JP2006303825A - Television receiver - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a television receiver monitoring the sound-volume level of a sound signal and instantaneously carrying out excess sound-volume output preventive processing such as muting, sound-volume level lowering, the turning-off of a device body, the changeover of channels or the like when an excess sound volume is decided. <P>SOLUTION: A TV 1 has a control section 13 controlling the whole TV 1, a tuner 2 processing a television broadcasting signal and a video/sound changeover section 3 separating and extracting a video signal and a sound signal from the television broadcasting signal. The TV 1 further has an OSD processing section 4 overlapping a desired OSD to the video signal, a video-signal output section 5 outputting the video signal to a display section 6 and the display section 6 such as a CRT displaying an image. The TV 1 further has a sound-signal output section 7 amplifying the sound signal and outputting it to a loudspeaker 8, the loudspeaker 8 generating a sound to the outside and an operating section 9 adjusting the sound volume by a user and a storage section 14 storing a set sound-volume level. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a television receiver that outputs video and audio, and more particularly to a television receiver that monitors excessive sound volume.

  Conventionally, a television receiver has a plurality of input sources, for example, a BS broadcast receiving circuit, a connected video player, and a DVD player. The audio signals sent from these input sources are amplified according to the set volume level set by the user in the audio amplifier, and then outputted as audio from the speaker.

  When the user turns on the television receiver, if the set volume level is mistakenly set to the maximum or the audio amplifier is broken, an excessive volume may occur suddenly. . This excessive sound volume is annoying and gives the user an unpleasant feeling.

  Therefore, a television receiver as described in Patent Document 1 has been proposed.

The television receiver samples a detection signal detected by the excessive input detection circuit for a certain period of time by detecting a volume control circuit for controlling the amplitude of the audio signal, an excessive input detection circuit for detecting an excessive audio signal, and the detection. And a microcomputer that controls the volume control circuit to suppress the amplitude of the audio signal when the signal is persistent. When the detection signal is persistent, the volume control circuit suppresses the amplitude of the audio signal, so that the volume level is lowered.
JP-A-5-252469

  However, in Patent Document 1, since the amplitude of the audio signal is suppressed after the detection signal is sampled for a certain period of time, the volume level cannot be instantaneously reduced even if an excessive volume is suddenly generated. Therefore, it is a problem that the user is allowed to hear an excessive sound volume during the predetermined time.

  The present invention is intended to solve such a conventional problem. When the volume level of an audio signal is monitored and it is determined that the volume is excessive, mute, volume level down, apparatus power off, channel switching, etc. An object of the present invention is to provide a television receiver that instantly executes an excessive volume output prevention process.

The television receiver of the present invention has the following configuration in order to solve the above problems.
(1) audio signal output means for amplifying and outputting an audio signal of an input source selected from a plurality of input sources;
A speaker for outputting an audio signal output from the audio signal output means;
In a television receiver comprising an operation means for adjusting the volume,
Volume level detection means for detecting the volume level of the audio signal input to the speaker;
If it is determined whether or not the volume level of the audio signal detected by the volume level detection means is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, and it is determined that the volume level of the audio signal is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, an audio signal having an excessive volume level And a prevention process execution means for executing an excessive sound volume output prevention process for preventing the sound from being output.

  In this configuration, the input source is a BS broadcast receiving circuit, a connected video player, and a DVD player.

  The audio signals sent from these input sources are amplified according to the set volume level in the audio signal output means, and then output as audio from the speaker. This set volume level is different from the volume level detected by the volume level detection means, and is the volume level set (adjusted) by the user using the operation means.

  When the user turns on the power of the television receiver, if the set volume level is mistakenly set to the maximum or the audio signal output means is out of order, excessive volume may occur suddenly. There is.

  Therefore, the sound volume level detecting means detects the sound volume level of the audio signal input to the speaker. When the volume level of the detected audio signal is determined to be greater than or equal to a predetermined value, that is, when it is determined that the volume level is excessive, the prevention process execution unit executes an excessive volume output prevention process. The volume level is defined by, for example, an attenuation (amplification) amount (decibel amount) with respect to a predetermined volume. The predetermined value may be set in advance to a value that the user feels as noise, for example, 70 dB.

As described above, the volume level of the audio signal is monitored, and if it is determined that the volume is excessive, excessive volume output prevention processing such as mute, volume level down, power-off of the apparatus body, channel switching, etc. is instantaneously executed. Therefore, the user does not feel uncomfortable due to excessive volume.
(2) The excessive volume output prevention processing includes mute, volume level down, power-off of the apparatus main body, or channel switching.

The excessive volume output prevention processing is most preferably volume level down. The excessive volume output prevention process may be external audio input (AUX) switching.
(3) storage means for storing a set volume level as a volume level set by adjusting the volume of the operation means;
Determination means for determining whether or not a difference between a volume level of the audio signal detected by the volume level detection means and the set volume level is within an allowable range;
The prevention process execution means executes mute when the determination means determines that the difference between the volume level and the set volume level is not within an allowable range.

  In this configuration, the case where the difference between the volume level and the set volume level is not within the allowable range means that the audio signal output means cannot amplify according to the set volume level, that is, the audio signal output means fails. Assumes that.

In this case, there is no point in reducing the volume level, so the prevention process execution means executes mute.
(4) In the above (3), an OSD display means for displaying a desired OSD is provided,
When the determination unit determines that the difference between the volume level and the set volume level is not within an allowable range, the OSD display unit displays the failure image as an image representing the failure for a certain period of time.

  In this configuration, the fixed time is, for example, 3 seconds or 5 seconds.

Since the mute is executed in the above (3), no sound is suddenly emitted from the speaker. Therefore, the failure image is displayed on the OSD for a certain time to notify the user of the failure.
(5) In the above (4), the prevention processing execution means turns off the power of the apparatus main body after the predetermined time has elapsed.

  In this configuration, an excessive current may continue to flow through the mute circuit or the like due to a failure of the audio signal output means, so the power is turned off.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to instantaneously execute an excessive volume output prevention process such as mute, volume level down, power-off of the apparatus main body, and channel switching.

  Hereinafter, a television according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of a television which is an embodiment of the present invention.

  The TV (television) 1 includes a control unit 13 that controls the entire TV 1, a tuner 2 that processes a television broadcast signal, and a video / audio switching unit 3 that separates and extracts a video signal and an audio signal from the television broadcast signal. An OSD processing unit 4 that superimposes a desired OSD on the video signal, a video signal output unit 5 that outputs the video signal to the display unit 6, a display unit 6 such as a CRT that displays video, and a speaker that amplifies the audio signal 8, an audio signal output unit 7 that outputs to the outside, a speaker 8 that generates sound to the outside, an operation unit 9 that allows the user to adjust the volume, and a storage unit 14 that stores a set volume level.

  The operation unit 9 includes a remote control signal detection unit (not shown). When commands such as power ON / OFF, channel switching, and volume adjustment are input from the outside to the remote control signal detection unit, the remote control signal detection unit receives the command signal from the remote control 11. Receive and transmit to control unit 13.

  The memory | storage part 14 consists of non-volatile memories, and can update the memory content. The storage unit 14 is composed of, for example, an EEPROM. The storage unit 14 stores a set volume level that is a volume level adjusted (set) by the user using the operation unit 9 or the remote controller 11.

  The TV 1 is connected to video / audio playback sources such as a DVD player and a video player, which are input sources, via input terminals 10A and 10B.

  The video / audio switching unit 3 receives a video signal and an audio signal output from a DVD player, a video player, or the like via the input terminal 10A and the input terminal 10B.

  On the other hand, the tuner 2 extracts the television broadcast signal of the selected channel from the television broadcast signal received by the antenna 12 that is the input source, and outputs it. The video / audio switching unit 3 separates and extracts the television broadcast signal output from the tuner 2 into a video signal and an audio signal.

  The video / audio switching unit 3 demodulates and outputs the video signal and audio signal of the input source selected from the plurality of input sources.

  The video signal output from the video / audio switching unit 3 is input to the video signal output unit 5 via the OSD processing unit 4.

  The OSD processing unit 4 superimposes characters or figures on the video signal based on the control signal given from the control unit 13.

  The video signal output unit 5 outputs the video signal output by the video / audio switching unit 3, and the display unit 6 displays the video.

  The audio signal output unit 7 includes an audio amplifier 23 (see FIG. 2 described later), amplifies the audio signal output by the video / audio switching unit 3 and outputs the amplified audio signal to the speaker 8. This amplification amount corresponds to the set volume level stored in the storage unit 14. The speaker 8 generates sound outside (outputs a sound signal).

  The control unit 13 is, for example, a microcomputer.

  Operating power is supplied to each part of the TV 1 from a power supply circuit (not shown). The input of this power supply circuit is a commercial power supply (for example, AC 100V).

  FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram for detecting the volume level of the audio signal in the television according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The volume level of the audio signal input to the speaker 8 is detected as follows, for example, with a circuit as shown in FIG.

  This circuit diagram is merely an example, and does not limit the present invention.

  The control unit 13 includes an A / D port 13A that performs A / D conversion on an analog waveform indicating the voltage value of the audio signal. The audio amplifier 23 includes a volume adjustment circuit 23A that amplifies an audio signal in accordance with a user-set volume level, and a mute circuit 23B that performs mute.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the audio signal is amplified and output by an audio amplifier 23 incorporated in the audio signal output unit 7. The electrolytic capacitor 8A is included in the speaker 8 and cuts a DC component.

  The audio signal passes through the adjusting resistor 22 and is taken into the voltage doubler rectifier circuit 20, rectified by the two diodes 20A and 20B, and smoothed by the capacitor 20C. Thereafter, the audio signal passes through the adjustment resistor 21 and is input to the A / D port 13A.

  The adjustment resistors 21 and 22 are resistors that make the current flowing into the rectifier circuit 20 and the applied voltage appropriate, and make the current flowing through the Zener diode 24 appropriate. The Zener diode 24 protects the control unit 13 so that a voltage of 5 V (Zener voltage) or more is not input to the A / D port 13A of the control unit 13.

  The control unit 13 performs A / D conversion on the audio signal input to the A / D port 13A, and detects the voltage value itself of the audio signal. The voltage value of the audio signal is a value corresponding to the volume level of the audio signal. This correspondence relationship is obtained by measuring in advance the volume level Y (dB) of the audio signal generated from the speaker when the voltage value of the detected audio signal is X (V), and X (V) and Y (dB) ) And are obtained in advance.

  The volume level is defined by an attenuation (amplification) amount (decibel amount) with respect to a predetermined volume.

  And the control part 13 calculates the volume level of a corresponding audio | voice signal as mentioned above from the voltage value of the detected audio | voice signal.

  As described above, the volume level of the audio signal input to the speaker 8 is detected.

  Here, the control unit 13 corresponds to the “determination unit” of the present invention. The control unit 13, the voltage doubler rectifier circuit 20, the adjustment resistors 21 and 22, and the Zener diode 24 correspond to “volume level detection means” of the present invention. The control unit 13 and the audio signal output unit 7 correspond to the “prevention process execution unit” of the present invention. The OSD processing unit 4, the video signal output unit 5, and the display unit 6 correspond to the “OSD display unit” of the present invention.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation performed by the control unit in the television according to the embodiment of the present invention. This operation is performed when the volume level of the audio signal is detected in the circuit of FIG.

  The control unit 13 determines whether or not the volume level of the detected audio signal is greater than or equal to a predetermined value (s1). The predetermined value may be set in advance to a value that the user feels as noise, for example, 70 dB. If it is determined that the volume level of the audio signal is less than the predetermined value, the process returns to s1 and continues.

  If it is determined that the volume level of the audio signal is equal to or higher than the predetermined value, that is, if it is determined that the volume is excessive, the volume level is reduced (s2).

  In the embodiment of the present invention, when it is determined that the volume is excessive, the volume level is reduced. However, mute, volume level reduction, power-off of the apparatus main body, or channel switching may be performed. But you can. And you may make a user select which of these processes is performed.

  As described above, the volume level can be instantaneously reduced by monitoring the volume level of the audio signal and determining that the volume is excessive. Therefore, the user does not feel uncomfortable due to excessive volume.

  The control unit 13 determines whether or not the difference between the set volume level stored in the storage unit 14 and the volume level of the detected audio signal is within an allowable range (s3). The case where the difference between the volume level and the set volume level is not within the allowable range means that the audio signal output unit 7 cannot amplify according to the set volume level, that is, the audio signal output unit 7 is out of order. Assume the case. The allowable range is a range set in advance, and may be an appropriate range in which it can be determined that the audio signal output unit 7 has not failed.

  If it is determined that the difference between the volume level and the set volume level is within the allowable range, the control unit 13 ends this process.

  On the other hand, when determining that the difference between the volume level and the set volume level is not within the allowable range, the control unit 13 instructs the audio signal output unit 7 to execute mute (see FIG. 2) (s4). This is because the audio signal output unit 7 cannot perform amplification in accordance with the set volume level, so that even if the volume level is lowered in s2, the effect is not obtained so much.

  Next, the control unit 13 transmits a control signal for OSD display of the failure image as an image representing the failure to the OSD processing unit 4 (see FIG. 1) (s5). The OSD processing unit 4 superimposes the failure image on the video signal, and the display unit 6 performs OSD display of the failure image. Since the mute is executed in s4, no sound is suddenly emitted from the speaker 8, so that the failure image is displayed on the OSD to notify the user of the failure.

  Then, the control unit 13 waits for a certain time (s6), turns off the TV 1 (s7), and ends this process. The fixed time is, for example, 3 seconds or 5 seconds. The reason why the power is turned off is that an excessive current may continue to flow in a circuit after the volume adjustment circuit 23A of the audio amplifier 23, for example, the mute circuit 23B due to a failure of the audio signal output unit 7.

The block diagram which shows the main structures of the television which is embodiment of this invention. The circuit diagram for detecting the volume level of the audio signal in the television which is an embodiment of the present invention The flowchart which shows the operation | movement which a control part performs in the television which is embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1-TV
2-tuner 3-video / audio switching unit 4-OSD processing unit 4
5-Video signal output unit 6-Display unit 7-Audio signal output unit 8-Speaker 9-Operation unit 10-Input terminal 11-Remote control 12-Antenna 13-Control unit 14-Storage unit 20-Voltage rectifier circuit 21-Adjustment Resistor 22-Adjusting resistor 23-Audio amplifier 24-Zener diode

Claims (6)

Audio signal output means for amplifying and outputting an audio signal of an input source selected from a plurality of input sources;
A speaker for outputting an audio signal output from the audio signal output means;
In a television receiver comprising an operation means for adjusting the volume,
Volume level detection means for detecting the volume level of the audio signal input to the speaker;
If it is determined whether or not the volume level of the audio signal detected by the volume level detection means is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, and it is determined that the volume level of the audio signal is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, an audio signal having an excessive volume level And a prevention process execution means for executing an excessive volume output prevention process for preventing the output of
Storage means for storing a set volume level as a volume level set by adjusting the volume of the operation means;
Determination means for determining whether or not a difference between a volume level of the audio signal detected by the volume level detection means and the set volume level is within an allowable range;
The prevention processing execution unit executes mute when the determination unit determines that the difference between the volume level and the set volume level is not within an allowable range,
OSD display means for displaying a desired OSD,
When the determination unit determines that the difference between the volume level and the set volume level is not within an allowable range, the OSD display unit performs OSD display of a failure image as an image representing a failure for a certain period of time,
The prevention processing execution means is a television receiver that turns off the power of the apparatus main body after the predetermined time has elapsed. Audio signal output means for amplifying and outputting an audio signal of an input source selected from a plurality of input sources;
A speaker for outputting an audio signal output from the audio signal output means;
In a television receiver comprising an operation means for adjusting the volume,
Volume level detection means for detecting the volume level of the audio signal input to the speaker;
If it is determined whether or not the volume level of the audio signal detected by the volume level detection means is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, and it is determined that the volume level of the audio signal is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, an audio signal having an excessive volume level And a prevention process executing means for executing an excessive sound volume output prevention process for preventing the output of the TV.   3. The television receiver according to claim 2, wherein the excessive volume output prevention processing includes mute, volume level down, power-off of the apparatus main body, or channel switching. Storage means for storing a set volume level as a volume level set by adjusting the volume of the operation means;
Determination means for determining whether or not a difference between a volume level of the audio signal detected by the volume level detection means and the set volume level is within an allowable range;
3. The television receiver according to claim 2, wherein the prevention process execution unit executes mute when the determination unit determines that a difference between the volume level and the set volume level is not within an allowable range. OSD display means for displaying a desired OSD,
5. The OSD display unit according to claim 4, wherein when the determination unit determines that a difference between the volume level and the set volume level is not within an allowable range, the OSD display unit displays a failure image as an image representing a failure for a certain period of time. TV receiver.   The television receiver according to claim 5, wherein the prevention processing execution unit turns off the power of the apparatus main body after the predetermined time has elapsed.

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