JP2004039085A - Device and method for switching audio inputs - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an audio input switch device excellent in operability and economy, wherein it is capable of connecting a plurality of audio sources including analog outputs and digital outputs, the digital inputs are sparingly prepared to be less than the analog inputs in number, and also when selecting the audio sources, analog inputs and digital inputs are selected in pairs as derired by a user. <P>SOLUTION: The audio input switch device comprises an input connection terminal part 10 having a plurality of analog inputs and digital inputs less than the analog inputs in number, an operation part 17 for specifying one of the analog inputs, an analog switch 11 for selecting an analog signal inputted to the analog input part, DIR 13 for selecting a digital signal inputted to the digital input part, and a controller 16, and selects the audio sources according to a table in which each digital input is individually made to correspond to an analog input. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an audio input switching device and an audio input switching method for inputting analog signals and digital signals output from a plurality of audio sources such as DVD and LD, and selecting and reproducing an audio signal of a desired audio source. About.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A large number of various audio sources such as an analog cassette deck, a CD player, an MD player, a satellite television broadcast receiving tuner, and an LD player can be generally connected to an AV amplifier, an audio amplifier, and the like. When a user selects a desired audio source, a signal input from the audio source is selected.
The selected input signal is converted into a predetermined digital audio signal format that can be processed by an audio processing circuit including a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) for controlling a sound field, for example, and is input to the audio processing circuit. Has become. In the sound processing circuit, the digital audio signal is subjected to sound field processing by the DSP, and then D / A converted for each channel such as front L, front R, rear L, rear R, and output.
[0004]
CD players, MD players, satellite television broadcast receiving tuners, and LD players output audio signals not only in an analog format but also in a digital format using a coaxial cable with less disturbance. Output is also possible.
[0005]
In response to such diversification of output methods of audio source devices, AV amplifiers and the like can not only connect a plurality of audio source devices at the same time, but also provide analog input and coaxial input to some digital audio source devices. , A plurality of input systems can be simultaneously connected among the optical inputs. For this reason, the user operates the AV amplifier with a remote controller or the like, selects a source device from among a plurality of audio source devices, and selects the above-described input system, thereby listening to a desired audio source with the best sound quality. be able to.
[0006]
On the other hand, according to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 9-128886 as another conventional example, detection means for detecting a system of a system having an input (a signal has arrived) among audio sources desired by a user as a selection means. Means and, among the systems detected by the detection means, a determination means for determining the highest priority when viewed in a preset priority order, for example, optical input, coaxial input, analog input priority. And selecting the input determined by the determination means from the inputs of the plurality of input systems and outputting the signal in a predetermined signal format, thereby eliminating the input system selection operation after the source selection operation. For this purpose, a technique has been disclosed.
[0007]
Further, according to still another conventional example, as a method for omitting the input system selection operation after the source selection operation, a method of setting the input system for each audio source in advance has been considered. .
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the audio input switching device according to the first conventional example described above, each time the user selects an audio source, it is necessary to further select one input system from among the optical input, coaxial input, and analog input. The selection operation may be complicated.
[0008]
Further, in the above-described another conventional example, it is necessary to prepare an input system that can be selected for each audio source, so that the number of input terminals and paths related thereto is increased, and the cost as a product is reduced. There was a problem of getting high.
[0009]
Furthermore, in the above-mentioned another conventional example, if the user neglected the initial setting, no sound was produced, or the initial setting had to be reset every time the connection with each audio source was changed, which involved complicated aspects. .
[0010]
An object of the present invention is to solve the above problems, reduce the cost of the product, make it possible for the user to set the input system reliably and easily, and after setting, automatically switch the audio source to automatically obtain the optimal input. It is to provide an audio input switching device and an audio input switching method for selecting a system.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The audio input switching device of claim 1 is
A plurality of analog inputs, each connectable to an analog output of the audio source, and one or more digital inputs, fewer in number than the analog inputs, each connectable to a digital output of the audio source. An input connection unit, at least an operation unit having a source designation unit capable of designating one of the plurality of analog input units, and one of an analog signal input to the analog input unit Analog signal selecting means capable of selecting and outputting, digital signal selecting means capable of selecting and outputting one of digital signals input to the digital input section, the digital input section and the analog signal A table for storing data individually associated with the input unit, and inputting the data to the analog input unit designated by the source designation unit; Controlling the analog signal selecting means so as to select an analog signal to be inputted, and when the digital input section corresponding to the analog input section designated by the source designation section is set, the digital signal inputted to the digital input section is inputted. Control means for controlling the digital signal selection means so as to select a signal.
[0012]
The audio input switching device according to claim 2 is the audio input switching device according to claim 1,
Further, one of an analog input system digital signal obtained by A / D conversion of an analog signal output from the analog signal selection unit and a digital input system digital signal output from the digital signal selection unit is selected and output. It is characterized by having signal selection means.
[0013]
The audio input switching device according to claim 3 is the audio input switching device according to claim 2,
The digital signal selecting means detects whether or not a digital signal is input to each of the digital input sections, and outputs digital signal input information including the detected information to the control means.
[0014]
The audio input switching device according to claim 4 is the audio input switching device according to claim 3,
When the control means outputs the analog signal and the digital signal input to the corresponding analog input unit and the digital input unit, respectively, the analog signal selection means and the digital signal selection means The signal selection means is controlled so that a digital signal of a digital input system is preferentially selected.
[0015]
The audio input switching device according to claim 5 is the audio input switching device according to claim 3,
The control means has a display unit, and if the corresponding analog input unit is not set in the table with respect to the digital input unit where it is detected that the digital signal is being input, the state is displayed on the display. It is displayed on a section.
The audio input switching device according to claim 6 is the audio input switching device according to claim 1,
The control means has a display unit for displaying the storage contents of the table, and the storage contents of the table can be changed by operating the operation means.
[0016]
The audio input switching method according to claim 7 comprises:
An analog signal to be input to a plurality of analog inputs each of which can be connected to an analog output of the audio source; An audio input switching method for selecting any one of a digital signal input to an input unit,
A step of designating one of the plurality of analog input sections, a step of selecting an analog signal to be input to the analog input section designated in the step, and separately setting the digital input section and the analog input section. Selecting the digital signal to be input to the digital input unit when the digital input unit corresponding to the specified analog input unit is set based on a table storing the associated data. It is characterized by.
[0017]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an audio input switching device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
[0018]
In the audio input switching device 1 shown in FIG. 1, an input connection terminal unit 10 as an input connection means is a part for analog connection or digital connection with a plurality of audio sources (not shown) for connecting to an analog output unit of each audio source. The five analog input terminals 10a to 10e, the two optical input terminals 10f and 10g connected to a digital optical output unit of each audio source by an optical cable, and the digital input terminals of each audio source are connected to a digital coaxial output unit by a coaxial cable. One coaxial input terminal 10h is provided.
[0019]
Note that the analog input terminals 10a to 10e correspond to analog input units, and each have a signal system for two channels on the left and right, but are shown with one channel for simplicity. The two optical input terminals 10f and 10g and the coaxial input terminal 10h correspond to a digital input unit.
[0020]
The names of “analog input 1” to “analog input 5” are respectively assigned to the five analog input terminals 10a to 10e, and “digital optical input 1” and “digital optical input” are assigned to the two optical input terminals 10f and 10g. The name of "input 2" and the name of "coaxial input" are given to the coaxial input terminals 10h, and these input terminals 10a to 10h are hereinafter referred to by names.
[0021]
The analog switch 11 corresponding to the analog signal selection means selects one analog input from five analog inputs 1 to 5 and outputs an analog input signal to be input to the selected analog input to the A / D converter 12. The A / D converter 12 converts an input analog signal into a digital signal and outputs the digital signal to one signal input section 14a of a changeover switch 14 corresponding to a signal selecting means.
[0022]
A DIR (Digital Interface Receiver) 13 corresponding to digital signal selection means selects one input from digital optical input 1, digital optical input 2 and digital coaxial input, and selects a digital input signal to be input to the selected digital input. And outputs it to the other signal input section 14 b of the changeover switch 14. The DIR 13 detects the presence or absence of a digital signal input to the digital optical input 1, the digital optical input 2, and the digital coaxial input, and outputs the digital signal input information INI to the controller 16 corresponding to the control means.
[0023]
The changeover switch 14 selects one of the digital signals input to each of the signal input units 14a and 14b and outputs the selected digital signal to the sound processing circuit 15. The sound processing circuit 15 receives the digital signal, performs sound processing using a DSP (not shown), and outputs a sound signal for each channel. The audio signal of each channel reaches a speaker via a predetermined audio signal circuit such as an amplifier (not shown).
[0024]
An operation unit 17 such as a remote control or the like corresponds to an operation means, has an operation panel 17a as shown in FIG. 2, and has five selection buttons 17b as a source designation unit for selecting an audio source. A cross switch 17c for performing various settings is provided, and outputs an operation signal OPE when operated by a user to the controller 16. The controller 16 receives the operation signal OPE and digital signal input information INI from the DIR 13, controls the operations of the analog switch 11, the DIR 13, the switching circuit 14, and the sound processing circuit 15 based on the information. The display unit 18 outputs display data necessary for display to be described later.
[0025]
For example, when controlling the analog switch 11, the user operates the selection button 17 b of the operation panel 17 a (FIG. 2) to input the number information when the desired source number is selected from the operation unit 17, and The analog switch 11 is controlled so that the movable terminal selects the analog input having the same number.
[0026]
In the above configuration, the signal flow will be described first. An output unit of an audio source such as a DVD, LD, TV, or video is connected to each input terminal of the input connection terminal unit 10. For example, when connecting with an analog signal, connect to any one of analog input 1 to analog input 5, and when connecting a digital signal with an optical cable, connect to digital optical input 1 or 2 and connect the digital signal with a coaxial cable. When connecting, connect to the digital coaxial input.
[0027]
Now, when there are a plurality of audio sources, and the analog output section of each audio source is connected to any one of the analog inputs 1 to 5 of the input connection terminal section 10, the audio connected to the analog input 1 The source is referred to as an audio source 1 and the audio sources connected to the analog inputs 2 to 5 are similarly referred to as audio sources 2 to 5, respectively.
[0028]
On the other hand, the controller 16 has three input terminals for inputting digital signals, namely, digital optical inputs 1 and 2, and a digital coaxial input, and five input terminals for selecting an audio source provided on the operation panel 17a (FIG. 2). A table in which the correspondence with the selection button 17b is set in advance is built in, and the selection operation of the DIR 13 is controlled based on the table.
[0029]
FIG. 3 is a table showing an example of the correspondence set in this table. In this case, when the operator selects the audio source 1 selection button, the DIR 13 inputs the digital signal input to the digital optical input 1. Is selected and output to the other signal input section 14b of the changeover switch 14. When the select button of the audio source 4 is selected, the DIR 13 selects a digital signal to be input to the digital coaxial input and selects the changeover switch. The signal is controlled so as to be output to the other signal input unit 14b. In this case, since the optical input 2 is not connected, even if a signal is input to this terminal, it is not selected and output to the switch 14.
[0030]
The above settings are made by the user. For example, the controller 16 displays the table of FIG. 3 on the display unit 18 in this setting mode, and the user operates the cross switch 17c to select an input field while viewing the table, and places a circle in a desired input field. Input and set the correspondence between each audio source and digital signal input. Further, the user connects the optical output terminal of the audio source 1 (not shown) and the digital optical input 1 of the input connection terminal section 10 with an optical cable according to the correspondence relationship in this table, and the coaxial force terminal and the input connection terminal of the audio source 4 (not shown). The digital coaxial input of unit 10 is connected by a coaxial cable.
[0031]
In the above connection and setting state, each analog signal input to each of the analog inputs 1 to 5 is selected by the analog switch 11 according to a command of the controller 16 based on a user's selection operation, and is converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 12. After the conversion, the signal is input to one signal input unit 14a of the changeover switch 14. For example, when the user operates the operation unit 17 to select the audio source 1 as described above, the controller 16 selects the analog signal input to the analog input 1 by the analog switch 11 and outputs the analog signal to the changeover switch 14. To control.
[0032]
On the other hand, each digital signal input to the digital optical input 1, the digital optical input 2, and the digital coaxial input is selected by the DIR 13 according to the command of the controller 16 according to the correspondence relation of the table (FIG. 3) as described above. 14 to the other signal input unit 14b. For example, when the user operates the operation unit 17 to select the audio source 1, the controller 16 causes the DIR 13 to select a digital signal to be input to the digital optical input 1 in accordance with the correspondence relationship in the table (FIG. 3) and switch the switch. 14 is output.
[0033]
The DIR 13 detects whether or not a digital signal is actually input to each digital input section of the digital optical input 1, the digital optical input 2, and the digital coaxial input, and the digital signal input information including the detection result. The INI is output from the DIR 13 to the controller 16.
[0034]
The changeover switch 15 selects an analog signal input to the signal input unit 14a or a digital signal input to the signal input unit 14b, based on a command from the controller 16, and outputs the signal to the sound processing circuit 15. For example, when the user selects the audio source 1, an analog (A / D converted) signal and a digital signal are input to the signal input units 14a and 14b of the changeover switch 14, respectively. At this time, the changeover switch 14 selects the digital signal of the digital optical input 1 to be input to the signal input unit 14b according to the priority described later and outputs the digital signal to the acoustic processing circuit 15.
[0035]
When the user selects one of the audio sources 2, 3, and 5, no signal is output from the DIR 13 because there is no corresponding digital input as shown in the table of FIG. A digital signal of an analog system (A / D converted) input to the input unit 14a is selected in accordance with the flow.
[0036]
The sound processing circuit 15 receives the digital signal selected by the changeover switch 15, performs an operation for creating an optimal sound field in accordance with a command from the controller 16, and performs an operation for each channel such as front L, front R, rear L, and rear R. The D / A converted analog audio signal is output to each amplifier (not shown).
[0037]
Next, a procedure in which the controller 16 inputs the operation signal OPE input from the operation unit 17 and the digital signal input information INI input from the DIR 13 and controls the entire audio input switching device 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. explain.
[0038]
It is monitored that the user operates the selection button 17b arranged on the operation panel 17a (step 1), and when a desired audio source number n (integer of 1 to 5) is selected, a built-in table (FIG. Check 3) to see if there is a digital input (digital optical inputs 1, 2 and digital coaxial input) set corresponding to the selected audio source number n, and a digital signal is input to the corresponding digital input. It is checked whether or not there is (step 2 to step 4). If there is a corresponding digital input, the digital signal input thereto is selected, and the analog audio signal formed via the above-mentioned predetermined path is output (steps 5 to 7).
[0039]
If the digital input is not set corresponding to the selected audio source number n, or if the digital signal is not input even if the corresponding input is set, the audio source connected to the analog input (n) The analog signal of (n) is selected, and the analog audio signal formed via the predetermined path is output (step 8).
[0040]
After that, it is checked whether there is any omission of registration of the digital input in the table. That is, a digital input that is not registered in the table is detected even though a digital signal is input (steps 9 to 11). This state corresponds to, for example, a state where the digital input of the desired audio source (n) is connected to a certain digital input with a cable, but the digital input is not selected.
[0041]
If such a missing digital input exists, for example, as shown in the table of FIG. 3, the digital optical input 2 is not connected, and this digital optical input 2 is further connected to the optical output section of the digital source (5). If the optical input 2 is connected by an optical cable, this state is detected in step 11 and the process proceeds to step 14 to perform the setting operation of the optical input 2. For example, at this time, the controller 16 displays the image shown in FIG. The user sees this screen, checks the setting state of each digital input, selects “not connected” of the optical input 2 with the cross switch 17c (FIG. 3) of the operation panel 17a, and inputs the source 5 with the selection button 17b. Set.
[0042]
When the input setting is completed, the process returns to step 1 to monitor the source selection by the user, and thereafter, the same operation is repeated.
[0043]
As described above, according to the audio input switching device 1 of the first embodiment, a limited number of digital inputs are arbitrarily associated with analog inputs, and the input analog and digital audio signals are processed. Thus, ideal signal switching without waste can be performed without unnecessarily increasing the number of digital inputs.
[0044]
In addition, when inputting the same analog and digital audio signals from one audio source, the digital input signal having excellent sound quality is automatically preferentially selected, so that the number of selection operations by the user can be reduced, Operational complexity can be avoided.
[0045]
Further, even if the user forgets to set the digital input connected to the desired audio source to correspond to the analog input for inputting the analog signal of the audio source, this mistake is detected to prompt connection. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the user from forgetting to set the settings.
[0046]
In the above-described embodiment, the layout of FIG. 5 is shown as a setting screen of a digital input that has not been set. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a table of FIG. In the case of the example, the fields of the audio source numbers 2, 3, and 5 of the light input 2 correspond to each other), and may be displayed in various colors.
[0047]
【The invention's effect】
According to the audio input switching device of the first, second, and seventh aspects, it is possible to make a limited number of digital inputs correspond to the analog inputs and process the input analog and digital audio signals. Therefore, the digital inputs can be effectively used without waste without unnecessarily increasing the number of digital inputs.
[0048]
According to the audio input switching device of the third and fourth aspects, when an analog and digital audio signal of the same content is input from one audio source, a digital input signal having excellent sound quality is automatically selected with priority. In addition, the number of selection operations by the user can be reduced, and the complexity of the operation can be avoided. Further, when no signal is input to the digital input, this can be detected and an analog input signal can be selected, so that it is possible to cope with a case where the audio source outputs only an analog signal by reproduction software.
[0049]
According to the audio input switching device of the third and fifth aspects, even if the user forgets to set the digital input connected to the desired audio source to correspond to the analog input for inputting the analog signal of the audio source, this mistake can be eliminated. Since it is possible to detect and prompt the connection, it is possible to prevent the user from mistakenly forgetting the setting.
[0050]
According to the audio input switching device of the sixth aspect, in addition to the effect of the first aspect, the correspondence between the digital input and the analog input can be freely set, so that the degree of freedom in connection with the audio source can be increased.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an audio input switching device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram illustrating a layout of an operation unit panel 17a of the operation unit 17.
FIG. 3 is a table showing an example of a correspondence set in a table of a controller 16;
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure in which the controller 16 controls the entire audio input switching device 1;
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an image displayed on a display unit 18 when performing a setting operation of digital input.
[Explanation of symbols]
Reference Signs List 1 audio input switching device, 10 input connection terminal section, 10a to 10e analog input terminal, 10f, 10g optical input terminal, 10h coaxial input terminal, 11 analog switch, 12 A / D converter, 13 DIR, 14 changeover switch, 14a , 14b signal input section, 15 sound processing circuit, 16 controller, 17 operation section, 17a operation panel, 17b selection button, 17c cross switch, 18 display section.

Claims (7)

A plurality of analog inputs, each connectable to an analog output of the audio source, and one or more digital inputs, fewer in number than the analog inputs, each connectable to a digital output of the audio source. Input connection means;
At least operating means having a source designation unit capable of designating one of the plurality of analog input units;
Analog signal selecting means capable of selectively selecting one of the analog signals input to the analog input unit and outputting the selected signal;
Digital signal selection means for selectively selecting and outputting one of digital signals input to the digital input unit;
The analog signal selecting means having a table for storing data in which the digital input unit and the analog input unit are individually associated, and selecting an analog signal to be input to the analog input unit specified by the source specifying unit. And when the digital input section corresponding to the analog input section specified by the source specifying section is set, controls the digital signal selection means to select a digital signal to be input to the digital input section. An audio input switching device, comprising: Further, one of an analog input system digital signal obtained by A / D conversion of an analog signal output from the analog signal selection unit and a digital input system digital signal output from the digital signal selection unit is selected and output. 2. The audio input switching device according to claim 1, further comprising signal selection means. 3. The digital signal selecting unit detects whether a digital signal is input to each of the digital input units, and outputs digital signal input information including the detected information to the control unit. An audio input switching device according to claim 1. The control means, when the analog signal selection means and the digital signal selection means, respectively output the analog signal and the digital signal respectively input to the corresponding analog input section and the digital input section, 4. The audio input switching device according to claim 3, wherein the signal selection means controls to select the digital signal of the digital input system preferentially. The control means has a display unit, and when the corresponding analog input unit is not set in the table with respect to the digital input unit where it is detected that the digital signal input is being input, the state is changed to the above state. The audio input switching device according to claim 3, wherein the audio input switching device displays the audio input on a display unit. 2. The audio input switching device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit has a display unit for displaying the contents stored in the table, and the contents stored in the table can be changed by operating the operation unit. An analog signal to be input to a plurality of analog inputs each of which can be connected to an analog output of the audio source; and one or more digital signals each having a smaller number than the analog inputs and each of which can be connected to the digital output of the audio source. An audio input switching method for selecting any one of a digital signal input to an input unit,
Designating one of the plurality of analog inputs;
Selecting an analog signal to be input to the analog input unit specified in the step;
When the digital input unit corresponding to the designated analog input unit is set based on a table storing data in which the digital input unit and the analog input unit are individually associated, the digital input unit Selecting a digital signal to be input to the audio input device.

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