JP4385711B2 - Information processing apparatus and method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain consistency between a first setting level of a volume that is set by software, and a second setting level of a volume that is set by hardware. <P>SOLUTION: When the first setting level of a volume is set by an OS audio control part 63, an EC 13 detects it through a utility 62, etc., makes the second setting level of a volume by an audio amplifier 10 align with the first setting level by moving a volume adjusting dial 17, and updates the second setting level. When the volume adjusting dial 17 is moved by a user, and the audio amplifier 10 updates the second setting level, the EC 13 notifies the OS audio control part 63 of it through the utility 62, etc. The OS audio control part 63 then makes the first setting level align with the second setting level, and updates it. The invention is applicable to a personal computer. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&amp;NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, method, and program, and in particular, achieves consistency between a first setting level of a volume set by software and a second setting level of a volume set by hardware. The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and method, and a program.

  In recent years, a speaker is also incorporated in a personal computer, and the volume of sound output from the speaker can be adjusted.

  For example, in the case of Windows (registered trademark) XP of Microsoft Corporation, which is a general OS (Operating System) for personal computers, volume adjustment is performed as follows. That is, although not shown, first, the user activates the “control panel”. Next, the user clicks the “sound and audio device” icon on the “control panel” displayed on the screen of the personal computer with the mouse to activate “sound and audio device properties”. Then, the user performs volume adjustment and mute settings on the screen using an input device such as a mouse, a touch pad, or a keyboard. Execute the process.

  Specifically, although not shown, the personal computer determines the volume setting level based on the setting of the user, and sets the amplitude of the audio signal output from the audio codec arranged at the front stage of the audio amplifier. The volume is adjusted by changing the level according to the level.

  In the following, the volume adjustment method (see, for example, Patent Document 1) using the OS itself or software (so-called volume management software) operating on the OS is distinguished from the volume adjustment method using an audio amplifier described later. Therefore, this is referred to as a software volume adjustment method.

  However, the volume adjustment method on the software has a first problem that it is indispensable to perform the above-mentioned multiple steps as an operation for adjusting the volume and an operation for confirming the current setting, and lacks usability. . That is, there is a first problem that even if the user wants to change the volume or mute the sound, it is difficult to perform the operation.

  Therefore, in order to solve the first problem, a so-called hot key (for example, although not shown, Function (Fn) key on the keyboard and Fx (x is a preset value of about 1 to 12). It is also known to execute volume change and mute processing by realizing the numerical value (which is realized by simultaneous pressing with the key) (see, for example, Patent Document 2). That is, the hot key here is a key for notifying the volume management software on the OS of a predetermined message, and after the user starts the OS, the user simply presses the hot key as described above. It is possible to cause a personal computer to perform volume change and mute without performing a plurality of procedures. Thus, it can be said that the volume adjustment method using hot keys is also a form of volume adjustment method on software.

  By the way, the volume adjustment method on the software including the volume adjustment method by the hot key has the following second problem. That is, the second problem is that the volume adjustment method on the software cannot be executed when the OS is not running (before or after the OS is started, such as during the OS startup or termination process). It is a problem.

  In order to solve the first problem and the second problem at the same time, for example, although not shown, the gain of the audio amplifier (sound output part on hardware) (the amplification factor of the level of the output audio signal) A method of adjusting the volume by directly controlling the sound with hardware such as a volume adjustment dial is known. Hereinafter, such a volume adjustment method using an audio amplifier is referred to as a volume adjustment method on hardware in order to distinguish from the above-described volume adjustment method on software.

JP 2003-140879 A JP 2003-157140 A

  However, the following third problem also exists in this hardware volume adjustment method. That is, the third problem is that the first setting level of the volume set by the above-described volume adjustment method on the software and the second setting level of the volume set by this volume adjustment method on the hardware. Is a problem that is not linked.

  Therefore, for example, when the dial position of the volume adjustment dial is a position corresponding to the lowest volume level (when the second setting level of the volume is the lowest level), the volume adjustment method on the software is used. Even if the first set level of the volume is set to a high level, that is, even if the amplitude of the audio signal input to the audio amplifier is increased, the gain of the audio signal is reduced by the audio amplifier. As a result, there arises a problem that the volume of the sound actually output from the speaker becomes very small.

  Conversely, for example, even when the dial position of the volume adjustment dial is a position corresponding to the highest volume level (when the second setting level of the volume is the highest level), the volume adjustment on the software is performed. If the first setting level of the volume is set to a low level using this method, the amplitude of the audio signal input to the audio amplifier becomes very small. As a result, the gain of the audio signal is increased by the audio amplifier. Even if it is raised, there is a problem that the volume of the sound actually output from the speaker becomes very small.

  In addition, the dial position of the volume control dial and the “device volume” display of “Sound and Audio Device Properties” do not work together, and the user feels it is very difficult to understand and operate the volume settings. The problem of letting it happen will also occur.

  Note that the invention of Patent Document 1 is intended to hand over the volume setting on the OS to the control device when performing direct reproduction. That is, the invention of Patent Document 1 is an invention related to “delivery of volume setting”. The direct reproduction is a mechanism that can reproduce music recorded on a CD-ROM (Compact Disk-Read Only Memory) or the like even outside the OS environment. In other words, the invention of Patent Document 1 discloses a hardware volume adjustment method here, that is, a method for controlling the gain of an audio amplifier (an amplifier whose sound source is not particularly specified) in hardware. Of course, no suggestion has been made, and of course, no disclosure has been made about the occurrence of the third problem and the means for solving the third problem.

  Furthermore, Patent Document 1 describes that the first problem occurs and means for solving the first problem (for example, how to confirm the current setting level of the volume). The disclosure is of course not suggested.

  In Patent Document 2, the volume adjustment method on the hardware itself is not disclosed or suggested, and naturally, the third problem occurs and the third problem is solved. There is no suggestion of course about the means.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and the consistency between the first setting level of the volume set by software and the second setting level of the volume set by hardware is ensured. It is something that can be taken.

The information processing apparatus of the present invention outputs the basic control software itself or the predetermined audio output device based on the first command out of the functions of the predetermined software operating on the basic control software. First sound volume adjusting means for executing a process corresponding to the function of adjusting the first setting level of the sound volume to be performed, and a first sound volume output from the sound output device based on the second command. The second setting level is adjusted to the first level by the second volume adjusting means for adjusting the setting level of 2 and the first volume adjusting means, the second setting level corresponds to the first level. A command for updating to a level to be provided is provided to the second volume adjusting means as a second command via the basic control software or software that supplements the function of the predetermined software, and the second volume adjusting means Second setting level is updated to the second level, and repeatedly determined whether the basic control software is started until basic control software is activated, as a result, the basic control software running If so, a control means for executing a control for providing the first sound volume adjusting means with a command for updating the first set level to a level corresponding to the second level as the first command, and a manual operation by the user The volume adjustment input means for changing the arrangement position of itself or a part thereof, generating a signal indicating the arrangement position, and inputting the signal to the second volume adjustment means as the second command, and manual operation by the user Driving means for generating a driving force for changing the arrangement position of the volume adjusting input means itself or a part thereof without intervening the second volume adjusting means. The level previously associated with the arrangement position specified by the second command input from the means is set as the second setting level, and the control means uses the first volume adjustment means to set the first level. When the setting level is updated to the first level, the arrangement position of the volume adjustment input unit itself or a part thereof is updated to a position corresponding to the first setting level by controlling the driving force generated by the driving unit. Then, the signal generated from the volume adjustment input means is input to the second volume adjustment means as a second command for updating the second set level to a level corresponding to the first level.

  The volume adjustment input means may be provided with a symbol for indicating to the user the current arrangement position of itself or a part thereof.

  Further provided is a mute input means for inputting a mute setting or release command to the control means by a user's manual operation. The control means further receives a second mute setting command when a mute setting instruction is input from the mute input means. When the basic control software is running, the second control unit provides a second command for updating the set level from the current third level to the fourth level corresponding to mute, and when the basic control software is running. A first command for updating the first set level from the current fifth level to a sixth level corresponding to mute is provided to the first volume adjusting means, and the mute setting is canceled by the mute input means. When the command shown is input, a second command for updating the second setting level from the fourth level to the third level is provided to the second volume adjusting means, and the basic control software is activated. When inside, the first setting A first command to update the level from the sixth level of the fifth level, it is possible to provide a first volume control means.

  When the first setting level is updated from the fifth level to the sixth level on the basis of the mute setting instruction different from the mute input means instruction by the first sound volume adjusting means, A second command for updating the set level of 2 from the third level to the fourth level is provided to the second volume adjustment means, and the first volume adjustment means is used to mute the sound different from the instruction of the mute input means. When the first setting level is updated from the sixth level to the fifth level based on the instruction to cancel the setting, the second setting level is updated from the fourth level to the third level. The command can be provided to the second volume adjusting means.

  The control means further provides the second sound volume adjusting means with a second command for updating the second set level from the third level to the fourth level. A second instruction for updating the second set level from the fourth level to the third level is provided to the second sound volume adjusting means to update the display indicating that the output device is in the mute state. In this case, it is possible to execute control to update the display content of the display device to a display indicating that the state of the audio output device is a mute prohibition state.

The information processing method according to the present invention outputs from a predetermined audio output device based on a first command of basic control software itself or a function of predetermined software operating on the basic control software. First sound volume adjusting means for executing a process corresponding to the function of adjusting the first setting level of the sound volume to be performed, and a first sound volume output from the sound output device based on the second command. A second volume adjusting means for adjusting the setting level of 2 and a user's manual operation to change the arrangement position of itself or a part thereof, generate a signal indicating the arrangement position, and use the signal as a second command Volume adjustment input means for inputting to the second volume adjustment means, and driving force for changing the arrangement position of the volume adjustment input means itself or a part thereof without manual operation by the user are generated. In the information processing method of the information processing apparatus including the driving unit, when the first setting level is updated to the first level by the first volume adjusting unit, the second setting level corresponds to the first level. A command to update the level is provided as a second command to the second volume adjusting means via the basic control software or software that supplements the function of the predetermined software, and the second volume adjusting means The second setting level is updated to the second level, and whether or not the basic control software is activated is repeatedly determined until the basic control software is activated, and as a result, the basic control software is activated. If it is in the middle, control is performed to provide a command for updating the first set level to a level corresponding to the second level as the first command to the first volume adjusting means. When the first set level is updated to the first level by the first volume adjustment means, the volume adjustment input means itself or a part of the position thereof is controlled by controlling the driving force generated by the drive means. The second command is updated as a second command for updating the second set level to a level corresponding to the first level. Including a control step for causing the volume adjustment means to input, wherein the second volume adjustment means sets a level previously associated with the arrangement position specified by the second command input from the volume adjustment input means. Set as the setting level of 2.

In the information processing apparatus and method according to the present invention, the basic control software itself or predetermined software operating on the basic control software executes and outputs from the predetermined audio output device based on the first command. The first setting level of the volume of the voice to be played is adjusted. Independent of this software processing, the second set level of the volume of the sound output from the sound output device is adjusted based on the second command. The hardware has a volume adjustment input means for changing the arrangement position of itself or a part thereof by a user's manual operation, generating a signal indicating the arrangement position, and inputting the signal as a second command; There is provided driving means for generating a driving force for changing the arrangement position of the volume adjusting input means itself or a part thereof without any manual operation. When the first set level is updated to the first level based on the predetermined first command, a second command for updating the second set level to a level corresponding to the first level is The second command is generated and transmitted through the basic control software or software that supplements the function of the predetermined software. Based on the second command, the second setting level also corresponds to the first level. Updated to the level you want. Further, when the second set level is first updated to the second level based on a predetermined second command, whether the basic control software is activated is activated. If the basic control software is being activated as a result, a first command for updating the first setting level to a level corresponding to the second level is generated. Based on this, the first setting level is also updated to a level corresponding to the second level. When the first setting level is updated to the first level by other software, the volume adjustment input means itself or a part of the position thereof is controlled by controlling the driving force generated by the driving means. The signal is updated to a position corresponding to the set level, and the signal generated from the volume adjustment input means is input as a second command for updating the second set level to a level corresponding to the first level. A level associated in advance with the arrangement position specified by the second command input from the volume adjustment input means is set as the second setting level.

The first program of the present invention is composed of other software (basic control software or predetermined software operating on the basic control software, and based on the first command, a predetermined audio output device And other software having a function of adjusting the first setting level of the volume of the sound output from the sound output device) and the second setting level of the sound volume output from the sound output device based on the second command. A program for causing a computer to execute processing for maintaining the consistency between the first setting level and the second setting level with respect to hardware for adjusting the hardware, A part of the arrangement position is variable, a signal indicating the arrangement position is generated, and the signal is used to supplement the functions of the basic control software or predetermined software. A volume adjustment input means for inputting as a second command via a), and a drive means for generating a drive force for changing the arrangement position of the volume adjustment input means itself or a part thereof without any manual operation by the user; And when another software is executed and the first setting level is updated to the first level, a command to update the second setting level to a level corresponding to the first level is set to the second level. a first control step, the second set level is updated to the second level by hardware, and, whether the basic control software is activated basic executing control to provide the hardware as an instruction control software is determined repeatedly until activated, as a result, when the basic control software is running, further a first set level to a level corresponding to the second level A second control step for executing control to provide the other command as a first command to the other software, and driving means when the first set level is updated to the first level by the other software By controlling the driving force generated by the controller, the volume adjustment input means itself or a part of the arrangement position thereof is updated to a position corresponding to the first setting level, and the signal generated from the volume adjustment input means at that time is A third control step that is input as a second command for updating the second set level to a level corresponding to the first level, and that is specified by the second command input from the volume adjustment input means A level previously associated with the position is set as the second setting level.

In the first program of the present invention, other software (basic control software or predetermined software operating on the basic control software is used, and predetermined voice output is performed based on the first command. And other software having a function of adjusting the first setting level of the sound volume output from the apparatus) and the second setting of the sound volume output from the sound output apparatus based on the second command A process for maintaining the consistency between the first setting level and the second setting level is executed for the hardware for adjusting the level. Specifically, the hardware has a volume adjustment input means for changing the arrangement position of itself or a part thereof by a user's manual operation, generating a signal indicating the arrangement position, and inputting the signal as a second command. And a driving means for generating a driving force for changing the arrangement position of the volume adjusting input means itself or a part thereof without any manual operation by the user. When other software is executed and the first setting level is first updated to the first level, a command for updating the second setting level to a level corresponding to the first level is sent to the basic control software. Alternatively, it is provided to the hardware as a second command via software that supplements the function of predetermined software. Further, the second setting level is updated to the second level by hardware first, and whether or not the basic control software is activated is repeatedly determined until the basic control software is activated. When the basic control software is running, a command for updating the first setting level to a level corresponding to the second level is provided to the other software as the first command. When the first setting level is updated to the first level by other software, the volume adjustment input means itself or a part of the position thereof is controlled by controlling the driving force generated by the driving means. The signal is updated to a position corresponding to the set level, and the signal generated from the volume adjustment input means is input as a second command for updating the second set level to a level corresponding to the first level. A level associated in advance with the arrangement position specified by the second command input from the volume adjustment input means is set as the second setting level.

The second program of the present invention is composed of other software (basic control software or predetermined software operating on the basic control software, and based on the first command, a predetermined audio output device And other software having a function of adjusting the first setting level of the volume of the sound output from the sound output device) and the second setting level of the sound volume output from the sound output device based on the second command. When the first hardware and the other software are executed and the first setting level is updated to the first level, the second setting level is updated to a level corresponding to the first level. The instruction to be provided is provided to the first hardware as the second instruction via the basic control software or software supplementing the function of the predetermined software, and the second instruction is provided by the first hardware. Set level is updated to the second level, and repeatedly determined whether the basic control software is started until basic control software is activated, as a result, the basic control software is starting In this case, a command to update the first setting level to a level corresponding to the second level is transferred to and from the second hardware that executes control to provide other software as the first command. A program for causing a computer to execute a process of relaying information, wherein the first hardware changes a position of itself or a part thereof by a user's manual operation, and generates a signal indicating the position, Volume adjustment input means for inputting the signal as the second command, and the volume adjustment input means itself or a part thereof without any manual operation by the user Driving means for generating a driving force for changing the arrangement position, and when the first setting level is updated to the first level by other software, the driving force generated by the driving means is controlled. The volume adjustment input means itself or a part of the arrangement position thereof is updated to a position corresponding to the first set level, and the signal generated from the volume adjustment input means at that time is changed from the second set level to the first level. According to a first command different from the first command based on the control of the second hardware, the other software is executed and the first set level is set as the second command to be updated to the corresponding level. When updated to the first level, the first providing step of providing information indicating the fact to the second hardware and the first command generated based on the control of the second hardware are softened. A second provision step of providing to the software, the first hardware, the level previously associated with the arrangement position specified by the second command input from the volume adjustment input means, Set as the second setting level.

In the second program of the present invention, other software (basic control software or predetermined software operating on the basic control software is used, and predetermined audio output is performed based on the first command. And other software having a function of adjusting the first setting level of the sound volume output from the apparatus) and the second setting of the sound volume output from the sound output apparatus based on the second command When the first hardware for adjusting the level and other software are executed and the first setting level is updated to the first level, the second setting level is changed to a level corresponding to the first level. A command to be updated is provided to the first hardware as a second command via the basic control software or software that supplements the function of the predetermined software, and is sent to the first hardware. Ri second set level is updated to the second level, and whether the basic control software is activated is repeatedly determined until the basic control software is activated, as a result, the basic control software When the system is in operation, the second hardware that executes control to update the first setting level to the level corresponding to the second level is provided to the other software as the first instruction. The information to be transferred is relayed. Specifically, the first hardware has a volume at which the arrangement position of itself or a part thereof is changed by a user's manual operation, a signal indicating the arrangement position is generated, and the signal is input as a second command. An adjustment input means and a drive means for generating a drive force for changing the arrangement position of the volume adjustment input means itself or a part thereof without manual operation by the user are provided. When the first set level is updated to the first level by other software, the volume adjustment input means itself or a part of the position thereof is controlled by controlling the driving force generated by the driving means. The signal is updated to a position corresponding to the set level, and a signal generated from the volume adjustment input means at that time is input as a second command for updating the second set level to a level corresponding to the first level. Indicates that when other software is executed and the first set level is updated to the first level in accordance with the first command different from the first command based on the control of the second hardware. Information is provided to the second hardware. Also, the first command generated based on the control of the second hardware is provided to other software. In the first hardware, a level previously associated with the arrangement position specified by the second command input from the volume adjustment input unit is set as the second setting level.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the volume of output sound can be set from either software or hardware. In particular, it is possible to achieve consistency between the first setting level of the volume set by software and the second setting level of the volume set by hardware.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of an information processing apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 illustrates a configuration example of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  In the information processing apparatus of FIG. 1, the CPU 1 is configured by, for example, a Pentium (registered trademark) processor manufactured by Intel, and is connected to a front side bus (FSB) 41. A north bridge 4 is further connected to the FSB 41. The north bridge 4 has an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) 42 and is connected to a bus 43 (in the case of Intel, a hub interface 43).

  The north bridge 4 includes, for example, Intel's AGP Host Bridge Controller 440BX and the like, and controls a RAM (Random Access Memory) 3 and a ROM (Read Only Memory) 2 (so-called main memory). .

The RAM 3 is composed of, for example, a DRAM (Dynamic RAM), and stores a program executed by the CPU 1 or data necessary for the operation of the CPU 1 . Specifically, for example, the RAM 3 stores an OS (Operating System), an Internet program, and the like loaded from the HDD 8 when the activation is completed. The OS is a program for controlling basic operations of a computer, such as a so-called Windows (registered trademark) XP of Microsoft Corporation or a so-called Mac OS (registered trademark) of Apple Computer. That is, the OS is a form of basic control software.

  Further, the north bridge 4 controls the display control unit 5 via the AGP 42. The display control unit 5 controls display on the display unit 6 including a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a video graphics array (VGA) display.

  The north bridge 4 is also connected to the south bridge 7 via the hub interface 43. The south bridge 7 is configured by, for example, Intel's PIIX4E, and various I / Os such as control of devices connected to an AC link bus 44, a USB bus (not shown), or an IDE bus 45. Control O (Input / Output).

  Specifically, the audio codec 9 is connected to the AC link bus 44 here. The audio codec 9 is connected to an audio amplifier 10 that outputs an audio signal to a speaker 11 or a headphone 12. The audio codec 9 converts, for example, a compressed audio signal (PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) data) sent from an AC'97 controller (not shown) in the south bridge 7 into an analog signal according to a standard called AC'97. This is converted into an audio signal and output to the audio amplifier 10. Note that the amplitude of the audio signal output from the audio codec 9 (that is, the level of the audio signal input to the audio amplifier 10) is set by the OS audio control unit 63 of FIG. 3 described later. The audio amplifier 10 corresponds to an audio output unit on hardware, and after adjusting the gain (gain) of the level of the input audio signal, outputs it to the speaker 11 or the headphones 12. The speaker 11 or the headphone 12 converts the input audio signal into sound and outputs it. The sound at this time is output at a volume corresponding to the level of the audio signal (the level after gain adjustment).

  That is, in the information processing apparatus of the present embodiment, there are two setting levels for the volume of the output sound as in the conventional case. That is, the first setting level (first setting level) is a setting level set by software (set by the audio control unit 63 in FIG. 3 described later), and this first setting level. The amplitude (level) of the audio signal output from the audio codec 9 is adjusted according to the level. On the other hand, the second level (second setting level) is a setting level set by hardware (a gain setting value set by the audio amplifier 10 according to the dial position of the audio adjustment dial 17). Thus, the gain of the level of the audio signal output from the audio amplifier 10 is adjusted according to the second set level.

  As described above, conventionally, since each of the first setting level and the second setting level is completely independent, when one of them is updated, the first setting level and the second setting level are updated. There was a problem that the consistency with the setting level of could not be taken. Therefore, in the present embodiment, in order to solve this problem, that is, to match the first setting level and the second setting level, the EC 13 (and as shown in FIG. 3 described later). In addition, the utility 62 or the like that bridges between the EC 13 and the OS audio control unit 63 has a special function (a function that is not present). However, this function of EC13 will be described later.

  An HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 8 is connected to the IDE bus 45 of the south bridge 7. The IDE bus 45 may be electrically connected to a drive 21 called a so-called IDE device as necessary. In this case, a removable recording medium 33 composed of a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or the like is appropriately installed in the drive 21, and a computer program read therefrom is installed in the HDD 8 as necessary.

  A PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus 47 and an LPC (Low Pin Count) bus 46 are also connected to the south bridge 7.

  A drive 20 is connected to the PCI bus 47 as necessary, a removable recording medium 32 made of a semiconductor memory or the like is appropriately mounted, and a computer program read from the drive is installed in the HDD 8 as necessary.

  An EC (Embedded Controller) 13 is connected to the LPC bus 46. The EC 13 is connected with a mute button 14, a mute display unit 15, a keyboard 16, an audio amplifier 10, a variable resistor 18, and a stepping motor 19.

  The EC 13 is composed of, for example, a microcomputer, and generally (in the past) has roughly the following first to third functions. That is, the first function is a function for controlling the keyboard 16. The second function is a function for performing power management corresponding to ACPI (Advance Configuration and Power Interface). The third function is a function that provides an interface with so-called utility software (here, utility 62 in FIG. 3 described later).

  The EC 13 also has an interface for communicating with basic control software (OS and BIOS (Basic Input Output System)), and can also exchange commands and data. The BIOS is a group of programs that collect basic operation instructions of the information processing apparatus, and controls data transfer (input / output) between the OS or application software and peripheral devices or built-in devices.

  Furthermore, the EC 13 according to the present embodiment matches the first setting level of the volume of the output sound set by software with the second setting level of the volume of the output sound set by hardware. In order to take, that is, to solve the conventional problems, the following new fourth to eighth functions are also provided.

  That is, the fourth function is a function of detecting an input signal from the volume adjustment dial 17 (output from the variable resistor 18). The fifth function is a function for controlling the dial position of the volume adjustment dial 17. The sixth function is control for outputting a mute request signal to the audio amplifier 10. The mute request signal will be described later. The seventh function is a function for detecting that the mute button 14 has been pressed. The eighth function is a function for controlling the display of the mute display unit 15, that is, the display indicating the mute state.

  Hereinafter, the details of the fourth to eighth functions will be described individually in that order.

  First, the details of the fourth function will be described.

  That is, the resistance value of the variable resistor 18 varies depending on the dial position of the volume adjustment dial 17. Also, as shown in FIG. 2 showing the configuration of the appearance of a part of the information processing apparatus, the volume adjustment dial 17 is a hardware dial provided on a surface perpendicular to the surface on which the keyboard 16 is disposed, for example. Therefore, when the user moves (rotates) the volume adjustment dial 17, the voltage level of the signal line 48 connected to the EC 13 and the audio amplifier 10 through the variable resistor 18 varies. Then, the audio amplifier 10 varies the amplification amount (gain) of the level of the audio signal based on the changed voltage level. That is, the audio amplifier 10 determines the above-described second setting level based on the voltage level of the signal line 48 (the dial position of the volume adjustment dial 17), and outputs an output signal (sound) according to the second setting level. Signal) level gain adjustment. Thereby, the volume of the sound output from the speaker 11 or the headphones 12 changes.

  At this time, the EC 13 executes processing corresponding to the fourth function. That is, the EC 13 also detects the voltage level fluctuation of the signal line 48, and obtains the change in the dial position of the volume adjustment dial 17, that is, the position information of the dial, based on the detection result. The EC 13 provides the dial position information obtained in this way to the audio control unit 63 of FIG. 3 to be described later via the utility 62 and the like.

  The function of the variable resistor 18 is to vary the voltage level of the signal line 48 in accordance with the dial position of the voice adjustment dial 17 as described above. Therefore, as long as it has this function, it is not limited to the variable resistor 18, and for example, a rotary encoder or the like may be applied. That is, the fourth function can be realized even if a rotary encoder or the like is applied.

  Also, information indicating the current dial position may be printed or engraved on the volume adjustment dial 17 itself or in the vicinity thereof. For example, a volume scale (a number or the like indicating the volume of the sound output at the dial position) may be printed or engraved on the dial of the volume adjustment dial 17. Specifically, for example, 0 to 10 may be printed at equal intervals, with the minimum volume set to 0 and the maximum volume set to 10. This is because the user can easily understand the current dial position (that is, the volume of the current output voice) without taking a complicated procedure.

  Next, details of the fifth function will be described.

  That is, the stepping motor 19 is a high-precision positioning motor that can be digitally controlled, and rotates at a predetermined step angle in synchronization with and in proportion to an input signal (generally, a pulse signal). Torque can be applied to the dial (volume control dial 17 in this case). As described above, in the present embodiment, the dial position of the volume adjustment dial 17 is not limited to the external force (user operation), but the internal force (stepping motor 19 mounted inside the information processing apparatus). The torque can also be adjusted.

  Therefore, the fifth function is a function of controlling the dial position of the volume dial 17 by this internal force, that is, a function of controlling the torque by giving an input signal to the stepping motor 19. In other words, the fifth function is to cause the audio amplifier 10 to adjust the gain of the audio signal by changing the dial position of the volume dial 17 with internal force (change the second setting level), As a result, this is a function for changing the volume of sound output from the speaker 11 or the headphones 12. Therefore, in order to realize the fifth function, a predetermined output terminal (not shown) of the EC 13 and an input terminal (not shown) of the stepping motor 19 are physically connected by the signal line 49.

  Here, the stepping motor 19 is applied in order to realize the fifth function. However, the driving device that can realize the fifth function, that is, without the manual operation of the user, The driving device is not limited to the stepping motor 19 as long as the driving device can generate a driving force for changing the dial position of the volume dial 17.

  Next, details of the sixth function will be described.

  That is, the audio amplifier 10 according to the present embodiment has a MUTE function for MUTE (mute) the output sound by an external signal. This signal is the mute request signal described above, and the function of controlling this mute request signal is the sixth function. That is, in order to realize the sixth function, a predetermined output terminal (not shown) of the EC 13 and a MUTE control input terminal (not shown) of the audio amplifier 10 are physically connected by the signal line 50. As a result, when the EC 13 activates the mute request signal by using the sixth function (supplied to the audio amplifier 10), the audio amplifier 10 does not hear the audio signal input from the audio codec 9. The output of the signal can be prohibited, or the output of the audio signal can be reduced to about 0 times. That is, the sound output from the speaker 11 or the headphones 12 is muted.

  Thus, here, mute (MUTE) is a concept including stopping the output of the audio signal itself to the speaker 11 and the headphone 12 and outputting the audio signal with the amplification factor lowered to approximately 0 times. Therefore, hereinafter, the process of reducing the amplification factor of the audio signal to approximately 0 times or the process of prohibiting the output of the audio signal is appropriately referred to as a mute process.

  When the audio amplifier 10 does not have a MUTE function, a switch such as a FET (Field-Effect Transistor) or the like is interposed before or after the audio amplifier 10 to control the audio path. Even if a method of cutting the sound volume or a method of forcing the dial position of the volume adjustment dial 17 to the mute (volume value zero) position using the fifth function described above is used, Function can be realized.

  Next, details of the seventh function will be described.

  That is, the mute button 14 is a hardware button or key that the user presses when it is desired to mute the sound currently output from the speaker 11 or the headphones 12. The function for detecting the state (pressed state or released state) of the mute button 14 is a seventh function. That is, in order to realize the seventh function, a predetermined input terminal (not shown) of the EC 13 and an output terminal (not shown) of the mute button 14 are physically connected by the signal line 51. Thereby, the EC 13 can detect a change in the state of the mute button 14 as a change in the electrical voltage level of the signal on the signal line 51.

  When the EC 13 detects the state of the mute button 14 by the seventh function, the EC 13 controls the mute request signal by the sixth function according to the detection result, and the detection result is shown in FIG. This is supplied to the audio control unit 63 via the utility 62 or the like.

  Next, details of the eighth function will be described.

  That is, the mute display unit 15 is a display device including, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode), an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), or the like. The eighth function is a function for controlling the mute display unit 15, specifically, a function for causing the mute display unit 15 to display a mute state (the execution result of the sixth function). That is, in order to realize the eighth function, a predetermined output terminal (not shown) of the EC 13 and an input terminal (not shown) of the mute display unit 15 are physically connected by the signal line 52. As a result, the EC 13 sends a mute status signal (for example, a lighting command or a turn-off command in the case of an LED, and an image signal corresponding to an image indicating the presence or absence of muffing in the case of an LCD) to the mute display unit 15. It becomes possible to supply.

  By the way, in the present embodiment, a hot key 31 is provided on the keyboard 16. The hot key is a specific function (for example, a function for inputting a command equivalent to a command to be selected and executed from a menu displayed on the display unit 6 with a mouse (not shown)) or a specific character string input. A function or a group of keys that can be used to execute a function that performs an input corresponding to a continuous key operation that is frequently used. The hot key is also referred to as a shortcut key. Accordingly, herein, the hot key 31 refers to a key or a group of keys for executing a function for inputting a volume change command or a mute command. For example, the hot key 31 includes a Function (Fn) key on the keyboard 16 and an Fx key (x is one of integer values from 1 to 12), and these keys are pressed simultaneously. As a result, a volume change command or a mute command is input to the EC 13.

  Accordingly, when the EC 13 detects that the hot key 31 is pressed, the EC 13 executes a process corresponding to the fifth function, or executes a process corresponding to the sixth function and the eighth function. The detection result is supplied to the OS audio control unit 63 of FIG. 3 described later via the utility 62 and the like.

  The eight functions (first function to eighth function) of the EC 13 have been described above.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 3, the function of adjusting the volume of the sound output from the speaker 11 or the headphone 12 (hereinafter referred to as a volume adjustment function) among the functions of the information processing apparatus of FIG. 1 will be described. To do. That is, FIG. 3 shows a layer configuration diagram of the volume adjustment function.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the layer configuration of the volume adjustment function is divided into a first layer to a third layer. That is, the uppermost first layer is a layer composed of software that operates on the OS. The second lower layer and the third (lowermost) third layer are layers formed by hardware. That is, the first layer is a layer placed under the management of the OS, and does not function when the OS is not activated. On the other hand, the second layer and the third layer are layers outside the management of the OS and function even when the OS is not activated.

  Specifically, the third layer includes the audio amplifier 10, the mute button 14, the mute display unit 15, the volume adjustment dial 17, and the hot key 31 of the hardware shown in FIG.

  The second layer includes the south bridge 7, EC 13, and audio codec 9 in the hardware of FIG. 1 described above.

  The first layer includes a relay unit 61, a utility 62, and an OS audio control unit 63.

  The relay unit 61 is software for bridging the EC 13 and the utility 62 that operates on the OS. That is, the relay unit 61 is provided to realize the above-described third function of the EC 13.

  The utility 62 is so-called utility software for supplementing the functions of the OS and other application software. Here, the utility 62 is software that improves the function, performance, or operability of the OS audio control unit 63.

  The OS audio control unit 63 is so-called volume management software for performing conventional volume adjustment, and includes, for example, an audio driver, an API (Application Program Interface), a user interface, and the like. Note that the API is, for example, a Windows (registered trademark) API when the OS is Windows (registered trademark). Specifically, for example, a function such as Audio Mixer Functions in the Windows (registered trademark) API is used for volume control. That is, as described above, the OS audio control unit 63 determines the first setting level of the volume of the output sound, and the sound signal (that is, the sound signal output from the audio codec 9 according to the first setting level (that is, The amplitude of the input signal) of the audio amplifier 10 is adjusted.

  Next, specific processing for realizing the volume adjustment function will be described with reference to FIG. 3 and the flowcharts of FIGS.

  That is, each of FIGS. 4 to 8 shows a flowchart for explaining processing of the EC 13, the utility 62, and the OS audio control unit 63. Note that the arrow drawn from the first flowchart (the flowchart describing the processing of any one of the EC 13, the utility 62, or the OS audio control unit 63) to the second flowchart adjacent thereto indicates that predetermined information is present. From the block corresponding to the first flowchart (one of EC13, utility 62, or OS audio control unit 63) to the block corresponding to the second flowchart (of EC13, utility 62, or OS audio control unit 63) Any one of them).

  Specifically, each of the flowcharts in FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a volume adjustment process (hereinafter referred to as dial volume change process) when a volume change instruction is given by the volume adjustment dial 17. Each of the flowcharts in FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a volume adjustment process (hereinafter referred to as a hot key volume change process) when a volume change instruction is given by the hot key 31. Each of the flowcharts in FIG. 6 is a volume adjustment process (hereinafter referred to as a software volume change process) when a volume change instruction is given by software using a mouse or the like and the OS audio control unit 63 performs the process first. Is a flow chart for explaining.

  Each of the flowcharts in FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a process for changing the mute state when the mute button 14 is used to change the mute setting (hereinafter referred to as mute button mute state change process). . Each of the flowcharts in FIG. 8 is an instruction for changing the mute setting by software using a mouse or the like, and a process for changing the mute state when the OS audio control unit 63 performs the process first (hereinafter, software mute). It is a flowchart explaining a state change process.

  Here, the mute state is a concept including a state where mute is set (hereinafter referred to as mute ON state) and a state where mute setting is released (hereinafter mute OFF state). That is, the change in the mute state refers to two changes, a change from the mute ON state to the mute OFF state and a change from the mute OFF state to the mute ON state.

  First, dial volume change processing will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S1, the EC 13 in FIG. 3 determines whether or not the dial position of the volume adjustment dial 17 has been changed.

  Specifically, the EC 13 is supplied from an electric signal (that is, a signal line 48 (FIG. 1)) indicating the dial position of the volume adjusting dial 17 by monitoring (Polling processing) of the volume adjusting dial 17 or an external interruption periodically. The level of the analog voltage signal is converted into a numerical value indicating the volume level. Therefore, in step S1, the EC 13 determines whether or not the dial position of the volume adjustment dial 17 has been changed by comparing the converted numerical value with the numerical value converted immediately before.

  For example, if there is no particular change in the numerical value as a result of the comparison, it is determined in step S1 that the dial position of the volume adjustment dial 17 has not been changed, and the process returns to step S1 to dial the volume adjustment dial 17 It is determined again whether the position has been changed. That is, the EC 13 detects a numerical value (a numerical value indicating the volume level) corresponding to the dial position of the volume adjustment dial 17 at every predetermined timing, and compares the numerical value with the numerical value detected immediately before.

  For example, it is assumed that the user has rotated the dial of the volume adjustment dial 17 now. In this case, the level of the analog voltage signal supplied from the signal line 48 also changes according to the change in the dial position. In such a case, the EC 13 detects that the numerical value indicating the volume level has changed, and therefore determines in step S1 that the dial position of the volume adjustment dial has been changed. In step S2, the EC 13 determines whether the OS is activated.

  In this case, for example, if the OS is not activated, it is determined in step S2 that the OS is not activated, the process returns to step S2, and it is determined again whether the OS is activated.

  Incidentally, at this time, since the audio amplifier 10 (FIG. 1) also detects that the level of the analog voltage signal supplied from the signal line 48 has changed, the setting of the sound output from the speaker 11 or the headphones 12 is set. The level (that is, the amplification factor of the output level of the audio signal supplied from the audio codec 9) is changed according to the change of the voltage signal (that is, according to the change of the dial position of the volume adjustment dial 17).

  Therefore, when the dial position of the volume adjustment dial 17 is changed (when it is determined that the dial position of the volume adjustment dial 17 has been changed in the process of step S1), immediately after that, the dial position of the volume adjustment dial 17 ( The above-described second setting level of the sound volume by the audio amplifier 10 and the sound volume setting of the OS audio control unit 63 (the first setting level of the sound volume described above) do not match. Therefore, the EC 13 matches the dial position of the volume control dial 17 (that is, the second set level of the volume) with the second set level of the volume of the OS audio control unit 63 operating on the OS. It is necessary to execute processing (processing in step S3 described later). However, the process of step S3 cannot be executed unless the OS is activated. Therefore, the EC 13 waits for the execution of the process of step S3 by repeating the determination process of step S2 until the OS is started.

  Therefore, when the OS is activated, the EC 13 determines in step S2 that the OS has been activated. In step S3, the EC 13 requests to change the volume setting level in the OS audio control unit 63 (hereinafter referred to as a volume setting request). ) Is transmitted to the utility 62 operating on the OS. Thereby, the dial volume change process of EC13 is completed. At this time, the EC 13 may add the volume level corresponding to the dial position of the volume adjustment dial 17 as a parameter to the volume setting request and transmit it. This is because the number of message transmission / reception can be reduced.

  The volume setting request transmitted from the EC 13 is supplied to the utility 62 via the south bridge 7 and the relay unit 61. Then, the utility 62 receives this volume setting request in step S11, and transmits this volume setting request to the OS audio control unit 63 in step S12. Thereby, the dial volume change processing of the utility 62 is completed.

  At this time, the OS audio control unit 63 receives the volume setting request in step S21, and in step S22, the volume setting on the software (the first setting level of the volume is output from the audio codec 9). Update the amplitude level of the audio signal). Specifically, for example, volume information displayed in “Sound and audio device properties” or the like is updated.

  The volume setting request transmission / reception processing between the utility 62 and the OS audio control unit 63 (processing in steps S12 and S21) is performed by using a general-purpose interface such as Windows (registered trademark) API, for example. It is feasible.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the OS audio control unit 63 operating on the OS, based on the first command, sets the first set level of the volume of the sound output from the speaker 11 or the headphones 12 ( It has a function of adjusting the setting level of the amplitude of the audio signal output from the audio codec 9 (hereinafter referred to as the volume setting level on the software). That is, the CPU 1 in FIG. 1 executes the OS audio control unit 63 to realize the function.

  On the other hand, the audio amplifier 10 receives the second set level of the volume of the sound output from the speaker 11 or the headphone 12 based on the second command (the amplification factor (gain of the level of the sound signal output from the audio amplifier 10) ), Which is hereinafter referred to as a hardware volume setting level).

  That is, for example, in dial volume change processing, volume adjustment is instructed by the volume adjustment dial 17. In this case, the audio amplifier 10 sets the volume setting level on the hardware to a level corresponding to the volume adjustment dial 17.

  At this time, on the condition that the OS is running, the EC 13 updates the volume setting level on the software to a level corresponding to the currently set volume setting level on the hardware (volume setting). Request) is provided to the OS audio control unit 63 via the utility 62.

  Then, the OS audio control unit 63 updates the volume setting level on the software to a level corresponding to the volume setting level on the hardware based on the command.

  In other words, when volume adjustment is instructed by the volume adjustment dial 17, conventionally, the gain of the audio amplifier 10 (volume setting level on the hardware) is simply adjusted, and the OS that operates on the OS. The volume setting (the volume setting level on the software) of the audio control unit 63 has not been updated.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, immediately after the OS startup is completed, the EC 13 sets the latest dial position (volume setting level on the hardware) of the volume adjustment dial 17 via the utility 62 or the like. The OS audio control unit 63 is notified, and the OS audio control unit 63 updates the volume setting level on the software in correspondence with the volume setting level on the hardware.

  Therefore, the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment can achieve the following effects.

  That is, there is an effect that the setting level of the volume on the hardware (the dial position of the volume adjustment dial 17) managed by the audio amplifier 10 can be matched with the setting level of the volume on the software managed by the OS. It becomes possible. Further, since the volume of the sound actually output from the speaker 11 or the headphones 12 (hereinafter simply referred to as output sound) is linked with the dial position of the volume adjustment dial 17 in hardware, as a result, the volume adjustment There is an effect that the three positions of the dial 17 (the volume setting level on the hardware), the volume setting level on the software managed by the OS, and the volume of the output sound are maintained. Is possible.

  That is, even if the position of the volume adjustment dial 17 is moved when the power supply (not shown) of the information processing apparatus of FIG. 1 is turned off or during the OS startup process, before and after In addition, it is possible to achieve an effect that a “deviation” between the volume setting level on the software and the volume setting level on the hardware does not occur.

  Further, as described above, since the dial position of the volume adjustment dial 17 and the volume of the output voice are linked in hardware, the user can adjust the volume even before the OS starts moving, such as during the OS startup process. It is also possible to produce an effect that the volume of the output sound can be controlled simply by moving the dial position of the adjustment dial 17.

  Next, the hot key volume changing process will be described with reference to FIG.

  The hot key volume changing process is a process that is premised on the activation of the OS. That is, here, it is assumed that the OS has already been started.

  In this case, in step S31, the EC 13 in FIG. 3 determines whether or not the hot key 31 has been pressed.

  If it is determined in step S31 that the hot key 31 has not been pressed, the process returns to step S31, and it is determined again whether or not the hot key 31 has been pressed. That is, the EC 13 monitors the state of the hot key 31 by periodically monitoring the hot key 31 (Polling processing) or by an external interrupt.

  For example, it is assumed that the user presses the hot key 31 (specifically, for example, the Fx key and the Function (Fn) key on the keyboard 16 are simultaneously pressed). In this case, it is determined in step S31 that the hot key 31 has been pressed, and the EC 13 transmits information indicating that the hot key 31 has been pressed (hereinafter referred to as a hot key press notification) to the utility 62 in step S32. To do.

  The hot key press notification transmitted from the EC 13 is supplied to the utility 62 via the south bridge 7 and the relay unit 61. Then, the utility 62 receives this hot key press notification in step S41, generates a volume setting request, and transmits it to the OS audio control unit 63 in step S42.

  Then, the OS audio control unit 63 receives the volume setting request in step S51, and updates the volume setting on the software (volume setting level on the software) in step S52. Specifically, for example, volume information displayed in “Sound and audio device properties” or the like is updated. Thereby, the hot key volume changing process of the OS audio control unit 63 ends.

  Note that, as described above, the volume setting request transmission / reception processing between the utility 62 and the OS audio control unit 63 (processing in steps S42 and S51) is, for example, a general purpose such as Windows (registered trademark) API. This can be realized by using a simple interface.

  Further, in step S43, the utility 62 transmits a request for updating the dial position of the volume control dial 17 (hereinafter referred to as a volume control dial position change request) to the EC 13. Thereby, the hot key volume changing process of the utility 62 is completed. At this time, the utility 62 may transmit the volume adjustment dial position change request by adding the volume setting level (on the software) in the OS audio control unit 63 as a parameter. This is because the number of message transmission / reception can be reduced.

  The volume adjustment dial position change request transmitted from the utility 62 is supplied to the EC 13 via the relay unit 61 and the south bridge 7. Then, the EC 13 receives this volume adjustment dial position change request in step S33, and in step S34, sets the dial position of the volume adjustment dial position 17 to the volume level designated by the utility 62 (as described above, for example, Then, a command (hereinafter referred to as volume dial position change command) for changing to a position corresponding to the volume setting level on the software added to the volume adjustment dial position change request is input to the stepping motor 19 (FIG. 1). Thereby, the hot key volume changing process of EC13 is completed.

  The stepping motor 19 rotates its shaft in accordance with the input volume dial position change command (that is, a pulse signal), and turns the volume adjustment dial 17 to a predetermined position (the volume of software on the software) with the torque generated by the rotation. Rotate to the position corresponding to the setting level. As a result, the volume setting level on the hardware (the gain setting value of the audio amplifier 10) is also updated to match the volume setting level on the software, and the output sound also corresponds to those setting levels. The sound volume changes.

  As described above, in the hot key volume changing process, the volume adjustment is instructed by the hot key 31. In this case, when the OS audio control unit 63 detects that the hot key 31 is pressed through the EC 13 and the utility 62, the OS audio control unit 63 sets the software volume level to a predetermined level set in advance. Set (update).

  At this time, the EC 13 detects through the utility 62 that the setting level of the volume on the software has been set (updated), and the setting level of the volume on the hardware is set to the currently set volume on the software. A command to update to a level corresponding to the set level is provided to the audio amplifier 10 via the volume adjustment dial 17.

  That is, the EC 13 inputs a volume dial position change command (pulse signal) to the stepping motor 19 to control the torque of the shaft, thereby setting the dial position of the volume adjustment dial 17 to the currently set software volume. To the position corresponding to the set level. Accordingly, the EC 13 controls the stepping motor 19 as described above, thereby changing a predetermined level of the voltage signal generated on the signal line 48 through the variable resistor 18 of FIG. It can be said that the audio amplifier 10 is input as a command (a command for updating the set level of the volume on the hardware to a level corresponding to the set level of the volume set on the software).

  At this time, the audio amplifier 10 changes the volume setting level on the hardware to the volume level on the software based on the change command of the volume setting level on the hardware (change in the voltage level of the signal line 48). The level is updated to a level corresponding to the set level (a level corresponding to the changed voltage level of the signal line 48).

  In other words, when volume adjustment is instructed by pressing the hot key 31, conventionally, the volume setting level on the software (volume setting of the OS audio control unit 63 operating on the OS) is adjusted (updated). The setting level of the volume on the hardware (the setting value of the gain of the audio amplifier 10) was not updated.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, when the volume setting level on the software is updated, the dial position of the volume adjustment dial 17 is also updated following the update. That is, the setting level of the volume on the hardware is also updated.

  Therefore, it is possible to achieve an effect that the volume setting level on the software and the volume setting level on the hardware can be matched. Further, as described above, since the volume of the output sound is linked to the dial position of the volume adjustment dial 17 in hardware, as a result, the dial position of the volume adjustment dial 17 (the volume setting level on the hardware) ), It is possible to achieve the effect of maintaining the consistency between the three, such as the volume setting level on the software managed by the OS and the volume of the output sound.

  Although the hot key 31 on the keyboard 16 (FIG. 1) is used here, other special buttons (not shown) may have the same function as the hot key 31. In this case, the process of step S31 is changed to the process “whether the special button has been pressed?”, But the other processes are exactly the same as the hot key volume change process described above.

  Next, the software volume changing process will be described with reference to FIG.

  The software volume change process is a process that is premised on the activation of the OS. That is, here, it is assumed that the OS has already been started.

  In this case, in step S81, the OS audio control unit 63 in FIG. 3 determines whether or not an instruction for changing the volume has been issued.

  If the user or the like has not instructed to change the volume (if it is determined in step S81 that the instruction to change the volume has not been issued), the process returns to step S81, and whether or not the instruction to change the volume has been issued. Is determined again. In other words, the OS audio control unit 63 constantly monitors the instruction to change the volume.

  For example, Windows (registered trademark) XP is currently activated as the OS, and as described above, the user selects “Sound and Audio Device” from “Sound and Audio Device” on the control panel displayed on the display unit 6 (FIG. 1). ”Sound and Audio Device Properties” is activated, and the volume is adjusted from the image (screen) using an input device such as a mouse (not shown), a touch pad (not shown), or the keyboard 16 (FIG. 1). Is instructed.

  In this case, the OS audio control unit 63 determines in step S81 that an instruction for changing the volume has been given, and in step S82, notifies the utility 62 of an event notification (hereinafter referred to as volume change notification) for changing the setting level of the volume. In step S83, the volume setting on the software (volume setting level on the software) is updated. Specifically, for example, volume information displayed in “Sound and audio device properties” or the like is updated. As a result, the software sound volume changing process of the OS audio control unit 63 ends.

  At this time, the utility 62 receives the volume change notification supplied from the OS audio control unit 63 in step S71, generates a volume adjustment dial position change request in step S72, and transmits it to the EC 13. Thereby, the software volume changing process of the utility 62 is completed. At this time, as in the above-described hot key volume changing process (FIG. 5), the utility 62 adjusts the volume using the software volume setting level (volume setting of the OS audio control unit 63) as a parameter. It is good to add it to the dial position change request and send it. This is because the number of message transmission / reception can be reduced.

  The volume adjustment dial position change request transmitted from the utility 62 is supplied to the EC 13 via the relay unit 61 and the south bridge 7. Then, the EC 13 executes processes similar to those in steps S33 and S34 in the above-described hot key volume changing process (FIG. 5) in steps S61 and S62, respectively. That is, the EC 13 receives this volume adjustment dial position change request in step S61, and inputs a volume dial position change command to the stepping motor 19 (FIG. 1) in step S62. Thereby, the software volume changing process of EC13 is completed.

  The stepping motor 19 rotates its shaft in accordance with the input volume dial position change command (that is, a pulse signal), and turns the volume adjustment dial 17 to a predetermined position (the volume of software on the software) with the torque generated by the rotation. Rotate to the position corresponding to the setting level. As a result, the volume setting level on the hardware (the gain setting value of the audio amplifier 10) is also updated to match the volume setting level on the software, and the output sound also corresponds to those setting levels. The sound volume changes.

  As described above, in the software volume change processing, volume adjustment is instructed by software using a mouse (not shown) or the like. In this case, the OS audio control unit 63 sets (updates) the volume setting level on the software based on the software instruction.

  At this time, the EC 13 detects through the utility 62 that the setting level of the volume on the software has been set (updated), and the setting level of the volume on the hardware is set to the currently set volume on the software. A command to update to a level corresponding to the set level is provided to the audio amplifier 10 via the volume adjustment dial 17.

  That is, the EC 13 inputs a volume dial position change command (pulse signal) to the stepping motor 19 to control the torque of the shaft, thereby setting the dial position of the volume adjustment dial 17 to the currently set software volume. To the position corresponding to the set level. Therefore, the EC 13 controls the stepping motor 19 as described above, so that a voltage signal of a predetermined level generated on the signal line 48 through the variable resistor 18 is sent to the volume level setting command (hardware) on the hardware. It can also be said that the audio amplifier 10 is input to the audio amplifier 10 as a command to update the volume setting level on the wear to a level corresponding to the volume setting level on the software that has just been set.

  At this time, the audio amplifier 10 changes the volume setting level on the hardware to the volume level on the software based on the change command of the volume setting level on the hardware (change in the voltage level of the signal line 48). The level is updated to a level corresponding to the set level (a level corresponding to the changed voltage level of the signal line 48).

  In other words, when the volume adjustment is instructed by software (when the volume setting of the OS audio control unit 63 operating on the OS is updated), conventionally, the volume setting level on the software (on the OS The volume setting of the OS audio control unit 63 operating in the above is only adjusted (updated), and the volume setting level (the gain setting value of the audio amplifier 10) on the hardware is not updated.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, when the volume setting level on the software is updated, the dial position of the volume adjustment dial 17 is also updated following the update. That is, the setting level of the volume on the hardware is also updated.

  Therefore, it is possible to achieve an effect that the volume setting level on the software and the volume setting level on the hardware can be matched. Further, as described above, since the volume of the output sound is linked to the dial position of the volume adjustment dial 17 in hardware, as a result, the dial position of the volume adjustment dial 17 (the volume setting level on the hardware) It is possible to achieve an effect that the three levels of the volume setting level (volume setting level on the software) managed by the OS and the volume of the output sound are maintained.

  Heretofore, each of the various volume adjustment processes (excluding mute) in the present embodiment and the effects produced as a result have been described. These effects are summarized as follows.

  That is, there are a plurality of methods for changing the volume, such as an instruction using the volume adjustment dial 17, an instruction using the hot key 31, and a software instruction (for the user, an instruction using a mouse or the like).

  Conventionally, when one of the volume setting level on the hardware and the volume setting level on the software is updated according to each of these instruction methods, the other is not updated. Therefore, the problem that both could not be matched occurred.

  On the other hand, in this embodiment, the volume setting level on the hardware and the volume setting level on the software are both updated regardless of which method is used to change the volume. The effect of maintaining the consistency of the three components such as the volume setting level on the hardware, the volume setting level on the software, and the volume of the output sound, that is, an effect that the conventional problem can be solved. Is possible.

  Next, the mute button mute state change process will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S91, the EC 13 in FIG. 3 determines whether the mute button 14 has been pressed.

  If it is determined in step S91 that the mute button 14 has not been pressed, the process returns to step S91 to determine again whether or not the mute button 14 has been pressed. That is, the EC 13 constantly monitors an electrical signal indicating the state of the mute button 14 (that is, the level of the voltage signal on the signal line 51 (FIG. 1)) by periodically monitoring the mute button 14 (Polling process) or by an external interrupt. is doing.

  For example, if the user presses the mute button 14 now, the level of the voltage signal supplied from the signal line 51 also changes due to the pressing operation. Then, the EC 13 detects this change in step S91 to determine that the mute button 14 has been pressed, and causes the audio amplifier 10 to input a mute ON command or a mute OFF command in step S92. Here, the mute ON command indicates, for example, the output of the mute request signal described above. Therefore, the mute OFF command indicates, for example, the output stop of the mute request signal.

  That is, when the EC 13 detects that the mute button 14 is pressed in a state where the mute request signal is not output to the audio amplifier 10 (determines that the mute button has been depressed in the process of step S91), the mute is performed in step S92. By starting the output of the request signal, the mute ON command is input to the audio amplifier 10.

  Then, the audio amplifier 10 performs a mute process (an output prohibiting process or a process for increasing the amplification factor approximately 0) on the audio signal supplied from the audio codec 9. That is, the sound from the speaker 11 or the headphones 12 (FIG. 1) is muted.

  On the other hand, when the EC 13 detects that the mute button 14 is pressed while the mute request signal is being output to the audio amplifier 10 (determines that the mute button has been depressed in the process of step S91), the EC 13 performs step S92. In FIG. 2, the output of the mute request signal is prohibited (stopped), thereby causing the audio amplifier 10 to input a mute OFF command.

  Then, the audio amplifier 10 prohibits execution of the mute process for the audio signal supplied from the audio codec 9. That is, the audio amplifier 10 returns the gain setting value to the original value, amplifies the level of the audio signal supplied from the audio codec 9 by the original setting value, and outputs the amplified signal to the speaker 11 or the headphone 12 ( Resume output). That is, sound output from the speaker 11 or the headphones 12 is resumed (sound with the original volume is output).

  At this time, the EC 13 updates the display content of the mute display unit 15 in step S93, and determines in step S94 whether the OS is activated.

  In this case, for example, if the OS has not been activated, it is determined in step S94 that the OS has not been activated, and the process returns to step S94 to determine again whether or not the OS has been activated.

  In other words, when the mute button 14 is operated and the process of step S92 is executed and the mute state (output state of the mute request signal) managed on the EC 13 side is changed, immediately after that, the process is managed on the EC 13 side. And the mute state managed by the OS audio control unit 63 operating on the OS (the mute state on the software and indicating whether mute is set or not) will not match. . Therefore, the EC 13 needs to execute a process for matching the mute state managed by itself and the mute state managed by the OS audio control unit 63 (step S95 described later). is there. However, the process in step S95 cannot be executed unless the OS is activated. Therefore, the EC 13 waits for the execution of the process of step S95 by repeating the determination process of step S94 until the OS is started.

  Therefore, when the OS is activated, the EC 13 determines in step S94 that the OS has been activated, and in step S95, information indicating execution (ON) or cancellation (OFF) of mute (hereinafter, mute ON or mute OFF). (Referred to as notification) is transmitted to the utility 62 operating on the OS. Thereby, the mute button mute state process of EC13 is completed.

  The mute ON or mute OFF notification transmitted from the EC 13 is supplied to the utility 62 via the south bridge 7 and the relay unit 61. Then, in step S101, the utility 62 receives the mute ON or mute OFF notification, and whether the notification is information indicating execution of mute (ON) or information indicating mute release (OFF). Determine if there is. In step S102, the utility 62 makes a request for setting mute (ON) or a request for canceling mute (OFF) (hereinafter, these requests are collectively referred to as a mute setting request). Is transmitted to the OS audio control unit 63. Thereby, the mute button mute process of the utility 62 is completed.

  When the OS audio control unit 63 receives the mute setting request in step S111, the OS audio control unit 63 updates the volume setting on the software in accordance with the content of the mute setting request in step S112. Specifically, for example, volume information displayed in “Sound and audio device properties” or the like is updated.

  That is, when the mute setting request is a mute setting (ON) request, the OS audio control unit 63 sets mute (for example, sets the volume setting level on the software to the lowest level (substantially 0), 1 is set to prohibit output from the audio codec 9 in FIG. On the other hand, when the mute setting request is a mute release (OFF) request, the OS audio control unit 63 releases mute settings (for example, returns the volume setting level on the software to the original level, Setting to resume output from the audio codec 9).

  Thereby, the mute button mute state change process of the OS audio control unit 63 is completed.

  Note that the transmission / reception processing of the mute setting request between the utility 62 and the OS audio control unit 63 (processing in steps S102 and S111) is performed by using a general-purpose interface such as Windows (registered trademark) API, for example. It is feasible.

  Thus, in the mute button mute state change process, when the mute button 14 is pressed, the EC 13 executes the following process.

  That is, when the current output sound is in a normal state (silence OFF state) and the mute button 14 is pressed, the EC 13 determines that the depressing operation of the mute button 14 is a command for setting mute. A command for updating the hardware volume setting level from the current level to a level corresponding to mute, that is, a mute ON command is provided to the audio amplifier 10, and when the OS is running, A command to update the set level of the sound volume from the current level to a level corresponding to mute is provided to the OS audio control unit 63 via the utility 62.

  On the other hand, when the mute button 14 is pressed while the current output sound is muted (the mute ON state), the EC 13 cancels the mute setting by pressing the mute button 14. The audio amplifier 10 is provided with a command for updating the set level of the sound volume on the hardware from the level corresponding to the mute (current level) to the original level, that is, the mute OFF command. At the same time, when the OS is running, a command for updating the software volume setting level from the level corresponding to mute (current level) to the original level is sent to the OS audio control unit 63 via the utility 62. provide.

  In this way, the EC 13 manages the mute state and controls the output of the mute request signal to the audio amplifier 10 accordingly, so that the power supply (not shown) of the information processing apparatus in FIG. 1 is turned off. In this case, even when the OS is in the process of starting up (that is, even before the OS starts running), it is possible to achieve an effect that the output sound can be controlled to be silenced.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when the EC 13 changes the mute state managed by itself, the EC 13 notifies the OS mute state etc. to the OS audio control unit 63 via the utility 62 or the like, The OS audio control unit 63 updates the volume setting according to the notified mute state. As a result, before and after that, the mute state on the software (volume setting of the OS audio control unit 63) and the mute state on the hardware (the output of the mute request signal on the signal line 50, which is changed by the operation of the mute button 14) It is possible to achieve an effect that no “deviation” from the state occurs.

  Although the mute button 14 is used here, other input devices such as switches may have the same function. In this case, the process in step S91 is changed to the process “Is the input device operated?”, But other processes are exactly the same as the mute button mute state change process described above.

  Specifically, for example, the hot key 31 can of course have the function of the mute button 14. However, in this case, the process of FIG. 7 is executed as a process for the pressing operation of the hot key 31 instead of the process of FIG. However, a hot key (not shown) other than the hot key 31 may be provided. That is, the volume change hot key 31 and the mute state change hot key may be provided individually.

  Next, the software mute state changing process will be described with reference to FIG.

  Note that the software mute state change process is a process that is premised on the activation of the OS. That is, here, it is assumed that the OS has already been started.

  In this case, in step S141, the OS audio control unit 63 in FIG. 3 determines whether or not an instruction to change the mute setting has been given.

  If the user has not instructed the mute setting change (when it is determined in step S141 that the mute setting change instruction has not been issued), the process returns to step S141, and the mute setting change instruction has been issued. It is determined again whether or not. In other words, the OS audio control unit 63 constantly monitors the instruction for changing the mute setting.

  For example, Windows (registered trademark) XP is currently activated as the OS, and as described above, the user selects “Sound and Audio Device” from “Sound and Audio Device” on the control panel displayed on the display unit 6 (FIG. 1). ”Sound and Audio Device Properties” is activated, and mute setting is performed from the image (screen) using an input device such as a mouse (not shown), a touch pad (not shown), or the keyboard 16 (FIG. 1). Is instructed to change.

  In this case, the OS audio control unit 63 determines in step S141 that an instruction to change the mute setting has been made, and in step S142, notifies the utility 62 of an event notification for changing the mute state (hereinafter referred to as a mute state change notification). In step S143, the volume setting on the software is updated. Specifically, for example, volume information displayed in “Sound and audio device properties” or the like is updated.

  That is, when the mute state on the software is set to mute (mute ON state) and the mute setting change instruction is given, the OS audio control unit 63 cancels the mute setting (mute OFF). Transition to a state). On the other hand, when the mute state on the software is in a state where the mute setting is canceled (mute OFF state) and the mute setting change instruction is given, the OS audio control unit 63 sets mute (mute ON state) To transition).

  Thereby, the software mute state changing process of the OS audio control unit 63 is completed.

  At this time, the utility 62 receives the mute state change notification supplied from the OS audio control unit 63 in step S131, and in step S132, the mute state on the hardware (output state of the mute request signal of the signal line 50). Is generated (hereinafter referred to as a mute state change request) and transmitted to the EC 13. Thereby, the software volume changing process of the utility 62 is completed. At this time, the utility 62 may add the mute state (the mute ON state or the mute OFF state) in the OS audio control unit 63 as a parameter to the mute setting request and transmit it. This is because the number of message transmission / reception can be reduced.

  The mute state change request transmitted from the utility 62 is supplied to the EC 13 via the relay unit 61 and the south bridge 7. Then, the EC 13 receives the mute state change request in step S121, inputs a mute ON command or a mute OFF command to the audio amplifier 10 in step S122, and updates the display content of the mute display unit 15 in step S123. To do.

  That is, for example, when the mute state on the software is the mute ON state (the information indicating the mute state on the software is added to the mute state change request as described above, for example), the EC 13 In step S122, the output of the mute request signal is started, so that a mute ON command is input to the audio amplifier 10. In step S123, the EC 13 causes the mute display unit 15 to display information indicating the mute ON state (if necessary, the information indicating the mute OFF state is displayed on the mute display unit 15. Is prohibited). As a result, the processing for changing the mute state of the EC 13 software is completed.

  At this time, the audio amplifier 10 performs a mute process (an output prohibition process or a process of increasing the amplification factor to approximately 0) on the audio signal supplied from the audio codec 9. That is, the sound from the speaker 11 or the headphones 12 (FIG. 1) is muted.

  On the other hand, for example, when the mute state on the software is the mute OFF state, the EC 13 prohibits (stops) the output of the mute request signal in step S122, thereby giving a mute OFF command to the audio amplifier 10. Let them enter. In step S123, the EC 13 prohibits display of information indicating the mute ON state on the mute display unit 15 (if necessary, information indicating the mute OFF state is displayed on the mute display unit 15). To display). As a result, the processing for changing the mute state of the EC 13 software is completed.

  At this time, the audio amplifier 10 prohibits execution of the mute process for the audio signal supplied from the audio codec 9. That is, the audio amplifier 10 returns the gain setting value to the original value, amplifies the level of the audio signal supplied from the audio codec 9 by the original setting value, and outputs the amplified signal to the speaker 11 or the headphone 12 ( Resume output). That is, sound output from the speaker 11 or the headphones 12 is resumed (sound with the original volume is output).

  In this way, in the software mute state change process, a mute setting change instruction is given by software using a mouse (not shown) or the like.

  In this case, when the software instruction is mute setting, the OS audio control unit 63 updates the volume setting level on the software from the current level to a level corresponding to mute. Then, the EC 13 detects that the mute setting has been made via the utility 62, and issues a command (mute ON command) to update the hardware volume setting level from the current level to a level equivalent to mute. To the audio amplifier 10.

  On the other hand, when the software instruction is to cancel the mute setting, the OS audio control unit 63 changes the volume setting level on the software from the level corresponding to mute (the current level). Update to the original level. Then, the EC 13 detects through the utility 62 that the mute setting has been cancelled, and updates the hardware volume setting level from the level corresponding to mute (current level) to the original level. A command (silence OFF command) is provided to the audio amplifier 10.

  In other words, when the OS audio control unit 63 changes the mute state managed by itself, the OS 13 notifies the EC 13 of the changed mute state via the utility 62 or the like, and the EC 13 is notified. The own mute state is also updated according to the mute state.

  Therefore, before and after that, there is no “deviation” between the mute state on the software (volume setting of the OS audio control unit 63) and the mute state on the hardware (the output state of the mute request signal on the signal line 50). It is possible to achieve the effect.

  Heretofore, each of the various mute state changing processes in the present embodiment and the effects produced as a result have been described. These effects are summarized as follows.

  That is, there are a plurality of methods for instructing to change the mute state, such as an instruction using the mute button 14 and a software instruction (instruction for the user using a mouse or the like).

  Conventionally, when either one of the mute state on the hardware or the mute state on the software is updated according to each of these instruction methods, the other is not updated. There was a problem that could not be removed.

  On the other hand, in this embodiment, both the hardware mute state and the software mute state are updated regardless of which method is used to change the mute state. It is possible to achieve an effect that the three parties such as the above mute state, the software mute state, and the output sound mute state are maintained, that is, the conventional problem can be solved.

  As described above, the personal computer as shown in FIG. 1 has been described as the information processing apparatus of the present invention, but the information processing apparatus of the present invention is not limited to the form of FIG. That is, a first mechanism (silencer mechanism) that has a sound output function and further adjusts the first setting level of the volume by specific software on a basic OS (Operating System) such as Windows (registered trademark). And a second mechanism (including a mute mechanism) for adjusting the second setting level of the volume by hardware, and further, the first setting level by this software and by the hardware If the apparatus has a third mechanism that links the second setting level (that is, the first setting level and the second setting level are both linked to the volume of the actual output sound), the form Is not particularly limited.

  Furthermore, in order to solve the above-described first conventional problem (increase usability), it is preferable that a volume control or a mute interface is installed.

  Specifically, for example, a volume adjustment dial or a dedicated input device (button or the like) for changing the volume may be mounted. This is because the operability of changing the volume can be improved. In order to realize the third mechanism, the volume control dial or the volume change button is linked to “device volume setting” managed on an OS such as Windows (registered trademark) XP. Good.

  Further, as described above, information indicating the current volume value such as a volume scale may be written on the volume adjustment dial. This is because the user can confirm the current setting without taking a complicated procedure.

  Further, it is preferable that a mute button is mounted in addition to the volume control dial or the volume change button. This is because the mute operation can be performed with a simple operation such as pressing the mute button. At this time, in order to realize the third mechanism, that is, in order to be able to mute or cancel the sound without depending on the state of the OS such as Windows (registered trademark) XP, It is better to link with “device volume setting” managed on OS such as Windows (registered trademark) XP.

  Furthermore, it is preferable that a display mechanism (LED or the like) that indicates mute or release thereof is mounted. This is because the user can easily confirm mute or release of the sound.

  Such an effect of the present invention is as described above, and again, the effect will be summarized into four effects (first effect to fourth effect).

  That is, the first effect is an effect that the volume can be changed without affecting the operating state of the OS (that is, whether or not the OS is started up). The second effect is that the mute setting can be changed without affecting the operating state of the OS (that is, whether or not the OS is started up). The third effect is the consistency of the three components such as volume information held by software such as OS, volume information held by hardware such as an audio amplifier (for example, the state of the volume adjustment dial), and the volume of output sound. It is an effect that can be maintained. The fourth effect is to maintain the consistency between the three, such as the mute state of software such as OS, the mute state of hardware such as audio amplifiers and LEDs, and the state of whether or not the output sound is muted. It is an effect that can be done.

  By the way, when the above-described series of processing is executed by software, a program constituting the software is installed in a dedicated hardware, or various programs can be installed by installing various programs. For example, a general-purpose personal computer that can execute the function is installed from a network or a recording medium.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 1, a recording medium containing such a program is distributed to provide a program to a user separately from the apparatus main body, and a magnetic disk (floppy disk) on which the program is recorded is distributed. A removable recording medium 33 including an optical disk (including a compact disk-read only memory (CD-ROM), a DVD (digital versatile disk)), a magneto-optical disk (including an MD (mini-disk)), or the like. In addition to the removable recording medium 32 made of a semiconductor memory or the like, the ROM 2 in which the program is recorded and the ROM in the EC 13 (not shown) provided to the user in a state of being incorporated in the apparatus main body in advance. Or an HDD 8 or the like.

  In the present specification, the step of describing the program recorded on the recording medium is not limited to the processing performed in chronological order according to the order, but is not necessarily performed in chronological order, either in parallel or individually. The process to be executed is also included.

It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the information processing apparatus of this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the external appearance of a part of information processing apparatus of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the layer structure of the information apparatus of FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of hardware volume change processing of the information processing apparatus of FIG. 1. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of hot key volume change processing of the information processing apparatus of FIG. 1. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of software volume change processing of the information processing apparatus of FIG. 1. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a mute button mute state change process of the information processing apparatus of FIG. 1. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a software mute state change process of the information processing apparatus of FIG. 1.

Explanation of symbols

  1 CPU, 2 ROM, 3 RAM, 8 HDD, 9 audio codec, 10 audio amplifier, 11 speaker, 12 headphones, 13 EC (Embedded Controller), 14 mute button, 15 mute display, 16 keyboard, 17 volume control dial, 18 variable resistors, 19 stepping motors, 31 hot keys, 32 drives, 62 utilities, 63 OS audio controller

Claims (8)

Of the functions of the basic control software itself or the predetermined software operating on the basic control software, the first of the volume of the sound output from the predetermined audio output device based on the first command First volume adjusting means for executing processing corresponding to the function of adjusting the setting level of
Second volume adjusting means for adjusting a second setting level of the volume of the sound output from the sound output device based on a second command;
When the first set level is updated to the first level by the first sound volume adjusting means, a command to update the second set level to a level corresponding to the first level is sent to the basic control. Provided to the second volume adjusting means as the second command via software or software supplementing the function of the predetermined software, and the second set level is set by the second volume adjusting means. It is updated to the second level, and it is repeatedly determined whether or not the basic control software is started until the basic control software is started . As a result, the basic control software is being started. A command to update the first set level to a level corresponding to the second level is provided as the first command to the first sound volume adjusting unit. And control means that,
Volume adjustment input means for changing the arrangement position of itself or a part thereof by a user's manual operation, generating a signal indicating the arrangement position, and inputting the signal to the second volume adjustment means as the second command When,
Drive means for generating a driving force for changing the arrangement position of the volume adjustment input means itself or a part thereof without intervention of the user's manual operation,
The second volume adjustment means sets a level associated in advance with the arrangement position specified by the second command input from the volume adjustment input means as the second setting level. And
The control means controls the volume control by controlling the driving force generated by the driving means when the first set level is updated to the first level by the first volume adjusting means. The arrangement position of the input means itself or a part of the input means is updated to a position corresponding to the first set level, and the signal generated from the volume adjustment input means is set to the second set level as the first set level. An information processing apparatus that causes the second sound volume adjusting unit to input the second command to be updated to a level corresponding to the level. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a symbol for indicating to the user the current arrangement position of itself or a part thereof is written on the volume adjustment input unit. It further includes a mute input means for causing the control means to input a mute setting or release command by manual operation of the user,
The control means further includes
When the command indicating the mute setting is input from the mute input means, the second command for updating the second set level from the current third level to a fourth level corresponding to mute. When the basic control software is running, the first set level is updated from the current fifth level to a sixth level corresponding to mute when the basic control software is running. Providing the first command to the first volume control means;
When the command indicating cancellation of the mute setting is input from the mute input means, the second command for updating the second set level from the fourth level to the third level is The first command is provided to the second volume adjusting means and updates the first set level from the sixth level to the fifth level when the basic control software is running. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is provided to the first volume adjustment unit. The control means is further configured to change the first setting level from the fifth level to the sixth level based on an instruction for setting mute different from the instruction of the mute input means by the first volume adjusting means. When the second volume level is updated, the second command for updating the second setting level from the third level to the fourth level is provided to the second volume control means,
The first setting level is updated from the sixth level to the fifth level based on an instruction to cancel the mute setting different from the instruction of the mute input means by the first volume adjusting means. 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the second instruction to update the second setting level from the fourth level to the third level is provided to the second volume adjustment unit. In a case where the control means further provides the second sound volume adjusting means with the second command for updating the second setting level from the third level to the fourth level, a predetermined display device is provided. Is updated to a display indicating that the sound output device is in a mute state, and the second set level is updated from the fourth level to the third level. 5 is executed to update the display content of the display device to a display indicating that the state of the audio output device is a mute disabled state. The information processing apparatus described. Of the functions of the basic control software itself or the predetermined software operating on the basic control software, the first of the volume of the sound output from the predetermined audio output device based on the first command First volume adjusting means for executing processing corresponding to the function of adjusting the setting level of
Second volume adjusting means for adjusting a second setting level of the volume of the sound output from the sound output device based on a second command;
Volume adjustment input means for changing the arrangement position of itself or a part thereof by a user's manual operation, generating a signal indicating the arrangement position, and inputting the signal to the second volume adjustment means as the second command When,
In an information processing method of an information processing apparatus, comprising: a drive unit that generates a driving force that varies the arrangement position of the volume adjustment input unit itself or a part thereof without intervention of the user's manual operation;
When the first set level is updated to the first level by the first sound volume adjusting means, a command to update the second set level to a level corresponding to the first level is sent to the basic control. Provided to the second volume adjusting means as the second command via software or software supplementing the function of the predetermined software, and the second set level is set by the second volume adjusting means. When it is updated to the second level and it is repeatedly determined whether the basic control software is activated or not until the basic control software is activated, and as a result, the basic control software is activated , Executing a control to provide a command for updating the first set level to a level corresponding to the second level as the first command to the first sound volume adjusting means. When the first set level is updated to the first level by the first volume control unit, the volume control input unit itself or its control unit is controlled by controlling the driving force generated by the drive unit. A part of the arrangement position is updated to a position corresponding to the first set level, and the signal generated from the volume adjustment input means at that time corresponds to the second set level corresponding to the first level. A control step of causing the second sound volume adjusting means to input the second command to be updated to a level,
The second volume adjustment means sets a level associated in advance with the arrangement position specified by the second command input from the volume adjustment input means as the second setting level. Information processing method. It is configured as basic control software, or predetermined software that operates on the basic control software. Based on the first command, the first set level of the volume of the sound output from the predetermined sound output device is set. Other software that has the function to adjust,
Based on the second command, the hardware for adjusting the second setting level of the volume of the sound output from the sound output device, the first setting level and the second setting level. A program for causing a computer to execute processing for maintaining consistency,
The hardware is
Volume adjustment input means for changing the arrangement position of itself or a part thereof by a user's manual operation, generating a signal indicating the arrangement position, and inputting the signal as the second command;
Drive means for generating a driving force for changing the arrangement position of the volume adjustment input means itself or a part thereof without intervention of the user's manual operation,
When the other software is executed and the first setting level is updated to the first level, an instruction to update the second setting level to a level corresponding to the first level is provided. A first control step of executing control provided to the hardware as the second command via control software or software supplementing the function of the predetermined software;
The second setting level is updated to the second level by the hardware, and whether or not the basic control software is activated is repeatedly determined until the basic control software is activated , and the result When the basic control software is running, a control for providing the other software with a command for updating the first set level to a level corresponding to the second level as the first command. And when the first setting level is updated to the first level by the other software, and by controlling the driving force generated by the driving means, The arrangement position of the volume adjustment input means itself or a part thereof is updated to a position corresponding to the first set level, and at that time, the volume adjustment input means is generated from the volume adjustment input means. A third control step of inputting the signal to be inputted as the second command for updating the second set level to a level corresponding to the first level,
A program for setting, as the second setting level, a level that is previously associated with the arrangement position specified by the second command input from the volume adjustment input unit. It is configured as basic control software, or predetermined software that operates on the basic control software. Based on the first command, the first set level of the volume of the sound output from the predetermined sound output device is set. Other software that has the function to adjust,
First hardware for adjusting a second setting level of the volume of the sound output from the sound output device based on a second command;
When the other software is executed and the first setting level is updated to the first level, an instruction to update the second setting level to a level corresponding to the first level is provided. It is provided to the first hardware as the second command via control software or software that supplements the function of the predetermined software, and the second setting level is set by the first hardware. When the level is updated to level 2 and it is repeatedly determined whether or not the basic control software is activated until the basic control software is activated, and as a result, the basic control software is activated A control to provide the other software as a first command with a command to update the first set level to a level corresponding to the second level. Between the second hardware that, a program for executing processing for relaying information that is passed to the computer,
The first hardware is:
Volume adjustment input means for changing the arrangement position of itself or a part thereof by a user's manual operation, generating a signal indicating the arrangement position, and inputting the signal as the second command;
Drive means for generating a driving force for changing the arrangement position of the volume adjustment input means itself or a part thereof without intervention of the user's manual operation,
When the first setting level is updated to the first level by the other software, by controlling the driving force generated by the driving unit, the volume adjustment input unit itself or a part thereof is controlled. The arrangement position is updated to a position corresponding to the first set level, and the signal generated from the volume adjustment input means is changed to a level corresponding to the first set level. Input as the second command to be updated,
According to the first command different from the first command based on the control of the second hardware, the other software is executed and the first setting level is updated to the first level. A first providing step of providing information indicating that to the second hardware;
A second providing step of providing the first command generated based on the control of the second hardware to the other software;
The first hardware sets, as the second setting level, a level associated in advance with the arrangement position specified by the second command input from the volume adjustment input unit. program.

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