Abstract:
A editing apparatus and an editing method that allow a source group name, a destination group name, the total number of files of each of the source group and the destination group, and the file insertion position of the destination group to be represented with an integrated icon in the case that a file categorized as a group and recorded in one of at least one record medium is moved to another group.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to an editing apparatus and an editing method that allow a source group name, a destination group name, the total number of files of each of the source group and the destination group, and the file insertion position of the destination group to be represented with an integrated icon in the case that a file categorized as a group and recorded in one of at least one record medium is moved to another group. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     An audio recording or reproducing apparatus that digitizes an audio signal that is input from a microphone, compresses the digital data, and records or reproduces the compressed data to/from a non-volatile semiconductor memory is known. Since an audio recording or reproducing apparatus having a non-volatile memory is small, light, portable, it is convenient. In addition, the audio recording or reproducing apparatus has a resistance against external vibration and shocks and is easy to handle. Thus, the audio recording or reproducing apparatus is suitable for recording a business conversation and a speech in a conference. 
     In recent years, non-volatile memories that have large storage capacities have been developed. Thus, the number of speech record files and the record time thereof are becoming large and long, respectively. However, when many speech record files are recorded to a non-volatile memory of an audio recording or reproducing apparatus, it is difficult for the user to search a desired speech record file. 
     To solve such a problem, in a particular audio recording or reproducing apparatus with a non-volatile semiconductor memory, files are categorized as groups (folders). When speech record files are categorized and managed as groups (folders), the speech record files are edited corresponding to user&#39;s purposes, he or she can easily search a desired file. In addition, individual users can record their speech record files with individual folders assigned thereto. Thus, one apparatus can be shared by a plurality of users. Moreover, each user can create different folder for business and private. The user can record speech record files to different folders depending on they relate to business, private, and so forth. 
     In the conventional audio recording or reproducing apparatus, speech record files are recorded in the chronological order. In the same folder, a speech record file that is recorded the first time is assigned speech record number  1 . A speech record file that is recorded the second time is assigned speech record number  2 . Likewise, a speech record file that is recorded the third time is assigned speech record number  3 . 
     However, the order of speech record files that the user wants to reproduce does not always match the chronological order. In other words, the user sometimes wants to change the order of speech record files. In addition, the user may want to move a speech record file from one folder to another folder. However, with the conventional audio recording or reproducing apparatus, the user cannot change speed record numbers and move a speech record file from one folder to another folder. 
     In recent years, as non-volatile memory devices, card type detachable memory devices and stick type detachable memory devices have been placed on the market. Thus, the audio recording or reproducing apparatus may be equipped with such a detachable memory device. To allow the record time and the number of speech record files to increase, a plurality of non-volatile memory devices may be used. When a detachable non-volatile memory is used or a plurality of non-volatile memory devices are used, it is preferable to move a speech record file from one folder to another folder or move a folder in one memory device to another memory device. 
     OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A first aspect of the present invention is an editing apparatus for categorizing files stored in a record medium as a plurality of groups, managing the files with the groups, and moving a file recorded in the record medium in the same group or from one group to another group, comprising an operating means for designating a group to which a file is moved and an insertion position of the group, a displaying means for displaying the total number of files categorized as the designated group, the position number that represents the position of a designated file of all files of the designated group, and a tag that identifies the designated group, and a controlling means for causing said displaying means to display the group name designated by said operating means, the total number of files categorized as the designated group, and the position number of the file in the group designated by said operating means. 
     A second aspect of the present invention is an editing apparatus for categorizing files recorded in a plurality of record mediums as a plurality of groups, managing the files with the groups, and moving a group recorded in one record medium to another record medium, comprising an operating means for designating a record medium to which a group is moved and an insertion position of the group in the record medium, a displaying means for displaying a record medium name of the record medium to which the group is moved and a tap that represents a group name of the group of the record medium to which the group is moved, and a controlling means for causing said displaying means to display an identification name of the record medium designated by said operating means and the group name of the record medium to which the group is moved. 
     A third aspect of the present invention is an editing method for categorizing files recorded in a record medium as a plurality of groups, managing the files with the groups, and moving a file recorded in the record medium in the same group or from one group to another group, comprising the steps of (a) displaying a tag that represents a group name of a group to which a file is moved, the group name being designated by the user, (b) displaying the total number of files categorized as the group to which the file is moved, and (c) displaying a position number that represents the file insertion position of the file in the group along with the total number of files of the group. 
     A fourth aspect of the present invention is an editing method for categorizing files recorded in a plurality of record mediums as a plurality of groups, managing the files with the groups, and moving a group from a first record medium to a second record medium, comprising the steps of displaying an identification name of a record medium from which a group is moved, displaying a tag that represents a group name recorded in the record medium from which the group is moved, displaying an identification name of a record medium to which the group is moved, and displaying a tag that represents an insertion position of the group in the record medium to which the group is moved. 
     These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent in light of the following detailed description of a best mode embodiment thereof, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1A is a front view showing an example of the structure of an audio recording or reproducing apparatus according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 1B is a side view showing an example of the structure of the audio recording or reproducing apparatus according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 1C is a top view showing an example of the structure of the audio recording or reproducing apparatus according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of the audio recording or reproducing apparatus according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram for explaining a first embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 4A is a functional flow chart for explaining a first state of the first embodiment according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 4B is a functional flow chart for explaining a second state of the first embodiment according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram showing a first state of the first embodiment according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 5B is a schematic diagram showing a second state of the first embodiment according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 5C is a schematic diagram showing a third state of the first embodiment according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 5D is a schematic diagram showing a fourth state of the first embodiment according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram showing a first state of the first embodiment according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 6B is a schematic diagram showing a second state of the first embodiment according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 6C is a schematic diagram showing a third state of the first embodiment according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 6D is a schematic diagram showing a fourth state of the first embodiment according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing another example of the structure of the audio recording or reproducing apparatus according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 8A is a first schematic diagram for explaining a process for moving a folder from one memory to another memory; 
     FIG. 8B is a second schematic diagram for explaining a process for moving a folder from one memory to another memory; 
     FIG. 8C is a third schematic diagram for explaining a process for moving a folder from one memory to another memory; 
     FIG. 9A is a first schematic diagram for explaining a process for moving a speech record file from one memory to another memory; 
     FIG. 9B is a second schematic diagram for explaining a process for moving a speech record file from one memory to another memory; 
     FIG. 9C is a third schematic diagram for explaining a process for moving a speech record file from one memory to another memory; 
     FIG. 10A is a functional flow chart for explaining a first state of the second embodiment according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 10B is a functional flow chart for explaining a second state of the second embodiment according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 11A is a schematic diagram showing a first state according to the second embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 11B is a schematic diagram showing a second state according to the second embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 11C is a schematic diagram showing a third state according to the second embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 11D is a schematic diagram showing a fourth state according to the second embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 12A is a functional flow chart for explaining the structure of a first state of the third embodiment according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 12B is a functional flow chart for explaining the structure of a second state of the third embodiment according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 12C is a functional flow chart for explaining the structure of a third state of the third embodiment according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 13A is a schematic diagram showing a first state according to the third embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 13B is a schematic diagram showing a second state according to the third embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 13C is a schematic diagram showing a third state according to the third embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 13D is a schematic diagram showing a fourth state according to the third embodiment of the present invention; and 
     FIG. 13E is a schematic diagram showing a fifth state according to the third embodiment of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Next, with reference to the accompanying drawings, embodiments of the present invention will be described. FIGS. 1A,  1 B, and  1 C show the overall structure of an audio recording or reproducing apparatus according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1A, a displaying portion  2  is disposed on the front surface of the audio recording or reproducing apparatus  1 . In addition, a record button  3 , an erase button, a file button  5 , an important mark button  6 , and a stop button  7  are disposed. Moreover, an indicator lamp  8 , a speaker  9 , and a microphone  10  are disposed. 
     The displaying portion  2  is for example a liquid crystal displaying device. The displaying portion  2  displays information of speech record files, record time thereof, and so forth. Recorded audio information is managed as a speech record file. 
     The record button  3  is used to set or pause the record mode. When the record button  3  is momentarily pressed, the audio recording or reproducing apparatus  1  is set to the record mode. When an external audio signal is input in the record mode, the audio signal is recorded to a non-volatile semiconductor memory disposed in the audio recording or reproducing apparatus  1 . While a speech record file is being recorded, the indicator  8  lights in red. While a speech record file is being recorded, when the record button  3  is pressed, the recording operation is paused. 
     The erase button  4  is used to erase a speech record file recorded in the non-volatile semiconductor memory disposed in the audio recording or reproducing apparatus  1 . While a speech record file is being reproduced, when the erase button  4  is momentarily pressed or while the recording operation is paused, when the erase button  4  is continuously pressed, the apparatus is set to the one speech record file erase mode. Thereafter, when the erase button  4  is momentarily pressed, the speech record file is erased. To erase all speech record files stored in the non-volatile semiconductor memory, the erase button  4  is continuously pressed with the stop button  7  pressed. Thereafter, the erase button  4  is momentarily pressed. 
     The folder button  5  is used to select a folder icon. The important mark button  6  is used to change the priority order of speech record files. 
     As shown in FIG. 1B, a playback button  11 , an FF/REW button  12 , and a hold switch  13  are disposed on a side surface of the audio recording or reproducing apparatus  1 . 
     While the audio recording or reproducing apparatus  1  is being stopped, when the playback button  11  is momentarily pressed, a speech record file recorded in the non-volatile semiconductor memory disposed in the audio recording or reproducing apparatus  1  is reproduced. The reproduced sound is output from the speaker  9 . While a speech record file is being reproduced, when the playback button  11  is momentarily pressed, the reproducing operation is paused. While a speech record file is being recorded, when the playback button  11  is momentarily pressed, the speech record file that has been just recorded is reproduced. On the other hand, while a speech record file is being recorded, when the playback button  11  is continuously pressed, the speech record file is repeatedly reproduced. While the audio recording or reproducing apparatus  1  is being stopped, when the playback button  1  is continuously pressed, speech record files are scan-reproduced. 
     When the FF/REW button  12  is momentarily pressed, a searching operation is performed. Likewise, while a speech record file is being reproduced, when the FF/REW button  12  is momentarily pressed, the searching operation is also performed. While a speech record file is being reproduced, when the FF/REW button  12  is continuously pressed, the speech record file is cued or reviewed. 
     The hold switch  13  is used to hole the current mode of the audio recording or reproducing apparatus  1 . When the hold switch  13  is turned on, all key operations are disabled. 
     As shown in FIG. 1C, a menu button  14  and a rotating audio volume controller  15  are disposed on the top surface of the audio recording or reproducing apparatus  1 . When the menu button  14  is momentarily pressed, the audio recording or reproducing apparatus  1  enters into a menu mode. With the FF/REW button  12 , each mode of the audio recording or reproducing apparatus  1  is set. The rotating audio volume controller  15  is used to set the volume level of a speech record file. 
     FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the structure of the audio recording or reproducing apparatus according to the present invention. In FIG. 2, reference numeral  21  is a signal processing portion. The signal processing portion  21  performs an encoding process or a decoding process for an audio signal. The signal processing portion  21  is composed of a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). The signal processing portion  21  comprises an A/D converter  22 , an encoder  23 , a decoder  24 , a D/A converter  25 , and an interface  26 . The encoder  23  compression-encodes audio data corresponding to for example ADPCM (Adaptive Differential Pulse Code Modulation). The decoder  24  decodes data that has been encoded corresponding to ADPCM. The encoding method is not limited to ADPCM. Instead, another encoding method such as ATRAC (Adaptive Transform Acoustic Coding) can be used. 
     Reference numeral  31  is a controlling portion. The controlling portion  31  controls the overall system. The controlling portion  31  may be composed of a microcomputer. The controlling portion  31  receives an input signal from an operating portion  32 . The operating portion  32  corresponds to the individual buttons of the audio (message) recording or reproducing apparatus shown in FIGS. 1A,  1 B, and  1 C. An output signal of the operating portion  32  is supplied to an operation controlling portion  33 . The operation controlling portion  33  recognizes and delivers operation information. An output signal of the operation controlling portion  33  is supplied to a mode generating portion  34 . The mode generating portion  34  generates a mode control command corresponding to the output signal of the operating portion  32 . An output signal of the mode generating portion  34  is supplied to a mode controlling portion  35 . The mode controlling portion  35  sets a mode corresponding to the output signal of the mode generating portion  34 . 
     A RAM controlling portion  36  controls a reading operation or a writing operation of a buffer RAM  37  corresponding to a mode that is set by the mode controlling portion  35 . A display driving portion  38  generates a display signal corresponding the mode that is set by the mode controlling portion  35 . A displaying portion  39  displays data corresponding to the display signal. The displaying portion  39  corresponds to the displaying portion  2  shown in FIG.  1 A. 
     Reference numeral  41  is a flash memory. The flash memory  41  is composed of a non-volatile semiconductor memory. The flash memory  41  is used as a record medium for speech record files. Since the flash memory  41  is a non-volatile semiconductor memory, even if the main power of the audio recording or reproducing apparatus  1  is turned off, the data stored in the flash memory  41  is not lost. 
     When a speech record file is recorded, an external audio signal is input from a microphone  51  that corresponds to the microphone  10  shown in FIG.  1 A. An output signal of the microphone  51  is supplied to an A/D converter  22  of a signal processing circuit  21  through an amplifier  52  and an AGC (Automatic Gain Control) circuit  53 . 
     The A/D converter  22  converts an analog audio signal into digital data. Output data of the A/D converter is supplied to an encoder  23 . The encoder  23  compression-encodes the digital audio data (received from the A/D converter  22 ) corresponding to for example ADPCM. 
     The output data of the encoder  23  is supplied to a buffer RAM  37  of the controlling portion  31  through the interface circuit  26 . The output data of the encoder  23  is temporarily stored in the buffer RAM  37 . Output data of the buffer RAM  37  is stored to the flash memory  41 . 
     When a desired speech record file is reproduced, relevant data is read from the flash memory  41 . Output data of the flash memory  41  is temporarily stored to the buffer RAM  37 . Thereafter, the output data of the flash memory  41  is supplied to the decoder  24  through the interface portion  26  of the signal processing portion  21 . The decoder  24  performs a decoding process for the data that has been encoded corresponding to ADPCM and that has been read from the flash memory  41 . Output data of the decoder  24  is supplied to the D/A converter  25 . The D/A converter  25  converts the digital audio signal into an analog audio signal. 
     An output signal of the D/A converter  25  is supplied to a speaker  56  through a filter circuit  54  and an amplifier  55 . The speaker  56  corresponds to the speaker shown in FIG.  1 A. The speaker  56  outputs reproduced sound corresponding to the reproduced data that is read from the flash memory  41 . 
     The audio recording or reproducing apparatus  1  records audio data to the flash memory  41 . Since the audio recording or reproducing apparatus  1  is small, light, and portable, has a resistance against mechanical vibration, and is handy, it is suitable for recording business talks, interviews, and conference speeches. In addition, music data can be recorded to the flash memory  41  of the audio recording or reproducing apparatus  1 . Thus, the audio recording or reproducing apparatus  1  may be used as a headset stereo unit. 
     The audio recording or reproducing apparatus  1  according to the present invention manages a predetermined number of speech record files as a folder. In a move mode, a speech record file can be moved from one folder to another folder. Alternatively, a particular speech record number can be changed in the same folder. 
     FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram for explaining a process for moving a speech record file from one folder to another folder and a process for changing a speech record number in the same folder. 
     As shown in FIG. 3, an operating portion  51  has a mode switching key  52 , selection keys  53 A and  53 B, and a confirmation key  54 . The displaying portion  50  displays a folder icon  61 . The folder icon  61  represents a speech record file recorded in a flash memory  53 . A controller  54  has a mode controlling portion  55 , a memory controlling portion  56 , a mode generating portion  57 , and a display controlling portion  58 . 
     In FIG. 3, the operating portion  51 , the displaying portion  50 , the flash memory  53 , and the controller  54  correspond to the operating portion  32 , the displaying portion  39 , the flash memory  41 , and the controller  31 , respectively. 
     To decrease the number of keys, the mode switching key  52 , the selection keys  53 A and  53 B, and the confirmation key  54  disposed in the operating portion  51  are accomplished with combinations of other keys. For example, the mode switching key  52  is accomplished by pressing the record button  3  and the file button  5  shown in FIG. 1A at the same time. The selection keys  53 A and  53 B are accomplished by the FF/REW button  12 . Likewise, the confirmation key  54  is accomplished by the record button  3 . 
     Data that is input to the operating portion  51  is supplied to the mode generating portion  57 . The mode generating portion  57  generates a mode signal corresponding to the input data of the operating portion  51 . Output data of the mode generating portion  57  is supplied to the mode controlling portion  55 . Thus, the apparatus is set to a mode corresponding to the input data of the operating portion  51 . 
     Output data of the mode controlling portion  55  is supplied to both the memory controlling portion  56  and the display controlling portion  58 . The memory controlling portion  56  controls a reading operation or a writing operation for the flash memory  53  corresponding to the operation mode. The display controlling portion  58  displays data corresponding to the operation mode. 
     When a speech record file is moved from one folder to another folder, the apparatus is set to the move mode with the mode switching key  52  of the operating portion  51 . When the apparatus is set to the move mode, a process for changing a destination folder is performed. At this point, the folder icon  61  of the displaying portion  50  shows a tag  62 A and a tag  62 B. The tag  62 A represents a source folder. The tag  62 B represents a destination folder. A desired destination folder represented by the tag  62 B is selected with the selection keys  53 A and  53 B. 
     After the desired destination folder has been selected, with the confirmation key  54 , the selected destination folder is confirmed. 
     After the destination folder has been confirmed, a process for changing a speech record number is performed. At this point, with the selection keys  53 A and  53 B, a desired speech record number is selected. The total number of speech record files of the folder is represented by an indicator  63  of the folder icon  61 . The current folder number is represented by an indicator  64  of the folder icon  61 . With the selection keys  53 A and  53 B, a desired speech record number can be selected on the indicator  64  that represents the current folder number. 
     After the desired speech record number has been selected, with the confirmation key  54 , the speech record number of the destination folder is confirmed. 
     After a destination folder is designated with the selection keys  53 A and  53 B, the confirmation key  54  is pressed. After a speech record number of the destination folder is selected, the confirmation key  54  is pressed. Thus, a selected speech record file can be moved from one folder to another folder. All operations can be visually performed with reference to the tags of the folder icon  61 . Thus, a good user interface is provided. 
     In the case that a speech record number is moved in the same folder, when the destination folder name changing process is performed, the source folder and the destination folder are designated as the same folder. In other words, with the selection keys  53 A and  53 B, a desired destination folder is selected so that the source folder represented by the tag  62 A is the same as the destination folder represented by the tag  62 B. Thereafter, the confirmation key  54  is pressed. In this state, when the speech record number changing process is performed, a speech record number is changed in the same folder. Consequently, with the same operation, a speech record file can be moved from one folder to another folder. In addition, a speech record number can be changed in the same folder. 
     FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing a process for moving a speech record file from one folder to another folder and a process for changing a speech record number in the same folder. 
     In FIG. 4, at step S 1 , it is determined whether or not the apparatus has been set to the move mode. The apparatus is set to the move mode with the mode switching key  52 . When the determined result at step S 1  is No, the process is terminated. When the determined result at step S 1  is Yes, the flow advances to step S 2 . At step S 2 , a destination folder is initialized. 
     When the apparatus has been set to the move mode, at step S 3 , in the folder icon, the tag  62 A that represents a source folder name lights and the tag  62 B that represents a destination folder blinks. Thereafter, the flow advances to step S 4 . At step S 4 , it is determined whether or not a destination folder to be changed has been input. 
     When the selection keys  53 A and  53 B are operated, a destination folder is changed. The tag  62 B that represents a destination folder name blinks. When the determined result at step S 4  is Yes, the flow advances to step S 5 . At step S 5 , the destination folder name is changed corresponding to the destination folder number that has been input. 
     Thereafter, the flow advances to step S 6 . At step S 6 , it is determined whether or not the input destination folder name has been confirmed with the confirmation key  54 . When a destination folder name has been decided, the confirmation key  54  is pressed. When the determined result at step S 6  is No, the flow returns to step S 4 . At step S 4 , the destination folder name changing process is repeated. 
     In the loop of steps S 4  to S 6 , the destination folder name changing process is performed. After the destination folder name has been decided, the flow advances to step S 6 . At step S 6 , the confirmation key  54  is pressed. 
     When the determined result at step S 6  is Yes, the flow advances to step S 7 . At step S 7 , the tag  62 A that represents the destination folder name disappears. At step S 8 , only the tag  62 B that represents the destination folder name appears. Thereafter, the flow advances to step S 9 . At step S 9 , the total number of files and the current speech record number represented by the tags  63  and  64 , respectively, of the folder icon  61  are changed to those of the destination folder. The indicator  64  that represents the speech record number of the destination folder blinks. At this point, the speech record number of the destination folder can be changed. Thereafter, the flow advances to step S 10 . At step S 10 , it is determined whether or not the speech record number of the destination folder has been changed with the selection keys  53 A and  53 B. 
     With the selection keys  53 A and  53 B, the speech record number of the destination folder can be changed. The indicator  64  that represents the current speech record number of the destination folder blinks. When the determined result at step S 10  is Yes, the flow advances to step S 11 . At step S 11 , the speech record number of the destination folder is changed corresponding to the input destination speech record number. When the determined result at step S 10  is No, the flow advances to step S 12 . At step S 12 , it is determined whether or not the confirmation key  54  has been pressed. 
     When the speech record number has been changed, the flow advances to step S 12 . At step S 12 , it is determined whether or not the confirmation key  52  has been pressed. When the speech record number has been decided, the confirmation key  54  is pressed. When the determined result at step S 12  is No, the flow returns to step S 10 . At step S 10 , the destination folder name changing process is repeated. 
     In the loop of step S 10  to step S 12 , the speech record number changing process is performed for the destination folder. When the input speech record number of the destination folder has been confirmed, the determined result at step S 12  becomes Yes. 
     When the determined result at step S 12  is Yes, the flow advances to step S 13 . At step S 13 , a process for moving a speech record file from one folder to another folder is performed. Thereafter, the flow advances to step S 14 . At step S 14 , the process is completed. 
     Thus, with the above-described process, both a process for moving a speech record file from one folder to another folder and a process for changing a speech record number in the same folder can be performed. 
     FIGS. 5A,  5 B,  5 C, and  5 D show a process for moving a speech record file from one folder to another folder. 
     As shown in FIG. 5A, it is assumed that the current folder name is A as represented by the tag  62 A, the folder A has a total of 10 speech record files as represented by the indicator  63 , and the current speech record number is 3 as represented by the indicator  64 . In addition, it is assumed that a speech record file (speech record number  3 ) of a folder A is moved to a speech record file (speech record number  7 ) in a folder C. 
     When a speech record file is moved from one folder to another folder, the apparatus is set to the move mode. In the move mode, as shown in FIG. 5B, tag  62 A that represents a source folder name and the tag  62   b  that represents a destination folder name blink. At this point, a speech record file name represented by the tag  62 A and the indicator  64  is a file to be moved. 
     In FIG. 5B, the destination folder name represented by the tag  62 B is C. However, it should be noted that the destination folder name represented by the tag  62 B is not always C. In other words, a source folder name that has been selected by the user may be represented by the tag  62 B that blinks as default. Alternatively, a destination folder name that has selected by the user may be presented by the tag  62 B that blinks as default. 
     At this point, with the selection keys  53 A and  53 B, the destination folder name represented by the tag  62 A is moved in the order of A, B, and C. In this example, since the destination folder name is C, with the selection keys  53 A and  53 B, the destination folder name is selected so that the destination folder name represented by the tag  62 B that blinks becomes C. 
     After the destination folder name has been selected, the confirmation key  54  is pressed. When the confirmation keys  54  is pressed, as shown in FIG. 5C, the tag  62  that represents the destination folder name A disappears. Only the tag  62 B that represents the destination folder name C appears. In addition, the total number of speech record files and the current speech record number represented by the indicators  63  and  64 , respectively, of the folder icon  61  are changed to those of the destination folder. In addition, the indicator  64  that represents the current speech record number blinks. 
     The default destination speech record number that is represented by the indicator  64  can be designated in various manners. In the example shown in FIG. 5C, the default destination speech record number represented by the indicator  64  that blinks is 7. Alternatively, the default destination speech record number represented by the indicator  64  that blinks may be 1 that is the smallest speech record number. Alternatively, the default destination speech record number represented by the indicator  64  that blinks may be 1 that is the largest speech record number. In addition, the default destination record number represented by the indicator  64  may be initially designated by the user. Alternatively, the default destination speech record number represented by the indicator  64  that blinks may be a destination speech record number that has been designated by the user last time. 
     With the selection keys  53 A and  53 B, the speech record number of the destination folder is changed. In this example, since the speech record number of the destination folder is 7, with the selection keys  53 A and  53 B, the speech record number is selected so that the speech record number represented by the indicator  64  becomes 7. 
     After the speech record number of the destination folder has been selected, the confirmation key  54  is pressed. When the confirmation key  54  is pressed, as shown in FIG. 5D, the speech record file is moved to the speech record file (speech record number  7 ) of the destination folder C. Since one speech record file has been inserted into the destination folder C, the total number of speech record files represented by the indicator  63  becomes 19. 
     FIGS. 6A,  6 B,  6 C, and  6 D show a process for moving a speech record file in the same folder (namely, for changing a speech record file in a folder). This process can be performed in the same manner as the process for moving a speech record file from one folder to another folder. 
     As shown in FIG. 6A, it is assumed that the current folder name is A, the total number of speech record files in the folder A is 10, and the current speech record number is 3. In addition, it is assumed that the speech record file (speech record number  3 ) is moved t o the speech record file (speech record number  8 ) in the same folder. 
     When a speech record file is moved in the same folder, the apparatus is set to the move mode. When the apparatus is set to the move mode, as shown in FIG. 6B, along with the tag  62 A that represents a source folder name, the tag  62 B that represents a destination folder number blinks. 
     With the selection keys  53 A and  53 B, the destination folder name represented by the tag  62 B is changed. In this example, the destination folder name is changed in the order of A, B, and C. In this example, since the speech record file is moved in the same folder, with the selection keys  53 A and  53 B, the destination folder name is selected so that the destination folder name represented by the tag  62 B becomes A. At this point, since the source folder name is the same as the destination folder name, as shown in FIG. 6B, the tag  62 A that represents the source folder name is in common with the tag  62 B that represents the destination folder name. 
     In FIG. 6B, the destination folder name represented by the tag  62 B is A. However, it should be noted that the destination folder name is not limited to A. For example, the default destination folder name that is represented by the tag  62 B may be different from the source folder name. For example, a folder name that has been selected by the user may be represented by the tag  62 B that blinks. Alternatively, a destination folder name that has been selected by the user last time may be represented by the tag  62 B as default. 
     After the destination folder name has been selected, the confirmation key  54  is pressed. When the confirmation key  54  is pressed, the tag  62 A that represents the source folder name A disappears. Only the tag  62   b  that represents the destination folder name A appears. The total number of speech record files and the current speech record number represented by the indicators  63  and  64 , respectively, of the folder icon  61  are changed to those of the destination folder. The indicator  64  that represents the current speech record number blinks. However, in this example, since the source folder name and the destination folder name are the same (in this example, the folder name is A), as shown in FIG. 6C, the indicator  64  that represents the current speech record number blinks. 
     The default destination speech record number represented by the indicator  64  that blinks can be designated in various manners. In FIG. 6C, the default speech record number represented by the indicator  64  that blinks is 8. It should be noted that the default speech record number represented by the indicator  64  that blinks may be 1 that is the smallest speech record number. Likewise, the default speech record number represented by the indicator  64  that blinks may be the largest speech record number. Alternatively, the default speech record number represented by the indicator  64  that blinks may be preset by the user. Likewise, the default speech record number represented by the indicator  64  that blinks may be a destination speech record number that has been selected last time by the user. 
     With the selection keys  53 A and  53 B, the speech record number of the destination folder is changed. In this example, since the speech record number of the destination folder is 8, with the selection keys  53 A and  53 B, the speech record number  8  is selected so that the speech record number represented by the indicator  64  becomes 8. 
     After the speech record number of the destination folder has been selected, the confirmation key  54  is pressed. When the confirmation key  54  is pressed, as shown in FIG. 6D, the speech record file is moved to the speech record file (speech record number  8 ) of the folder A. 
     The folder icon  61  has the indicator  63  that represents the total number of speech record files and the indicator  64  that represents the current speech record number. In addition, the folder icon  61  has the tags  62 A and  62 B that represent folder names. With the folder icon  61 , the user can visually change a speech record file from one folder to another folder and change a speech record file in the same folder. 
     In the audio recording or reproducing apparatus shown in FIG. 2, speech record files are recorded to the flash memory  41  that is a fixed memory device. As an example of the flash memory  41 , a card type or stick type detachable flash memory can be used. 
     In the above-described example, speech record files are recorded to one flash memory  41 . Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 7, speech record files can be recorded to a plurality of flash memories  41 A,  41 B, and  41 C. 
     As described above, when a detachable flash memory is used or a plurality of flash memories are used, a folder or a speech record file can be moved from one memory to another memory. 
     In other words, as shown in FIGS. 8A,  8 B, and  8 C, it is assumed that memories MEM 1 , MEM 2 , and MEM 3  are disposed, each memory has folders A, B, and C, and each folder stores speech record files  1 ,  2 , and  3 . In this example, a process for moving all speech record files of the folder B of the memory MEM 2  to the folder A of the memory MEM 3  is a process for moving a folder from one memory to another memory. When a folder is moved in such a manner, speech record files  1 ,  2 ,  3  in the folder are moved together. 
     As shown in FIGS. 9A,  9 B, and  9 C, a process for moving for example the speech record file (speech record number  2 ) of the folder B of the memory MEM 1  to the speech record file (speech record number  1 ) of the folder C of the memory MEM 2  is a process for moving a speech record file from one memory to another memory. 
     FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing a process for moving a folder among a plurality of memories. 
     In FIG. 10, when a folder is moved from one memory to another memory, at step S 21 , it is determined whether or not the apparatus has been set to the folder move mode. With the mode switching key  52 , the apparatus is set to the folder move mode. When the determined result at step S 21  is No, the process is terminated. When the determined result at step S 21  is Yes, the flow advances to step S 22 . At step S 22 , as shown in FIG. 11B, the mode indicator  70  that represents the folder move mode appears. Thereafter, the flow advances to step S 23 . At step S 23 , a destination memory name is initialized. 
     When the apparatus has been set to the folder move mode, at step S 24 , a destination memory mark  71 A of memory marks  71 A,  71 B, and  71 C blinks. Thereafter, the flow advances to step S 25 . At step S 25 , it is determined whether or not a destination memory name to be changed has been input. 
     With the operation keys  53 A and  53 B, the destination memory is changed. The memory mark  71 A that represents the destination memory blinks. When the determined result at step S 25  is Yes, the flow advances to step S 26 . At step S 26 , the destination memory name is changed corresponding to the input destination memory name. 
     Thereafter, the flow advances to step S 27 . At step S 27 , it is determined whether or not the destination memory has been confirmed. When the destination memory has been decided, the confirmation key  54  is pressed. When the determined result at step S 27  is No, the flow returns to step S 25 . At step S 25 , the destination memory name changing process is repeated. 
     When the determined result at step S 27  is Yes, the flow advances to step S 28 . At step S 28 , the destination memory mark  71 A stops blinking. Thereafter, the flow advances to step S 29 . At step S 29 , an active memory mark  72  represents the destination memory name. Thereafter, the flow advances to step S 30 . At step S 30 , a folder mark tag  62  blinks. When the folder mark tag  62  blinks, the destination folder name can be changed. Thereafter, the flow advances to step S 31 . At step S 31 , it is determined whether or not a destination folder name to be changed has been input with the selection keys  53 A and  53 B. 
     At this point, with the selection keys  53 A and  53 B, the destination folder name is changed. The folder mark tag  62  that represents the folder name of the memory blinks. Thereafter, the flow advances to step S 31 . When the determined result at step S 31  is Yes, the flow advances to step S 32 . At step S 32 , corresponding to the input destination folder name, the folder name is changed. 
     Thereafter, the flow advances to step S 33 . At step S 33 , it is determined whether or not the confirmation key  54  has been pressed. When the folder name has been decided, the confirmation key  54  is pressed. When the determined result at step S 33  is No, the flow returns to step S 31 . At step S 31 , the destination folder name changing process is repeated. 
     In the loop of step S 31  to step  33 , the destination folder name changing process is performed. When the destination folder name has been decided, the flow advances to step S 33 . At step S 33 , it is determined whether or not the confirmation key  54  has been pressed. 
     When the determined result at step S 33  is Yes, the flow advances to step S 34 . At step S 34 , a process for moving a folder to a designated folder is performed. Thereafter, the flow advances to step S 35 . At step S 35 , the folder move mode is completed. 
     At this point, when the same memory name is selected as the destination memory name and the source memory name, the order of a folder name can be changed in the same memory. 
     FIGS. 11A,  11 B,  11 C, and  11 D show examples of states of an icon in the case that a folder is moved from one memory to another memory. As shown in FIGS. 11A to  11 D, when a plurality of memories are used, along with a folder mark  61 , indicators  71 A,  71 B, and  71 C that represent the disposed memories and an indicator  72  that represents the current active memory are disposed. The folder mark  61  has three tags  63 ,  64 , and  62 . The tag  63  represents the total number of speech record files of.the current folder. The tag  64  represents the current speech record number. The tag  62  represents the current folder name. 
     As shown in FIG. 11A, it is assumed that the currently active memory is MEM 2 , the current folder name is B, the folder B has a total of  13  speech record files, and the current speech record number is 9. In addition, it is assumed that all speech record files of the folder B of the memory MEM 2  are moved to the folder A of the memory MEM 3 . 
     When a folder is moved from one memory to another memory, the apparatus is set to the folder move mode. In the folder move mode, as shown in FIG. 11B, a destination memory mark  71 A of memory marks  71 A,  71 B, and  71 C blinks. 
     When the selection keys  53 A and  53 B are pressed, the destination memory mark that blinks changes in the order of  71 C,  71 B, and  71 A that represent MEM 1 , MEM 2 , and MEM 3 , respectively. In this example, since the destination folder name is MEM 3 , with the selection keys  53 A and  53 B, the destination folder name is selected so that the memory mark  71 A represents MEM 3 . 
     After the destination memory has been selected, the confirmation key  54  is pressed. When the confirmation key  54  is pressed, as shown in FIG. 11C, the active memory indicator  72  represents MEM 3 . In addition, the memory mark  71 A stops blinking. Thereafter, tag  62  that represents the destination folder blinks. The total number of speech record files and the current speech record number represented by the indicators  63  and  64 , respectively, of the folder icon  61  are changed to those of the destination folder. 
     At this point, when the selection keys  53 A and  53 B are pressed, the position of the tag  62  changes. The destination folder name in the tag  62  changes in the order of A, B, and C. In this example, since the destination folder name is A, with the selection keys  53 A and  53 B, the destination folder name is selected so that the tag  62  represents A. 
     After the destination folder name has been selected, the confirmation key  54  is pressed. When the confirmation key  54  is pressed, as shown in FIG. 11D, the active memory indicator  72  represents MEM 3 . In addition, the tag  62  represents the folder name A. 
     At this point, when the same memory name is selected as the source memory name and the destination memory name, the order of a folder can be changed in the same memory. 
     FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing a process for moving a speech record file among a plurality of memories. 
     When a speech record file is moved, the apparatus is set to the move mode. In FIG. 12, at step S 41 , it is determined whether or not the apparatus has been set to the move mode. With the model switching key  52 , the apparatus is set to the move mode. When the determined result at step S 41  is No, the process is terminated. When the determined result at step S 41  is Yes, the flow advances to step S 42 . At step S 42 , as shown in FIG. 13B, a mode indicator  70  that represents that the apparatus has been set to the move mode appears. Thereafter, the flow advances to step S 43 . At step S 43 , the destination memory name is initialized. 
     When the apparatus has been set to the move mode, the flow advances to step S 44 . At step S 44 , a destination memory mark  71 B of memory marks  71 A,  71 B, and  71 C blinks. Thereafter, the flow advances to step S 45 . At step S 45 , it is determined whether or not a destination memory name to be changed has been input. 
     With the selection keys  53 A and  53 B, the destination memory is changed. One of the memory marks  71 A,  71 B, and  71 C blink corresponding to the input destination memory name. Thereafter, the flow advances to step S 45 . When the determined result at step S 45  is Yes, the flow advances to step S 46 . At step S 46 , corresponding to the input destination memory name, the destination memory name is changed. 
     Thereafter, the flow advances to step S 47 . At step S 47 , it is determined whether the input destination memory name has been confirmed with the confirmation key  54 . When the destination memory name has been decided, the confirmation key  54  is pressed. When the determined result at step S 47  is No, the flow returns to step S 45 . At step S 45 , the destination memory name changing process is repeated. 
     When the determined result at step S 47  is Yes, the flow advances to step S 48 . At step S 48 , the destination memory mark  71 B stops blinking. Thereafter, the flow advances to step S 49 . At step S 49 , the active memory mark  72  represents the destination memory name. Thereafter, the flow advances to step S 50 . At step S 50 , the folder mark tag  62  blinks. When the folder mark tag  52  blinks, the destination folder name can be changed. Thereafter, the flow advances to step S 51 . At step S 51 , it is determined whether or not the destination folder name has been changed with the selection keys  53 A and  53 B. 
     At this point, with the selection keys  53 A and  53 B, the destination folder name can be changed. The folder mark tag  62  that represents the folder name of the memory blinks. When the determined result at step S 51  is Yes, the flow advances to step S 52 . At step S 52 , the folder name is changed corresponding to the input destination folder name. 
     When the destination folder name has been changed, the flow advances to step S 53 . At step S 53 , it is determined whether or not the confirmation key  54  has been pressed. When the determined result at step S 53  is No, the flow returns to step S 51 . At step S 51 , the destination folder name changing process is repeated. 
     In the loop of step S 51  to step S 53 , the destination folder name changing process is performed. When the destination folder name has been decided, the flow advances to step S 53 . At step S 53 , it is determined whether or not the confirmation key  54  has been pressed. 
     After the folder name has been changed, the destination folder mark tag  62  stops blinking. Thereafter, the flow advances to step S 55 . At step S 55 , the indicator  64  that represents the speech record number of the destination folder blinks. Thereafter, the flow advances to step S 56 . At step S 56 , it is determined whether or not the speech record number to be changed in the destination folder has been input. 
     At this point, with the selection keys  53 A and  53 B, the speech record number of the destination folder is changed. The indicator  64  that represents the current speech record number of the destination folder blinks. When the determined result at step S 56  is Yes, the flow advances to step S 57 . At step S 57 , the speech record number is changed corresponding to the input speech record number. 
     After the speech record number has been changed, the flow advances to step S 58 . At step S 58 , it is determined whether or not the confirmation key  54  has been pressed. After the speech record number has been decided, the confirmation key  54  is pressed. When a speech record number has not been decided, the confirmation key  54  is not pressed. When the determined result at step S 58  is No, the flow returns to step S 56 . At step S 56 , the speech record number changing process is repeated. 
     In the loop of step S 56  to step  58 , the speech record number changing process is performed for the destination folder. After the speech record number of the destination folder has been confirmed, the flow advances to step S 58 . At step S 58 , the determined result at step S 54  becomes Yes. 
     When the determined result at step S 58  is Yes, the flow advances to step S 59 . At step S 59 , a process for moving a speech record file to a designated speech record number of a designated folder is performed. Thereafter, the flow advances to step S 60 . At step S 60 , the move mode is completed. 
     With the above-described process, a process for moving a speech record file from one memory to another memory can be performed. 
     FIGS. 13A,  13 B,  13 C, and  13 D show examples of states of an icon in the case that a speech record file is moved from one memory to another memory. As shown in FIG. 13A, it is assumed that the current active memory is MEM 1 , the folder name is B, the folder B has a total of five speech record files, and the current speech record number is 2. In addition, it is assumed that the speech record file (speech record number  2 ) of the folder B of the memory MEM 1  is moved to the speech record file (speech record number  3 ) of the folder C of the memory MEM 2 . 
     When a speech record file is moved from one memory to another memory, the apparatus is set to the move mode. In the move mode, as shown in FIG. 13B, a destination memory mark  71 B of destination memory marks  71 A,  71 B, and  71 C blinks. 
     When the selection keys  53 A and  53 B are pressed, the destination memory mark that blinks changes in the order of  71 C,  71 B, and  71 A that represent MEM 1 , MEM 2 , and MEM 3 , respectively. In this example, since the destination folder name is MEM 2 , with the selection keys  53 A and  53 B, the destination folder name is selected so that the memory mark  71 B represents MEM 2 . 
     After the destination memory has been selected, the confirmation key  54  is pressed. When the confirmation key  54  is pressed, as shown in FIG. 13C, the active memory indicator  72  represents MEM 2 . In addition, the memory mark  71 B stops blinking. Thereafter, tag  62  that represents the destination folder blinks. The total number of speech record files and the current speech record number represented by the indicators  63  and  64 , respectively, of the folder icon  61  are changed to those of the destination folder. 
     At this point, when the selection keys  53 A and  53 B are pressed, the position of the tag  62  changes. The folder name in the tag  62  changes in the order of A, B, and C. In this example, since the destination folder name is C, with the selection keys  53 A and  53 B, the destination folder name is selected so that the tag  62  represents C. 
     After the destination folder name has been selected, the confirmation key  54  is pressed. When the confirmation key  54  is pressed,.the tag  62  that represents the destination folder name C stops blinking. In addition, the indicator  64  that represents the current speech record number blinks. 
     With the selection keys  53 A and  53 B, the destination speech record number is changed. In this case, since the destination speech record number is 3, with the selection keys  53 A and  53 B, the speech record number is selected so that the indicator  64  represents  3 . 
     After the destination speech record number has been selected, the confirmation key  54  is pressed. When the confirmation key  54  is pressed, as shown in FIG. 13E, the speech record file (speech record number  2 ) of the folder B of the memory MEM 1  is moved to the speech record file (speech record number  3 ) of the folder C of the memory MEM 2 . 
     When the same memory name is selected as the source memory name and the destination memory name, the order of a folder in the same memory can be changed. When the destination memory and folder are the same as the source memory and folder, a speech record number can be changed in the same folder of the same memory. 
     In the above-described embodiment, a file of a source folder is appended to a destination folder. However, the present invention is not limited to such a process. Instead, a destination folder may be increased by one. Thus, a destination folder name may be changed corresponding to the increase of a folder. In this case, the number of files of a source folder does not change. Thus, when a file is appended, a file name does not change. Consequently, when folders are managed for individual meetings, a folder for one meeting can be prevented from containing a speech record file for another meeting. In addition, a destination folder can be overwritten with a source folder. This method is effective when an old destination folder is replaced with a source folder. 
     According to the present invention, a plurality of memories can be used. Alternatively, the apparatus may have a plurality of memory slots. In this case, a source memory is attached to a memory slot. A file stored in the source memory is stored to a temporary buffer. Thereafter, the source memory is substituted with a destination memory. Thereafter, the file stored in the temporary file is stored to a destination memory. 
     According to the present invention, the total number of speech record files and the current speech record number are represented by a folder icon. The folder icon has a tag that represents a folder name. With the folder icon, a speech record file can be visually moved from one folder to another folder or a speech record number can be changed in the same folder. With indicators for a plurality of memories and an indicator for an active memory, a folder can be visually moved from one memory to another memory or a file can be visually moved from one memory to another memory. 
     According to the present invention, since a speech record file can be moved from one folder to another folder, a speech record file can be changed in the same folder, a folder can be moved from one memory to another memory, and a speech record file can be moved from one memory to another memory. Thus, according to the present invention, speech record files can be edited and a desired speech record file can be easily searched. 
     Having described a specific preferred embodiment of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to that precise embodiment, and that various changes and modifications may be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.