JP2004282395A - Television set - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve a problem of an expensive appliance needed for enjoying surround acoustics and of restriction to a multi-channel regenerative DVD and the like as a regeneration source. <P>SOLUTION: Switches SW1 and SW2, by which the connection state is changed according to the connected conditions in relation to a RCA jack 11 and the like, are provided, so a voice output generated from a built-in speaker 30 is switched to monaural when an outer speaker 50 is connected. Then, the built-in speaker 30 functions as a pseudo center speaker, and a pseudo surround effect is acquired. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a television set, and more particularly to a television set having a stereo built-in speaker in a main body and an audio output terminal capable of outputting stereo audio to the outside.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, as this type of television set, a television set in which five speakers having different channels are arranged so as to surround a viewer at the center is known as the most general television set (for example, see Patent Document 1).
With such a configuration, the viewer can be surrounded by the sound source and enjoy a surround effect with a sense of presence as if he were there.
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-10-13987
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the above-mentioned conventional television set, digital signal processing for generating an audio signal corresponding to each channel is required, so that the apparatus becomes expensive, and the reproduction source is also limited to some DVDs and the like that support multi-channel reproduction. Otherwise, the maximum surround effect will not be exhibited.
On the other hand, there has been a demand for a television set that can provide a surround effect even with ordinary stereo sound currently input to a television.
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its object to provide a television set that can realize inexpensive pseudo surround sound.
[0004]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is characterized in that an external stereo audio output terminal provided in a television cabinet is electrically connected to the external cabinet via the external stereo audio output terminal. A television set comprising a pair of detachable left and right attached speakers and a pair of left and right built-in speakers built in the television cabinet, wherein the first state in which nothing is connected to the external stereo audio output terminal, Recognition means capable of distinguishing between a second state in which an external speaker is connected to the external stereo sound output terminal and a third state in which the attached speaker is connected to the external stereo sound output terminal, and a result of the recognition by the recognition means In the first state, stereo sound is output from the built-in speaker based on In the state, the built-in speaker outputs monaural sound, and in the third state, the sound signal transmitted to the built-in speaker is switched to output stereo sound from the built-in speaker. .
[0005]
In the invention according to claim 1 configured as described above, the recognition means includes: a first state in which nothing is connected to the external stereo audio output terminal; and an external speaker different from the attached speaker in the external stereo audio output terminal. A second state connected via a cable or the like, and a third state in which the pair of left and right attached speakers detachably attached to the television cabinet are connected to the external stereo audio output terminal, respectively. Further, based on the result of the determination, the signal switching means converts the audio signal transmitted to the built-in speaker into a stereo audio signal in the first and third states and a monaural audio signal in the second state. Automatically switch the audio signal to
[0006]
That is, the built-in speaker emits monaural sound only when the external speaker is connected to the external stereo sound output terminal. Here, when connecting the external speakers via a cable having a predetermined length, the external speakers can be arranged at a wide left and right angle with respect to the viewer. Therefore, the viewer can arrange the sound sources on the left and right sides. Further, at this time, since a monaural sound is emitted from the built-in speaker, a pseudo surround effect can be obtained. Further, since the built-in speaker is not muted, the sound volume in front of the television does not decrease. Needless to say, since the audio source to be reproduced is stereo audio, a pseudo surround effect can be enjoyed even with a normal analog terrestrial wave.
[0007]
Note that the recognition means only needs to be able to recognize that the attached speaker and the external speaker are connected to the external stereo audio output terminal, and may be a means for mechanically detecting pressing of a terminal portion or the like, or Electrical means such as detecting a resistance value of a device to be performed may be used. Further, if the external stereo audio output terminal is of an optical connection type, it is preferable to detect optically. Further, the external stereo audio output terminal only needs to be able to output a stereo audio signal, and various modes can be adopted. For example, a pair of left and right RCA pins / jacks may be employed, or a stereo mini jack used for headphones or the like may be employed. Further, the external stereo audio output terminal may be provided separately for an external speaker and an attached speaker, or a single external stereo audio output terminal may be shared by each speaker.
[0008]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a television set including an external stereo audio output terminal provided in a television cabinet, and a pair of left and right built-in speakers built in the television cabinet. Recognition means capable of distinguishing between the first state in which nothing is connected to the stereo audio output terminal and the second state in which an external speaker different from the attached speaker is connected to the external stereo audio output terminal, and the recognition means, Signal switching means for switching an audio signal transmitted to the built-in speaker so as to output stereo sound from the built-in speaker in the first state and to output monaural sound from the built-in speaker in the second state. Is provided.
[0009]
In the invention of claim 2 configured as described above, the recognition means includes a first state in which nothing is connected to the external stereo audio output terminal, and an external speaker different from the attached speaker in the external stereo audio output terminal. A second state connected via a cable or the like is determined. Further, based on the determination result, the signal switching means converts the audio signal transmitted to the built-in speaker into a stereo audio signal in the first state and a monaural audio signal in the second state. Switch automatically.
[0010]
That is, when the external speaker is connected to the external stereo audio output terminal, the built-in speaker emits monaural audio. Therefore, for the same reason as described above, it is possible to exert a pseudo surround effect over a wide range. In addition, since the audio source to be reproduced is only stereo audio, the above surround effect can be enjoyed even with a normal analog terrestrial wave.
[0011]
The invention according to claim 3 further comprises a pair of left and right attached speakers that are detachably attached to the television cabinet while being electrically connected via the external stereo audio output terminal, and the attached speakers are attached. And a signal switching means for automatically switching an audio signal transmitted to the built-in speaker so as to output stereo sound from the built-in speaker based on the recognition means. There is a configuration.
[0012]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, the attached speaker can be attached to the television cabinet and emit stereo sound by being electrically connected to the external stereo audio output terminal. It becomes. Further, the recognition means determines that the attached speaker is attached, and supplies a stereo sound signal to the built-in speaker based on the judgment. Accordingly, the attached speaker and the built-in speaker, both of which are disposed in the television cabinet, are almost at the same position with respect to the viewer, and both speakers emit stereo sound and emphasize each other.
[0013]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the signal switching means converts the audio signal transmitted to the built-in speaker into a monaural audio signal and a stereo audio signal in accordance with a discrimination result of the recognition means and also based on a command from a viewer. It is configured to switch to one of the signals.
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the switching between the monaural audio signal and the stereo audio signal is performed based on a viewer's instruction in addition to the determination result of the recognition means. That is, the viewer can arbitrarily switch the sound emitted from the built-in speaker.
[0014]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the first and second aspects of the present invention, it is possible to provide a television set having a realistic sense and a high surround effect.
According to the third aspect of the present invention, stereo sound can be emphasized.
According to the invention according to claim 4, it is possible for the viewer to select the audio to be output.
[0015]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order.
(1) Description of usage conditions:
(2) Explanation of speaker wiring:
(3) Modification:
(4) Summary:
[0016]
(1) Description of usage conditions:
FIG. 1 shows a television set according to a first embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the front. In the figure, a pair of left and right built-in speakers 30 is incorporated on the front surface of a television 10 having a monitor 40. In addition, a power switch (not shown), a remote control receiving unit, an antenna terminal, various input / output terminals such as a power terminal, and the like are provided on a front surface and a rear surface of the television 10. On the other hand, on the upper surface of the television 10, a connection mechanism for connecting an attached speaker described later such as a pair of left and right RCA jacks 11a and 11b is provided. Note that the television 10 according to the present embodiment includes a stereo audio circuit therein, and can output stereo audio from the built-in speaker 30.
[0017]
FIG. 2 shows a television set according to the first embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the front. In the figure, a pair of left and right attached speakers 20a and 20b are mounted and fixed on the upper surface of the television 10. Here, the difference between the state of the television set shown in FIG. 1 and the state of the television set shown in FIG. 2 is whether or not the attached speakers 20a and 20b are mounted and fixed. The latter is expressed as a third state. In the third state, the attached speaker 20 is also electrically connected and can output stereo sound.
[0018]
FIG. 3 shows a cross section of the attached speaker 20 and the television 10 in the third state. In the figure, an RCA pin 21 projecting downward from a speaker cabinet 23 of an attached speaker 20 is inserted into an RCA jack 11 embedded in a television cabinet 15. The RCA pin 21 is electrically connected to the speaker unit 22 via a wiring (not shown). On the other hand, a positioning projection 23a for positioning the attached speaker 20 is formed on the front side of the television 10, and a tip of the positioning projection 23a is formed in the television cabinet 15 in correspondence with the positioning projection 23a. Penetrates. Further, in order to fix the attached speaker 20 and the screw hole 15b15, a screw 26 is screwed into the screw hole 15b behind the attached speaker 20 while passing through a hole 23b provided in the speaker cabinet 23. A pair of left and right audio signals are transmitted to left and right RCA jacks 11a and 11b provided on the left and right of the television 10, and both output stereo audio.
[0019]
With this configuration, when the attached speaker 20 is moved closer to the television 10 while the positioning projection 23a and the hole 15a and the RCA pin 21 and the RCA jack 11 are aligned, the RCA pin 21 and the RCA jack 11 are electrically connected. Connect to Thereafter, the attached speaker 20 can be fixed to the screw hole 15b15 by screwing the screw 26 into the screw hole 15b. On the other hand, when removing the attached speaker 20, the screws 26 and the screw holes 15b may be released from the screw and the attached speaker 20 may be separated from the television 10 in the axial direction of the RCA pin 21. Thus, the attached speaker 20 is detachable from the television 10.
[0020]
Therefore, when transportation is required at the time of factory shipment, the attached speaker 20 is removed so as not to be bulky, and when used, the attached speaker 20 is attached to enjoy a realistic sound. It becomes possible. Note that a stereo sound is emitted from the attached speaker 20 by the sound signal transmitted to the RCA jack 11.
[0021]
FIG. 4 shows a state where the RCA pin 21 is inserted into the RCA jack 11.
A switch W1 that is pressed at the distal end of the RCA pin 21 to change the connection state is provided on the back side of the RCA jack 11. The switch SW1 has a movable section 27 and a pair of fixed sections 28 and 29.
[0022]
The movable section 27 is covered with a flexible insulating resin except for both ends in the longitudinal direction while arranging a pair of strip-shaped metal pieces 27a and 27b in parallel. One end is a fixed end. It is fixed to the screw hole 15b. A pair of speaker cables 27c is soldered and fixed to the ends of the metal pieces 27a and 27b on the fixed end side, and the free end on the opposite side abuts on the fixed sections 28 and 29 as a movable piece. Connection is possible.
[0023]
The fixed pieces 28 and 29 are coated with an insulating resin except for both ends in the longitudinal direction while arranging a pair of strip-shaped metal pieces 28a, 28b, 29a and 29b in parallel in substantially the same manner as the movable piece 27. , Is fixed to the television cabinet 15 at about the middle. The side of each metal piece 28a, 28b, 29a, 29b near the movable section 27 is held at a position sandwiching the free end of the movable section 27, and the side farther from the movable section 27 is used for switching to be described later. Two pairs of cables 28c and 29c are connected by soldering. The movable piece 27 contacts the metal pieces 28a and 28b when the RCA pin 21 is not inserted. When the RCA pin 21 is inserted, the movable piece 27 is pressed and bent, and contacts the metal pieces 29a and 29b. Touch Obviously, in each contact state, the exposed metal portions come into contact with each other and are electrically connected. Since the speaker cable 11 c is also connected to the RCA jack 11 to supply an audio signal, if the RCA pin 21 is inserted into the RCA jack 11, audio will be output from the attached speaker 20.
[0024]
Hereinafter, as shown in the table, the state where the RCA pin 21 is inserted into the RCA jack 11 and the movable piece 27 is in contact with the metal pieces 29a and 29b is the state where SW1 is connected to the terminal (2). The state where the movable piece 27 is in contact with the metal pieces 28a and 28b without the RCA pin 21 being inserted into the RCA jack 11 is referred to as a state where the SW1 is connected to the terminal (1).
[0025]
FIG. 5 shows a state in which the positioning projection 23a is inserted into a hole 15a provided in the television cabinet 15.
A switch SW2 that is pressed at the distal end of the positioning protrusion 23a and changes the connection state is provided on the back side of the hole 15a. The switch SW2 has a movable section 24 and a pair of fixed sections 25 and 26.
[0026]
The movable section 24 is covered with a flexible insulating resin except for both ends in the longitudinal direction while arranging a pair of strip-shaped metal pieces 24a and 24b in parallel, and one end is a fixed end. It is fixed to the television cabinet 15. A pair of speaker cables 24c is fixed by soldering to the ends of the metal pieces 24a and 24b on the fixed end side, and the free end on the opposite side abuts on the fixed sections 25 and 26 as a movable piece. Connection is possible.
[0027]
The fixed pieces 25 and 26 are covered with an insulating resin except for both ends in the longitudinal direction while arranging a pair of strip-shaped metal pieces 25a, 25b, 26a and 26b in parallel in substantially the same manner as the movable piece 24. , Is fixed to the television cabinet 15 at about the middle. The side of each of the metal pieces 25a, 25b, 26a, 26b near the movable section 24 is held at a position sandwiching the free end of the movable section 24, and the side far from the movable section 24 is used for switching to be described later. Two pairs of cables 25c and 26c are connected by soldering. The movable piece 24 comes into contact with the metal pieces 25a and 25b when the positioning projection 23a is not inserted. When the positioning projection 23a is inserted, the movable piece 24 is pressed and bent, and comes into contact with the metal pieces 26a and 26b. Touch Obviously, in each contact state, the exposed metal portions come into contact with each other and are electrically connected.
[0028]
Hereinafter, as shown in the table, the state where the positioning projection 23a is inserted into the hole 15a and the movable piece 24 is in contact with the metal pieces 26a and 26b is the state where SW2 is connected to the terminal (4). A state where the movable piece 24 is in contact with the metal pieces 25a and 25b without the RCA pin 21 being inserted into the RCA jack 11 is expressed as a state where the SW2 is connected to the terminal (3).
[0029]
FIG. 6 shows a second state in which an external speaker 50 is attached to the RCA jack 11 of the television 10 via a cable 51. In the figure, since the cable 51 has a predetermined length, the arrangement position of the external speaker 50 can be selected according to the length of the cable 51. The cable 51 can be connected to the RCA jack 11 by having an RCA pin at one end. At this time, since the positioning projection 23a is not provided on the cable 51, the switch SW2 remains in contact with the terminal (3), and the switch SW1 is in contact with the terminal (2).
[0030]
With this configuration, since the stereo audio is output to the RCA jack 11, the external speaker 50 can emit stereo audio, and the left and right external speakers 50 can be arranged at a wide angle with respect to the viewer. As a result, a more realistic sound effect can be given to the viewer. In addition, since the RCA jack 11 is used as the connection terminal, the versatility is high, and the selection range of the external speaker 50 is wide. Therefore, if a high-quality external speaker 50 is used, the sound effect can be further improved. Of course, if a cable having an RCA male terminal at one end and an RCA female terminal at the other end is used as the cable 51, the attached speaker 20 can be used as it is and can be arranged at a wide angle.
[0031]
(2) Explanation of speaker wiring:
FIG. 7 schematically illustrates a speaker wiring circuit according to the present embodiment. The audio IC 80 is connected to a tuner, a VIF circuit, a microcomputer, and the like (not shown), and inputs and outputs signals and the like as appropriate. In the figure, left and right stereo audio signals from the audio IC 80 are always supplied to the RCA jack 11 while being amplified by an amplifier. Therefore, as described above, in both the third state in which the attached speaker 20 is connected to the RCA jack 11 and the second state in which the external speaker is connected to the RCA jack 11, the attached speaker 20 and the external speaker (cable (Including the case where the attached speaker 20 is connected via the), stereo sound is emitted.
[0032]
On the other hand, with respect to the built-in speaker 30, switches SW1 and SW2 are interposed between the audio IC 80 and the amplifier, and a switching circuit 90 that mixes L and R audio signals to generate monaural audio is also formed. The switches SW1 and SW2 are the above-described switches, and the respective connections are switched when the attached speaker 20 is attached or the RCA pin is inserted. Here, when the switch SW1 is connected to the terminal (2) and the switch SW2 is connected to the terminal (3) due to the circuit configuration, a monaural signal is supplied to the built-in speaker 30. On the other hand, when the switch SW1 is connected to the terminal (1) and the switch SW2 is connected to the terminal (3), and when the switch SW1 is connected to the terminal (2) and the switch SW2 is connected to the terminal (4). , A stereo signal is supplied to the built-in speaker 30.
[0033]
FIG. 8 shows a table in which the first to third states described above are associated with the operations of the switches SW1 and SW2. In the figure, in a first state in which nothing is connected to the RCA jack 11, the switch SW1 is connected to the terminal (1) and the switch SW2 is connected to the terminal (3). Be emitted. Further, even in the third state in which the attached speaker 20 is directly connected to the RCA jack 11, the switch SW1 is connected to the terminal (2) and the switch SW2 is connected to the terminal (4). Is issued. On the other hand, in the second state in which the external speaker 50 is connected to the RCA jack 11, the switch SW1 is connected to the terminal (2) and the switch SW2 is connected to the terminal (3). Be emitted. That is, the monaural sound is automatically output from the built-in speaker 30 only in the second state in which the external speaker 50 capable of arranging stereo speakers at a wide angle is connected.
[0034]
Here, in FIG. 6 showing the positional relationship between the viewer and each speaker in the second state, an external speaker 50R (right speaker) is disposed on the right side of the viewer, and an external speaker 50L (left side) is provided on the left side. Speakers) are placed. This allows the viewer to hear the right-side audio and the left-side audio from the respective sides, thereby increasing the sense of reality.
[0035]
Furthermore, as in the present embodiment, when the external speaker 50 is connected, monaural sound is automatically generated from the built-in speaker 30, and in addition to the left and right external speakers 50 </ b> R and 50 </ b> L located in front of the television 10. Since a pseudo center speaker is provided on the front, a pseudo surround effect can be obtained. Further, since the built-in speaker 30 is not muted, the front volume is not weakened. Further, since the switching of the audio output of the built-in speaker 30 is automatically performed, the setting or the like does not become complicated.
The above description has been made on the assumption that the audio source is a stereo sound. However, when the audio source is a monaural sound, it goes without saying that the monaural sound is output from the built-in speaker 30 in any state.
[0036]
(3) Second embodiment:
FIG. 9 schematically illustrates a speaker wiring circuit according to the second embodiment. In the figure, in addition to a switching circuit 190 similar to the switching circuit 90 of the previous embodiment, an IC 160 is incorporated in the same circuit. In the IC 160, inputs I1L and I1R from the switching circuit 190, inputs I2L and I2R from which a stereo signal from the audio IC is directly extracted, and an input / output I3 from the microcomputer 170 are connected as input signals. Furthermore, outputs O1R and O1L for the built-in speakers are also connected.
[0037]
The IC can generate a monaural audio signal from the input stereo audio signals I2L and I2R based on a command from the microcomputer 170, and can output the monaural audio signal and the audio from the inputs I1L and I1R from the switching circuit 190. By switching any of the inputs, the signal is output to the built-in speaker via the outputs O1R and O1L. Further, the microcomputer 170 is linked to a video IC, a monitor, a remote control receiving unit, and the like, and a viewer can give the above-mentioned command to the IC 160 by operating the remote control while checking the monitor.
[0038]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure for switching the output of the built-in speaker by the above configuration. In FIG. 10, when the automatic mode is selected in step S105, the IC 160 outputs the inputs I1L and I1R from the switching circuit 190 to the built-in speaker 130 as they are in step 125. At this time, as described in the previous embodiment, the sound output from the built-in speaker 130 by the switching circuit 190 is either stereo or monaural depending on the connection status of the speaker.
[0039]
On the other hand, if the automatic mode is not selected in step S105, the viewer can select either stereo or monaural in step S110. Here, when the monaural sound is selected, the monaural sound signal is output to the built-in speaker 130 while generating the monaural sound signal from the inputs I2L and I2R from which the stereo signal from the sound IC is directly extracted in step S115. If no monaural sound is selected in step S110, inputs I2L and I2R are output to built-in speaker 130 as they are.
[0040]
With this configuration, it is possible to select an automatic mode in which an optimal sound effect is obtained according to the connection state of the speakers, and to select either stereo or monaural based on the viewer's intention. For example, even if the viewer wants to enjoy only monaural sound, the monaural sound may be selected in steps S105 and S110 without connecting anything to the external stereo sound output terminal, and the viewer's intention is flexible. Can be handled.
[0041]
(4) Summary:
As described above, according to the present invention, the audio output from the built-in speaker is switched to either stereo / monaural due to the connection status of the external stereo audio output terminal or the like, thereby responding to the connection status. Optimal sound effects can be automatically realized.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an exemplary front view showing a first state of a television according to a first embodiment;
FIG. 2 is an exemplary front view showing a third state of the television according to the first embodiment;
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the attached speaker according to the first embodiment;
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the RCA jack according to the first embodiment as viewed from the side.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the positioning protrusion according to the first embodiment as viewed from the side.
FIG. 6 is an exemplary plan view showing the second state of the television according to the first embodiment when viewed from above;
FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram showing speaker wiring of the television according to the first embodiment;
FIG. 8 is a table showing a relationship between each state according to the first embodiment and the audio output of a built-in speaker.
FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram showing the speaker wiring of the television according to the second embodiment;
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure for setting the output of the built-in speaker according to the second embodiment;
[Explanation of symbols]
10. Television
15 ... Television cabinet
20, 120 ... attached speaker
30, 130 ... Built-in speaker
40 ... monitor
50,150 ... External speaker
51… Cable
60 ... IC
170 ... microcomputer
80,180 ... Voice IC

Claims (4)

An external stereo audio output terminal provided in the television cabinet, and a pair of left and right attached speakers that are detachably attached to the television cabinet while being electrically connected through the external stereo audio output terminal. A television set including a pair of built-in left and right built-in speakers,
A first state in which nothing is connected to the external stereo audio output terminal, a second state in which an external speaker is connected to the external stereo audio output terminal, and a third state in which the attached speaker is connected to the external stereo audio output terminal. Recognition means capable of distinguishing each state;
In the first state, stereo sound is output from the built-in speaker, in the second state, monaural sound is output from the built-in speaker, and in the third state, stereo sound is output from the built-in speaker. A television set comprising signal switching means for switching an audio signal transmitted to the built-in speaker so as to output audio. An external stereo audio output terminal provided in a television cabinet, and a television set including a pair of left and right built-in speakers built in the television cabinet,
Recognition means capable of distinguishing between a first state in which nothing is connected to the external stereo audio output terminal and a second state in which an external speaker different from the attached speaker is connected to the external stereo audio output terminal,
Based on the recognition means, the audio signal transmitted to the built-in speaker is switched such that stereo sound is output from the built-in speaker in the first state and monaural sound is output from the built-in speaker in the second state. A television set comprising signal switching means. While being electrically connected via the external stereo audio output terminal, the television cabinet includes a pair of left and right attached speakers that are detachable from the television cabinet,
Recognition means capable of distinguishing the state in which the attached speaker is attached,
3. A signal switching means for automatically switching an audio signal transmitted to the built-in speaker so as to output a stereo sound from the built-in speaker based on the recognition means. Television set The signal switching means switches an audio signal transmitted to the built-in speaker to one of a monaural audio signal and a stereo audio signal based on a discrimination result of the recognition means and also based on a command of a viewer. A television set according to any one of claims 2 to 3.

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