Patent Publication Number: US-2012046769-A1

Title: Electronic equipment, reservation method, and playback data search method

Description:
This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2010-183495 filed with Japan Patent Office on Aug. 18, 2010, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to an electronic equipment, a reservation method, and a playback data search method, and more specifically to an electronic equipment in which a start time and a finish time are designated to schedule or reserve a sound recording, and a reservation method and a playback data search method to be executed by that electronic equipment. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     A compact electronic equipment such as an IC recorder has a smaller area of display on the display screen in comparison to a television apparatus and the like. In a conventional IC recorder, when playing back already recorded data, an overview list of file names is displayed, and a user would designate one of the file names being displayed in the list so as to playback the data of the designated file. However, although some of the file names included information such as the date and the time of the sound recording, it required practice to determine from the file name which program it was that the sound recorded data was made from. 
     A record-playback device is known in which program names of data streams (programs) stored in the record-playback device are displayed in a record list in a calendar format, and in which a user operates a cursor, and when one date is selected, program information of the programs recorded on the selected date is displayed as a program-by-program record list on the same screen. 
     The screen of a conventional record-playback device, however, is a screen to be displayed on a television apparatus so that there is the problem that it cannot be applied to an IC recorder which can only be equipped with a compact display device with a relatively small display resolution. 
     In addition, when a sound recording of a radio program and the like is to be scheduled or reserved, the date, the start time, the finish time, the channel name and the like of the sound recording must be designated. With a conventional IC recorder, if the time frame for which the recording was to be scheduled overlapped in time with an already reserved program, a notification of an error was made to the user after necessary information had been inputted in numbers and such for the reservation. Thus, there was the problem that the user could not know the overlapping of the sound recording time until after the necessary information for the reservation of the sound recording had been inputted in numbers, which complicated the operation. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to one aspect of the present invention, an electronic equipment includes a sound recording portion to store sound inputted from outside, a control portion to cause the sound recording portion to perform a sound recording based on reservation data including at least a start date and time and a finish date and time, a time display portion to display a time axis for one day of a day, an extracting portion to extract reservation data whose start date and time or finish date and time is included in the day, a reservation figure display portion to display for each of the reservation data extracted a figure indicating an already scheduled reservation between a starting position on the time axis corresponding to the start date and time and a finish position on the time axis corresponding to the finish date and time of the reservation data, a designating portion to designate any given position on the time axis displayed, and a generating portion to generate reservation data in which time determined based on the position designated on the time axis is set as a start time or a finish time. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, an electronic equipment includes a sound recording portion to store sound inputted from outside and a control portion to cause the sound recording portion to perform a sound recording based on reservation data including at least a start date and time, a finish date and time, and a designating method for specifying a date to make the sound recording, wherein the designating method included in the reservation data is one selected from three designating methods which are a designating method to specify a date, a designating method to specify a day of the week, and a designating method to specify everyday, and the electronic equipment further includes a time display portion to display a time axis for one day of a day, an extracting portion to extract reservation data whose start date and time or finish date and time is included in the day, a reservation display portion to display for each of the reservation data extracted a reservation figure indicating an already scheduled reservation between a starting position on the time axis corresponding to the start date and time and a finish position on the time axis corresponding to the finish date and time of the reservation data, and a placing portion to place a symbol corresponding to a classification of the reservation data in a vicinity of the reservation figure. 
     According to a further aspect of the present invention, an electronic equipment includes a playback portion to playback sound stored along with sound recording information including at least a start date and time and a finish date and time of a sound recording made, a time display portion to display a time axis for one day of a day, an extracting portion to extract sound recording information whose start date and time or finish date and time is included in the day, a recording display portion to display for each of the sound recording information extracted a sound recording figure indicating a completed sound recording between a starting position on the time axis corresponding to the start date and time and a finish position on the time axis corresponding to the finish date and time of the sound recording information, and a designating portion to designate any given position on the time axis displayed, wherein the playback portion plays back the sound stored along with the sound recording information corresponding to the sound recording figure when the sound recording figure is displayed at the position designated on the time axis. 
     According to a still further aspect of the present invention, a reservation method causes an electronic equipment to execute the steps of recording sound inputted from outside based on reservation data including at least a start date and time and a finish date and time, displaying a time axis for one day of a day, extracting reservation data whose start date and time or finish date and time is included in the day, displaying for each of the reservation data extracted a figure indicating an already scheduled reservation between a starting position on the time axis corresponding to the start date and time and a finish position on the time axis corresponding to the finish date and time of the reservation data, designating any given position on the time axis displayed, and generating reservation data in which time determined based on the position designated on the time axis is set as a start time or a finish time. 
     According to a still another aspect of the present invention, a reservation method causes an electronic equipment to execute the step of recording sound inputted from outside based on reservation data including at least a start date and time, a finish date and time, and a designating method for specifying a date to make the sound recording, wherein the designating method included in the reservation data is one selected from three designating methods which are a designating method to specify a date, a designating method to specify a day of the week, and a designating method to specify everyday, and the reservation method further causes the electronic equipment to execute the steps of displaying a time axis for one day of a day, extracting reservation data whose start date and time or finish date and time is included in the day, displaying for each of the reservation data extracted a figure indicating an already scheduled reservation between a starting position on the time axis corresponding to the start date and time and a finish position on the time axis corresponding to the finish date and time of the reservation data, and placing a symbol corresponding to a classification of the reservation data in a vicinity of the figure. 
     According to a still further aspect of the present invention, a playback data search method causes an electronic equipment to execute the steps of playing back sound stored along with sound recording information including at least a start date and time and a finish date and time of a sound recording made, displaying a time axis for one day of a day, extracting sound recording information whose start date and time or finish date and time is included in the day, displaying for each of the sound recording information extracted a figure indicating a completed sound recording between a starting position on the time axis corresponding to the start date and time and a finish position on the time axis corresponding to the finish date and time of the sound recording information, and designating any given position on the time axis displayed, wherein the step of playing back includes the step of playing back the sound stored along with the sound recording information corresponding to the figure when the figure is displayed at the position designated on the time axis. 
     The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a plan view of an IC recorder. 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic functional block diagram showing a hardware arrangement of the IC recorder. 
         FIG. 3  is a diagram illustrating one example of a data format of reservation data. 
         FIG. 4  is a block diagram showing an overview of a reservation setting function of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) along with data stored in an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory). 
         FIG. 5  is a diagram illustrating one example of a reserved day information setting screen. 
         FIG. 6  is a diagram illustrating one example of a time frame screen. 
         FIG. 7  is a flow chart showing one example of the flow of a reservation setting process. 
         FIG. 8  is a flow chart showing one example of the flow of a time frame screen display process. 
         FIG. 9  is a flow chart showing one example of the flow of a time frame display process. 
         FIG. 10  is a flow chart showing one example of the flow of a start and finish time setting process. 
         FIG. 11  is a flow chart showing one example of the flow of a fine-adjustment process. 
         FIG. 12  is a diagram illustrating one example of a data format of sound recording data. 
         FIG. 13  is a block diagram showing one example of an overview of a playback setting function of the CPU. 
         FIG. 14  is a diagram illustrating one example of a sound recording confirmation screen. 
         FIG. 15  is a flow chart showing one example of the flow of a date search process. 
         FIG. 16  is a flow chart showing one example of the flow of a date search screen display process. 
         FIG. 17  is a flow chart showing one example of the flow of a sound recording data decision process. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in conjunction with the drawings. In the following description, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference characters. Their names and function are also the same. Thus, a detailed description thereof will not be repeated. 
       FIG. 1  is a plan view of an IC recorder. An IC recorder  1  includes a body portion  3 , a liquid crystal display (LCD)  55  disposed on a front surface of body portion  3 , and an operation portion  7  that includes a plurality of buttons arranged on the front surface and a side face of body portion  3 . A user is able to operate operation portion  7  while viewing a screen displayed on LCD  55 . Moreover, in place of LCD  55 , a display such as an organic ELD (Electro Luminescence Display) may be used. 
     Operation portion  7  includes a changeover switch  5 , a repeat button  9 , a decide button  13 , a sound record button  15 , a stop button  17 , a reservation button  19 , a search button  21 , a playback button  23 , and a control button  25 . Repeat button  9 , decide button  13 , sound record button  15 , stop button  17 , playback button  23 , and control button  25  are arranged on the front surface of body portion  3 , while changeover switch  5 , reservation button  19 , and search button  21  are arranged on a side face of body portion  3 . Control button  25  includes an up button  25 A, a down button  25 B, a right button  25 C, and a left button  25 D. For instance, the user can move a cursor displayed on LCD  55  to one of the directions of up, down, left, and right by operating one of up button  25 A, down button  25 B, left button  25 D, and right button  25 C. More specifically, if the user presses up button  25 A, the cursor moves upward; if the user presses down button  25 B, the cursor moves downward; if the user presses left button  25 D, the cursor moves leftward; and if the user presses right button  25 C, the cursor moves rightward. 
     Repeat button  9 , decide button  13 , sound record button  15 , stop button  17 , playback button  23 , control button  25 , reservation button  19 , and search button  21  are hard keys which are normally OFF but are turned ON when pressed by the user. Changeover switch  5  is a slide switch and switches the state to either one of a first state and a second state. Here, changeover switch  5  is used by the user to set the parameter to determine the source of sound input. More specifically, it is possible to input sound into IC recorder  1  from either of a microphone  33  and a line input terminal  49  to which an external microphone or the like is connected, and while changeover switch  5  is switched to the first state by the user, “microphone input,” which is the parameter for selecting the sound inputted from microphone  33 , is set as the parameter to define the source of input, whereas while changeover switch  5  is switched to the second state by the user, “line input,” which is the parameter for selecting the sound inputted from line input terminal  49 , is set as the parameter to define the source of input. 
     Search button  21  is a button for accepting an instruction to display a search screen. The search screen is a screen for selecting a search method and includes an item for designating a date search as the search method and an item for designating a folder search as the search method. The search method is selected as a result of the user operating control button  25 , selecting either one of the item for designating the date search and the item for designating the folder search, and pressing decide button  13 . The screen for the folder search is a screen which displays by folder a plurality of file names sorted into one or more folders. More specifically, the folder names of one or more folders are displayed in an overview list, and when the user designates a folder name, the names of the files sorted into the designated folder are displayed. The date search will be described later. 
       FIG. 2  is a schematic functional block diagram showing a hardware arrangement of the IC recorder. IC recorder  1  includes a central processing unit (CPU)  11  to control the entire IC recorder, and a codec  31 , an encoder/decoder  35 , an AM/FM tuner  39 , a RAM (Random Access Memory)  41 , a speaker  43 , a headphone terminal  45 , an external memory controller  47 , line input terminal  49 , a serial interface (I/F)  51 , an EEPROM  53 , and LCD  55 , which are respectively connected to CPU  11  via a bus  37 . 
     RAM  41  is used as a work area of CPU  11 . EEPROM  53  stores a program to be executed by CPU  11 , a parameter for the execution of that program, and the like as well as stores a compressed audio signal and the like in a non-volatile manner. The details of the data to be stored in EEPROM  53  will be described later. To external memory controller  47 , a memory card  47 A is connected. CPU  11  is capable of accessing memory card  47 A via external memory controller  47  connected thereto. 
     AM/FM tuner  39  is a radio tuner and is connected to an antenna. AM/FM tuner  39  obtains an analog audio signal of a specific frequency from the electromagnetic waves received by the antenna and outputs the obtained audio signal to speaker  43  and codec  31 . Moreover, although the case where the radio signal is an analog signal is described as an example here, the audio signal received may be a digital signal as well. In such a case, the digital signal encoded by compression may be decoded by encoder/decoder  35  and the decoded audio signal may be converted into an analog audio signal in codec  31 . 
     Serial interface  51  is connected to a device which is capable of serial communication. CPU  11  is capable of communicating via serial interface  51  with a device connected thereto. Headphone terminal  45  has a headphone or an earphone and the like connected thereto and outputs an analog audio signal to them. Speaker  43  is placed on a reverse side which is the opposite of the front surface of body portion  3  on which LCD  55  is arranged, receives input of the analog audio signal, and outputs sound. 
     To codec  31 , microphone  33  is connected, and the analog audio signal is inputted from microphone  33  while changeover switch  5  is switched to the first state and the analog audio signal is inputted from line input terminal  49  while changeover switch  5  is switched to the second state. In addition, the analog audio signal from AM/FM tuner  39  is inputted into codec  31 . Codec  31  converts the inputted analog audio signal into a digital signal, and after a prescribed processing, outputs the audio signal which has undergone digitization to CPU  11 . 
     Encoder/decoder  35  is controlled by CPU  11  to encode the audio signal outputted from codec  31  and generates sound data. In addition, encoder/decoder  35  is controlled by CPU  11  to decode sound data and generates an audio signal. 
     CPU  11  causes encoder/decoder  35  to encode the audio signal outputted from codec  31  and stores the encoded sound data in EEPROM  53  or in memory card  47 A connected to external memory controller  47 . 
     In addition, CPU  11  reads the sound data stored in EEPROM  53  or in memory card  47 A connected to external memory controller  47 , causes encoder/decoder  35  to decode, causes codec  31  to convert the decoded audio signal into an analog signal, and outputs the analog audio signal to speaker  43  or to a headphone connected to headphone terminal  45 . 
     IC recorder  1  is provided with a reservation setting function and a timer sound recording function. The reservation setting function is the function of generating reservation data which includes a recording setting that defines the time period of a sound recording, the sound to be recorded, the compression method and such, and the timer sound recording function is the function of recording the data which is obtained by compressing the sound defined by the reservation data inputted during the time period defined by the reservation data using the compression method and format in the recording setting defined by the reservation data. Hereon, the description on the reservation data will be provided. 
       FIG. 3  is a diagram illustrating one example of a data format of the reservation data. Reservation data  91  includes the item of reserved day information, the item of the start time, the item of the finish time, and the item of a sound recording setting. The item of the reserved day information is the item to define the day to perform the sound recording and includes the item of a classification and the item of a supplement. In the item of the classification, one of the three kinds of classifications, “daily,” “weekly,” and “date,” for defining the day to perform the sound recording is set. In the item of the supplement, supplemental information for specifying the day to perform the sound recording is set according to the classification set in the item of the classification. The classification “daily” indicates that the day to perform the sound recording is specified for everyday, and when the classification “daily” is set in the item of the classification, nothing is set in the item of the supplement. The classification “weekly” indicates that the day to perform the sound recording is specified by a day of the week, and when the classification “weekly” is set in the item of the classification, a day of the week is set in the item of the supplement. Hereinafter, the day of the week being set in the item of the supplement in the case where the classification “weekly” is set in the item of the classification will be referred to as a reserved day of the week. The classification “date” indicates that the day to perform the sound recording is specified by a date, and when the classification “date” is set in the item of the classification, a date is set in the item of the supplement. Hereinafter, the date being set in the item of the supplement in the case where the classification “date” is set in the item of the classification will be referred to as a reserved date. 
     In the item of the start time, the time to start the sound recording is set, and in the item of the finish time, the time to finish the sound recording is set. In the item of the sound recording setting, the information to specify a sound source and the information to specify a compression method or a data format are set. The information to specify the sound source is one of AM/FM tuner  39 , microphone  33 , and line input terminal  49 . In the case where AM/FM tuner  39  is set as the sound source, a channel for identifying a radio frequency will also be set. 
       FIG. 4  is a block diagram showing an overview of a reservation setting function of a CPU along with data stored in an EEPROM. CPU  11  includes a reserved day information setting portion  61  to set reserved day information, an extracting portion  63  to extract reservation data, a designating portion  65 , a fine-adjustment portion  71 , a time frame screen display portion  67  to display a time frame screen, and a reservation data generating portion  69  to generate the reservation data. 
     Reserved day information setting portion  61  sets the reserved day information of the reservation data which is about to be generated. When the user presses reservation button  19 , reserved day information setting portion  61  obtains the current date, generates a reserved day information setting screen which includes a calendar of the month of the year including the current date, and displays the reserved day information setting screen on LCD  55 . The calendar is the chart in which all the dates of the month of the year that includes the current date are arranged by days of the week. 
       FIG. 5  is a diagram illustrating one example of a reserved day information setting screen. A reserved day information setting screen  200  includes an area  208  indicating the year and the month of the calendar to be displayed therein, an area  201  for designating the classification “daily,” an area  203  for designating the classification “weekly,” an area  205  for designating the classification “date,” an area  207  for changing the month of the year of the calendar being displayed, and a cursor  209 . Moreover, the broken line in the diagram has been provided for the purpose of description and does not actually exist. 
     Area  205  for designating the classification “date” includes a calendar. In area  208  indicating the year and the month, the year and the month “2010-4” is displayed, indicating that the calendar being displayed in area  205  includes the dates of April of the year 2010. 
     Area  201  includes the character string of “DAILY” and indicates whether the reservation data in which the classification “daily” is set in the item of the classification exists or not. The display by inversion takes place if the reservation data in which the classification “daily” is set in the item of the classification exists, and if not, the display by inversion does not occur. Here, area  201  is displayed by inversion, which indicates that the reservation data in which the classification “daily” is set in the item of the classification does exist. 
     Area  203  for designating the classification “weekly” includes seven days of the week from Monday through Sunday and indicates whether or not the reservation data in which the classification “weekly” is set in the item of the classification exists. The display by inversion takes place if the reservation data exists in which the classification “weekly” is set in the item of the classification and in which the corresponding day of the week is set in the item of the supplement, and if not, the display by inversion does not occur. Here, the day of the week “TUE” included in area  203  is displayed by inversion, which indicates by hatching that the reservation data in which the classification “weekly” is set in the item of the classification and in which the day of the week “TUE” is set in the item of the supplement does exist. 
     Area  205  for designating the classification “date” includes a calendar. The dates in the calendar are each arranged according to the days of the week displayed in area  203 . Area  205  also indicates whether or not the reservation data in which the classification “date” is set in the item of the classification exists. The display by inversion takes place if the reservation data exists in which the classification “date” is set in the item of the classification and in which the corresponding date is set in the item of the supplement, and if not, the display by inversion does not occur. Here, the dates “5” and “9” in the calendar are displayed by inversion, which indicates that the reservation data in which the classification “date” is set in the item of the classification exists for each of the fifth and the ninth of April of the year 2010. 
     Area  207  includes an area  207 A which includes the character string of “PREVIOUS MONTH” and an area  207 B which includes the character string of “NEXT MONTH.” 
     Reserved day information setting portion  61  causes cursor  209  to move within reserved day information setting screen  200  when a user presses up button  25 A, down button  25 B, right button  25 C, and left button  25 D while reserved day information setting screen  200  is being displayed. Reserved day information setting portion  61  decides on the classification “daily” if the user presses decide button  13  while cursor  209  is located at area  201 , and outputs the decided classification “daily” to extracting portion  63 , reservation data generating portion  69 , and time frame screen display portion  67 . 
     If the user presses decide button  13  while cursor  209  is located at any one of the seven days of the week within area  203 , the classification “weekly” is decided, and the day of the week at which the cursor is located is decided to be the reserved day of the week. Reserved day information setting portion  61  outputs the decided classification “weekly” and the reserved day of the week as a set to extracting portion  63 , reservation data generating portion  69 , and time frame screen display portion  67 . 
     If the user presses decide button  13  while cursor  209  is located at one of the dates inside area  205 , the classification “date” is decided, and the date at which the cursor is located is decided to be the reserved date. Reserved day information setting portion  61  outputs the decided classification “date” and the reserved date as a set to extracting portion  63 , reservation data generating portion  69 , and time frame screen display portion  67 . 
     If the user presses decide button  13  while cursor  209  is located at area  207 A, a new reserved day information setting screen  200  is displayed which includes the calendar of the month of the year which is one month prior to the month of the year of the calendar being displayed on the existing reserved day information setting screen  200 . If the user presses decide button  13  while cursor  209  is located at area  207 B, a new reserved day information setting screen  200  is displayed which includes the calendar of the month of the year which is one month after the month of the year of the calendar being displayed on the existing reserved day information setting screen  200 . 
     To extracting portion  63 , one of the classification “daily,” the set of the classification “weekly” and the reserved day of the week, and the set of the classification “date” and the reserved date is inputted from reserved day information setting portion  61 . When the classification “daily” is inputted from reserved day information setting portion  61 , extracting portion  63  reads the reservation data in which the classification “daily” is set in the item of the classification, the reservation data in which the classification “weekly” is set in the item of the classification, and the reservation data in which the classification “date” is set in the item of the classification. Extracting portion  63  outputs all of the read reservation data to time frame screen display portion  67  and reservation data generating portion  69 . 
     When the set of the classification “weekly” and the reserved day of the week is inputted from reserved day information setting portion  61 , extracting portion  63  reads the reservation data in which the classification “daily” is set in the item of the classification, the reservation data in which the classification “weekly” is set in the item of the classification and in which a reserved day of the week is set in the item of the supplement, and the reservation data in which the classification “date” is set in the item of the classification and in which the day of the week of the date set in the item of the supplement is the same as the reserved day of the week. Extracting portion  63  outputs all of the read reservation data to time frame screen display portion  67  and reservation data generating portion  69 . 
     When the set of the classification “date” and the reserved date is inputted from reserved day information setting portion  61 , extracting portion  63  reads the reservation data in which the classification “daily” is set in the item of the classification, the reservation data in which the classification “weekly” is set in the item of the classification and in which the reserved day of the week set in the item of the supplement is the same as the day of the week of the reserved date, and the reservation data in which the classification “date” is set in the item of the classification and in which the reserved date set in the item of the supplement is the same as the reserved date being inputted from reserved day information setting portion  61 . Extracting portion  63  outputs all of the read reservation data to time frame screen display portion  67  and reservation data generating portion  69 . 
     When one of the classification “daily,” the set of the classification “weekly” and the reserved day of the week, and the set of the classification “date” and the reserved date is inputted from reserved day information setting portion  61 , time frame screen display portion  67  generates a time frame screen and displays it on LCD  55 . Time frame screen display portion  67  first displays the reserved day information on the time frame screen. The reserved day information is the reserved day which becomes the target of the setting of the reservation data on the time frame screen. More specifically, the reserved day information is the classification “daily” if the classification “daily” is inputted from reserved day information setting portion  61 , the reserved day of the week if the set of the classification “weekly” and the reserved day of the week is inputted from reserved day information setting portion  61 , or the reserved date if the set of the classification “date” and the reserved date is inputted from reserved day information setting portion  61 . 
     Time frame screen display portion  67  includes a time axis display portion  81 , a reservation figure display portion  83 , and a reservation classification symbol placing portion  87 . Time axis display portion  81  arranges a time axis that indicates time of one day on the time frame screen. Time axis display portion  81  outputs the position of a time axis within the time frame screen to designating portion  65 . In the present embodiment, the resolution of LCD  55  is 144 DPI. Here, the time axis for twenty-four hours is divided into a first axis for the time between 0:00 and 12:00 and a second axis for the time between 12:00 and 24:00 arranged in two levels of top and bottom in the time frame screen. In addition, the length in the lateral direction of LCD  55  is set to be one inch so that the time represented by one dot corresponds to five minutes. 
     To reservation figure display portion  83 , the position of a time axis within the time frame screen is inputted from time axis display portion  81  and reservation data is inputted from extracting portion  63 . Reservation figure display portion  83  displays a reservation figure on the time axis arranged in the time frame screen based on the reservation data inputted from extracting portion  63 . The reservation figure is the shape which represents the period between the start time and the finish time of the reservation data on the time axis. In other words, the reservation figure is the shape which indicates on the time axis the fact that the reservation data exists. Here, the reservation figure used is a rectangular shape. More specifically, reservation figure display portion  83  specifies the position on the time axis of each of the start time and the finish time being set in the reservation data and places on the time axis a rectangular reservation figure whose length in the lateral direction corresponds to the distance between the position of the start time on the time axis and the position of the finish time on the time axis. Reservation figure display portion  83  outputs the classification included in the reservation data and the position of the reservation figure on the time axis as a set to reservation classification symbol placing portion  87 . 
     Since the reservation figure is displayed on the time axis, the user is able to determine from the figure whether the reservation data which has already been scheduled exists on the time axis or not. In addition, for the start time and the finish time of the reservation data about to be set, the user only needs to designate the positions on the time axis at which no reservation figure is placed so that setting can be made such that no overlapping with the already scheduled reservation data occurs. 
     Moreover, since the precision of the time axis arranged by time axis display portion  81  is five minutes as described above, when the start time or the finish time is not a multiple of five, the location on the time axis of the rounded time would be specified. More specifically, if the unit of the minutes of the start time is not a multiple of five, the start time is changed to the latest time which is before the start time and whose unit of the minutes is a multiple of five, and the position on the time axis of the start time after the change becomes a start point of the reservation figure; and if the unit of the minutes of the finish time is not a multiple of five, the finish time is changed to the earliest time which is after the finish time and whose unit of the minutes is a multiple of five, and the position on the time axis of the finish time after the change becomes an end point of the reservation figure. 
     To reservation classification symbol placing portion  87 , the classification and the position on the time axis of the reservation figure are inputted as a set from reservation figure display portion  83 . Reservation classification symbol placing portion  87  places a reservation classification symbol in a vicinity of the reservation figure. The reservation classification symbol is the symbol which represents the classification of the reservation data, and here, the reservation classification symbol representing the classification “daily” is shown by a double circle, the reservation classification symbol representing the classification “weekly” is shown by a circle, and the reservation classification symbol representing the classification “date” is shown by a triangle. 
     Since the reservation classification symbol is placed in the vicinity of the reservation figure, the user is able to recall from the reservation classification symbol the origin of the input of the sound recorded based on the reservation data corresponding to the reservation figure. 
       FIG. 6  is a diagram illustrating one example of a time frame screen.  FIG. 6  shows a time frame screen  210  which is displayed in the case where decide button  13  is pressed after cursor  209  had been moved to the date “9” inside area  205  in reserved day information setting screen  200  shown in  FIG. 5 . Time frame screen  210  includes an area  211  to display reserved day information, an area  212  to display a display time, an area  213  to display setting possibility or impossibility, a first time axis  214 , a second time axis  215 , reservation figures  216  to  218 , reservation classification symbols  216 A to  218 A, and a cursor  219 . 
     Area  211  displays the reserved day information designated in reserved day information setting screen  200 . Here, the reserved day information indicates the case where the reserved date “Apr. 9, 2010” is designated with the classification “date” so that “2010-4-9” is displayed in area  211 . First time axis  214  includes time between 0:00 and 12:00, while second time axis  215  includes time between 12:00 and 24:00. First time axis  214  and second time axis  215  are arranged in two levels of top and bottom. 
     Area  212  displays the display time designated by the user. Cursor  219  is placed at the position corresponding to the display time on first time axis  214  or on second time axis  215 . In  FIG. 6 , the display time is “10:30” so that cursor  219  is placed in the position indicating the time of 10:30 on first time axis  214 . 
     Reservation  FIG. 216  represents the time frame which starts at the position of the time of 9:50 on first time axis  214  and ends at the time of 13:40 on second time axis  215 . Reservation classification symbol  216 A of a triangle is placed above the part of reservation  FIG. 216  disposed on first time axis  214 , indicating the classification to be “date.” Therefore, reservation  FIG. 216  and reservation classification symbol  216 A together indicate that there is the reservation data having the reserved day information of the classification “date” and the reserved date of “Apr. 9, 2010” whose start time is approximately 9:50 at the earliest and whose finish time is 13:40 at the latest. 
     Reservation  FIG. 217  represents the time frame which starts at the position of the time of 15:00 and ends at the time of 16:20 on second time axis  215 . Reservation classification symbol  217 A of a double circle is placed above reservation  FIG. 217 , indicating the classification to be “daily.” Therefore, reservation  FIG. 217  and reservation classification symbol  217 A together indicate that there is the reservation data having the reserved day information of the classification “daily” whose start time is approximately 15:00 at the earliest and whose finish time is 16:20 at the latest. 
     Reservation  FIG. 218  represents the time frame which starts at the position of the time of 18:20 and ends at the time of 21:20 on second time axis  215 . Reservation classification symbol  218 A of a circle is placed above reservation  FIG. 218 , indicating the classification to be “weekly.” Therefore, reservation  FIG. 218  and reservation classification symbol  218 A together indicate that there is the reservation data having the reserved day information of the classification “weekly” and the reserved day of the week of “FRI” whose start time is approximately 18:20 at the earliest and whose finish time is 21:20 at the latest. 
     Area  213  displays a mark which indicates whether or not it is possible to set the display time being displayed in area  212  as the start time or the finish time of the reservation data which is about to be set. If the setting is possible, the mark of a circle is displayed, and if the setting is impossible, the mark of an X is displayed. Here, the display time is “10:30” and thus the mark of an X indicating the impossibility of setting is displayed, as is seen by the fact that the time specified by the position of cursor  219  overlaps the time frame of reservation  FIG. 216 . 
     Designating portion  65  designates any given position on first and second time axes  214  and  215  displayed on time frame screen  210 . Designating portion  65  includes a time deciding portion  73 , a time display portion  75 , a position deciding portion  79 , and a cursor display portion  77 . Time deciding portion  73  decides the display time and outputs the decided display time to position deciding portion  79 , time display portion  75 , fine-adjustment portion  71 , and a determination portion  85  to be described later. Time deciding portion  73  decides as the display time the time which is closest to the current time at the point in time in the stage that time frame screen display portion  67  displayed time frame screen  210  and which has a value of minute that is a multiple of five. Furthermore, time deciding portion  73  decides the display time to be the time derived by adding five minutes to the current display time when the user presses right button  25 C, and decides the display time to be the time derived by subtracting five minutes from the current display time when the user presses left button  25 D. 
     When the display time is inputted from time deciding portion  73 , time display portion  75  displays the inputted display time in area  212  of time frame screen  210 . To position deciding portion  79 , a position within time frame screen  210  of each of first and second time axes  214  and  215  is inputted from time axis display portion  81 , and the display time is inputted from time deciding portion  73 . When the display time is inputted from time deciding portion  73 , position deciding portion  79  decides the position on first and second time axes  214  and  215  corresponding to the inputted display time to be the cursor position, and outputs the decided cursor position to cursor display portion  77 . When the cursor position is inputted from position deciding portion  79 , cursor display portion  77  displays cursor  219  at the cursor position on first and second time axes  214  and  215  being displayed on time frame screen  210 . Thus, it is possible to notify the user of the display time using the position of cursor  219  displayed on first and second time axes  214  and  215 . 
     Fine-adjustment portion  71  receives the input of the display time from time deciding portion  73  and decides on the adjusted time which is the display time that has been fine-adjusted. Since the display time decided by time deciding portion  73  is time indicated in unit of five minutes, fine-adjustment portion  71  fine-adjusts the display time in unit of one minute. Fine-adjustment portion  71  updates the display time to the value derived by adding one minute to the current display time when the user presses up button  25 A, and updates the display time to the value derived by subtracting one minute from the current display time when the user presses down button  25 B. Fine-adjustment portion  71  rewrites the display time displayed in area  212  of time frame screen  210  with the display time after the fine-adjustment as well as outputs the display time after fine-adjustment to determination portion  85  and reservation data generating portion  69 . Thus, the user is able to designate the display time in the unit of minute, while at the same time, it becomes possible to notify the user of the display time in the unit of minutes even in the case where LCD  55  is incapable of displaying first and second time axes  214  and  215  with per-minute precision. As a result, even when LCD  55  is small in size and the display resolution is small, the start time and the finish time can be designated by the unit of a minute. 
     Reservation figure display portion  83  includes determination portion  85 . To determination portion  85 , the cursor position is inputted from position deciding portion  79  and the display time after fine-adjustment is inputted from fine-adjustment portion  71 . If a reservation figure that overlaps the cursor position exists on a time axis, reservation figure display portion  83  alters the mode of display for the reservation figure overlapping the cursor position. The alteration of the mode of display includes the alteration in the brightness of the reservation figure, blinking, and the alteration in color, for instance. Here, the case where the brightness is heightened will be described as an example. Consequently, the user is notified of the fact that the time specified by the cursor position cannot be set as the start time or the finish time of the reservation data. In the case where the display time after fine-adjustment is inputted from fine-adjustment portion  71 , or in other words, when the user presses up button  25 A or down button  25 B and the display time is fine-adjusted, however, the mode of display for the reservation figure which had been altered is returned to the original state when the display time after fine-adjustment is no longer included in the reserved time frame between the start time and the finish time of the reservation data of the reservation figure being displayed with heightened brightness among the reservation data inputted from extracting portion  63 . This is because new reservation data can be set if the display time is not included in the reserved time frame as a result of the fine-adjustment of the display time. 
     Reservation data generating portion  69  generates reservation data and stores the generated reservation data in EEPROM  53 . Reservation data generating portion  69  sets the reserved day information inputted from reserved day information setting portion  61  in the item of the reserved day information of the reservation data. In addition, reservation data generating portion  69  displays a sound recording setting screen on LCD  55 , accepts sound recording setting information such as the information specifying a sound source and the information specifying a compression method or a data format, and sets the accepted sound recording setting information in the item of the sound recording setting. 
     Furthermore, reservation data generating portion  69  decides the start time and the finish time based on the display time inputted from time deciding portion  73  or fine-adjustment portion  71 , sets the decided start time in the item of the start time in the reservation data, and sets the decided finish time in the item of the finish time in the reservation data. 
     Reservation data generating portion  69  includes a possibility determining portion  89  in order to decide the start time and the finish time. Possibility determining portion  89  selects the display time after fine-adjustment over the display time inputted from time deciding portion  73  as an object of processing if the display time after fine-adjustment is inputted from fine-adjustment portion  71  and selects the display time inputted from time deciding portion  73  as the object of processing if the display time after fine-adjustment is not inputted from fine-adjustment portion  71 . Possibility determining portion  89  receives the input of reservation data from extracting portion  63  and determines the existence of the reservation data which includes the display time being selected as the object of processing between the start time and the finish time among the reservation data. If the reservation data which includes the display time being selected as the object of processing between the start time and the finish time exists among the reservation data, possibility determining portion  89  determines the setting to be impossible, and if no such reservation data exists, it determines the setting to be possible. Possibility determining portion  89  displays the mark of a circle in area  213  of time frame screen  210  when it determines the setting to be possible, and it displays the mark of an X in area  213  of time frame screen  210  when it determines the setting to be impossible. 
     At the stage in which time frame screen  210  is being displayed on LCD  55 , if the user provides operation portion  7  with an instruction to set the start time, for instance, by pressing decide button  13 , and provided that possibility determining portion  89  has determined the setting to be possible, reservation data generating portion  69  decides the display time after fine-adjustment to be the start time if the display time after fine-adjustment is inputted from fine-adjustment portion  71  and decides the display time inputted from time deciding portion  73  to be the start time if the display time after fine-adjustment is not inputted from fine-adjustment portion  71 , and sets the decided start time in the item of the start time of the reservation data. In addition, at the stage in which time frame screen  210  is being displayed on LCD  55 , if the user provides operation portion  7  with an instruction to set the finish time, for instance, by pressing decide button  13  after the start time has been decided, and provided that possibility determining portion  89  has determined the setting to be possible, reservation data generating portion  69  decides the display time after fine-adjustment to be the finish time if the display time after fine-adjustment is inputted from fine-adjustment portion  71  and decides the display time inputted from time deciding portion  73  to be the finish time if the display time after fine-adjustment is not inputted from fine-adjustment portion  71 , and sets the decided finish time in the item of the finish time of the reservation data. 
       FIG. 7  is a flow chart showing one example of the flow of a reservation setting process. The reservation setting process is the process executed by CPU  11  when CPU  11  executes a reservation program stored in EEPROM  53 . CPU  11  specifies the current date (step S 01 ). In the next step S 02 , reserved day information setting screen  200  shown in  FIG. 5  is displayed. 
     Then, it is determined whether control button  25  has been pressed or not (step S 03 ). If control button  25  has been pressed, the process proceeds to a step S 04 , but if not, the process proceeds to a step S 05 . The process proceeds to step S 04  when one of up button  25 A, down button  25 B, right button  25 C, and left button  25 D included in control button  25  is pressed. In step S 04 , a cursor is moved within reserved day information setting screen  200  displayed in step S 02  according to the pressing of control button  25  pressed in step S 03 . The cursor is moved upward when up button  25 A is pressed, the cursor is moved downward when down button  25 B is pressed, the cursor is moved to the right when right button  25 C is pressed, and the cursor is moved to the left when left button  25 D is pressed. In the next step S 05 , it is determined whether decide button  13  has been pressed or not. If decide button  13  has been pressed, the process proceeds to a step S 06 , but if not, the process goes back to step S 03 . Thus, the pressing of control button  25  is accepted and the cursor is moved within reserved day information setting screen  200  until decide button  13  is pressed. 
     At step S 06 , at a step S 10 , at a step S 13 , and at a step S 17 , the process diverges based on the position of the cursor at the time point in which decide button  13  is pressed in step S 05 . In step S 06 , if the position of the cursor is in area  205  for designating the classification “date” within reserved day information setting screen  200 , the process proceeds to a step S 07 . In step S 10 , if the position of the cursor is in area  201  for designating the classification “daily” within reserved day information setting screen  200 , the process proceeds to a step S 11 . In step S 13 , if the position of the cursor is in area  203  for designating the classification “weekly” within reserved day information setting screen  200 , the process proceeds to a step S 14 . 
     In step S 17 , if the position of the cursor is in an area  207  for changing the month of the year within reserved day information setting screen  200 , the process proceeds to a step S 18 . In step S 18 , the month of the year is changed, and the process goes back to step S 02 . In step S 02 , the reserved day information setting screen including the following month or the previous month is displayed. 
     In step S 07 , the classification “date” is set in the item of the classification in the reservation data. Then, in the item of the supplement in the reservation data, the date corresponding to the position of the cursor within reserved day information setting screen  200  at the time decide button  13  was pressed in step S 05  is set (step S 08 ). Thereafter, a time frame screen display process is executed (step S 09 ), and the reservation setting process is terminated. 
     In step S 11 , the item of the classification in the reservation data is set to the classification “daily.” Then, the time frame screen display process is executed (step S 12 ), and the reservation setting process is terminated. In a step S 14 , the classification “weekly” is set in the item of the classification in the reservation data. Then, in the item of the supplement in the reservation data, the day of the week corresponding to the position of the cursor within reserved day information setting screen  200  at the time decide button  13  was pressed in step S 05  is set (step S 15 ). Thereafter, the time frame screen display process is executed (step S 16 ), and the reservation setting process is terminated. 
       FIG. 8  is a flow chart showing one example of the flow of a time frame screen display process. The time frame screen display process is the process executed in a step S 09 , in a step S 12 , or in a step S 16  shown in  FIG. 7 , and is the process to display time frame screen  210  shown in  FIG. 6 . First, a time axis of one day is displayed (step S 21 ). Here, first time axis  214  and second time axis  215  are displayed. 
     In the next step S 22 , the current time is set as the display time, and the display time is displayed in area  212 . In a step S 23 , it is determined whether the unit of the minutes of the display time is a multiple of five or not. If the unit of the minutes of the display time is a multiple of five, the process proceeds to a step S 25 , but if not, the process proceeds to a step S 24 . In step S 24 , the display time is corrected, and the process proceeds to step S 25 . The display time is corrected by changing the unit of the minutes of the display time to an integer part derived by division by five. In step S 25 , a cursor is displayed at the position corresponding to the display time on first time axis  214  and second time axis  215  displayed in step S 21 . 
     In the next step S 26 , reserved day information is displayed in area  211  of time frame screen  210 . If the classification of the reserved day information is the classification “date,” the reserved date of the reserved day information is displayed in area  211 . If the classification of the reserved day information is the classification “daily,” the character string of “DAILY” is displayed in area  211 . If the classification of the reserved day information is the classification “weekly,” the reserved day of the week of the reserved day information is displayed in area  211 . 
     In a step S 27 , the reservation data whose classification is “daily” is extracted. The reservation data in which the classification “daily” is set in the item of the classification of the reservation data is extracted from among the reservation data stored in EEPROM  53 . If the reservation data in which the classification “daily” is set in the item of the classification of the reservation data is extracted, the process proceeds to a step S 28 , but if not, the process proceeds to a step S 32 . 
     In step S 28 , from among the reservation data extracted in step S 27 , one is selected. Then, the start time and the finish time being set respectively in the item of the start time and in the item of the finish time in the reservation data are obtained (step S 29 ). Thereafter, a time frame display process is executed. The time frame display process will be described later. In the next step S 31 , it is determined whether or not the reservation data which has not yet been selected in step S 28  exists among the reservation data extracted in step S 27 . If the reservation data which has not yet been selected exists, the process goes back to step S 28 , but if it does not exist, the process proceeds to step S 32 . 
     In step S 32 , the reservation data having the classification “weekly” which overlaps the reserved day information of the reservation data being generated is extracted. If the classification of the reserved day information is the classification “date,” the day of the week of the reserved date set in the item of the supplement in the reservation data being generated is specified, and the reservation data in which the classification “weekly” is set in the item of the classification and in which the specified day of the week is set in the item of the supplement is extracted. If the classification of the reserved day information is the classification “weekly,” the reservation data is extracted in which the classification “weekly” is set in the item of the classification and in which the same reserved day of the week is set as the reserved day of the week being set in the item of the supplement in the reservation data being generated. If the classification of the reserved day information is the classification “daily,” all the reservation data is extracted in which the classification “daily” is set in the item of the classification. 
     In a step S 33 , from among the reservation data extracted in step S 32 , one is selected. Then, the start time and the finish time being set respectively in the item of the start time and in the item of the finish time in the reservation data are obtained (step S 34 ). Thereafter, the time frame display process is executed. The time frame display process will be described later. In the next step S 36 , it is determined whether or not the reservation data which has not yet been selected in step S 33  exists among the reservation data extracted in step S 32 . If the reservation data which has not yet been selected exists, the process goes back to step S 33 , but if it does not exist, the process proceeds to a step S 37 . 
     In step S 37 , the reservation data having the classification “date” which overlaps the reserved day information of the reservation data being generated is extracted. If the classification of the reserved day information is the classification “date,” the reservation data is extracted in which the classification “date” is set in the item of the classification and in which the reserved date being set in the item of the supplement in the reservation data being generated is set in the item of the supplement. If the classification of the reserved day information is the classification “weekly,” the reservation data is extracted in which the classification “date” is set in the item of the classification and in which the date set in the item of the supplement is the same as the reserved day of the week being set in the item of the supplement in the reservation data being generated. If the classification of the reserved day information is the classification “daily,” all the reservation data is extracted in which the classification “daily” is set in the item of the classification. 
     In a step S 38 , from among the reservation data extracted in step S 37 , one is selected. Then, the start time and the finish time being set respectively in the item of the start time and in the item of the finish time in the reservation data are obtained (step S 39 ). Thereafter, the time frame display process is executed (step S 40 ). In the next step S 41 , it is determined whether or not the reservation data which has not yet been selected in step S 38  exists among the reservation data extracted in step S 37 . If the reservation data which has not yet been selected exists, the process goes back to step S 38 , but if it does not exist, the process goes back to the reservation setting process. 
       FIG. 9  is a flow chart showing one example of the flow of a time frame display process. The time frame display process is the process executed in a step S 30 , in a step S 35 , and in step S 40  shown in  FIG. 8 . In a step S 51 , it is determined whether the unit of the minutes of the start time is a multiple of five or not. If the unit of the minutes of the start time is a multiple of five, the process proceeds to a step S 53 , but if not, the process proceeds to a step S 52 . In step S 52 , the start time is changed to the time which is earlier than the start time and whose unit of the minutes is the greatest multiple of five, and the process proceeds to step S 53 . In step S 53 , the starting position on a time axis that corresponds to the start time is specified. 
     In the next step S 54 , it is determined whether the unit of the minutes of the finish time is a multiple of five or not. If the unit of the minutes of the finish time obtained is a multiple of five, the process proceeds to a step S 56 , but if not, the process proceeds to a step S 55 . In step S 55 , the finish time is changed to the time which is later than the finish time and whose unit of the minutes is the least multiple of five, and the process proceeds to step S 56 . In step S 56 , the finish position on a time axis that corresponds to the finish time is specified. 
     In a step S 57 , a reservation figure is displayed between the starting position specified in step S 53  and the finish position specified in step S 56 . In the next step S 58 , a reservation classification symbol is displayed in the vicinity of the reservation figure displayed in step S 57 , and the process goes back to the time frame screen display process. The reservation classification symbol is displayed that corresponds to the classification set in the item of the classification in the reservation data being generated. If the classification “daily” is set, the reservation classification symbol represented by a double circle is displayed; if the classification “weekly” is set, the reservation classification symbol represented by a circle is displayed; and if the classification “date” is set, the reservation classification symbol represented by a triangle is displayed. 
       FIG. 10  is a flow chart showing one example of the flow of a start and finish time setting process. The start and finish time setting process is the process executed after time frame screen  210  shown in  FIG. 6  is displayed on LCD  55 . In a step S 61 , it is determined whether right button  25 C has been pressed or not. If right button  25 C has been pressed, the process proceeds to a step S 62 , but if not, the process proceeds to a step S 67 . 
     In step S 62 , the display time is updated to the value derived by adding five minutes thereto. In a step S 63 , it is determined whether the display time belongs to the following day or not. If the display time indicates a time of the following day, the process proceeds to a step S 64 , but if not, the process proceeds to a step S 65 . In step S 64 , the display time is updated to the value derived by subtracting five minutes therefrom, and the process proceeds to a step S 73 . In step S 65 , the display time is displayed in area  212  of time frame screen  210 . Next, in a step S 66 , a cursor is displayed at the position of the display time on first time axis  214  and second time axis  215  in time frame screen  210 , and the process proceeds to step S 73 . 
     On the other hand, in step S 67 , it is determined whether left button  25 D has been pressed or not. If left button  25 D has been pressed, the process proceeds to a step S 68 , but if not, the process proceeds to step S 73 . In step S 68 , the display time is updated to the value derived by subtracting five minutes therefrom. In a step S 69 , it is determined whether the display time belongs to the previous day or not. If the display time is a time from the previous day, the process proceeds to a step S 70 , but if not, the process proceeds to a step S 71 . In step S 70 , the display time is updated to the value derived by adding five minutes thereto, and the process proceeds to step S 73 . In step S 71 , the display time is displayed in area  212  of time frame screen  210 . In a step S 72 , a cursor is displayed at the position of the display time on first time axis  214  and second time axis  215  in time frame screen  210 , and the process proceeds to step S 73 . 
     In step S 73 , a fine-adjustment process is executed. While the details of the fine-adjustment process will be described later, it is the process of determining whether or not it is possible to set the display time as a start time or a finish time. If the setting is possible, “normal” is returned as a return value, and if the setting is impossible, “error” is returned as the return value. In a step S 74 , the result of the fine-adjustment process is determined from the return value. If it is an error, the process goes back to step S 61 , and if it is normal, the process proceeds to a step S 75 . In step S 75 , it is determined whether a start time setting instruction has been accepted or not. A start time setting instruction is accepted when the user presses decide button  13 . If the start time setting instruction has been accepted, the process proceeds to a step S 76 , but if not, the process goes back to step S 61 . In step S 76 , the display time is set in the item of the start time in the reservation data, and the process proceeds to a step S 77 . 
     The process in step S 77  through step S 79  and in a step S 82  and in a step S 83  is the same as that in step S 61  through step S 63  and in step S 65  and in step S 66 . In step S 79 , in the case where the display time is determined to be of the following day, the display date is updated with the display date of the following day (step S 80 ), time frame screen  210  shown in  FIG. 6  is displayed (step S 81 ), and the process proceeds to a step S 87 . 
     In a step S 84 , it is determined whether left button  25 D has been pressed or not. If left button  25 D has been pressed, the process proceeds to a step S 85 , but if not, the process proceeds to step S 87 . In step S 85 , the display time is updated with the value derived by subtracting five minutes therefrom. Then, in a step S 86 , it is determined whether or not the display time is a time that is earlier than the start time set in step S 76 . If the display time is earlier than the start time, the process goes back to step S 77 , but if not, the process proceeds to step S 87 . 
     In step S 87 , the fine-adjustment process is executed. In a step S 88 , the result of the fine-adjustment process is determined from the return value, and if it is an error, the process goes back to step S 77 , and if it is normal, the process proceeds to a step S 89 . In step S 89 , it is determined whether a finish time setting instruction has been accepted or not. A finish time setting instruction is accepted when the user presses decide button  13 . If the finish time setting instruction has been accepted, the process proceeds to a step S 90 , but if not, the process goes back to step S 77 . In step S 90 , the display time is set in the item of the finish time in the reservation data, and the process is terminated. 
       FIG. 11  is a flow chart showing one example of the flow of the fine-adjustment process. The fine-adjustment process is the process executed in step S 73  and in step S 87  of  FIG. 10 . In a step S 91 , it is determined whether the reservation data which includes the display time within the reserved time frame exists or not. It is determined whether or not the reservation data which includes the display time within the reserved time frame between the start time and the finish time exists among the reservation data whose reservation figures are displayed in time frame screen  210 . If such reservation data exists, it is set as an object of processing, and the process proceeds to a step S 92 , but if not, the process proceeds to a step S 113 . 
     In step S 92 , it is determined whether the start time of the reservation data set to be the object of processing in step S 91  is within the five minutes prior to the display time or not. If the start time of the reservation data is within the five minutes prior to the display time, the process proceeds to a step S 94 , but if not, the process proceeds to a step S 93 . In step S 93 , it is determined whether the finish time of the reservation data set to be the object of processing in step S 91  is within the five minutes subsequent to the display time or not. If the finish time of the reservation data is within the five minutes subsequent to the display time, the process proceeds to step S 94 , but if not, the process proceeds to step S 113 . 
     In step S 94 , the reservation figure corresponding to the reservation data set as the object of processing is displayed with its brightness heightened. Thus, the user is notified of the need for fine-adjustment. A message such as “Please make the fine-adjustment” may be displayed, for instance. 
     In a step S 95 , it is determined whether up button  25 A has been pressed or not. If up button  25 A has been pressed, the process proceeds to a step S 96 , but if not, the process proceeds to step S 96 . In step S 98 , the display time is updated to the value derived by adding one minute thereto, and the process proceeds to a step S 97 . In step S 98 , it is determined whether down button  25 B has been pressed or not. If down button  25 B has been pressed, the process proceeds to a step S 99 , but if not, the process proceeds to step S 97 . In step S 99 , the display time is updated to the value derived by subtracting one minute therefrom, and the process proceeds to step S 97 . 
     In step S 97 , the display time is displayed in area  212  of time frame screen  210 . In the next step S 100 , it is determined whether or not the display time is within the reserved time frame of the reservation data set to be the object of processing. If the display time is within the reserved time frame, the process proceeds to a step S 101 , but if not, the process proceeds to a step S 104 . In step S 104 , the impossibility of time setting is displayed. For instance, an error message is displayed on LCD  55 . In a step S 105 , the reservation figure corresponding to the reservation data set as the object of processing is displayed with its brightness heightened, and the process goes back to step S 95 . 
     In step S 101 , the possibility of time setting is displayed. For instance, a message indicating that it is possible to set the display time is displayed on LCD  55 . In the next step S 102 , the brightness of the reservation figure corresponding to the reservation data set as the object of processing is returned to the normal display mode. Then, it is determined whether decide button  13  has been pressed or not (step S 103 ). If decide button  13  has been pressed, “normal” is set as the return value and the process goes back to the start and finish time setting process, but if decide button  13  is not pressed, the process goes back to step S 95 . 
     On the other hand, the case in which the process proceeds to a step S 106  is the case where the reservation data which includes the display time within the reserved time frame does not exist. In step S 106 , the possibility of time setting is displayed. The process in step S 107  through step S 111  is the same as that in step S 95  through step S 99 , respectively. In a step S 109 , the display time is displayed in time frame screen  210 , and thereafter in a step S 112 , it is determined whether decide button  13  has been pressed or not. If decide button  13  has been pressed, “normal” is set as the return value and the process goes back to the start and finish time setting process, but if decide button  13  is not pressed, the process goes back to step S 107 . 
     The case in which the process proceeds to step S 113  is the case where the reservation data which includes the display time within the reserved time frame exists, the reservation data whose start time is within the five minutes prior to the display time or the reservation data whose finish time is within the five minutes subsequent to the display time does not exist. In such a case, the display time would be included in the reserved time frame even when the display time is fine-adjusted so that an error process is executed. More specifically, the impossibility of time setting is displayed in step S 113 . For instance, an error message is displayed on LCD  55 . Then, in a step S 114 , the reservation figure corresponding to the reservation data set as the object of processing is displayed with its brightness heightened, “error” is set as the return value, and the process goes back to the start and finish time setting process. 
     Playback Function 
     IC recorder  1  according to the present embodiment performs a sound recording according to the reservation data and stores the sound recording data in EEPROM  53 . More specifically, when the current time reaches the start time of the reservation data, the sound recording is made according to the sound recording setting of the reservation data, and the sound recording data is stored in EEPROM  53 . 
       FIG. 12  is a diagram illustrating one example of a data format of sound recording data. Sound recording data  93  includes the item of a classification, the item of a start time, the item of a finish time, the item of a file number, the item of a folder type, the item of a date, the item of a file format, and the item of sound data. The item of the classification is set in the case where sound recording data is recorded according to reservation data  91 , and the classification that is set in the item of the classification in reservation data  91  is set. In the item of the start time, the time at which storing of the sound data was started is set; in the item of the finish time, the time at which the storing of the sound data was finished is set; in the item of the file number, the number for identifying the file of the stored sound data is set; in the item of the folder type, the name for identifying the folder in which the file of the stored sound data is stored is set; the item of the date, the date on which the sound data was recorded is set; and in the item of the file format, the format of the file of the sound data is set. In the item of the sound data, the stored sound data is set. 
       FIG. 13  is a block diagram showing one example of an overview of a playback setting function of the CPU. It differs from the function shown in  FIG. 4  in that reserved day information setting portion  61 , reservation data generating portion  69 , and fine-adjustment portion  71  are deleted, reservation figure display portion  83  is changed to a sound recording figure display portion  83 A, extracting portion  63  is changed to an extracting portion  63 A, and a playback portion  62  and a date specifying portion  64  are added. The function of other parts is the same as the function shown in  FIG. 4  so that the description will not be repeated here. 
     Date specifying portion  64  obtains the current date when the user specifies a day and presses search button  21  in order to search for the sound recording data, generates a sound recording confirmation screen which includes the calendar of the month of the year including the current date, and displays the sound recording confirmation screen on LCD  55 . 
       FIG. 14  is a diagram illustrating one example of the sound recording confirmation screen. A sound recording confirmation screen  220  includes an area  229  indicating the year and the month of the calendar to be displayed therein, an area  225  for designating a date, an area  227  for changing the month of the year of the calendar being displayed, and a cursor  209 . Moreover, the broken line in the diagram has been provided for the purpose of description and does not actually exist. 
     Area  225  for designating a date includes a calendar and indicates whether the sound recording data in which the classification “date” is set in the item of the classification exists or not. The display by inversion takes place if the sound recording data in which the classification “date” is set in the item of the classification and in which a corresponding date is set in the item of the item of the date exists, and if not, the display by inversion does not occur. The dates “5” and “9” in the calendar are displayed by inversion, which indicates that the sound recording data in which the classification “date” is set in the item of the classification are stored for each of the fifth and the ninth of April of the year 2010. 
     Area  227  includes an area  227 A which includes the character string of “PREVIOUS MONTH” and an area  227 B which includes the character string of “NEXT MONTH.” 
     Date specifying portion  64  causes cursor  209  to move within sound recording confirmation screen  220  when the user presses up button  25 A, down button  25 B, right button  25 C, and left button  25 D while sound recording confirmation screen  220  is being displayed. If the user presses decide button  13  while cursor  209  is located at the date displayed by inversion within area  225 , date specifying portion  64  decides the date at which the cursor is located to be a playback date. Date specifying portion  64  outputs the decided playback date to extracting portion  63 A. 
     To extracting portion  63 A, the playback date is inputted from date specifying portion  64 . When a date is inputted from date specifying portion  64 , extracting portion  63 A reads from EEPROM  53  sound recording data  93  in which the same date as the playback date inputted is set in the item of the date. Extracting portion  63 A outputs the read sound recording data  93  to sound recording figure display portion  83 A and playback portion  62 . 
     To sound recording figure display portion  83 A, the position of a time axis within the time frame screen is inputted from time axis display portion  81  and sound recording data is inputted from extracting portion  63 A. Sound recording figure display portion  83 A displays a sound recording figure on the time axis arranged in time frame screen  210  based on the sound recording data inputted from extracting portion  63 A. The sound recording figure, like the reservation figure, is the shape which represents the period between the start time and the finish time of the sound recording data on the time axis. In other words, the sound recording figure is the shape which indicates on the time axis the fact that the sound recording data exists. Here, the sound recording figure used is a rectangular shape. More specifically, sound recording figure display portion  83 A specifies the position on the time axis of each of the start time and the finish time being set in the sound recording data and places on the time axis a rectangular sound recording figure whose length in the lateral direction corresponds to the distance between the position of the start time on the time axis and the position of the finish time on the time axis. Sound recording figure display portion  83 A outputs the classification included in the sound recording data and the position of the sound recording figure on the time axis as a set to reservation classification symbol placing portion  87 . 
     Since the sound recording figure is displayed on the time axis, the user is able to determine from the figure whether sound recording data of a completed sound recording exists on the time axis or not. In addition, the user is able to recall the sound source of the sound recording data about to be played back, for instance, a program broadcasted by radio and so on, from the start time and the finish time. 
     Moreover, since the precision of the time axis arranged by time axis display portion  81  is five minutes as described above, when the start time or the finish time is not a multiple of five, the location on the time axis of the rounded time would be specified. More specifically, if the unit of the minutes of the start time is not a multiple of five, the start time is changed to the latest time which is before the start time and whose unit of the minutes is a multiple of five, and the position on the time axis of the start time after the change becomes a start point of the sound recording figure; and if the unit of the minutes of the finish time is not a multiple of five, the finish time is changed to the earliest time which is after the finish time and whose unit of the minutes is a multiple of five, and the position on the time axis of the finish time after the change becomes an end point of the sound recording figure. 
     To reservation classification symbol placing portion  87 , the classification and the position on the time axis of the sound recording figure are inputted as a set from sound recording figure display portion  83 A. Reservation classification symbol placing portion  87  places a reservation classification symbol in the vicinity of the sound recording figure. The reservation classification symbol is the symbol which indicates that the sound recording data is the data recorded based on reservation data and which represents the classification of that reservation data, and here, the reservation classification symbol representing the classification “daily” is shown by a double circle, the reservation classification symbol representing the classification “weekly” is shown by a circle, and the reservation classification symbol representing the classification “date” is shown by a triangle. 
     Since the reservation classification symbol is placed in the vicinity of the sound recording figure, the user is able to recall from the reservation classification symbol the origin of the input of the sound recording data corresponding to the sound recording figure, for instance, a program broadcasted by radio and so on. 
     The time frame screen displayed on LCD  55  by time frame screen display portion  67  is the same as that shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     To playback portion  62 , sound recording data is inputted from extracting portion  63 A and the display time is inputted from time deciding portion  73 . When the user presses decide button  13 , playback portion  62  specifies the sound recording data which includes the display time inputted from position deciding portion  79  between a start time and a finish time from among the sound recording data inputted from extracting portion  63 A, and plays back the sound data included in the sound recording data. 
       FIG. 15  is a flow chart showing one example of the flow of a date search process. The date search process is the process executed by CPU  11  by executing a playback setting program stored in EEPROM  53 . CPU  11  specifies the current date (step S 201 ). In the next step S 202 , sound recording confirmation screen  220  shown in  FIG. 14  is displayed on LCD  55 . 
     In the next step S 203 , it is determined whether a date has been designated or not. If a date has been designated in sound recording confirmation screen  220  displayed in step S 202 , the process proceeds to a step S 206 , but if not, the process proceeds to a step S 204 . In step S 204 , it is determined whether an instruction to change the month has been provided or not. If the instruction to change the month has been provided, the process proceeds to a step S 205 , but if not, the process goes back to step S 203 . The instruction to change the month is accepted when decide button  13  is pressed while the cursor is located in areas  227 A and  227 B of sound recording confirmation screen  220 . In step S 205 , the month to be displayed in the calendar is changed, and the process goes back to step S 201 . 
     In step S 206 , it is determined whether playback button  23  has been pressed or not. If playback button  23  has been pressed, the process proceeds to a step S 207 , but if not, the process proceeds to a step S 213 . In step S 207 , it is determined whether or not there is the sound recording data of the same date as the date designated in step S 203 . If the sound recording data in which the date designated in step S 203  is set in the item of the date is stored in EEPROM  53 , the process proceeds to a step S 208 , but if not, the process goes back to step S 207 . 
     In step S 208 , a playback screen is displayed. Then, the sound recording data in which the date designated in step S 203  is set in the item of the date is read from EEPROM  53  (step S 209 ), and the sound data is played back (step S 210 ). In a step S 211 , the process stands by until the playback of the sound data is finished, and when the playback is finished, the process proceeds to a step S 212 . In step S 212 , it is determined whether or not there is the sound recording data to be the subject of the playback next. If the sound recording data that has not yet been played exists among the sound recording data in which the date designated in step S 203  is set in the item of the date, the process goes back to step S 209 , but if not, the process is terminated. 
     On the other hand, in step S 213 , it is determined whether decide button  13  has been pressed or not. If decide button  13  has been pressed, the process proceeds to a step S 214 , but if not, the process goes back to step S 203 . In step S 214 , the current time is obtained. Thereafter, the obtained current time is set as the display time (step S 215 ). In the next step S 216 , a date search screen display process is executed, and the process proceeds to a step S 217 . The details of the date search screen display process will be described later. In the next step S 217 , a sound recording data decision process is executed. While the details of the sound recording data decision process will be described later, it is the process of obtaining the sound data to be the subject of playback. In a step S 218 , the playback screen is displayed. Then, the obtained sound data is played back (step S 219 ). In a step S 220 , the process stands by until the playback of the sound data is finished, and when the playback is finished, the process is terminated. 
       FIG. 16  is a flow chart showing one example of the flow of the date search screen display process. The date search screen display process is the process executed in step S 216  shown in  FIG. 15 . A time axis for one day is displayed (step S 221 ). Here, first time axis  214  and second time axis  215  are displayed. In the next step S 222 , the date designated in step S 203  of  FIG. 15  is displayed in area  211 . In a step S 223 , the display time set in step S 215  of  FIG. 15  is displayed in area  212 . In the next step S 224 , cursor  219  is displayed at the position corresponding to the display time on first time axis  214  and second time axis  215  displayed in step S 221 . 
     In the next step S 225 , the sound recording data of the date that is the same as the designated date is extracted. The sound recording data in which the date designated in step S 203  of  FIG. 15  is set in the item of the date is extracted from among the sound recording data stored in EEPROM  53 . If the sound recording data having the same date as the designated date is extracted, the process proceeds to a step S 226 , but if not, the process goes back to the date search process. 
     In step S 226 , from among the sound recording data extracted in step S 225 , one is selected. Then, the start time and the finish time being set respectively in the item of the start time and in the item of the finish time of the sound recording data are obtained (step S 227 ). Thereafter, the time frame display process is executed (step S 228 ). The time frame display process shown in  FIG. 9  is executed. In the next step S 229 , it is determined whether or not the sound recording data which has not yet been selected in step S 226  exists among the sound recording data extracted in step S 225 . If the sound recording data which has not yet been selected exists, the process goes back to step S 226 , but if it does not exist, the process goes back to the date search process. 
       FIG. 17  is a flow chart showing one example of the flow of the sound recording data decision process. The sound recording data decision process is the process executed in step S 217  of  FIG. 15 . The process in step S 251  through step S 262  is the same as the process in step S 61  through step S 72  of  FIG. 10 , respectively. Thus, the description will not be repeated here. 
     In a step S 263 , it is determined whether playback button  23  has been pressed or not. If playback button  23  has been pressed, the process proceeds to a step S 264 , but if not, the process goes back to step S 251 . In step S 264 , it is determined whether or not there is the sound recording data which includes the display time in the period between the start time and the finish time. If the sound recording data which includes the display time in the period between the start time and the finish time is stored in EEPROM  53 , the process proceeds to a step S 265 , but if not, the process goes back to step S 251 . In step S 265 , the sound data is obtained from the sound recording data which includes the display time in the period between the start time and the finish time, and the process goes back to the date search process. 
     IC recorder  1  according to the present embodiment displays a time axis for one day of the date designated by the user in reserved day information setting screen  200 , displays on time frame screen  210  in relation to reservation data  91  including the designated date the reservation figures  216  to  218  which indicate that reservations have already been scheduled between the positions on the time axis corresponding to the start times and the positions on the time axis corresponding to the finish times of reservation data  91 , and, when any given position on the time axis is designated, generates the reservation data in which the time determined based on the position on the time axis designated is set as the start time or the finish time. Consequently, the user may decide the start time or the finish time of a sound recording while checking the already reserved time frames on the time axis. Thus, the operation of deciding the start time or the finish time of a sound recording is facilitated. 
     Moreover, although the present embodiment described above is described with regard to IC recorder  1 , it goes without saying that the present invention can be construed as a reservation method to cause IC recorder  1  to execute the processes shown in  FIG. 7  to  FIG. 11  and a reservation program to cause CPU  11  which controls IC recorder  1  to execute the reservation method, and as a playback data search method to cause IC recorder  1  to execute the processes shown in  FIGS. 15 to 17  and a playback data search program to cause CPU  11  which controls IC recorder  1  to execute the playback data search method. In addition, in place of IC recorder  1 , an electronic equipment such as a digital camera and a mobile phone may be used. 
     Although the present invention has been described and illustrated in detail, it is clearly understood that the same is by way of illustration and example only and is not to be taken by way of limitation, the spirit and scope of the present invention being limited only by the terms of the appended claims.