signals, a CPU (20) for generating a plurality of control signals, an LCD (22) for providing a visual indication of output data from the CPU (20), a digital signal processor (24) for processing input/output digital signals to/from the CPU (20), an audio codec (26) for performing audio coding/decoding operations, an audio input/output unit (28) for receiving an external analog audio signal, transferring it to the audio codec (26), receiving an analog audio signal from the audio codec and outputting it externally, a radio frequency transmitter (30) for modulating the analog audio signal from the audio codec into a radio frequency signal to remotely transmit it, and an equalizer (35) for compensating for a distortion of output audio data from the reproduction apparatus.

Description

PORTABLE DATA STORAGE/AUDIO REPRODUCTION APPARATUS

Technical Field

The present invention relates in general to a portable data storage/audio reproduction apparatus, and more particularly to a portable data storage/audio reproduction apparatus which is capable of downloading audio data from a personal computer or audio equipment and storing the downloaded audio data in its memory chip to allow the user to listen to sound of the stored audio data while carrying the reproduction apparatus, and of downloading various information

data from the personal computer other than the audio data and storing the downloaded information data in its memory chip or in other personal computers or data storage means.

Background Art

Generally, an audio system such as a cassette tape recorder, compact disk player or laser disk player is used to record an audio signal of voice or

sound and/or reproduce the recorded audio signal. Such an audio system can

record and/or reproduce an audio signal of voice or sound on/from a recording medium such as a magnetic tape or magneto-optic disk.

In the case where a magnetic tape is used as the above recording

medium, it is desirable to repeat the recording and reproduction of an audio signal, but has a disadvantage in that it cannot be semi-permanently used under

an unfavorable condition such as heat or moisture because of its properties. Further, the magnetic tape is liable to be deteriorated due to friction with either an erasing head or recording head installed in the audio system while recording

or reproducing the audio signal. Such deterioration of the magnetic tape

degrades the quality of sound, thereby making it impossible to use the magnetic tape for a lengthy period of time.

In the case where a compact disk is used as the above recording medium, it is desirable to semi-permanently reproduce an audio signal recorded thereon,

but has a disadvantage in that there is additionally required equipment capable of

recording the audio signal on the compact disk. Further, such equipment is scarcely applied to the audio system because it is high in cost.

Furthermore, it is not easy to record a data signal from a personal computer other than the audio signal of voice or sound on the above recording medium and copy or store the recorded data signal to other personal computers

or storage media.

In other words, an audio system such as a cassette tape recorder, which

utilizes a magnetic tape as a recording medium, can record, reproduce and erase

audio data on the magnetic tape, but it cannot rapidly select a tune desired by the

user due to a mechanical deterioration of the magnetic tape or rewinding or fast forward winding of the magnetic tape. Further, a compact disk is unable to

record audio data thereon without using separate equipment and is

disadvantageous in cost. Moreover, the user has the trouble of replacing the current magnetic tape or compact disk with one containing a desired one of tunes

of different music genres, singers or groups to listen to the desired tune.

Further, either the magnetic tape or compact disk as the recording medium is connected to an output device only by wire, thereby making it impossible for the user to remotely listen to music from the tape or disk.

Furthermore, it is not easy to record special information data other than the audio

data on the magnetic tape or compact disk.

Disclosure of the Invention

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a portable data storage/audio reproduction apparatus which is capable of downloading

compressed audio data through Internet or PC communication according to a program running in a personal computer or downloading compressed audio data,

stored in an audio data storage medium such as a memory chip using a compression technique by an audio storage device, and storing and outputting the

downloaded audio data to allow the user to listen to music of the audio data or voice thereof for language study while carrying the reproduction apparatus.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a portable data storage/audio reproduction apparatus which is capable of storing various

information data and transferring or storing the stored information data to other

personal computers or storage media. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a portable data

storage/audio reproduction apparatus which is capable of classifying compression-stored audio data according to lists, visually displaying the classified lists through display means and remotely transmitting the audio data to

an audio system by radio to allow the user to listen to music of the audio data

from the audio system.

In accordance with the present invention, the above and other objects

can be accomplished by a provision of a portable data storage/audio reproduction apparatus comprising a power supply for converting input AC power into a

desired level of DC power, rectifying the converted DC power and supplying the

rectified DC power to the reproduction apparatus; a key input unit for inputting a plurality of key signals to operate various functions of the reproduction

apparatus; a personal computer for downloading and storing audio data and

various information data through Internet or PC communication according to a

program contained therein; a flash memory having a desired storage capacity for

storing the audio data and various information data from the personal computer, a microphone for converting external input voice or sound into an electrical

signal; an FM radio receiver for receiving a desired band of FM radio signals

through a receiving antenna; a central processing unit for controlling the

operations of the key input unit, personal computer and flash memory and

performing an arithmetic operation for output data therefrom according to

programs contained therein to generate a plurality of control signals; a liquid

crystal display for providing a visual indication of output data from the central processing unit; a digital signal processor for processing input/output digital

signals to/from the central processing unit; an audio codec for coding a digital audio signal from the digital signal processor into an analog audio signal, transferring the coded analog audio signal to an audio input/output unit, decoding an analog audio signal from the audio input/output unit into a digital audio signal and transferring the decoded digital audio signal to the digital signal processor, the audio input/output unit receiving an external analog audio signal, transferring it to the audio codec, receiving the analog audio signal from the audio codec and

outputting it externally; a radio frequency transmitter for modulating the coded

analog audio signal from the audio codec into a radio frequency signal and

remotely transmitting the modulated radio frequency signal through a transmitting antenna; and an equalizer for compensating for a distortion of output audio data from the reproduction apparatus.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The above and other objects, features and other advantages of the

present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed

description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which.

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a portable data storage/audio reproduction apparatus in accordance with the present invention; and

Fig. 2 is a detailed circuit diagram of a radio frequency transmitter in

Fig. 1 Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

With reference to Fig. 1, there is shown in block form the construction of a portable data storage/audio reproduction apparatus in accordance with the

present invention. In this drawing, the reference numeral 36 denotes a power

supply for converting input alternating current (AC) power into a desired level of

direct current (DC) power, rectifying the converted DC power and supplying the

rectified DC power to the reproduction apparatus. Alternatively, either a

general battery or rechargeable battery may be used instead of the power supply 36. The power supply 36 may include a separate adapter for dropping or

converting an external voltage or a regulator for outputting a fixed level of stable

voltage. It is preferable that the reproduction apparatus receives power from the

adapter or battery. The battery generally comprises nickel or other ions. It is

preferable that the battery is charged with the power from the adapter.

The reference numeral 10 denotes a key input unit for inputting a plurality of key signals to operate various functions of the present reproduction apparatus. The key input unit 10 includes a recording key for storing audio data

in the present reproduction apparatus, a play key for reproducing the audio data

stored in the reproduction apparatus, a stop key for stopping the operation of the

reproduction apparatus, a volume key for raising or lowering the level of output

audio from the reproduction apparatus, a start/end detection key for detecting

start and end points of the audio data stored in the reproduction apparatus, a menu key for displaying all the functions of the reproduction apparatus, an

equalizer on/off key for turning on/off the operation of an equalizer 35 for correction of the output sound from the reproduction apparatus, a repeat key for repeating the reproduction of desired data in the reproduction apparatus, a frequency modulation (FM) radio ON key for receiving an FM radio signal, and

a radio frequency transmission key for transmitting an audio signal by radio.

The reference numeral 12 denotes a personal computer for downloading audio data compressed using a moving picture experts group 2 (MPEG 2) layer 3 (MP3) technique, which is the international audio compression standard, and various information data through Internet or PC communication according to a program contained therein and storing the downloaded audio data and information data. The personal computer 12 can download various file-unit information data as well as audio data and output the downloaded data to an

input/output unit connected thereto. The reference numeral 14 denotes a flash memory having a desired

storage capacity for storing the audio data and various information data from the personal computer 12. When the amount of data stored in the flash memory 14 exceeds the desired storage capacity, it is automatically erased in the input order

Preferably, the flash memory 14 may be a random access memory (RAM) or an

electrically erasable and programmable read only memory (EEPROM)

The reference numeral 16 denotes a microphone for converting external input voice or sound into an electrical signal.

The reference numeral 18 denotes an FM radio receiver for receiving a desired band of FM radio signals through a receiving antenna 19.

The reference numeral 20 denotes a central processing unit (CPU) for controlling the operations of the key input unit 10, personal computer 12 and flash memory 14 and performing an arithmetic operation for output data therefrom according to programs contained therein to generate a plurality of control signals. The programs contained in the CPU 20 may be a program for the control of the reproduction apparatus and a program for the storage of input

audio data.

The reference numeral 22 denotes a liquid crystal display (LCD) for providing a visual indication of output data from the CPU 20. The LCD 22 may preferably be of a 128x32-dot graphic type. The LCD 22 includes a plurality of icons for visually displaying a charged state of the battery, an operated state of the reproduction apparatus, a key input state of the key input unit 10, a name of an output tune, a list of audio data stored in the reproduction

apparatus, etc.

The reference numeral 24 denotes a digital signal processor 24 for processing input/output digital signals to/from the CPU 20. The digital signal

processor 24 includes a microprocessor for performing an algebraic operation for digital values to control filtering, modulation/demodulation, spectrum analysis

and linear estimation.

The reference numeral 26 denotes an audio codec for coding a digital

audio signal from the digital signal processor 24 into an analog audio signal,

transferring the coded analog audio signal to an audio input/output unit 28, decoding an analog audio signal from the audio input/output unit 28 into a digital

audio signal and transferring the decoded digital audio signal to the digital signal

processor 24. The audio input/output unit 28 is adapted to receive an external analog audio signal, transfer it to the audio codec 26, receive the analog audio

signal from the audio codec 26 and output it externally

The reference numeral 30 denotes a radio frequency transmitter for

modulating the coded analog audio signal from the audio codec 26 into a radio frequency signal and remotely transmitting the modulated radio frequency signal through a transmitting antenna 31. The radio frequency transmitter 30 includes,

as shown in Fig. 2, a frequency setting/oscillating circuit 40 for setting a desired

frequency level and generating a signal oscillating at the set frequency level, a

transmission controller 42 for outputting the coded analog audio signal from the

audio codec 26 synchronously with the oscillating signal from the frequency setting/oscillating circuit 40, a primary amplifier TR1 for primarily amplifying

the audio signal from the transmission controller 42 to a first predetermined level,

an oscillator 43 for oscillating an output signal from the primary amplifier TR1, a secondary amplifier TR2 for secondarily amplifying an output signal from the

oscillator 43 to a second predetermined level, a tuner 44 for tuning an output

signal from the secondary amplifier TR2 to a desired frequency channel, and a

gain controller 45 for controlling a transmission gain of the transmitting antenna

31.

The equalizer 35 functions to attenuate a noise component of output

audio data from the reproduction apparatus to compensate for a distortion thereof An interface 13 is connected between the personal computer 12 and

CPU 20 for data interfacing therebetween, and an interface 29 is connected between the audio input/output unit 28 and an audio system 32 for data

interfacing therebetween.

Now, a detailed description will be given of the operation of the portable

data storage/ audio reproduction apparatus with the above-mentioned construction in accordance with the present invention.

First, as the user needs, the personal computer 12 downloads and stores audio data, compressed in the form of an MP3 file by a compression technique

and uploaded on a homepage, bulletin board or data library, through Internet or

PC communication with or without charge. Then, in the present reproduction apparatus, the audio data downloaded by the personal computer 12 is stored in

the flash memory 14 via the interface 13 under the control of the CPU 20

Noticeably, only a storage capacity of about 3-4Mbytes is required to store music data with a length of about three minutes in the form of an MP3 file, whereas a

storage capacity of about 40Mbytes or more is required to store such music data on a general compact disk.

As a result, the number of storable music files is determined according

to the storage capacity of the flash memory 14 and the size of each file In the

present embodiment, music files of about twenty tunes are storable in the flash memory 14. Alternatively, a larger number of music files may be stored in the

present reproduction apparatus when a smart card or separate memory means is

connected thereto. It is preferable that the flash memory 14 can store an amount of audio data corresponding to one hour or more.

On the other hand, external input voice or sound from the microphone

16 may be stored in the flash memory 14 That is, the microphone 16 converts

the external input voice or sound into an electrical signal, which is then stored in

the flash memory 14 under the control of the CPU 20. If the FM radio ON key on the key input unit 10 is operated by the user, then the CPU 20 applies a

corresponding control command to the FM radio receiver 18 to receive an FM

radio broadcast through the receiving antenna 19 At this time, if the recording

key on the key input unit 10 is operated by the user, the FM radio broadcast received by the FM radio receiver 18 is stored in the flash memory 14 under the

control of the CPU 20.

Alternatively, audio data about a foreign language from the personal

computer 12 or audio system 32 may be stored in the flash memory 14 under the

control of the CPU 20, thereby enabling the user to study the foreign language On the other hand, data with extension indexes such as HWP, BMP, GIF,

TXT and DOC, stored in the personal computer 12, may be downloaded and stored in the flash memory 14 under the control of the CPU 20. In this case, the

data stored in the flash memory 14 may be transferred and stored to another

personal computer

The LCD 22 provides character or numeric indications of all functions

of the present reproduction apparatus under the control of the CPU 20 The

LCD 22 may preferably be of a 128x32-dot graphic type capable of displaying

about twelve characters and two lines at the maximum. For example, the LCD 22 may display a key input state of the key input unit 10 and a control state by

the CPU 20 Alternatively, in the case of including separate icons, the LCD 22 may display a charged state of the battery and the current time or function as a calculator or a game machine based on vaπous programs Further, the LCD 22 can indicate whether a music file stored in the flash memory 14 was written in Korean or a foreign language such as English or

Japanese The LCD 22 may preferably display the contents of the music file stored in the flash memory 14 in Korean or English For example, in the case where the music file stored in the flash memory 14 was written in Korean or English, the LCD 22 displays a title, lyric lines, a composer or a lyric writer of the music file in Korean or English

Preferably, the present reproduction apparatus has a tune selection function of displaying tunes of a group, singer or genre desired by the user or user's favorite tunes on the LCD 22 Further, a list of music files stored in the flash memory 14 may be displayed on the LCD 22 in the stored order

On the other hand, in a compression technique of the present invention, audio and video signals are transmitted at a rate of 1 5Mbιts/sec (video

1 2Mbits/sec and audio 0 3Mbits/sec) In practice, the amount of audio data on

a compact disk, not compressed, is 44 100 sample/sec x 16bιts/sec x 2 channel,

which is greater than 1 4Mbits/sec Herein, a monophonic channel is a single

audio channel, and stereo channels are not subjected to joint stereo coding

The equalizer 35 is connected to the CPU 20 to enhance a signal-to-

noise ratio of output audio data from the present reproduction apparatus, so as to restore the quality of output sound therefrom to that on a compact disk without

data attenuation. If the play key on the key input unit 10 is operated by the user, then the CPU 20 outputs a music file stored in the flash memory 14 to the digital

signal processor 24 for the digital process thereof. The digital signal processor

24 includes a microprocessor for performing an algebraic operation for digital

values to control filtering, modulation/demodulation, spectrum analysis and

linear estimation.

Then, the audio codec 26 codes a digital audio signal from the digital

signal processor 24 into an analog audio signal and transfers the coded analog

audio signal to the audio input/output unit 28.

The audio input/output unit 28 amplifies the analog audio signal from the audio codec 26 to an audible frequency level and transmits it by wire to the

audio system 32 via the interface 29. On the other hand, in the case where the radio frequency transmission key on the key input unit 10 is operated by the user,

the radio frequency transmitter 30 modulates the coded analog audio signal from

the audio codec 26 into a radio frequency signal and remotely transmits the modulated radio frequency signal through the transmitting antenna 31. Namely,

in the radio frequency transmitter 30, the frequency setting/oscillating circuit 40

sets a frequency level to an approved FM frequency of 106.2MHz and generates

a signal oscillating at the set frequency level. Then, the transmission controller

42 outputs the coded analog audio signal from the audio codec 26 synchronously

with the oscillating signal from the frequency setting/oscillating circuit 40, and

the primary amplifier TRl primarily amplifies the audio signal from the transmission controller 42 to a first predetermined level. The oscillator 43

oscillates an output signal from the primary amplifier TRl, and the secondary amplifier TR2 secondarily amplifies an output signal from the oscillator 43 to a second predetermined level. Subsequently, the secondarily amplified signal from the secondary amplifier TR2 is transmitted through the tuner 44, gain controller 45 and transmitting antenna 31.

Then, the audio system 32 receives the radio frequency signal from the

radio frequency transmitter 30 through a receiving antenna 33, demodulates it

into the original audio signal and outputs the demodulated audio signal externally through a speaker 37. Preferably, the audio system 32 may include an FM radio receiver for receiving and demodulating the radio frequency signal from the radio frequency transmitter 30

Accordingly, the present reproduction apparatus may reproduce a music

file stored therein and remotely transmit it to a desired audio system containing an FM radio receiver by wireless as well as by wire

Further, to the contrary, audio data from a desired audio system may be received by wire or wireless and stored in the flash memory 14 via the audio

codec 26 and digital signal processor 24 under the control of the CPU 20 Moreover, the user may listen to sound of a music file stored in the reproduction

apparatus using an earphone or headphone.

Preferably, the present reproduction apparatus may employ a run-length coding technique for compressing soundless portions of audio data. Industrial Applicability

As apparent from the above description, the present invention provides a portable data storage/audio reproduction apparatus which is capable of downloading or receiving and storing MP3 music files, various data files or

foreign language data through Internet, PC communication, an FM radio receiver,

a microphone or an audio system. Therefore, the user can listen to sound or

voice of audio data stored in the reproduction apparatus through an earphone, headphone or speaker while carrying it. Further, the user can listen to the sound

or voice of the stored audio data through the audio system by wire or wireless.

Moreover, the present reproduction apparatus can download and store music files

of a music genre, singer or group desired by the user from an MP3 music file vending machine and automatically erase the stored music files in the stored

order or at a time. Further, the user can get a view of the operated state of the

reproduction apparatus through a liquid crystal display. Further, the present

reproduction apparatus is designed to have such a small size that it can be convenient to carry.

Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been

disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that

various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing

from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims

Claims

Claims:

1. A portable data storage/audio reproduction apparatus comprising.

a power supply for converting input AC power into a desired level of

DC power, rectifying the converted DC power and supplying the rectified DC power to said reproduction apparatus; a key input unit for inputting a plurality of key signals to operate various functions of said reproduction apparatus; a personal computer for downloading and storing audio data and various information data through Internet or PC communication according to a program contained therein; a flash memory having a desired storage capacity for storing the audio data and various information data from said personal computer;

a microphone for converting external input voice or sound into an

electrical signal; an FM radio receiver for receiving a desired band of FM radio signals through a receiving antenna;

a central processing unit for controlling the operations of said key input

unit, personal computer and flash memory and performing an arithmetic operation for output data therefrom according to programs contained therein to generate a plurality of control signals;

a liquid crystal display for providing a visual indication of output data from said central processing unit;

a digital signal processor for processing input/output digital signals to/from said central processing unit; an audio codec for coding a digital audio signal from said digital signal processor into an analog audio signal, transferring the coded analog audio signal to an audio input/output unit, decoding an analog audio signal from said audio input/output unit into a digital audio signal and transferring the decoded digital

audio signal to said digital signal processor; said audio input/output unit receiving an external analog audio signal, transferring it to said audio codec, receiving the analog audio signal from said audio codec and outputting it externally; a radio frequency transmitter for modulating the coded analog audio

signal from said audio codec into a radio frequency signal and remotely transmitting the modulated radio frequency signal through a transmitting antenna; and an equalizer for compensating for a distortion of output audio data from said reproduction apparatus.

2. A portable data storage/audio reproduction apparatus as set

forth in Claim 1, wherein said key input unit includes: a recording key for storing audio data in said flash memory; a play key for reproducing said audio data stored in said flash memory,

a stop key for stopping the operation of said reproduction apparatus, a volume key for raising or lowering the level of output audio from said

reproduction apparatus; a start/end detection key for detecting start and end points of said audio data stored in said flash memory; a menu key for displaying all the functions of said reproduction

apparatus; an equalizer on/ofYkey for turning on/off the operation of said equalizer; a repeat key for repeating the reproduction of desired data in said reproduction apparatus; an FM radio ON key for turning on the operation of said FM radio

receiver; and a radio frequency transmission key for turning on the operation of said

radio frequency transmitter.

3. A portable data storage/ audio reproduction apparatus as set

forth in Claim 1, wherein said radio frequency transmitter includes. a frequency setting/oscillating circuit for setting a desired frequency level and generating a signal oscillating at the set frequency level;

a transmission controller for outputting the coded analog audio signal

from said audio codec synchronously with the oscillating signal from said

frequency setting/oscillating circuit, a primary amplifier for primarily amplifying the audio signal from said

transmission controller to a first predetermined level, an oscillator for oscillating an output signal from said primary amplifier;

a secondary amplifier for secondarily amplifying an output signal from said oscillator to a second predetermined level; a tuner for tuning an output signal from said secondary amplifier to a desired frequency channel; and a gain controller for controlling a transmission gain of said transmitting antenna

4. A portable data storage/audio reproduction apparatus as set forth in Claim 1, further comprising an audio system for receiving said analog audio signal from said audio input/output unit by wire, amplifying it and outputting the amplified audio signal externally through a speaker or receiving

said radio frequency signal from said radio frequency transmitter by wireless through a receiving antenna, demodulating it into the original audio signal and outputting the demodulated audio signal externally through said speaker

5. A portable data storage/audio reproduction apparatus as set

forth in any one of Claim 1 to Claim 4, further comprising:

a first interface connected between said personal computer and central processing unit for data interfacing therebetween; and a second interface connected between said audio input/output unit and audio system for data interfacing therebetween.

6. A portable data storage/audio reproduction apparatus as set

forth in Claim 1, wherein said power supply includes a general battery or rechargeable battery.

7. A portable data storage/audio reproduction apparatus as set forth in Claim 1 or Claim 6, wherein said liquid crystal display is of a 128x32-

dot graphic type, said display including a plurality of icons for visually

displaying a charged state of said battery, an operated state of said reproduction apparatus, a key input state of said key input unit, a name of an output tune and a list of audio data stored in said flash memory.

8. A portable data storage/audio reproduction apparatus as set forth in Claim 1, wherein said flash memory is a random access memory or an electrically erasable and programmable read only memory which is connectable to a smart card.