CN200956662Y

CN200956662Y - Signal level adjustment apparatus

Info

Publication number: CN200956662Y
Application number: CN 200520018144
Authority: CN
Inventors: 牧野贵昭; 山本卓弥
Original assignee: Yamaha Corp
Current assignee: Yamaha Corp
Priority date: 2004-05-07
Filing date: 2005-05-08
Publication date: 2007-10-03
Anticipated expiration: 2015-05-08
Also published as: JP4232685B2; JP2005323121A; CN1694579A; CN100578649C

Abstract

Fader operators operable manually and automatically are provided in corresponding relation to a plurality of channels. For each of the channels, a setting section can set a fade operation mode of the channel to either a first mode where a fade is enabled or a second mode where the fade is disabled. Upon receipt of a crossfade execution instruction, a corresponding fader operator is automatically operated in such a manner that each channel set in the first mode is faded in or faded out. When the fade operation mode of a given channel, which is undergoing a fade process, has been changed to the second mode, the fade process for the given channel is ceased, and the corresponding operator is changed to a predetermined operating state, e.g., state immediately before the start of the crossfade. According to another example, when a crossfade cease instruction has been given (e.g., by manual operation of the fader operator) for a particular channel which is undergoing a fade process, the process for the particular channel is ceased with the operator for the particular channel kept in the current operating state.

Description

The conditioning equipment of signal level

Technical field

The utility model relates to the control method of signal level conditioning equipment and this conditioning equipment, and the computer program relevant with the sort signal level adjustment, and this equipment and method are adapted at using in the making of video/audio content.For example, the utility model relates to mixer, video converter or similarly is used for the device of audio signal and/or vision signal.

Background technology

Making for video/audio content, the a large amount of device of essential operation, for example be used to regenerate video/audio signal (promptly as the video/audio material, the material video/audio signal) or be used to record a plurality of video tape recorders of the content that finishes or finish, be used for the digital mixer of mixed audio signal, and the video switcher that is used for the switching between the vision signal.Because for the operator, operate very trouble of these devices individually, existing known a kind of technology of using control appliance with centralized system remote control different device.That is to say that by this known technology, the operator is by mainly operating this control appliance individually just can operate these different devices, thereby the operator can correctly carry out content production by expectation.

When switching between the material audio signal at two channels, usually carry out cross fade and handle, that is, and when making the audio signal crescendo of a channel a little less than the audio signal diminuendo of another channel.Above-mentioned control appliance can also be carried out this cross fade processing by the designation number mixer.That is to say that in case the operator carries out predetermined operation (that is, the cross fade execution command) on control appliance, the instruction of instructing a cross fade to handle just is transferred to digital mixer from control appliance.According to the instruction that receives the cross fade indication, digital mixer is carried out indicated cross fade and is handled according to the configuration information of stored crossing gradual change in advance.That is the audio signal crescendo of another group inputting channel in the time of, a little less than the audio signal diminuendo of one group of inputting channel.During this period, on the operation panel of digital mixer, automatically drive the volume controller of corresponding different channel with the direction of up/down.For example, in " DM2000 instruction manual " (the DM2000Instruction Manual) that publishes by Yamaha Corporation (Yamaha Corporation) in February, 2002, disclosed this can be by digital mixer from external remote control.

Yet when when control appliance has instructed cross fade, technology discussed above can not only stop the cross fade of some or several channels through the operation panel of digital mixer.In addition, when the operator wishes only to stop the cross fade of the some or several channels in the channel, perhaps wish that in some cases corresponding volume controller returns to state separately or the position before carrying out cross fade, or in other cases, wish that corresponding volume controller is stopped at the position that cross fade is carried out the hope after beginning.In addition, the user still can't be in that determine near the volume controller in cross fade is handled will crescendo and the channel of diminuendo.

Summary of the invention

In view of as mentioned above, the purpose of this utility model provides the control method of a kind of signal level conditioning equipment and this conditioning equipment, this equipment and method allow only to handle at the some or several termination cross fades in a plurality of channels, and the computer program that provides this signal level to regulate.

Another purpose of the present utility model provides and a kind ofly realizes stopping the technology that cross fade is handled in various dissimilar or modes.

The utility model also has a purpose to provide a kind of dissimilar technology that cross fade is handled that realizes simply determining.

According to the first string of the present utility model, a kind of improved signal level conditioning equipment is provided, this equipment comprises: at least two level adjustment operators, each operator all can be manually or any one signal level of operatively regulating at least two channels automatically; Part is set, at these channels each, the operator scheme of this channel is set to channel second pattern that allows first pattern of gradual change or forbid gradual change; The cross fade operating part, receiving in the cross fade execution command, promptly so that the mode of the signal level crescendo of each channel that is set to first pattern in these at least two channels is automatically operated an operator of the correspondence in these executors; And change part, carry out in crescendo handles for these channels one of any at the cross fade operating part, when this channel the gradual change operator scheme be changed when being second pattern, the crescendo that then stops this channel is handled, and the operating position or the state of the operator of this channel are changed into predetermined state.

In the utility model, second pattern that can be set to allow first pattern of gradual change by the gradual change operator scheme that each channel of part is set or forbid gradual change.At carrying out in these channels one of desired in crescendo handles, by part being set from first pattern (promptly with the gradual change operator scheme, volume controller-ON pattern) changes into second pattern (promptly, volume controller-OFF pattern), the cross fade that just is being performed can be handled termination midway in the channel of this expectation.In this case, if be set to second pattern (that is, volume controller-OFF pattern) at the gradual change operator scheme of given channel, even then when receiving new cross fade execution command subsequently, this given channel is not carried out the gradual change operation yet.If the gradual change operator scheme at this given channel is changed into first pattern (that is, volume controller-ON pattern) from second pattern, then will respond the reception of new cross fade execution command subsequently and carry out crescendo and handle.

For example, above-mentioned " predetermined state " is at the operating position or the state that just are this operator before beginning is handled in crescendo.When changing part and stopped crescendo and handle, this changes part returns to mode of operation before just being the crescendo processing with the mode of operation of the operator of related channel.

Signal level conditioning equipment of the present utility model also wraps can draw together the information display section branch, shows that at each of these channels in this crescendo of indication and the diminuendo which is with the cross fade pattern information that is performed; And notifying device, notify or indicate each gradual change operator scheme and cross fade pattern information of these channels.Therefore, the user can be easily clear and definite and distinguish will crescendo channel and channel that will diminuendo.In addition, by the operator located in connection with for example volume controller of notifying device and each channel, the user can more easily correctly understand will crescendo and the channel of diminuendo.

According to another scheme of the present utility model, a kind of improved signal level conditioning equipment is provided, this equipment comprises: a plurality of level adjustment operators, each operator all can manually or automatically be regulated one of any signal level in a plurality of channels; The cross fade operating part, in receiving cross fade execution command promptly so that the mode of the signal level diminuendo of another of the signal level crescendo of one of at least two channels in a plurality of channel and these at least two channels is automatically operated that corresponding in this executor executor; Carry out in crescendo just handles at these channels one of any when this cross fade operating part the test section, detects the predetermined cross fade command for stopping that whether has provided at this channel; And the termination control section, when this test section detected cross fade command for stopping at this channel, the crescendo that stops this channel was handled, and the operator with this channel remains on current operation status simultaneously.

In the utility model, provide the predetermined cross fade command for stopping that is used for this channel by carrying out crescendo at one of any in these channels in handling, might stop handling midway at the crescendo of this channel at the cross fade operating part; In this case, the operator that will be used for this channel remains on the current operation status that detects in the cross fade command for stopping.And,, executing instruction after stopping the cross fade processing in the predetermined cross fade command for stopping of response in case receive new cross fade, the channel of this termination just can recover its crescendo to be handled.

For example, in signal level conditioning equipment of the present utility model, carry out in crescendo handles at channel at the cross fade operating part, the test section will be detected this channel according to the manually operated detection of the operator of this channel and be given predetermined cross fade command for stopping, and the operator that will be used for this channel is changed into and the corresponding mode of operation of the manual operation of operator from the current operation status that is terminated control section and keeps.

In addition, a kind ofly be used for allowing to be scheduled to the structure that the cross fade inhibit command is given to one of any institute's phase of these channels independently and can be incorporated into the above-mentioned configuration of the utility model.Cross fade inhibit command that should be predetermined is corresponding to second pattern (volume controller-OFF pattern) of gradual change operator scheme above-mentioned.That is, this cross fade operating part can be by following configuration.That is, be given the channel of predetermined cross fade command for stopping for any one, when being given new cross fade execution command subsequently, this cross fade operating part is carried out this crescendo and is handled.But, be given the channel of predetermined cross fade inhibit command for any one, even when being given new cross fade execution command subsequently, this cross fade operating part is not carried out crescendo yet and is handled, and forbids up to cancelling cross fade subsequently.That is to say, can carry out the configuration that the cross fade terminating operation can be carried out the cross fade quiescing again by means of of the present utility model, the user can whether the operational ton of the volume operator of correspondence be set to the predetermined reference operational ton by selecting one of any in cross fade terminating operation and the cross fade quiescing to select, can, the result is, the utility model can stop this cross fade with one of any in the various different modes and handle.

The utility model not only can make up and be embodied as above-mentioned equipment, but also can make up and be embodied as a kind of method.In addition, the utility model can also design and be embodied as by the performed software program of the processor of for example computer or DSP, and the storage medium of storing this software program.And, in can comprising, build by the used processor of the utility model the application specific processor of the special logic in the hardware in, comprise also that naturally computer or other can move the universal processor of desirable software program.

Embodiment of the present utility model is described below, but is to be appreciated that the utility model is not confined to described each embodiment, on the basis that does not break away from basic principle, the utility model can have various modification.Therefore, scope of the present utility model is only defined by the appended claims.

Description of drawings

In order to understand the purpose of this utility model and other characteristics better, describe preferred embodiment of the present utility model below with reference to the accompanying drawings in detail, wherein,

Fig. 1 is the operated by rotary motion block diagram according to the editing system of the Applied Digital mixer of embodiment of the present utility model;

Fig. 2 is the detailed block diagram of digital mixer embodiment;

Fig. 3 is the plane graph of the major part of the operation panel that uses among the embodiment of digital mixer;

Fig. 4 is the schematic diagram of the configuration information table of the data structure used in an embodiment;

Fig. 5 A is the flow chart that the FROM machine instruction carried out in an embodiment receives routine;

Fig. 5 B is the flow chart that shows the FROM channel command reception routine of carrying out in an embodiment;

Fig. 5 C shows the exemplary plot that is included in the channel specific data example in the instruction of FROM channel;

Fig. 6 A is the flow chart that the TO machine instruction carried out in an embodiment receives routine;

Fig. 6 B is the flow chart that shows the TO channel command reception routine of carrying out in an embodiment;

Fig. 6 C is the exemplary plot that is included in the channel specific data example in the instruction of TO channel;

Fig. 7 is the flow chart that the cross fade enabled instruction carried out in an embodiment receives routine;

Fig. 8 A represents the flow chart of the cross fade timer interruption routine carried out in an embodiment;

Fig. 8 B represents the flow chart of the volume controller Action Events routine carried out in an embodiment;

Fig. 8 C represents the flow chart of the cross fade end interrupt routine carried out in an embodiment;

Fig. 9 represents that the SEL key of carrying out in an embodiment presses the flow chart of event handler;

In representing, build Figure 10 the key diagram of the different illumination conditions of the LED in the SEL key in.

Embodiment

1. the configuration of embodiment

A 1.1. general configuration

Refer now to Fig. 1 the configuration of having used according to the editing system of the digital mixer of the utility model embodiment is described.Reference number 106,108 and 110 expression video tape recorders among the figure, wherein video tape recorder 106 and 108 regeneration are used to make the video/audio signal of the material of content.The video/audio signal of content finished in video tape recorder 110 records.In the video tape recorder 106,108 and 110 each can both record and regenerate audio signal of multiple track.In addition, the video-unit that constitutes by for example video switcher, video effector etc. of 104 expressions.And video-unit 104 is for the vision signal via video tape recorder 106 and 108 regeneration, implementation effect transmission (effect impartment), mixing, switching and other processing.Be provided to video tape recorder 110 through the vision signal of so handling from video-unit 104.

The audio signal implementation effect processing that 112 pairs of video tape recorders 106 of digital mixer of the present utility model and 108 provide, level adjustment processing etc., and the audio signal of handling through so is provided to video tape recorder 110.Control appliance 102 remote control multiple arrangements (for example video tape recorder 106,108 and 110 and digital mixer 112 etc.), make these devices each other with suitable timing control relationship operation, and this control appliance 102 according to the timing of isolated plant (promptly, the processing of this device execution command regularly), to each controlled device is sent the concrete control of indication (promptly, processing by this device execution) instruction (that is control command).In case receive this control command from control appliance 102, each with controlled device (for example video tape recorder 106,108 and 110 and digital mixer 112) promptly carry out processing by control command indication.Sound system 114 produces each CUE signal (monitoring signal) from digital mixer 112 outputs or sounds.

1.2. the structure of digital mixer 112

Introduce the detailed structure of digital mixer 112 below with reference to Fig. 2.Reference number 2 expression control signal interfaces (I/F) among the figure, control device 102 (that is, communicating by letter with control device 120) is imported and outputed to control signal (instruction for example above-mentioned) via this interface from control device 102.Audio signal interface (I/F) 4 is communicated by letter audio signal and input-output apparatus (for example video tape recorder 106,108 and 110 etc.).Carry out audio mixing processing and effect process by 6 pairs of digital audio and video signals that provide via audio signal interface 4 of signal processing circuit that one group of DSP (digital signal processor) constitutes, and result is outputed to audio signal interface 4.

In addition, reference number 10 expression operator groups comprise volume controller, volume control operation device, switch, character input keyboard, mouse etc. among the figure.Display unit and display unit group 12 comprise flat-panel monitor (for example, LCD), around the LED of volume control operation device setting, built-in or in be contained in LED in the switch and level meter etc.Reference number 18 expression CPU, it controls different parts according to the control program that is stored among the ROM14 via bus 8.RAM16 as the run memory of CPU 18 with as other different purposes.

In addition, RAM16 comprises the current region 16a of the Set For Current value that is provided for each parameter of storage, and these parameters are used to the signal processing by signal processing circuit 6 execution.For example, store the volume controller gain among the current region 16a (promptly, be used to control the value of tone), according to the operational ton of single volume controller, the balance parameters of I/O channel and the ON/OFF state of various switches etc., the gain of these storages will be used to the audio signal of I/O channel.Will be according to these value controls that are stored in this current region 16a by the signal processing to audio signal of signal processing circuit 6 execution.

1.3. the structure of the major part of operation panel

Be described in detail in the structure of the major part of the operation panel (operator group 10) that uses in the digital mixer 112 with reference to figure 3.

In the drawings, reference number 510-1,510-2 ... the corresponding channel amplifier group (channel strip) that provides with inputting channel is provided.Channel amplifier group 510-1,510-2 ... make is identical, and therefore the paragraph below is described the detailed structure of channel amplifier group 510-1 typically.

In channel amplifier group 510-1, ON key 512 switches between the ON of corresponding inputting channel and OFF state, and this ON key 512 has built-in LED, this LED luminous with the ON/OFF state of key 512 (that is, connecting) or extinguish (that is, disconnecting).Rotary encoder 514 is used for the left and right sides phase adjusted and the gain-adjusted of corresponding inputting channel, and with the configuration of basic ring-type, around rotary encoder 514 a plurality of LED is being set.The operational ton of rotary encoder 514 is shown by the luminance of LED.Switch between the ON of the FADER pattern that SEL key 516 is described in the back and the OFF state.This SEL key 516 is built-in with the LED of a plurality of different glow colors, and can be provided with independently of one another these LED 516a luminous/extinguish state.

Display unit 518 shows the title of corresponding inputting channel.Electronic sound volume controller 524 comprises and is used for the manually operated detector of detecting operation person.When this detector detects operator's manual operation of volume controller 524, volume controller 524 detects the operational ton (level) of the volume controller 524 that is obtained by this manual operation, regulates the volume controller gain of corresponding inputting channel then according to detected level.The operational ton of rotary encoder 514 and electronic sound volume controller 524 can be provided with according to instruction automatically by CPU 18.CUE key 526 switches between the ON of the CUE of the inputting channel of correspondence function and OFF state.The CUE function is that the audio signal of ON is mixed with the CUE signal in each inputting channel.That is to say that the result who mixes becomes the sub-audible sound CUE signal that produces via sound system 114 between the audio signal of one or more inputting channels.

2. the data structure in the present embodiment

The configuration information table 30 of Fig. 4 is stored among the RAM16 of digital mixer 112 in advance.In the drawings, reference number 32 is represented " channel number part ", wherein shows the one number of inputting channel in the digital mixer 112, and label 34 expressions " input unit distribution portion ".This input unit distribution portion 34 determine to distribute to a plurality of input unit A, B, C ... the inputting channel of input audio signal.Distribute to the inputting channel of input unit with mark " X " expression.These input units A, B, C ... can be the device of any hope.Supposition input unit A is a video tape recorder 106 in the example shown in Fig. 4, and input unit B is a video tape recorder 108.More particularly, in the example shown in Fig. 4, four input signals from input unit A (video tape recorder 106) are assigned to first to the 4th inputting channel, and are assigned to the 5th to the 8th inputting channel from four input signals of input unit B (video tape recorder 108).The operator is provided with the distribution state of input unit distribution portion 34 by the certain operations device in the use digital mixer 112.

" FADER pattern specified portions " 35 specifies " FADERMODE ON " or " FADER MODE OFF " to be provided with as the FADER pattern at each inputting channel.Wherein, should " FADER pattern " at inputting channel each specify this inputting channel channel amplifier group 510-1,510-2 ... in internal element spare whether can be according to from the control command of control appliance 102 and by remote control.That is to say that if the FADER pattern is " ON " (that is, FADER MODE ON), then volume controller of inputting channel etc. being set to can be according to the state from the control command remote control of control appliance 102.Yet if the FADER pattern is " OFF " (that is, FADER MODE OFF), volume controller of inputting channel etc. is set to can not be according to the control command remote state from control appliance 102.The setting of FADER pattern can use the SEL key 516 of digital mixer 112 to be provided with by the operator.

" CROSSFADE pattern specified portions " 36 is at each inputting channel storage " FROM ", " TO " or " NONE " setting as the CROSSFADE pattern.Wherein, " FROM " means the audio signal of channel will diminuendo in cross fade is handled, and " TO " means the audio signal of channel will crescendo in cross fade is handled, and " NONE " means the neither also not diminuendo of crescendo of audio signal of channel.Yet, even when the CROSSFADER pattern is " NONE ", as long as the FADER pattern is " ON ", then in the channel amplifier group miscellaneous part except volume controller by remote control, therefore, the ON/OFF state of CUE key 526 grades can be by control appliance 102 remote controls.The setting of CROSSFADE pattern only can be carried out according to the control command that receives from control appliance 102, and can not be provided with by any operator that uses digital mixer 112.

" AUTO pattern specified portions " 37 specifies " AUTO MODEON " or " AUTO MODE OFF " to be provided with as the AUTO pattern at each inputting channel.Wherein, " AUTO pattern " determines the pattern whether volume controller of inputting channel during the cross fade of current execution is handled is driven automatically by reality at each of inputting channel.That is, if the AUTO pattern is " ON " (that is, " AUTO MODE ON "), the volume controller of inputting channel is driven automatically, yet if the AUTO pattern is " OFF " (that is, AUTO MODE OFF), the volume controller of inputting channel is not driven automatically.When the beginning that cross fade is handled, the CROSSFADE pattern is that the AUTO pattern of each inputting channel of " FROM " or " TO " is set to " ON " (that is, " AUTO MODE ON ").Yet,, just be set to the corresponding inputting channel of operations of operators " AUTO MODE OFF " in case the operator carries out predetermined operation in the cross fade process.

" the reference level specified portions " of cross fade reference level determined in reference number 38 expressions.Wherein, in the CROSSFADE of inputting channel pattern is under the situation of " FROM ", volume controller gain when " reference level " is used as cross fade and begins, and be under the situation of " TO " in the CROSSFADE of inputting channel pattern, the volume controller gain when being used as cross fade and finishing.

3. the characteristic of embodiment

3.1. the general characteristic of digital mixer

In case any one in the operator 10 operated by the operator, this operation is just detected by CPU 18, and upgrades the corresponding parameter that is stored among the current region 16a according to detected operation.Even the not person of being operated operation of any one in the controller 10, under certain conditions, the processing that the content that stores among the current region 16a also can be described is later upgraded.CPU18 periodically carries out Interrupt Process.In Interrupt Process, the operational ton separately of operator 10 and the corresponding parameter among the current region 16a are compared, and, if any one operational ton of operator 10 is different from the value of the corresponding parameter among the current region 16a, this operational ton is updated to meet the value of this parameter so.That is to say that the operational ton that upgrades this single operation device is consistent with corresponding parameter value.

For example, the operational ton of the rotary encoder of being represented by the luminance that is placed on the LED around it 514 can be according to being stored in parameter value among the current region 16a by immediate updating.Yet, owing to the operational ton of electronic sound volume controller 524 is represented by the physical location of volume controller 524, so volume controller 524 is forced to drive to be suitable for parameter value (volume controller gain).This general characteristic of present embodiment is similar to the general characteristic of digital mixer usually.

3.2. the initialization of cross fade

In case the operator carries out predetermined operation, channel number part 32, input are provided with distribution portion 34, and being provided with separately on the flat-panel monitor promptly be displayed on 12 groups of display unit and members of FADER pattern specified portions 35, and the screen that is used to edit this setting is also shown in flat-panel monitor.Thereby, by make keyboard and mouse in on-screen options, the operator can assignment of allocation gives any one in the inputting channel of input unit A, B and C, and the FADER pattern (that is, " FADER MODE ON " or " FADER MODE NO ") of hope is set for this inputting channel.

In addition, when in fact audio signal was reproduced via video tape recorder 106,108 etc., the operator can be by the volume controller of operation inputting channel, and the gain of the volume controller of this inputting channel is set to optimizing level.Then, in case the operator carries out scheduled operation after volume controller gain is set to optimizing level, then the current volume controller gain of diaphone amount controller just is stored in the reference level specified portions 38, as the reference level that uses in cross fade is handled.But, the operator can not edit the content of " CROSSFADE pattern specified portions " 36 and " AUTO pattern specified portions " 37, because the content of " CROSSFADE pattern specified portions " 36 control command that is provided by control appliance 102 subsequently is provided is provided with, and the content of " AUTO pattern specified portions " 37 is when cross fade is actually carried out and be provided with.

3.3.CROSSFADE the setting of pattern

In order to allow control appliance 102 instruction digital mixers 112 carry out cross fade, must specify CROSSFADE pattern (that is, " FROM ", " TO " or " NONE ") for each channel that will carry out cross fade in advance.For the appointment of CROSSFADE pattern, pre-determine following conduct is provided to digital mixer 112 from control appliance 102 control command.

(1) FROM machine instruction: the inputting channel that this instruction indicates all to be assigned to concrete input unit is set to CROSSFADE pattern " FROM ".

(2) FROM channel instruction: the inputting channel of the one or more hope of this instruction indication is set to CROSSFADE pattern " FROM ".

(3) TO machine instruction: the inputting channel that this instruction indicates all to be assigned to concrete input unit is set to CROSSFADE pattern " TO ".

(4) TO channel instruction: the inputting channel of the one or more hope of this instruction indication is set to CROSSFADE pattern " TO ".

Set forth the operation of when control appliance 102 sends, carrying out when above-mentioned instruction below.But,, then will ignore this instruction if during carrying out cross fade, received each instruction of above-mentioned instruction.Therefore, have only when not carrying out cross fade, could carry out these instructions, and can upgrade the CROSSFADE pattern.Describe below and how to determine whether carrying out cross fade.

(1) FROM machine code

In case receive appointment input unit A, B, C from control appliance 102 ... any one FROM machine instruction, the FROM machine instruction that CPU 18 promptly starts shown in Fig. 5 A part receives routine.In the step SP2 of Fig. 5 A, detect all inputting channels of distributing to by the input unit of FROM machine instruction appointment with reference to the input unit distribution portion 34 of configuration information table 30.Then, upgrade the relevant portion of " CROSSFADE pattern specified portions " 36, thereby the CROSFADE sign indicating number of each inputting channel that so detects is set to " FROM ".

(2) FROM channel instruction

In case receive the instruction of FROM channel from control appliance 102, CPU 18 promptly starts the FROM channel command reception routine shown in Fig. 5 B part.Should be noted that the instruction of FROM channel comprises the channel specific data 40 shown in Fig. 5 C.This channel specific data 40 is intended to give each inputting channel with a bit pattern specified sign assignment.That is, this pattern specified sign value is " 1 ", indicate the CROSSFADE pattern of corresponding inputting channel should be set to " FROM ", and this pattern specified sign value is " 0 ", then indicates the CROSSFADE pattern of corresponding inputting channel not to be set to " FROM ".In the next step SP12 of Fig. 5 B, upgrade the relevant portion of " CROSSFADE pattern specified portions " 36, thereby the pattern specified sign is set to " FROM " for the CROSSFADE pattern of each inputting channel of " 1 ".

At Fig. 5 B step SP14 subsequently, be the channel of " FROM " for detecting those current C ROSSFADE pattern whole inputting channels of " 0 " from the pattern specified sign.Determine in next step SP16 whether superincumbent step SP14 has detected at least one channel.If the definite result as step SP16 is NO, then finish this instant routine at once.On the other hand, if the definite result at step SP16 is YES, then program enters step SP18, wherein upgrade the relevant portion of " CROSSFADE pattern specified portions " 36, so that each CROSSFADE pattern that detects channel (that is, the pattern specified sign is each inputting channel of " FROM " for " 0 " and CROSSFADE pattern) is set to " NONE ".

(3) TO machine instruction

Receive routine in case receive the TO machine instruction of specifying any one TO machine instruction of input unit, CPU 18 promptly to start shown in Fig. 6 A part from control appliance 102.At the step SP22 of Fig. 6 A,, detect all inputting channels of distributing to by the input unit of TO machine instruction appointment with reference to the input unit distribution portion 34 of configuration information table 30.Then, upgrade the relevant portion of " CROSSFADE pattern specified portions " 36, so that the CROSFADE sign indicating number of each inputting channel that so detects is set to " TO ".

(4) TO channel instruction

In case receive the instruction of TO channel from control appliance 102, CPU 18 promptly starts the TO channel command reception routine shown in Fig. 6 B part.Be noted that the instruction of TO channel comprises the channel specific data 42 shown in Fig. 6 C.Similar to the channel specific data 40 of above-mentioned FROM channel instruction, this channel specific data 42 is intended to give each inputting channel with a bit pattern specified sign assignment.In the next step SP32 of Fig. 6 B, upgrade the relevant portion of " CROSSFADE pattern specified portions " 36, so that the pattern specified sign is set to " TO " for the CROSSFADE pattern of each inputting channel of " 1 ".

At Fig. 6 B step SP34 subsequently, be the channel of " TO " for detecting those current C ROSSFADE pattern whole inputting channels of " 0 " from the pattern specified sign.Determine in next step SP36 whether superincumbent step SP34 has detected at least one channel.If the definite result at step SP36 is NO, then finish this instant routine at once.On the other hand, if the definite result at step SP36 is YES, then program continues to step SP38, wherein upgrade the relevant portion of " CROSSFADE pattern specified portions " 36, thereby each CROSSFADE pattern that detects channel (that is, the pattern specified sign is each inputting channel of " TO " for " 0 " and CROSSFADE pattern) is set to " NONE ".

3.4. the reception of cross fade enabled instruction

Carry out the cross fade enabled instruction that cross fade is handled in case receive designation number mixer 112 from control appliance 102, CPU 18 promptly determines the current cross fade that whether carrying out.If then ignore this cross fade enabled instruction.On the other hand, if the current cross fade that do not carry out, the cross fade enabled instruction that then starts Fig. 7 receives program.

At the step SP42 of Fig. 7, detecting the FADER pattern with reference to configuration information table 30 is that " NO " and CROSSFADE pattern are all inputting channels of " FROM " or " TO ", and will be through the quantity assignment of the inputting channel that so detects in variable n.And, will pass through the inputting channel assignment of detection separately in array CH; That is, the formation element of array CH is channel CH[1]-CH[n].In addition, the counting variable k that is used to count inputting channel is set to " 1 ".

Then, at the step SP44 of Fig. 7, determine whether counting variable k has exceeded channel number n.If the definite result at step SP44 is NO, then routine proceeds to step SP46.In step SP46, from reference level specified portions 38, read channel CH[k] reference level, and upgrade current region 16a, so that channel CH[k] the volume controller gain equate with reference level.Then, in step SP48, determine whether channel CH[k] CROSSFADE pattern Set For Current for " TO ".If the definite result at step SP48 is YES (being), then routine enters step SP50, wherein upgrades current region 16a, so that channel CH[k] volume controller gain get minimum level " ∞ ".

At last, when the CROSSFADE pattern is " FROM ", the volume controller gain is arranged on reference level, and when the CROSSFADE pattern is " TO ", the volume controller gain is arranged on minimum level.By this way, drive corresponding electronic sound volume controller 524, it is moved on to and the volume controller corresponding position of gaining automatically.The electronic sound volume controller finish 524 mobile the time, channel CH[k] the AUTO pattern be set to " ON ".Then in step SP54, allow and channel CH[k] interruption of corresponding cross fade timer.

" interruption of cross fade timer " be cross fade the term of execution each scheduled time (promptly, each cross fade timer interrupt cycle) interruption that produces, and the channel of each input all is allowed to such interruption, and this interruption is intended to change gradually the volume controller gain of described inputting channel.The interruption that whether is allowed to this cross fade timer is set one by one channel.In this example, channel CH[k only] be allowed to the cross fade timer and interrupt.The cross fade enabled instruction that receives from control appliance 102 is also specified from cross fade and is begun to the cross fade time of implementation (length) that finishes.Therefore, divide the cross fade time of implementation, might obtain the interruption number that generates in the time of implementation at cross fade by using the cross fade timed interrupt cycle.

In addition, in each its CROSSFADE pattern be in the channel of " FROM ", the volume controller gain in cross fade begins is at reference level, and the volume controller gain in the cross fade end is at minimum level " ∞ ".On the contrary, in each channel that its CROSSFADE pattern is " TO ", the gain of volume controller when cross fade begins is at " ∞ ", and the volume controller gain of cross fade when finishing is at reference level.In either case, can determine the variable quantity of the volume controller gain that each cross fade timer interrupts, promptly by from " the volume controller gain when cross fade finishes ", deducting " the volume controller gain when cross fade begins ", use " the interruption number of generation " to remove subtraction result (that is difference) then and obtain.Therefore in step SP54 at channel CH[k] calculate the variable quantity of this volume controller gain.

In step SP56, will in build channel CH[k in] SEL key 516 in LED516a, become the state of indication " the current cross fade of carrying out " from the state exchange of indication " the current cross fade of not carrying out ".Describe the luminance of LED in detail with reference to Figure 10.When " the current cross fade of not carrying out ", the SEL key of each channel that its FADER pattern is " OFF " is not luminous, but the SEL key of each channel that its FADER pattern is " ON " continues luminous with the particular color corresponding to the CROSSFADE pattern.For example, if the CROSSFADE pattern is " FROM ", then the SEL key is luminous continuously with redness, if the CROSSFADE pattern is " TO ", then the SEL key is with orange luminous continuously, if or the CROSSFADE pattern be " NONE ", then the SEL key is luminous continuously with green.

In addition, when " the current cross fade of carrying out ", the SEL key of each channel that to make its FADER pattern be " OFF " and its FADER pattern are that " ON " and CROSSFADE pattern are the luminances of SEL key of each channel of " NONE ", and the luminance during with " the current cross fade of not carrying out " is identical.Yet, be " FROM " or " TO " if the FADER pattern is " ON " and CROSSFADE pattern, SEL key 516 is set to blink states.More particularly, if the CROSSFADE pattern is " FROM ", then the SEL key glimmers with redness.If the CROSSFADE pattern is " TO ", then the SEL key is with orange flicker.By this way, each volume controller that is just being driven by reality can come notification operator or user by the flicker of the built-in LED of SEL key 516.

Return Fig. 7, in step SP58 counting variable k is added 1, routine turns back among the step SP44 then, with at all channel CH[1]-CH[n] come the operating procedure after repeating step SP44 and this step.After carrying out this operation, make determining of YES so that routine enters among the step SP59 that allows the cross fade end interrupt at step SP44 at all channels.Should " cross fade end interrupt " be cross fade the term of execution in the interruption that produces of each scheduled time (that is, each cross fade end interrupt cycle), and it is intended to determine whether surpassed the time that this cross fade is carried out.

3.5. cross fade timer Interrupt Process

As mentioned above, if allow " interruption of cross fade timer " in step SP54, this cross fade timer interruption is to produce with the interrupt cycle of each cross fade timer and with each channel that is allowed to this interruption so.Respond the generation that this cross fade timer interrupts and start the cross fade timer interruption routine of Fig. 8 A.Whether in the step SP62 of Fig. 8 A, determining to carry out the AUTO pattern of inputting channel of current Interrupt Process current is " ON ".If the definite result as step SP62 is NO, then finishes this instant routine and do not carry out the operation of any reality.On the other hand, if the definite result at step SP62 is YES, then routine enters step SP64, wherein volume controller gain (that is, be stored among the current region 16a the volume controller yield value with to position that should channel volume controller mutually) be changed the variable quantity that had before calculated at inputting channel at step SP54.Therefore, by with the invoked instant routine of each cross fade timed interrupt cycle, its AUTO pattern is upgraded by the variable quantity according to a Time Calculation in the direction that volume controller when cross fade finishes gains that gains of the volume controller when cross fade begins step by step for the gain of each channel of " ON ", automatically drives this volume controller with progressive mode in view of the above.

3.6. the volume controller Action Events is handled

This CPU 18 will detect the manual operation of this volume controller in any one volume controller in operator's manual operation inputting channel, and the volume controller Action Events that starts Fig. 8 B is handled routine.This routine will respond the manual operation of any one volume controller in the inputting channel and start, and have nothing to do with the current cross fade of whether carrying out.Determine at the step SP72 of Fig. 8 B whether cross fade is carried out." the current cross fade of carrying out " means after receiving the cross fade enabled instructions from control appliance 102 but a kind of state before the forbidding of cross fade end interrupt.If step SP72 determine it is YES, then routine enters step SP74, further determine corresponding to the FADER pattern of the inputting channel of this operated volume controller current whether be " ON ".

If the definite result at step SP74 is YES, then routine enters step SP76, and whether further the AUTO pattern of definite inputting channel is current is " ON ".If the definite result at step SP76 is YES, then routine enters step SP77, and wherein the AUTO pattern is set to " OFF ".Then, in step SP78, equal the mode of volume controller practical operation amount (current location), upgrade the counterpart of current region 16a with the gain of the volume controller of channel.

After the AUTO pattern is set to " OFF ", when the cross fade timer interruption routine of calling graph 8A, make the result that NO determines with above-mentioned steps SP62, so that till the cross fade of current execution is finished, do not upgrade the volume controller gain of inputting channel automatically.In other words, if the operator cross fade the term of execution manual operation any volume controller relevant with cross fade, then till the cross fade of finishing current execution, this operated volume controller will be got rid of from cross fade.Yet, after current cross fade is complete, in case receive the cross fade execution command of the new described inputting channel of appointment, then will implement the operation of superincumbent step SP52 (see figure 7) once more, therefore, the AUTO pattern of this inputting channel is set to " ON " so that drive the volume controller of inputting channel automatically once more.

If any one of superincumbent step SP72, SP74 and SP76 made determining of NO, program skips steps SP77 and arrive step SP78 then.That is to say, when not having cross fade being performed and if the FADER pattern is that " OFF " or AUTO pattern are when being " OFF ", only need to upgrade the counterpart of current region 16a, because be not the object of cross fade corresponding to the inputting channel of the volume controller of operating.

3.7. the cross fade end interrupt is handled

In case allowed the cross fade end interrupt among the superincumbent step SP59 (referring to Fig. 7), then started the cross fade end interrupt routine of Fig. 8 C with each cross fade end interrupt cycle.At the step SP82 of Fig. 8 C, begin back (that is, carrying out the back) at cross fade and determine whether to surpass the cross fade time of implementation at step SP59.If the definite result at step SP59 is NO, then finish this instant routine immediately.

On the other hand, if in step SP82, determine to have surpassed the cross fade time of implementation (obtain YES at step SP82 and determine the result), then routine enters step SP84, forbids that wherein the cross fade timer of Fig. 8 A interrupts and cross fade end interrupt (Fig. 8 C).In next step SP86, with the luminance of the SEL key of each inputting channel from the state-transition of indication " the current cross fade of carrying out " ((b) part of Figure 10) state for indication " the current cross fade of not carrying out " ((c) part of Figure 10).

3.8.SEL key press event handling

Press in the inputting channel in any one SEL key 516 the operator, the SEL key that promptly starts Fig. 9 is pressed event handler and is not considered the current cross fade of whether carrying out.Whether the FADER pattern of determining inputting channel in step SP102 is " NO ".If the FADER pattern is " OFF " (the definite result at step SP102 is NO), then routine is transferred to the step SP114 that the FADER pattern is set to " ON ".At next step SP116, from configuration information table 30, read the setting of the CROSSFADE pattern of inputting channel.At following step SP118, the luminance of SEL key is set to determine according to reading of CROSSFADE pattern.Here the luminance of the SEL key of Que Dinging is any one in several examples cited in Figure 10 (a) part.

On the other hand, if the FADER pattern is set to " ON " in the SEL key 516 pressing, then make definite result of YES, and routine enters the step SP104 that the FADER pattern is set to " OFF " at step SP102.At following step SP106, according to new FADER pattern (that is, " FADER MODE OFF "), the SEL key extinguishes.Whether step SP108 below, it is ongoing definite to make cross fade.If obtain definite result of YES at step SP108, then routine proceeds to step SP110, and wherein the AUTO pattern of inputting channel is set to " OFF ".

Therefore, even start the cross fade timing interruption routine of Fig. 8 A subsequently at inputting channel, the volume controller gain of this inputting channel can not changed by this cross fade timer interruption routine yet.At step SP112, the gain of the volume controller of inputting channel is updated to the volume controller gain of carrying out before the cross fade.Should " carry out cross fade before volume controller gain " be to be the reference level under the situation of " FROM " wherein, rather than be the minimum level " ∞ " under the situation of " TO " in the CROSSFADE of channel pattern in the CROSSFADE of channel pattern.In this way, this corresponding electronic sound volume controller is driven into and the corresponding position of new volume controller gain automatically.

That is to say, by the foregoing description, can be during carrying out cross fade, any one the method in the scheme (seeing Fig. 8 B) of the volume controller of selection (1) operation inputting channel and the scheme (see figure 9) of the SEL key that (2) press inputting channel as the cross fade that stops concrete inputting channel.When upgrading the volume controller gain, then be useful if use first method (that is the method for option (1)) when the cross fade that only will stop current execution and by operator's manual operation.When the inputting channel of being considered will be got rid of from current cross fade processing and the processing of cross fade subsequently, then be useful if use second method (that is the method for option (2)).

4. improved procedure

Be to be appreciated that the utility model is not limited to the above embodiments, but can revise according to the following various improved procedures that provide as an example.

(1) though embodiment has been described to be applied to digital mixer, the utility model certainly is applied to attenuator is directly connected to the simulation mixer of volume controller.In addition, the utility model can also be applied to the various tone conditioning equipments except mixer.

(2) the foregoing description is designed to, and when the FADER pattern was " ON ", the ON/OFF state of FADER pattern and the CROSSFADE pattern of each channel were by building the various luminance notification operator of the LED in the SEL key in as shown in Figure 10 in.Yet, in build the LED in the SEL key in illumination mode be not confined to described those modes of described embodiment.And, the LED in being built in the SEL key, can also notify these operator schemes by other display modes.For example, can adopt visual, that can listen and tangibly display device, for example character indicator, shape display and sound show.

(3) in addition, the foregoing description is designed to not consider whether carry out cross fade all with FADER pattern and CROSSFADE pattern notification operator.In addition, also embodiment can be designed to before carrying out cross fade, not notify and only when needed, for example just notify FADER pattern and CROSSFADE pattern when being activated when the cross fade processing.

(4) in addition, in the above-described embodiments, will carry out all notification operator of the FADER pattern of all inputting channels that cross fade handles and CROSSFADE pattern.Yet, needn't notify the pattern of all inputting channels simultaneously; Can only inform pattern by some or several channels of operator's appointment.

(5) in addition, among in the above-described embodiments the step SP118 and SP120, it is luminous that its FADER pattern is re-set as the SEL key of inputting channel of " ON ", with indication " the current cross fade of not carrying out " (referring to (a) part of Figure 10).Yet, in possibility, can make the SEL key luminous with indication " the current cross fade of carrying out ".

(6) in addition, the design of the step SP112 in the foregoing description makes that when the term of execution of cross fade when the FADER pattern was set to OFF, the gain of the volume controller of corresponding inputting channel was set to reference level or minimum level " ∞ ".Yet, possibility can be designed so that the current volume controller yield value of each inputting channel when the cross fade enabled instruction of execution graph 7 receives routine can be stored among the RAM116, so that so the volume controller yield value of storage is provided with in step SP112.

(7) in addition, in the above-described embodiments, the volume controller yield value at cross fade initialization each volume controller constantly is used as the cross fade reference level and is stored in the reference level specified portions 38 during initialization.Yet, under the situation of only carrying out a cross fade, such cross fade reference level needn't be set during initialization, and can respond the cross fade enabled instruction and be provided with.Particularly, the operation of step SP46 in the above-described embodiments (Fig. 7) can be used channel CH[k] operation that writes in the reference level specified portions 38 corresponding to a part of this channel of current volume controller gain value replaces.In this case, in the step SP112 of Fig. 9, the volume controller gain is upgraded with the value that so is written in the reference level specified portions 38.

(8) though the embodiment that describes carries out various processing by the program that CPU 18 carries out, these programs for example can be stored and be distributed in the recording medium such as CD-ROM or floppy disc individually, or distribute by communication path.

Claims

1. signal level conditioning equipment comprises:

At least two level adjustment operators, each operator all can be manually or are operatively regulated any one signal level at least two channels automatically;

It is characterized in that, also comprise:

Part is set, second pattern that is set to allow first pattern of gradual change or forbids gradual change at the gradual change operator scheme of each this channel of these channels;

The cross fade operating part, receiving in the cross fade execution command, promptly automatically operating corresponding in these an operators operator so that in these two channels, be set to the mode of signal level crescendo from least two channels of each channel of described first pattern at least; And

Change part, carry out in crescendo handles for these channels one of any at described cross fade operating part, when the gradual change operator scheme of this channel is changed to described second pattern, the crescendo that then stops this channel is handled, and the mode of operation of the described operator of this channel is changed into predetermined state.

2. signal level conditioning equipment as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that,

Described predetermined state is that described operator just is being that the mode of operation before beginning is handled in crescendo, and

Wherein, when described change part had stopped the crescendo processing, described change part returned to the mode of operation that is used for the operator of this channel at the mode of operation that just is the described operator before beginning is handled in described crescendo.

3. signal level conditioning equipment as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that,

During any one the execution crescendo in these channels being handled by described cross fade operating part, when another the gradual change operator scheme in these channels is changed to described first pattern, described cross fade operating part is when receiving new cross fade execution command subsequently, to carry out crescendo at this another channel and handle, handle and during carrying out the crescendo processing, do not carry out crescendo at another channel at a channel.

4. signal level conditioning equipment as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, the described part that is provided with comprises the switch that allows the user to select the gradual change operator scheme expected.

5. signal level conditioning equipment as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, also comprises:

The information display section branch shows that at each channel in indication crescendo and the diminuendo which is with the cross fade pattern information that is performed; And

Notifying device is notified the gradual change operator scheme and the cross fade pattern information of each channel.

6. signal level conditioning equipment as claimed in claim 5 is characterized in that,

Described notifying device comprises the visual display unit (VDU) with the corresponding setting of relevant channel.

7. signal level conditioning equipment as claimed in claim 6 is characterized in that,

Described visual display unit (VDU) with the gradual change operator scheme of predetermined display mode indicated channel and the combination of cross fade pattern information, for example is exclusively used in the predetermined color and/or the brightness of the combination of described gradual change operator scheme and cross fade pattern information at each channel.

8. signal level conditioning equipment as claimed in claim 5 is characterized in that,

The described operator of described notifying device and each channel is located relatively.

9. signal level conditioning equipment as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, this equipment is the mixing apparatus of audio or video signal.

10. signal level conditioning equipment comprises:

A plurality of level adjustment operators, each operator all can be manually or are operatively regulated any one signal level in a plurality of channels automatically;

It is characterized in that, also comprise:

The cross fade operating part, receiving in the cross fade execution command, promptly so that the signal level crescendo one of at least two channels in a plurality of channel and another the mode of signal level diminuendo in these at least two channels are automatically operated of correspondence in described a plurality of operator;

Carry out in crescendo handles at any one of these channels when described cross fade operating part the test section, detects the predetermined cross fade command for stopping that whether has provided at this channel; And

Stop control section, when described test section detects cross fade command for stopping at a channel, stop handling at the crescendo of this channel, the operator that will be used for this channel simultaneously remains on current operation status.

11. signal level conditioning equipment as claimed in claim 10, it is characterized in that, carry out crescendo when described cross fade operating part at a described channel and handle timing, described test section will be according to the manually operated detection of the described operator of this channel, detect described channel and whether be given predetermined cross fade command for stopping, and

Wherein, the operator that will be used for this channel is changed into and the corresponding mode of operation of the manual operation of described operator from the current operation status that is kept by described termination control section.

12. signal level conditioning equipment as claimed in claim 10 is characterized in that, also comprises:

Carry out in crescendo handles at any one of these channels at described cross fade operating part the test section, detects whether provided predetermined cross fade inhibit command at this channel, and

Change part, when described test section has detected the described predetermined cross fade inhibit command that provides at a described channel, termination is handled at the crescendo of this channel, and the mode of operation that will be used for the operator of this channel changes a predetermined state into.

13. signal level conditioning equipment as claimed in claim 12 is characterized in that,

Be given the channel of described predetermined cross fade command for stopping for any one, when being given new cross fade execution command subsequently, described cross fade operating part is carried out described crescendo and is handled, and

Wherein, be given the channel of described predetermined cross fade inhibit command for any one, till described cross fade was forbidden by cancellation subsequently, even when being given new cross fade execution command subsequently, described cross fade operating part was not carried out described crescendo yet and is handled.