WO2001035404A1

WO2001035404A1 - An area setting and a play executing method for repeat-playing in a digital audio player

Info

Publication number: WO2001035404A1
Application number: PCT/KR2000/001294
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kyu Jin Park
Original assignee: Kyu Jin Park
Priority date: 1999-11-11
Filing date: 2000-11-11
Publication date: 2001-05-17
Also published as: AU1420501A; KR100357241B1; KR20010046233A

Abstract

A method for setting a repeated reproduction section and for controlling its execution is disclosed, in which when learning a language or a music, the user of a digital audio player can accurately and efficiently set a starting point and an ending point of the repeated reproduction section, so that any continuous loss of words or clauses can be essentially prevented. The method for setting a repeated reproduction section and for controlling its execution includes the following steps. A language or song learning digital audio data file is distinguished and mapped into section information units (first step). A starting point of a currently reproduced section information unit is set as the starting point for the repeated reproduction if there is an input of a starting point setting key for the repeated reproduction during a reproduction of the digital audio data of the first step (second step). An ending point for the currently reproduced section information unit is set as an ending point for the repeated reproduction if there is an input of an ending point setting and executing key for the repeated reproduction, so as to decide the repeated reproduction section and so as to directly execute the repeated reproduction (third step).

Description

AN AREA SETTING AND A PLAY EXECUTING METHOD FOR REPEAT-PLAYING IN A DIGITAL AUDIO PLAYER

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a digital audio player which reproduces the audio based on a digital audio data. Particularly, the present invention relates to a method for setting a repeated reproduction section and for control 1 ing its execut ion, in which the repeated reproduct ion sect ion can be accurately set during a repeated learning of a language or song words by a repeated reproduction in a digital audio player.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Basically, the digital file which can be played by a digital audio player contains only the information of voices and music. In the digital audio data, its bit streams are composed of minimum units cal led frame or AAU (audio access unit) .

When this digital audio data is reproduced, the user can arbitrarily set the repeating section to carry out a repeated reproduction. That is, a sect ion start ing from an arbi trary point of the digital audio data to another arbitrary point can be set as the repeating section, so that a repeated reproduction can be carried out.

In this connection, however, there is the following disadvantages. That is, the user has to accurately select the desired portion or has to find it out . Part icular ly, the user of a digital audio player inputs the start ing point and the ending point based on a judgment on the sounds and based on the manual handling. If this starting point and the ending point are improper, then words or clauses can be broken away.

In this case, the user encounters an imperfect audio, and therefore, a displeasure in the listening is the unavoidable outcome.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is intended to overcome the above described disadvantages of the conventional techniques.

Therefore it is an object of the present invention to provide a method for sett ing a repeated reproduct ion sect ion and for control 1 ing its execut ion, in which when learning a language or a music, the user of a digi tal audio player can accurately and efficiently set a starting point and an ending point of the repeated reproduction section, so that any continuous loss of words or clauses can be essentially prevented.

In achieving the above object, the method for setting a repeated reproduction section and for controlling its execution according to the present invention includes the steps of: distinguishing and mapping a language or song learning digital audio data file into section information units (first step); setting the starting point of a currently reproduced section information unit as the starting point for the repeated reproduction if there is an input of a starting point setting key for the repeated reproduct ion during a reproduction of the digital audio data of the first step (second step); and setting the ending point of the currently reproduced section information unit as the ending point for the repeated reproduction if there is an input of an ending point setting and executing key for the repeated reproduction, so as to decide the repeated reproduction section and so as to directly execute the repeated reproduction (third step). In another aspect of the present invention, the method for setting a repeated reproduct ion sect ion and for control 1 ing its execut ion according to the present invention includes the steps of: distinguishing and mapping a language or song learning digital audio data file into section information units (first step); and setting a relevant mapping region of a currently reproduced sect ion informat ion unit as the sect ion for a repeated reproduct ion, if there is an input of an ending point setting and executing key for the repeated reproduct ion during a reproduction of the digital audio f i le of the first step (second step).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above object and other advantages of the present invention will become more apparent by describing in detai 1 the preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the constitution of the general digital audio player;

FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing the constitution of an example for the setting of a section and its execution in a digital audio player according to the present invention; and

FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing the constitution of another example for the sett ing of a sect ion and its execut ion in a digital audio player according to the present invention. *Names of elements*

10. CPU

11. (Non-volatile) expansion memory card

12. Communication interface device 13. PC

14. Key inputting part

14-1. Starting point setting key 14-2. Ending point setting key

15. (Non-volatile) data memory 16. Picture display controller / character generator

17. Picture display device

18. Decoder

19. DAC

20. Speaker 21. Mobile data storing medium

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the constitution of the general digital audio player.

As shown in this drawing, a CPU 10 is connected to a communication interface device 12, and through this communication interface device 12, the digital audio data is connected to a PC 13 or to an other data server. The digital audio data thus connected to the CPU 10 is stored in a non-volatile data memory 15.

To the CPU 10, there are inputted various kinds of key input information of a key inputting part 14 and the various function selecting buttons of digital audio player such as PLAY, REW, FF and STOP. The key inputting part

14 includes a start ing point sett ing key 14-1 and an ending point sett ing and execut ing key 14-2. Further , the CPU 10 receives the digital audio data which are stored in a non-volatile expansion memory card 11 through a slot.

Further, the CPU 10 receives the digital audio data from various portable storage media such as CD, MD, HDD, floppy diskette and the like.

Of the digital signals which are processed by the CPU 10, the audio data passes through a decoder 18 and a DAC 19 to be ultimately output ted through a speaker 20. Further, in the case where a caption has been mapped in the digital audio data, such a digital caption data is first processed by the CPU

10, and then, is outputted through a picture display control and character generator 16 to a picture display device 17, this being an auxi 1 iary feature.

In the digital audio player which is constituted as described above, the audio reproduct ion procedure is carr ied out in the fol lowing manner .

When a digital data such as a language learning data or a song learning data is downloaded from an external source, if the data source is stored in the PC 13, then the connect ion is made through a wire or wireless communicat ion interface device 12 such as RS232C, parallel port, USB, IrD, blue tooth or the like. If the data source exists in the data base server of a wire switching station, then the CPU 10 is connected through a communication modem

(not illustrated) to the data base server of the wire switching station.

The digital audio data which has been downloaded by the CPU 10 through the communication interface device 12 or through a communication modem from an external source is stored in a data memory 15. The data thus stored is processed by a function performing program which has been selected by a key inputting part 14. That is, the digital audio data is processed by the decoder 18 and the DAC 19 to be outputted through a speaker 20 in the form of audio signals.

If a caption data is accompanied to the digital audio data, then the caption data is processed by the picture display controller and character generator 16 to be outputted to the picture display device 17.

Further, the digital audio data of the expansion memory card 11 which is inputted through the slot is also processed in the above described manner , so as to be outputted through the speaker and the picture display device in the form of voices and captions respectively.

If a particular section is to be repeatedly reproduced in the digital audio player , first a repeated reproduction sect ion sett ing mode is selected by manipulat ing the funct ion select ing key of the key inputt ing part 14, and then, the desired section is selected and registered by using the starting point setting key 14-1 and the ending point setting and executing key 14-2.

Now the mapping of the digital audio will be described.

The data with the digital audio data format consists of audio access units (AAU). The AAU is the frame of the minimum unit for forming the music/voice of the MP3 data. The digital audio which consists of frame units includes MP3 data format , al 1 kinds of DVD (digital video disk) standard, and the audio portion of MPEG (moving picture coding experts group) standard.

The section information units for distinguishing the digital audio files include: word units, clause units, sentence units and caption units.

At the mapping stage, the digital audio file is distinguished by the sect ion informat ion units to associate the audio to the relevant sect ion unit .

For example, if there is a digital audio file containing "Good morning" , this includes a plurality of AAU, and the section information unit is "Good morning" .

Under this condition, the positions of AAU corresponding to the start and end of "Good morning" are expressed in the form of time, mark number and AAU number, and this is called mapping stage. During a reproduction in the digital audio player, at the instant when the audio "Good morning" is reproduced, the caption "Good morning" is displayed.

The sect ion-sett ing for a repeated reproduct ion and i ts execut ion wi 11 be described below. First , when songs or learning materials are loaded intoadigital file, the mapping is carried out by distinguishing the digital audio file by the section information units. Here, the audio file section information unit allows the repeating section information furnisher to decide in advance the section which is to be repeatedly reproduced. The section information unit includes: word unit, clause unit, sentence unit, and any other smallest units which can be displayed on the screen.

Accordingly, based on the section repetition unit information which has been decided in the above described manner , the part icular sect ion of the digital audio f i le to be repeatedly reproduced is set . Under this condi t ion, the section starting point and ending point constitute the mapping unit of the digital audio data.

For example, in the case where a particular section to be repeatedly reproduced is to be set in a digital audio, if the user presses the starting point setting key 14-1 of the key inputting part during the reproduction of a digital audio, then the CPU 10 senses this, and sets the starting point of the mapping sect ion of word uni t , clause unit or sentence unit of the current reproduction as the starting point of the repeated reproduction. This starting point information of the repeated reproduction is stored by the CPU into a memory.

Then in order to decide the ending point of the repeated reproduction of the digital audio, if the ending point setting and executing key 14-2 is pressed, then the ending point of the mapping section of the word unit, the clause uni or the sentence uni t of the current t ime point is set as the ending point for the repeated reproduction, or the point immediately before the next mapping section is set as the ending point. Here also, like in the above, the ending point information of the repeated reproduction is stored by the CPU into the memory.

The examples of the start ing point and ending point informat ion of the repeated reproduct ion includes: t ime, mark number , AAU posit ion value, data position value and the like. Part icular ly if the user inputs the ending point sett ing and execut ing key 14-2 for sett ing the repeated reproduct ion sect ion, then the ending point of the mapping sect ion for the word uni t , the clause unit or the sentence uni t of the current point is set as the ending point for the repeated reproduction section. Or the point immediately before the starting point of the next mapping section is set as the ending point, and thus a repeated reproduction execution mode is carried out in an automatic manner. Particularly, in the case where the point immediately before the start ing point of the next mapping sect ion is set as the ending point , the operat ion can be carried out by sett ing only the starting point of the section in the mapping procedure. Alternatively, unlike the above method in which an arbitrary section is set by pressing the keys twice, the repeated reproduction can be carried out by one touch manipulation (one shot) by selecting the clause unit, the word unit or the sentence unit.

In this case, if the ending point setting and executing key 14-2 is pressed at an arbitrary reproduction point, then the mapping unit section information (such as clause, word, sentence or caption) of the current point is selected, and thus the section thus set is automatically repeatedly reproduced. That is, by a single manipulation, the particular section can be set and can be repeatedly reproduced.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing the constitution of an example for the setting of a section and its execution in a digital audio player according to the present invention.

As shown in this drawing, at first, if the digital audio reproduction mode is selected, and thus if the repeated reproduction section setting key is inputted, then the starting point of the mapping unit section information of the current time is set as the starting point of the section repetition.

Then a judgment is made as to whether there is inputted the repeated reproduction section ending point setting and executing key. If this key has been inputted, then the ending point of the relevant section information of the current ly reproduced sect ion is set as the ending point for the sect ion repetition. The arbitrary section thus decided is automat ical ly reproduced.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing another embodiment of the method of the present invention. Here, if a clause unit, a word unit, a sentence unit or a caption unit can be displayed by a single manipulation, then the caption unit can be selectively repeatedly reproduced. Under this condition, the clause unit, the word unit or the sentence unit refers to a digital audio mapping unit. During a digital audio reproduction, if the ending point sett ing and execut ing key is inputted, then the mapping unit sect ion informat ion (clause, word or sentence) corresponding to the key inputting point is selected, and the mapping unit section information thus selected is repeatedly reproduced. However, in the one touch repeated reproduct ion, only the mapping uni t section which has been set by the ending point setting and executing key is selected. Therefore, in a language learning, the mapped uni t section is too short, and therefore, the conversation can be broken in the middle of the talks. That is, when two or more persons talk, if the selected reproduction section outputs only the talk of a first talker, and if the talks of the other talkers are not outputted, then the talks are broken in the middle of the conversation, thereby impeding the language learning.

Accordingly in the present invent ion, besides the ending point sett ing and executing key, there is added another function key. Thus if the ending point setting and executing key and the additional function key are simultaneously pressed, then at least two or more mapping sections preceding or trailing the selected section can be set as the repeated reproduction sections. By setting two or more sections, even a long conversation can be reproduced without being broken in the middle of the conversation.

Accordingly, a more efficient learning can be realized. The additional function key button can be easily provided in the key inputting part.

Basical ly, the section trai 1 ing the selected sect ion is automat ical ly added so as to be reproduced. By adding the preceding or trailing sections, a final ly decided sect ion can be set . Further , the two or more sect ions can be expanded to n sections. In other words, if the user selects n sections, then the n sections including the selected section are repeatedly reproduced upon pressing the ending point setting and executing key.

This expansion function for the repeatedly reproducing section can be convenient ly ut i 1 ized if first the user presses the ending point sett ing and executing key to set the repeatedly reproducing section, and to make the conversation not be broken in the middle.

In the above, the addi t ional funct ion key button (not illustrated) for expanding the selected section was described, but this function can be achieved by the starting point setting key 14-1 and the ending point setting and executing key 14-2. That is, by simultaneously pressing the two keys, the same effect can be reaped. Alternatively, the same effect can be attained by double-cl i eking the ending point sett ing and execut ing key 14-2 within one second. Such functions can be easily added by modifying the control program of the digital audio player. According to the present invention as described above, when learning a language or song words by a repeated reproduct ion in a digital audio player , the start ing point and the ending point cleave the learning data by the clause unit or by the musical bar unit, and therefore, the generation of noise can be prevented at the start and return portions. Particularly, in the present invention, a smooth switching can be real ized at the start ing and ending points during the repeated reproduct ion, and therefore, the operation quality of the digital audio player can be improved.

Further, by only two times of key manipulation, an arbitrary section for the repeated reproduction can be set and executed, and therefore, the function handling is rendered easier.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A method for setting a repeated reproduction section and for controlling its execution, comprising the steps of: distinguishing and mapping a language or song learning digital audio data file into section information units (first step); sett ing a start ing point of a current ly reproduced sect ion informat ion unit as a starting point for a repeated reproduction if there is an input of a starting point setting key for the repeated reproduction during a reproduction of the digital audio data of the first step (second step); and setting an ending point of the currently reproduced section information unit as an ending point for the repeated reproduction if there is an input of an ending point setting and executing key for the repeated reproduction, so as to decide the repeated reproduction section and so as to directly execute the repeated reproduction (third step).

2. A method for setting a repeated reproduction section and for controlling its execution, comprising the steps of: distinguishing and mapping a language or song learning digital audio data file into section information units (first step); sett ing a start ing point of a current ly reproduced sect ion informat ion unit as a starting point for a repeated reproduction if there is an input of a starting point setting key for the repeated reproduction during a reproduction of the digital audio data of the first step (second step); and setting a position immediately preceding a starting point of a next section information unit as an ending point for a repeated reproduction to f inal ly decide it and to execute i t , if there is an input of an ending point setting and executing key (third step).

3. A method for setting a repeated reproduction section and for controlling its execution, comprising the steps of: distinguishing and mapping a language or song learning digital audio data file into section information units (first step); and setting a relevant mapping region of a currently reproduced section informat ion uni t as a sect ion for a repeated reproduct ion, if there is an input of a execution command for the repeated reproduction during a reproduction of the digital audio file of the first step (second step).

4. A method for setting a repeated reproduction section and for controlling its execution, comprising the steps of: distinguishing and mapping a language or song learning digital audio data file into section information units (first step); and setting at least two or more mapping sections preceding or trailing the selected section as repeated reproduction sections if there is an input of a control command for a repeated reproduction during a reproduction of the digital audio data of the step 1, and then, executing a repetition of reproduction of the sections thus set (second step).

5. The method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the sect ion informat ion uni ts const ituting the digital audio file are word units , clause units, sentence units or caption units (if captions are included).

6. The method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein in mapping the digital audio file into the section information units during a reproduct ion, a starting point and an ending point of the sect ion are decided, and then, a starting point of the repeated reproduction section is decided as the starting point of the section, and an ending point of the repeated reproduction section is decided as the ending point of the section.

7. The method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein in mapping the digital audio file into the section information units, only a starting point of the section is decided, and then, during a reproduction, a starting point of the repeated reproduction section is decided as the starting point of the sect ion, and a posit ion immediately preceding a next sect ion is decided as an ending point of the repeated reproduction section.

8. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein in order to reproduce at least two or more repeated unit sect ions, there are inputted an ending point setting and executing key and another function key simultaneously.

9. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein in order to reproduce at least two or more sections, the ending point setting and executing key is clicked twice or more.

10. An apparatus for reproducing a digital audio file in a digital audio player by a program comprising the functions of: sett ing a start ing point of a currently reproduced sect ion informat ion unit as a starting point for a repeated reproduction if there is an input of a starting point setting key for the repeated reproduction during a reproduction of the digital audio data; and setting an ending point of the currently reproduced section information unit as an ending point for the repeated reproduction if there is an input of an ending point setting and executing key for the repeated reproduction, so as to decide the repeated reproduction section and so as to directly execute the repeated reproduction

11. An apparatus for reproducing a digital audio file in a digital audio player by a program comprising the functions of: sett ing a start ing point of a sect ion informat ion uni t of current t ime as a starting point for a repeated reproduction if there is an input of a starting point setting key for the repeated reproduction; and setting a position immediately preceding a starting point of a next section information unit as an ending point for the repeated reproduction if there is an input of an ending point setting and executing key, and then, executing a repeated reproduction.

12. An apparatus for reproducing a digital audio file in a digital audio player by a program comprising the functions of: sett ing a relevant mapping region of a current sect ion informat ion uni t as a section for a repeated reproduction if an ending point setting and execut ing key is inputted during a reproduct ion of a language or song learning digital audio file after dist inguishing and mapping the file into the sect ion information units; and executing a repeated reproduction for the mapped section.

13. An apparatus for reproducing a digital audio file in a digital audio player by a program comprising the functions of: setting two or more sections of a relevant mapping region preceding or trailing a current section information unit as a sections for a repeated reproduction if a repeated reproduction command key is inputted during a reproduction of a language or song learning digital audio file after dist inguishing and mapping the file into the sect ion informat ion units! and executing a repeated reproduction for the mapped sections.

14. A storing medium for storing a program readable by a computer, comprising the functions of: setting a starting point of a current section information unit as a starting point of a section for a repeated reproduction if a starting point setting key is inputted during a reproduction of a language or song learning digital audio file after dist inguishing and mapping the file into the sect ion information units! and sett ing and deciding an ending point of a next sect ion informat ion uni t of a current reproduct ion t ime as an ending point for the repeated reproduct ion, and then, executing the repeated reproduction.

15. A storing medium for storing a program readable by a computer, comprising the functions of: setting a starting point of a section information unit of the current time as a starting point for a repeated reproduction if there is an input of a start ing point sett ing key for repeated reproduct ion during a reproduct ion of a language or song learning digital audio file after distinguishing and mapping the file into the section information units; and setting a position immediately preceding a starting point of a next section information unit as an ending point for the repeated reproduction if there is an input of an ending point setting and executing key, and then, executing a repeated reproduction.

16. A storing medium for storing a program readable by a computer, comprising the functions of: setting a relevant mapping region of a currently reproduced section informat ion uni t as a sect ion for a repeated reproduct ion i f there is an input of an ending point setting and executing key during a reproduction of a language or song learning digital audio file after distinguishing and mapping the file into the section information units; and executing the repeated reproduction of the mapped region.

17. A storing medium for storing a program readable by a computer, comprising the functions of: sett ing two or more sect ions preceding or trai 1 ing a relevant mapping region of a currently reproduced section information unit as repeated reproduction sections if there is an input of a control command for a repeated reproduction during a reproduction of a language or song learning digital audio file after distinguishing and mapping the file into the section information units! and executing the repeated reproduction of the mapped region.

18. A method for mapping a digital audio file, and for controlling its execution, comprising the steps of: distinguishing a section information unit based on one of captions of a screen if captions are displayed in units of words, clauses or sentences in the digital audio file! setting a starting point and an ending point for the section information units thus distinguished; setting the starting point of the repeated section as a section start ing point ; and setting the ending point of the repeated section as a section ending point.

19. A method for mapping a digital audio f i le, and for control 1 ing its execution, comprising the steps of: distinguishing a section information unit based on one of captions of a screen if captions are displayed in units of words, clauses or sentences in the digital audio file; deciding only a starting point of the section, and setting the start ing point of a repeated reproduct ion sect ion as a sect ion start ing point ; and setting a position immediately preceding a starting point of a next section as an ending point of the repeated reproduction section.