Method of controlling volume of reproducing apparatus and reproducing apparatus using the same

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

0001Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(a), this application claims the benefit of earlier filing date and right of priority to Korean Application No. 10-2006-0007215, filed on Jan. 24, 2006, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

0002The present invention relates to a method of controlling a volume of a reproducing apparatus and a reproducing apparatus using the same. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method of controlling a volume of a reproducing apparatus and a reproducing apparatus using the same, wherein a reproduction volume of an audio file can be automatically controlled in accordance with information of a volume level of the audio file which has been controlled and recorded beforehand by a user.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

0003A typical example of an audio file is an MP3 file. The MP3 refers to an MPEG layer 3. Further, the MP3 file refers to an audio file that is produced by compressing audio signals by the MPEG layer 3.

0004A volume of the audio file is maintained at a volume level of the audio signal before compression. Thus, when a plurality of audio files are reproduced, they may have different volume levels from each other. If a plurality of audio files set at different volume levels are reproduced, the volume levels of the reproduced audio signals are uneven. Therefore, there is a problem in that, whenever audio files are changed, a user has to control the volume levels of the audio files one by one.

0005Therefore, there is a need for a method and apparatus for effectively controlling the volume of a reproducing apparatus for reproducing an audio file. The present invention addresses these and other needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

0006Features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.

0007The invention is directed to a method for controlling a volume of a reproducing apparatus and a reproducing apparatus using the same, wherein a reproduction volume of an audio file can be automatically controlled in accordance with information on a volume level of the audio file which has been controlled and recorded beforehand by a user.

0008The present invention is conceived to solve the aforementioned problem in the prior art. Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a method of controlling a volume of a reproducing apparatus and a reproducing apparatus using the same by which a reproduction volume of an audio file can be automatically adjusted in accordance with information on a volume level of the audio file which has been controlled and recorded beforehand by a user.

0009In one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a reproducing apparatus which comprises a memory for storing at least one audio file and volume level information for controlling a reproduction volume level of the audio file, and a control unit for controlling a reproduction volume of the audio file in accordance with the volume level information recorded corresponding to the audio file when the audio file stored in the memory is reproduced.

0010In an aspect of the invention, the volume level information comprises at least one of offset information and a value of the reproduction volume level.

0011The reproducing apparatus may further comprise an offset information processing unit for calculating the offset information through volume control input from the outside and recording the calculated offset information in the audio file while the audio file is reproduced.

0012In another aspect of the invention, the offset information processing unit comprises a recognition unit for recognizing an input of a predetermined key while the audio file is reproduced, a calculating unit for calculating the offset information in accordance with an input value recognized by the recognition unit, and a recording unit for recording the offset information calculated by the calculating unit in the memory.

0013The offset information processing unit updates the offset information by summing up the offset information recorded in the audio file and an offset information calculated from another input of the predetermined key.

0014In another aspect of the invention, the control unit comprises a volume control unit for controlling the reproduction volume level of the audio file in accordance with the offset information stored in the memory, and an output unit for outputting audio data of the audio file at the reproduction volume level controlled by the volume control unit.

0015The control unit further comprises a volume level recording unit for recording the value of the reproduction volume level of the audio file in the memory and outputs the audio data of the audio file in accordance with the recorded value of the reproduction volume level.

0016The volume control unit controls the reproduction volume level by reflecting the offset information of the audio file and a volume level of an operating mode selected from operating modes each having a set volume level.

0017The recording unit records the offset information set through the volume control input by a user in a region additionally allocated in the memory.

0018Furthermore, the recording unit records the offset information set through the volume control input by a user as a history. The control unit controls the reproduction volume level in accordance with offset information selected from the history.

0019In another aspect of the invention, the offset information is recorded in a header of the audio file.

0020The recognition unit recognizes the volume level adjusted by a side key or button key provided in the reproducing apparatus.

0021According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of controlling a volume of an apparatus for reproducing at least one audio file, which comprises the steps of determining whether volume level information for controlling a reproduction volume level of an audio file is recorded in a memory; and if it is determined in the determining step that the volume level information has been recorded in the memory, controlling a reproduction volume of the audio file in accordance with the recorded volume level information and outputting audio data of the audio file at the controlled reproduction volume.

0022The volume level information comprises at least one of offset information and a value of the reproduction volume level. The method of the present invention may further comprise an offset information processing step of calculating the offset information through volume control input from the outside and recording the calculated offset information in the audio file while the audio file is reproduced.

0023The offset information processing step comprises a recognizing step of recognizing an input of a predetermined key while the audio file is reproduced, a calculating step of calculating the offset information in accordance with an input value recognized by the recognition step, and a recording step of recording the offset information calculated by the calculating step in the memory.

0024The offset information processing step comprises the step of updating the offset information by summing up the offset information recorded in the audio file and an offset information calculated from another input of the predetermined key. The offset information is recorded in a header of the audio file.

0025In another aspect of the invention, the controlling step comprises the step of outputting the audio data of the audio file at a reproduction volume level calculated by summing up a reference volume level and the offset information of the audio file.

0026The controlling step comprises the step of outputting the audio data of the audio file at a reference volume level, if it is determined in the determining step that the volume level information has not been recorded in the memory. On the other hand, the controlling step further comprises the step of outputting the audio data of the audio file in accordance with the recorded value of the reproduction volume level.

0027The controlling step comprises the step of controlling the reproduction volume level by reflecting the offset information of the audio file and a volume level of an operating mode selected from at least one operating mode and outputting the audio data of the audio file at the controlled reproduction volume level.

0028In another aspect of the invention, the recording step comprises the step of recording the offset information set through the volume control input by a user in a region additionally allocated in the memory.

0029The recording step further comprises the step of recording the offset information set through the volume control input by a user as a history.

0030In still another aspect of the invention, the outputting step comprises the step of controlling the reproduction volume level in accordance with offset information selected from the history.

0031The recognizing step comprises the step of recognizing the volume level adjusted by a side key or button key input provided in the reproducing apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0032The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated herein and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. Features, elements, and aspects of the invention that are referenced by the same numerals in different figures represent the same, equivalent, or similar features, elements, or aspects in accordance with one or more embodiments.

0033The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment given in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

0034<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a block diagram illustrating a reproducing apparatus for performing a method of controlling a volume according to an embodiment of the present invention;

0035<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a block diagram specifically illustrating a control unit shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>;

0036<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is an operational flow chart illustrating a method of setting offset information for controlling a reproduction volume of the reproducing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

0037<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is an operational flow chart illustrating a method of controlling a volume of the reproducing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

0038The present invention relates to a method of controlling a volume of a reproducing apparatus and a reproducing apparatus using the same, wherein a reproduction volume of an audio file can be automatically controlled in accordance with information of a volume level of the audio file which has been controlled and recorded beforehand by a user. Although the reproducing apparatus for performing a volume control method is described as a mobile communication terminal in this embodiment of the present invention, the present invention can be applied to a variety of information processing apparatus (e.g., an MP3 player, a home theater system, a computer system, a karaoke system, etc.) in addition to the mobile communication terminal.

0039Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

0040Hereinafter, a method of controlling a volume of a reproducing apparatus and a reproducing apparatus using the same according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

0041<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a block diagram illustrating a reproducing apparatus for performing a volume control method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

0042Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, a mobile communication terminal <b>100</b> for performing a volume control method according to the present invention comprises a memory <b>110</b> for storing at least one audio file and volume level information for controlling a reproduction volume level of the audio file, a control unit <b>120</b> for controlling a reproduction volume of the audio file in accordance with the volume level information recorded corresponding to the audio file to reproduce the audio file, a RF unit <b>130</b> for processing radio signals to communicate with other mobile communication terminals, a voice processing unit <b>140</b>, a speaker <b>150</b>, a microphone <b>160</b>, a key input unit <b>170</b> including buttons, a display unit <b>180</b> including an external screen window and/or an internal screen window, and an offset information processing unit <b>190</b> for recording offset information calculated through volume control input from the outside.

0043In such a case, the volume level information comprises at least one of offset information and a value of the reproduction volume level.

0044The memory <b>110</b> stores an operating program and a system program for the control unit <b>120</b>. The operating program or system program is stored in a ROM area and can be erased as necessary. An electrically erasable ROM includes an EEPROM, a flash memory or the like. Further, the memory <b>110</b> comprises a RAM for temporarily storing data calculated while a variety of operating programs are operated.

0045In addition, the memory <b>110</b> stores a variety of terminal information of the mobile communication terminal.

0046Further, the memory <b>110</b> stores at least one audio file, offset information calculated through volume control input from the outside while the audio file is reproduced, and a reference volume level for calculating the offset information. At this time, the offset information may be recorded and stored in a header of the audio file.

0047The reference volume level refers to a value of the volume level currently set on the mobile communication terminal <b>100</b> when there is a request for reproducing the audio file. The reference volume level can be controlled by a user Further, the reference volume level is a volume level which becomes a reference value for calculating the offset information.

0048Further, the memory <b>110</b> stores a value of the reproduction volume level of the audio file. Here, the value of the reproduction volume level refers to a value corresponding to the sum of the offset information and the reference volume level in a case where the offset information of the audio file is recorded.

0049The offset information processing unit <b>190</b> calculates the offset information through the volume control input from the outside during the reproduction of the audio file and records the calculated offset information into the audio file.

0050More specifically, the offset information processing unit <b>190</b> comprises a recognition unit <b>190</b><i>a, </i>a calculating unit <b>190</b><i>b </i>and a recording unit <b>190</b><i>c. </i>The recognition unit <b>190</b><i>a </i>recognizes the input of a side key or volume control key provided in the mobile communication terminal <b>100</b> while the audio file is reproduced.

0051More particularly, the recognition unit <b>190</b><i>a </i>recognizes the volume level adjusted in accordance with key data of a key selected from a side key or button key by a user while the audio file is reproduced.

0052The calculating unit <b>190</b><i>b </i>calculates offset information in accordance with an input value recognized by the recognition unit <b>190</b><i>a. </i>In other words, the calculating unit <b>190</b><i>b </i>calculates the offset information either by comparing the reference volume level with the volume level adjusted in accordance with the input value recognized by the recognition unit <b>190</b><i>a </i>or by using an incremental value in accordance with a key recognized by the recognition unit <b>190</b><i>a. </i>

0053For example, the calculating unit <b>190</b><i>b </i>calculates the offset information (e.g., +2) either using an incremental value (e.g., +2) in accordance with a key recognized by the recognition unit <b>190</b><i>a </i>or by subtracting the reference volume level (e.g., 3) from the volume level (e.g., 5) adjusted through the volume control input from the outside while the audio file is reproduced.

0054The recording unit <b>190</b><i>c </i>records the offset information calculated into each audio file stored in the memory <b>110</b>. For example, the recording unit <b>190</b><i>c </i>can record the offset information into the header of the audio file.

0055The offset information is recorded in the header of the audio file such that the reproduction volume level of the audio file can be adjusted in accordance with the offset information recorded in the header while the audio file is reproduced.

0056The audio file is composed of a header, audio data and auxiliary data. Here, information associated with the audio file including a layer, a sampling frequency, a song title, a singer and the like is recorded in the header. Furthermore, if the reproduction volume is adjusted, the offset information is recorded in the header of the audio file.

0057The control unit <b>120</b> controls the overall operation of the mobile communication terminal. At the same time, the control unit <b>120</b> adjusts the reproduction volume of the audio file in accordance with the volume level information reflected into the audio file and outputs the volume-controlled audio file while the audio file is reproduced.

0058Therefore, in a case where a plurality of audio files are stored in the memory <b>110</b>, a user can reproduce each of the audio files at a desired reproduction volume level in accordance with the volume level information recorded in the relevant audio file.

0059The RF unit <b>130</b> is controlled by the control unit <b>120</b> and converts signals outputted from the control unit <b>120</b> into radio signals. Further, the RF unit <b>130</b> converts radio signals received via an antenna (ANT) into desired signals and outputs the converted signals.

0060The voice processing unit <b>140</b> modulates and converts voice signals input from the microphone <b>160</b> into voice data and demodulates voice data input from the RF unit <b>130</b> and stored in the memory <b>110</b> into voice signals. Then, the voice processing unit <b>140</b> outputs voice through the speaker <b>150</b>.

0061The key input unit <b>170</b> is composed of a plurality of numeric keys, menu keys and function keys for performing a variety of functions. Further, the key input unit <b>170</b> outputs key data to the control unit <b>120</b> by the external operation.

0062Particularly, if a key for adjusting the reproduction volume is selected, the key input unit <b>170</b> outputs key data of the selected key to the control unit <b>120</b>.

0063Here, an example of the key for adjusting the reproduction volume is a side key installed on an outer surface of the mobile communication terminal. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, the reproduction volume can be adjusted by using a button key installed in the mobile communication terminal.

0064The display unit <b>180</b> is a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD). That is, the display unit <b>180</b> displays the status of the mobile communication terminal or the progress of program under the control of the control unit <b>120</b>. More specifically, the display unit <b>180</b> displays an overall state of the mobile communication terminal, input user information, and the like.

0065Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, the control unit <b>120</b> comprises a mobile communication unit <b>121</b> for processing signals needed to perform the mobile communication service, a volume control unit <b>122</b>, an output unit <b>123</b>, and a volume level recording unit <b>124</b>.

0066The mobile communication unit <b>121</b> is a module for performing the mobile communication service using the wireless communication resources in the mobile communication terminal. Since the mobile communication unit <b>121</b> is configured and operated in accordance with a well-known mobile communication technology, the detailed description thereof is omitted herein.

0067The volume control unit <b>122</b> controls the reproduction volume of the audio file based on the offset information recorded in the memory <b>110</b> by the recording unit <b>190</b><i>c </i>of the offset information processing unit <b>190</b>.

0068For example, in a case where the offset information recorded in the audio file is ‘+2’ and the reference volume level is ‘4’ when the audio file is reproduced, the volume control unit <b>122</b> adjusts the reproduction volume level of the audio file to ‘6’ in accordance with the offset information.

0069Further, in a case where the reproduction volume adjusted in accordance with the offset information recorded in the header of the audio file exceeds the maximum or minimum level, the volume control unit <b>122</b> controls the reproduction volume of the audio file to the maximum or minimum level.

0070That is, if the reproduction volume level can be adjusted within any one level from ‘level 1’ to ‘level 8’ in accordance with the offset information, the volume control unit <b>122</b> can control the reproduction volume to the minimum level, i.e. ‘level 1’ or the maximum level, i.e. ‘level 8’ in a case where the reproduction volume level adjusted in accordance with the offset information is below level 1 or above level 8.

0071In another aspect of the invention, if the reproduction volume level determined by the reference volume level and the offset information is high or low while the audio file is reproduced, the volume control unit <b>122</b> controls the reference volume level in accordance with a volume control key selected by a user. However, if the reproduction of the audio file is ended, the volume control unit <b>122</b> restores the adjusted reference volume level into the original reference volume level.

0072Accordingly, the reproduction volume level of a subsequently reproduced audio file can be adjusted in accordance with the restored original reference volume level and the offset information of the relevant audio file.

0073The output unit <b>123</b> amplifies audio data of the audio file to a relevant reproduction volume level by a gain of an audio amplifier and outputs the amplified audio data.

0074More specifically, the output unit <b>123</b> performs a gain control operation for increasing or decreasing the gain of the audio amplifier in accordance with the reproduction volume level adjusted by the volume control unit <b>122</b>. Accordingly the output unit <b>123</b> amplifies the audio data of the audio file by the controlled gain and outputs the amplified audio data to the outside. This process can be applied only to a case where the offset information is stored in the header of the audio file.

0075Further, in a case where the offset information is not stored in the header of the audio filer the output unit <b>123</b> amplifies audio data by the gain controlled in accordance with the reference volume level and outputs the amplified audio data to the outside.

0076The volume level recording unit <b>124</b> records a value of the reproduction volume level into the memory <b>110</b> while the audio file is reproduced.

0077For example, in a case where the offset information recorded in the audio file is ‘+2’ and the reference volume level is ‘4’ while the audio file is reproduced, the volume level recording unit <b>124</b> records the value of the reproduction volume level ‘6’ into the memory <b>110</b>.

0078Accordingly, the output unit <b>123</b> amplifies the audio data by the gain of the audio amplifier controlled in accordance with the value (e.g., ‘6’) of the reproduction volume level of the relevant audio file and outputs the amplified audio data to the outside. That is, the output unit <b>123</b> can output the audio data to be equal to the value of the reproduction volume level of the audio file or can convert and output the audio data to be different from the value of the reproduction volume level with reference to the value of the reproduction volume level of the audio file.

0079In this manner, the audio data can be outputted at the desired reproduction volume level in accordance with the volume level information previously adjusted and recorded by the user.

0080Now, a method of controlling a volume in the reproducing apparatus according to the present invention will be explained with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3 and 4</figref>.

0081<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is an operational flow chart illustrating a method of setting offset information for controlling a reproduction volume of the reproducing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is an operational flow chart illustrating a method of controlling a volume of the reproducing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

0082Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, the control unit <b>120</b> allows at least one audio file to be stored in the memory <b>110</b> (S<b>101</b>).

0083Next, the output unit <b>123</b> of the control unit <b>120</b> reproduces any audio file stored in the memory <b>110</b> in response to the request for reproduction by a user (S<b>103</b>).

0084Then, the recognition unit <b>190</b><i>a </i>of the offset information processing unit <b>190</b> determines whether a volume control key has been selected by the user while the audio file is reproduced (S<b>105</b>). That is, it is determined whether any one of a side key or button key for the volume control has been selected by the user while the audio file is reproduced.

0085If it is determined in step (S<b>105</b>) that the volume control key has not been selected by the user, the recognition unit <b>190</b><i>a </i>determines whether the user requests the reproduction of the audio file to be terminated (S<b>106</b>).

0086If it is determined in step (S<b>106</b>) that the user does not request the reproduction of the audio file to be terminated, the process in the control unit <b>120</b> returned to step (S<b>103</b>).

0087If it is determined in step (S<b>106</b>) that the user requests the reproduction of the audio file to be terminated, the control unit <b>120</b> terminates the process.

0088If it is determined in step (S<b>105</b>) that the volume control key has been selected by the user, the recognition unit <b>190</b><i>a </i>recognizes key data of the selected key (S<b>107</b>). At this time, the recognized key data indicate whether the volume level is decreased or increased.

0089Then, the calculating unit <b>190</b><i>b </i>of the offset information processing unit <b>190</b> calculates the offset information in accordance with a value of the recognized key (S<b>109</b>).

0090The calculated offset information is recorded in the header of the audio file and is then used to adjust the reproduction volume level of the audio file when a subsequent audio file is reproduced.

0091Here, in a case where the offset information has been previously recorded in the header of the audio file, the offset information processing unit <b>190</b> updates the offset information by summing up the offset information of the relevant audio file and the offset information calculated by the calculating unit <b>190</b><i>a. </i>

0092Then, the recording unit <b>190</b><i>c </i>of the offset information processing unit <b>190</b> records the offset information calculated by the calculating unit <b>190</b><i>b </i>into the header of the relevant audio file (S<b>111</b>).

0093Accordingly, the audio data are amplified and outputted at a controlled reproduction volume level determined by the reference volume level and the offset information recorded in the header of the audio file while the audio file is reproduced.

0094Although it has been described in this embodiment that the offset information calculated through the volume control input from the outside during the reproduction of the audio file is recorded in the memory <b>110</b>, a value of the reproduction volume level of the audio file may be recorded in the memory <b>110</b> according to the other embodiments.

0095Hereinafter, a method of controlling the reproduction volume of the audio file based on the offset information recorded in the memory <b>110</b> will be described with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>.

0096Although the method of controlling the reproduction volume of the audio file based on the offset information recorded in the memory <b>110</b> has been described in this embodiment, the reproduction volume of the audio file may be controlled based on a value of the reproduction volume level recorded in the memory <b>110</b> according to the other embodiments. In such a case, the control unit <b>120</b> outputs the audio data to the outside in accordance with the value of the reproduction volume level recorded in the memory <b>110</b> while the audio file is reproduced.

0097The control unit <b>120</b> allows at least one audio file and offset information for controlling the reproduction volume of the audio file to be stored in the memory <b>110</b> (S<b>201</b>).

0098Then, the volume control unit <b>122</b> of the control unit <b>120</b> determines whether the audio file has been requested to be reproduced (S<b>203</b>).

0099If it is determined in step (S<b>203</b>) that the audio file has not been requested to be reproduced, the volume control unit <b>122</b> terminates the process.

0100If it is determined in step (S<b>203</b>) that the audio file has been requested to be reproduced, the volume control unit <b>122</b> determines whether the offset information has been stored in the header of the audio file of which reproduction is requested (S<b>205</b>).

0101If it is determined in step (S<b>205</b>) that the offset information has not been stored in the header of the audio file whose reproduction is requested, the output unit <b>123</b> outputs the audio data at the reference volume level to the outside (S<b>206</b>).

0102If it is determined in step (S<b>205</b>) that the offset information has been stored in the header of the audio file whose reproduction is requested, the volume control unit <b>122</b> controls the reproduction volume level of the audio file based on the offset information of the audio file (S<b>207</b>).

0103Then, the output unit <b>123</b> outputs the audio data of the audio file to the outside at the adjusted reproduction volume level (S<b>209</b>).

0104In this manner, the audio data can be outputted at the reproduction volume level adjusted in accordance with the offset information beforehand set by a user.

0105Furthermore, in a case where first to fifth audio files are stored in the memory <b>110</b>, the control unit <b>120</b> records the offset information calculated through the volume level control performed while each of the first to fifth audio files is reproduced.

0106Here, assuming that the offset information recorded in the first to fifth audio files is ‘0’, ‘+1’, ‘0’, ‘−1’ and ‘+2’. If the reference volume level is level 5, the control unit <b>120</b> will change the reproduction volume levels of the first to fifth audio files to ‘5’, ‘6’, ‘5’, ‘4’ and ‘7’, respectively, and then output the audio data to the outside at the changed volume levels.

0107Further, if the reference volume level is increased by ‘1’ by means of a volume control key while the second audio file is reproduced, the control unit <b>120</b> updates the offset information (e.g., ‘+2’) by summing up the offset information (e.g., ‘+1’) calculated by the incremented reference volume level and the offset information (e.g., ‘+1’) previously recorded in the header of the second audio file.

0108Then, the reproduction volume levels for the subsequently reproduced audio files are restored to the original reference volume levels, i.e. ‘5’ for the third audio file, ‘4’ for the fourth audio file and ‘7’ for the fifth audio file, so that the audio data are outputted to the outside at the above volume levels.

0109Although it has been described in this embodiment that the offset information is recorded in the audio file, the offset information may be recorded in a region additionally allocated in the memory <b>110</b> other than in the audio file according to the other embodiments. At this time, identification information of the audio file may be also stored in the additional region.

0110In such a case, when an audio file is reproduced, the control unit <b>120</b> determines whether the offset information has been separately recorded in the audio file. If the offset information has been separately recorded in the audio file, the control unit <b>120</b> can control the reproduction volume of the audio file based on the offset information recorded in the relevant audio file. Therefore, the control unit <b>120</b> can control the reproduction volume of the audio file with reference to the offset information stored in the additional region without changing information on the audio file.

0111Further, although it has been described in this embodiment that the offset information recorded in the memory <b>110</b> is updated with the offset information input again by and calculated from a user, the offset information before update can be recorded as a history according to the other embodiments.

0112In such a case, the control unit <b>120</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> can control the reproduction volume level in accordance with the offset information selected from the history already recorded by a user and then amplify and output the audio data at the controlled level. Therefore, the user can keep the history of listening to music, and thus, will be able to listen to music even in the future.

0113Further, although it has been described in this embodiment that the reproduction volume level of the audio file is adjusted in accordance with the offset information calculated through the volume level control performed while the audio file is reproduced, a setting mode is additionally provided to set offset information to be recorded in the header of the audio file, according to the other embodiments, such that the offset information of each audio file can be first set through the execution of the setting mode and the reproduction volume level of the audio file can be then adjusted.

0114That is, if the user selects the setting mode in order to set the offset information of the audio file, the volume control unit <b>122</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> can simply set the offset information since the offset information for the relevant audio file can be set even though the audio file is not being reproduced.

0115More specifically, if the user selects the setting mode, the volume control unit <b>122</b> provides at least one operation mode (e.g., day mode, night mode, company mode, home mode, silent mode, noisy mode, etc.) and receives volume levels (e.g., +10, −3 +5, −1, −7, +15, etc.) set according to the provided operation modes. At this time, the set volume levels are stored in the memory <b>110</b>. Therefore, the volume control unit <b>122</b> can control the reproduction volume level based on the volume level of the operation mode and the offset information of the audio file while operating at the relevant operation mode.

0116Further, a case where the reproduction volume of subsequently reproduced audio files is adjusted is described in this embodiment. However, even in a case where an audio file is randomly selected and reproduced, the reproduction volume of the selected audio file can be adjusted accordingly.

0117Further, it has been described in this embodiment that the reproduction volume level of an audio file stored in the memory of the reproducing apparatus is controlled. However, if the audio file set with the offset information is transmitted to the other reproducing apparatus, the reproduction volume level of the relevant audio file can also be adjusted in the other reproducing apparatus in accordance with the offset information of the audio file. At this time, the other reproducing apparatus should be loaded with a program capable of reflecting the offset information of the audio file to reproduce the audio file.

0118According to the present invention, the reproduction volume of the audio file can be automatically adjusted in accordance with the volume level information of the audio file. Therefore, there is an advantage in that a user does not have to individually control the reproduction volume of the audio file at a desired level even though different volume levels are set for the audio files.

0119Further, there is another advantage in that the user can always listen to music at a certain time since the volume level information including the reproduction volume level suitable to the user can be stored.

0120The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications thereto. The various changes and modifications fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention defined by the appended claims.

0121As the present invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof it should also be understood that the above-described embodiments are not limited by any of the details of the foregoing description, unless otherwise specified, but rather should be construed broadly within it spirit and scope as defined in the appended claims, and therefore all changes and modifications that fall within the metes and bounds of the claims, or equivalents of such metes and bounds are therefore intended to be embraced by the appended claims.

0122The foregoing embodiments and advantages are merely exemplary and are not to the construed as limiting the present invention. The present teaching can be easily applied to other types of apparatuses. The description of the present invention is intended to be illustrative, and not to limit the scope of the claims. Many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structure described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures.