JP2006093935A - Switch operation guiding method and line controller - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a line controller capable of preventing incorrect operation by shortening the operating time in manual operation. <P>SOLUTION: The line controller comprises a plurality of output lines, a storage means (36) prestoring a series of procedures for selecting an arbitrary output line, a plurality of operating switches (203, 207, 208...) for inputting designation information for executing a selected operation, a plurality of light emitting means (37, 38, 40-42) corresponding to these switches, respectively, and a line control means (39) for selecting an arbitrary output line based on the series of procedures by the designation information and performing control to deliver output signals for them wherein the line control means displays the operating state in one procedure by making any one light emitting means emit light with a first luminance, specifies an operating switch allowing operation in next procedure from the series of procedures and makes a light emitting means corresponding to the specified operating switch emit light with a second luminance different from the first luminance. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a switch operation guide method that guides an operation procedure of a switch that is manually operated according to a predetermined procedure, and a line control device that is used for local broadcasting and guides a manual switch operation using the operation guide method.

In on-site broadcasting at distribution stores, schools, etc., business broadcasting systems that perform broadcasting by selecting and controlling a large number of speakers corresponding to various broadcasting sources are widely used. An example of such a business broadcast system is described in Patent Document 1.
Many buildings and the like that require such a business broadcasting system have a plurality of floors, and each floor has a large space. That is, a system in which a large number of speakers are arranged is constructed.
Therefore, a line control apparatus for remotely controlling a speaker or the like in this system is generally configured to control an extremely large number of broadcast lines (for example, several hundred lines).
JP 2002-176405 A

In the conventional line control apparatus as described above, in order to select a broadcast line or to store the selected broadcast destination or the like, a predetermined switch is selected from many switches, and more procedures are performed. After that, you must complete the operation correctly.
Therefore, it is very difficult to memorize the operation procedure, and it takes time to operate, and there is a problem that it is easy to push the switch by mistake or to make a mistake in the procedure.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a switch operation guidance method and a line control device that can shorten an operation time in manual operation and prevent an erroneous operation.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention has the following procedures as means.
That is, the invention according to claim 1 is configured to perform the plurality of switches (203, which is performed according to a predetermined series of procedures for operating the device (102) including the plurality of switches (203, 207, 208,...). ) In the operation guide method of the switch for guiding the manual operation to
A light emitting means (37, 38, 40 to 42) corresponding to each of the plurality of switches (203, 207, 208...) Is provided, and the operation state of the device (102) in one step of the series of steps is described above. Any one of the light emitting means (37, 38, 40 to 42) is caused to emit light and display at the first luminance, and among the plurality of switches (203, 207, 208...) In the switch operation guide method, the light emitting means (37, 38, 40 to 42) corresponding to the switch that allows operation is caused to emit light at a second luminance different from the first luminance.

Moreover, this invention has the following structure as a means.
That is, the invention according to claim 2 includes a plurality of output lines for sending output signals, and storage means (36) for storing a series of procedures for selecting an arbitrary output line from among the plurality of output lines, A plurality of operation switches (203, 207, 208...) For inputting instruction information for executing the selection operation, and a plurality of light emitting means (203, 207, 208...) Corresponding to each of the plurality of operation switches (203, 207, 208. 37, 38, 40 to 42) and line control means for controlling to select the arbitrary output line based on the series of procedures and to send an output signal to the selected output line based on the instruction information. (39) and a line control device (102) comprising:
The line control means (39) displays an operation state in one procedure of the series of procedures by causing one of the light emitting means (37, 38, 40 to 42) to emit light at a first luminance, Among the operation switches (203, 207, 208...), An operation switch that allows operation in the next procedure of the one procedure is identified from the series of procedures, and the light emitting means corresponding to the identified operation switch is identified. The line control device (102) controls to emit light with a second luminance different from the first luminance.

  According to the present invention, a switch that can be operated in the following procedure is turned on at a brightness different from that of a switch that is turned on to indicate an operation state, thereby shortening an operation time in a manual operation and preventing an erroneous operation. There is an effect that can be done.

The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of a business broadcast system to which an embodiment of a line control apparatus of the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is a plan view for explaining an embodiment of the line control apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining an embodiment of the line control apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation in the embodiment of the line control apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation guidance procedure in the embodiment of the line control apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a mode transition chart in the embodiment of the line control apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an LED lighting mode in the embodiment of the line control apparatus of the present invention.

The business broadcasting system to which the line control apparatus of this embodiment is applied is installed in a department store having sales floors on the first floor to the fourth floor, and the outline of the configuration of this system will be described with reference to FIG.
In this department store, n broadcasting speakers SP1 to SPn are installed on the ceiling or the like for each floor. The value of n may be different for each floor.

  Here, in order to distinguish the floors, the first to fourth floors may be displayed as subscripts a to d and may be written at the end of the code. In this case, for example, the speakers on the second floor are indicated by the symbols SP1b to SPnb. The same applies hereinafter.

Broadcast rooms are provided on each floor, and line control devices 102a to 102d each having a microphone 103 are installed in each broadcast room.
Broadcast controllers SP1 to SPn installed on the respective floors are connected to the line control devices 102a to 102d, and can be remotely controlled independently of each other. Hereinafter, the line control devices 102a to 102d are referred to as remote control devices.

  Each remote control device 102a to 102d is connected to a center unit 101 installed in a disaster prevention center (central management room) for centralized control of the whole (all floors) via a distribution unit 101B, and is mutually voiced. Information and control information can be exchanged.

In addition, in the above-described broadcasting room on each floor, a recording / playback device 104a for recording the contents to be announced in advance or playing back a recorded medium (tape, disk, etc.), background music (hereinafter referred to as BGM). And the like are connected to each remote control device 102.
Therefore, the audio output from the above-described microphone 103 and the reproducing devices 104a and 104b can be broadcast from the broadcasting speakers SP1 to SPn on the floor via the remote control device 102.

Further, the remote control device 102 on a certain floor can be broadcast from desired speakers SP1 to SPn on other floors via the center unit 101 and the remote control device 102 on the other floor.
For example, when broadcasting from the first floor remote control device 102a to the third floor, when the first floor remote control device 102a selects the floor to be broadcast (third floor) and the speaker responsible for the broadcast area, the remote control device 102a sends the selection information to the center unit 101.

The center unit 101 selects the third floor remote control device 102c based on the sent selection information, and sends an audio output signal from the first floor remote control device 102a to the control device 102c.
Thus, desired broadcasting can be performed in a predetermined area on the third floor using the microphone 103 and the playback devices 104a and 104b of the remote control device 102a on the first floor.

  With such a configuration, the selected line is the entire line, broadcasts the scheduled guidance to the whole building, broadcasts the temporary guidance (for example, the announcement of the lost child), and the speaker responsible for the specific area holding the event You can select a line and broadcast event-related information only for that area.

Here, the remote control device 102 of the embodiment will be described in detail.
First, the external appearance of the front panel side is shown in FIG.
A flexible column (not shown) is provided on the upper left side of the panel so as to protrude from the main body toward the front of the figure (in the installed state toward the upper side of the apparatus), and a microphone 103 is attached to the tip of the column. ing.

In addition, a line display 202 capable of displaying a 3-digit number or the like is provided at the upper right.
Further, a block switch 203 which is ten switches (buttons) corresponding to the numbers 1 to 0 for inputting or selecting a line number is provided.
The block switch 203 is provided for two line blocks 203A and 203B, and a total of 20 switches are provided.

  Further, down chime switch 204 and up chime switch 206 to be pressed when broadcasting chime, broadcasting or broadcast / restoration switch 205 to restore (reset) this, line selection switch 207 to be pressed when selecting a line, selected line Line registration switch 208 to be pressed when registering the number, clear switch 209 to be pressed to correct the selection, broadcast switch 215 to be pressed when performing broadcast, memory registration switch 217 to be pressed when registering memory, memory registration switch A memory confirmation switch 218 for confirming the contents, first and second memory switches 216a, 216b and the like to be pressed when broadcasting the contents registered in the memory are provided.

These switches are self-illuminating switches with built-in LEDs.
Here, in particular, the built-in LEDs of the 20 line number switches 203, the broadcast / recovery switch 205, the line selection switch 207, the line registration switch 208, and the clear switch 209 are labeled as LED 38, LED 37, LED 40, LED 41, and LED 42, respectively. Keep it.

Next, the configuration of the remote control device 102 will be described with reference to a block diagram (FIG. 3).
This remote control device 102 includes a bus line 30, to the bus line 30, an external input terminal (Exit Input) 32 for connecting an external recording / reproducing device or the like, to another remote control device or the center unit 101. A control signal output terminal (CTL output) 33 for outputting a control signal, an audio signal output terminal (Audio output) 34 for outputting an audio signal inputted from the microphone 103 or the outside, a line display capable of displaying a 3-digit number, etc. 202, a buzzer 35 for emitting a warning to an operator in case of an erroneous operation, a memory 36 for storing a control program in advance and storing a line to be registered, an operation state display and a guide for operation procedures Light emitting means (LED) 37, 38 (38a, 38b...), 40, 41, 2 and CPU39 for controlling the control device itself has become connected. Although not shown, the memory 36 is composed of two independent memories.

The CPU 39 sets a mode (details will be described later) according to a control program stored in advance in the memory 36, and controls the light emission of the LED of each switch for each mode. This control is not limited to the presence or absence of light emission, but also the light emission luminance.
Further, the CPU 39 sends a control signal from the control signal output terminal 33 to the center unit 101, and outputs a voice signal such as a voice recorded by the microphone 103 or a voice inputted from the outside to the center unit 101 from the voice signal output terminal 34. To do.

  The control program stored in advance in the memory 36 shifts the operation of the apparatus to another mode according to the mode transition shown in FIG. 6, and in each mode, the LED is turned on with a predetermined luminance according to the LED lighting rule shown in FIG. It is programmed to turn off.

Next, the broadcast modes that can be used in the remote control device 102 will be described in detail.
That is, the remote control device 102 can select and broadcast several broadcast modes.
Specifically, (1) a block broadcasting mode in which a line is previously blocked and broadcasting is performed for each block, (2) a simultaneous broadcasting mode in which broadcasting is performed for all connected lines, and (3) A memory broadcast mode in which a plurality of lines are registered in advance and broadcast only on the registered lines, and (4) a line selection broadcast mode in which a desired line is selected during broadcasting and broadcast is performed on the selected line. Mode. An example of the procedure for selecting these modes is shown in the flowchart of FIG.

  First, when all the initial LEDs are turned off (S401), when the block switch 203 is pressed (S402), the block broadcast mode is entered and the block broadcast process is executed.

  When the broadcast switch 215 is pressed without pressing the block switch 203 (S403), the broadcast mode is entered and the broadcast process is executed.

  If the first or second memory switch 216a, 216b is pressed without pressing the broadcast switch 215 (S404), the memory broadcast mode is entered and the memory broadcast process is executed.

If the line selection switch 207 is pressed without pressing the memory switch (S405), the line selection broadcast mode is entered, and the line selection broadcast process is executed.
Here, the remote control device 102 can register the line selected in the line selection broadcast process in the memory by pressing the memory registration switch 217 (S406).

When the memory confirmation switch 218 is pressed without pressing the memory registration switch 217 (S407), the registered memory contents are displayed on the line display 202, so that the contents can be confirmed.
The mode can be selected by the above procedure.

Of these selection modes, the line selection broadcast mode will be described in detail as a representative.
Immediately after the remote control device 102 is turned on, it is “mode 000” (initial state) in the mode transition chart (see FIG. 6).

  This “mode 000” is a mode in which a line can be selected. As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4 and the mode transition chart of FIG. 6, the switches that can be pressed are 20 block switches 203 and this block switch. These are a line selection switch 203 also used as 203, a broadcast selection switch 215, memory switches 216a and 216b corresponding to two memories, a line registration switch 208, and a memory confirmation switch 218.

The procedure in the case of broadcasting in this line selection broadcast mode will be described using the flowchart of FIG.
First, the operator (operator) presses the line selection switch 207 (step S501).
The CPU 39 of the remote control device 102 checks whether or not the LED 37 of the line selection switch 207 is already lit (step S502).
If this LED 37 is already lit, it is not in “mode 000” but in “mode 200”, so that it is shifted to “mode 000” which is the initial state according to the mode transition chart (see FIG. 6) (step S503). Then, the LED 37 is turned off (step S504).
If the LED 37 is not lit, the process proceeds to “mode 200” according to the mode transition chart (step S505).

In “mode 200”, the CPU 39 causes the line display display 202 to blink “−−−” in accordance with the LED lighting diagram (see FIG. 7) (step S506).
Further, the CPU 39 turns on the LED 38 of the line number switch 203 and the LED 40 of the line registration switch 208 with low luminance (step S507) and turns on the LED 37 of the line selection switch 207 with high luminance (step S508).

The light emission luminance of the LED is selectively used by turning on a switch indicating an operation state with high luminance and lighting a switch that can be operated in the following procedure with low luminance.
Therefore, the operator can grasp the operation state of the remote control device 102 with the type of the switch that is lit with high brightness, and the switch that can be pressed in the next operation is lit with low brightness, so this can be grasped instantly and reliably. it can.
For this reason, when operating this apparatus, there is no erroneous operation, and the operation can be performed quickly. The same applies to the subsequent procedures.

The operator presses the line number switch 203 of the number that is lit with low brightness, and inputs the number of the line to be broadcast.
For example, if it is desired to broadcast on the 23rd line, the line number switches 203 of “2” and “3” are pressed in order (step S509).
By this switch operation, the CPU 39 checks whether or not the line having the input number is registered (step S510).
If not registered, the CPU 39 instructs the buzzer 35 to emit an alarm sound “beep” in order to notify an input error (input of an unregistered number) (step S511).
If registered, the CPU 39 shifts the remote control device 102 to “mode 210” (step S512).

In “mode 210”, the CPU 39 causes the input number “23” to blink on the line display 202 (step S513).
At this time, since the line display 202 can display three digits, “−23” is displayed.
Then, the LED 38 of the line number switch 203 and the LED 37 of the line registration switch 208 are turned on with low luminance (step S514), and the line number switch 203 is turned on with high luminance (step S515).

The operator confirms whether or not the input number displayed by viewing the line display 202 is correct.
If it is correct, the line registration switch 208 is pressed (step S516).
By this operation, the CPU 39 shifts the remote control device 102 from “mode 210” to “mode 220” (step S517).

In “mode 220”, the CPU 39 displays “023” on the line display 202 in accordance with the LED lighting diagram (step S518).
Further, the LED 38 of the line number switch 203 and the LED 41 of the clear switch 209 are turned on with low luminance (step S519), and the LED 37 of the line selection switch 207 is turned on with high luminance (step S520).
On the other hand, the LED 40 of the line registration switch is turned off.
The line is selected by the above operation.

If another line is desired to be selected, the operations from step S509 to step S520 are repeated, and the line number to be broadcast is sequentially input.
For example, it is assumed that a total of three line numbers “064” and “108” are selected in addition to “023” by this repeated input.
When the input of the third line number is completed, the operator presses the broadcast / recovery switch 205 (step S521).
Then, the CPU 39 shifts the remote control device 102 to “mode 520” according to the mode transition chart (step S522).

In “mode 520”, the CPU 39 changes the LED 42 of the broadcast / recovery switch 205 from blinking display to lighting display in accordance with the LED lighting diagram (step S523). At this time, the LED 37 of the line selection switch 207 is kept lit at high brightness.
Then, the CPU 39 outputs a control signal for instructing the center unit 101 to broadcast on the set line from the control signal output terminal 33 (step S524), while reproducing the sound from the microphone 103 and the reproduction from the reproduction device. An audio signal is output from the audio signal output terminal 34 to the center unit 101 (step S525).

The center unit 101 broadcasts from the speaker 103 provided on the designated floor based on the control signal output from the remote control device 102.
Thus, if the operator or the like speaks into the microphone 103, it is broadcast from a desired speaker.
At this time, if necessary, the up chime switch 206 or the down chime switch 204 can be pushed to broadcast the chime.

When ending the broadcast, the operator presses the broadcast / recovery switch 205 (step S526).
By this operation, the CPU 39 shifts to “mode 000” in accordance with the mode transition chart (step S527).
Then, the CPU 39 outputs a control signal instructing to end the broadcast from the control signal output terminal 33 to the center unit 101 (step S528).
In “mode 000”, all LEDs are turned off according to the LED lighting diagram (step S529).
The procedure described above is not limited. For example, a procedure for confirming whether or not the line having the input number is registered, that is, steps S510 and S511 may be arranged after step S516 in which the line registration switch 508 is pressed.

As described in detail above, the remote control device according to the embodiment turns on the LED of the switch that allows the next operation with low brightness based on a preset procedure (table).
As a result, the operator can instantly grasp which switch can be pressed next.

Further, since the remote control device according to the embodiment guides the operation, it is possible to perform the operation without fail even in a long and complicated operation procedure.
In addition, after the operation is accepted, the switch is lit brightly, so that the operator knows that the device is operating normally. In addition, it is possible to grasp which operating state is present.

  In addition, although the example of the line selection broadcast was shown in the embodiment, it goes without saying that the same processing is performed in other modes, so that the operation can be simplified and the erroneous operation can be prevented.

In the above-described embodiment, the switch capable of performing the following operation emits light with low luminance, but conversely, it may emit light with high luminance.
That is, the remote control device according to the embodiment controls the light emission of the self-illuminating switch so that the light can be emitted at a plurality of levels of brightness, and the switch related to the operation permitted in the next procedure in the preset procedure is operated at the time of the operation. The light emission is made different from the light emission luminance of the switch showing the above operation.
The switch may not be self-illuminating, and may be provided with an LED that emits light corresponding to each switch. In this case, it is desirable that the light emitting unit is in the vicinity of each switch.

The embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the configuration and procedure described above, and it goes without saying that modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
For example, the luminance to be emitted may be arbitrarily variable. As a result, high brightness and low brightness can be set at a desired brightness corresponding to the surrounding environment (illuminance) in which the remote control device is used, so that the operator can comfortably see the switches, Good operation is possible.

In addition, the switch is not blinking with a time when it is visually turned off, but continuously emits light (lights on) and displays the difference in state due to the difference in brightness, so the type of switch can be easily grasped. It can provide a good operating environment.
When the light emitting means is an LED, the driving is performed by pulse input. Therefore, by adjusting the pulse interval, it is possible to adjust the luminance in a state visually recognized as a lighting state.

Further, the luminance may be three or more levels, and the luminance may be different for each function of the switch. For example, each switch emits light with different brightness for each broadcast mode.
Thereby, without looking at the display of the switch, it is possible to grasp the type of the switch and the current operation state from the difference in luminance, and the operation can be performed more smoothly.
Further, the light emitting means is not limited to the LED described in the embodiment, and various light emitting elements can be used.

In the embodiment, the line control apparatus having a large number of output lines has been described by taking the output line control apparatus of the broadcasting system as an example. However, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the output line control apparatus of the broadcasting system. .
For example, the present invention can be applied to, for example, a PA system mixing console having a large number of input lines. In this case, it is possible to satisfactorily perform a switch operation when a desired input line is selected or a selected input line is registered from a plurality of input lines through which signals from line outputs of microphones and devices come.

It is a figure explaining the structural example of the business broadcasting system to which the Example of the remote control apparatus of this invention is applied. It is a top view explaining the Example of the remote control apparatus of this invention. It is a block diagram explaining the Example of the remote control apparatus of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the operation | movement in the Example of the remote control apparatus of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the operation guidance procedure in the Example of the remote control apparatus of this invention. It is a mode transition chart in the Example of the remote control apparatus of this invention. It is a figure which shows the LED lighting mode in the Example of the remote control apparatus of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

30 Bus line 32 External input terminal 33 Control signal output terminal 33
34 Audio signal output terminal 35 Buzzer 36 Memory 37, 38, 40 to 42 Light emitting means (LED)
39 CPU
101 Center unit 102 (102a to 102d) Line (remote) controller 103 Microphone 104a Recording / reproducing apparatus 104b Reproducing apparatus 202 Line display 203 Block switch (line number switch)
204 Down chime switch 205 Broadcast / recovery switch 207 Line selection switch 208 Line registration switch 209 Clear switch 215 Broadcast selection switch 217 Memory registration switch 218 Memory confirmation switches 216a and 216b First and second memory switches SP1 to SPn Speaker

Claims (2)

In a switch operation guidance method for guiding a manual operation on the plurality of switches, which is performed according to a predetermined series of procedures for operating a device having a plurality of switches,
A light emitting unit corresponding to each of the plurality of switches is provided, and the operation state of the device in one step of the series of steps is displayed by causing any one of the light emitting units to emit light at a first luminance. The switch operating guide characterized in that the light emitting means corresponding to the switch that is allowed to be operated in the procedure following the one procedure is caused to emit light at a second luminance different from the first luminance. Method. A plurality of output lines for sending output signals;
Storage means for storing in advance a series of procedures for selecting an arbitrary output line from the plurality of output lines;
A plurality of operation switches for inputting instruction information for executing the selection operation;
Based on the series of procedures, the arbitrary output line is selected based on the plurality of light emitting means corresponding to each of the plurality of operation switches and the instruction information, and an output signal is transmitted to the selected output line. In a line control device comprising a line control means for controlling,
The line control means
The operation state in one step of the series of steps is displayed by causing any one of the light emitting means to emit light at the first luminance, and the operation is permitted in the step following the one step among the plurality of operation switches. Line control characterized in that an operation switch is identified from the series of steps, and the light emitting means corresponding to the identified operation switch is controlled to emit light at a second luminance different from the first luminance. apparatus.

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