JP2007036595A - Voice output control device and method thereof, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To synchronize a video image with voice while showing a digital material. <P>SOLUTION: A P/S converter 13 converts audio data of 24 bits×16 channels from an SG/mute selector 12 to an AES/EBU signal of 8-outputs being a serial signal (1 bit×8) complying with the AES/EBU standard, and also, it converts two MUTE data to a mute AES/EBU signal being a serial signal (1 bit×1) complying with the AES/EBU standard. A delay part 54 delays the AES/EBU signal of 8-outputs and the mute AES/EBU signal by a prescribed time so as to synchronize with the video image. An all-mute switch 55 normally outputs the AES/EBU signal of 8-outputs as an output signal AES/EBU1 or an output signal AES/EBU8, and also, outputs the mute AES/EBU signal when an all-mute command is issued. The arrangements are applicable to a voice output controller of a system for showing the digital material. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an audio output control apparatus, method, and program, and more particularly, to an audio output control apparatus, method, and program that can easily match the phases of video and audio when a digital material is screened.

  In recent years, it has been studied to perform screenings using digital materials in movie theaters, and various devices therefor, for example, an audio output control device that performs audio output control from a speaker have been researched / developed (for example, Patent Document 1). ).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-328096

  However, in order to perform screening with digital material, it is necessary to match the phase of the image projected on the screen and the sound track output from the speaker, but simply adopting the conventional sound output control device, It was very difficult to match these phases.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and makes it possible to easily match the phases of video and audio when a digital material is screened.

  An audio output control apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention is an audio output control apparatus that controls output of audio of n channels (n is an integer value of 2 or more) corresponding to a predetermined image, and the audio of the n channels. Is a first form in which a × n-bit data group obtained as a result of aggregating data of a bits (a is an integer value of 1 or more) for each channel is obtained as a unit. B × m bits (where b × m <a × n) data group obtained as a result of collecting b pieces of data of b bits (b is an integer value of 1 or more) (m is an integer value of 1 or more). Conversion means for converting to a second form in units, and the audio data converted to the second form by the conversion means for a predetermined time from the output timing of the corresponding part of the predetermined video Only delayed output And a delay means.

  The unit of the first form is a 24 × n-bit data group obtained as a result of collecting 24 bits of data per channel for the n channels, and the unit of the second form is AES / EBU (Audio It can be made a 1 × (n / 2) -bit data group obtained as a result of collecting n / 2 pieces of 1-bit data conforming to the Engineering Society / European Broadcast Union standard.

  The audio output control device according to one aspect of the present invention receives an all mute command that is an instruction to mute all the outputs of the n channels corresponding to the predetermined video for the n channels. And when the receiving means has not received the full mute command, the audio data output from the delay means is provided to the audio output device. When the receiving means receives the all mute command, the apparatus may further comprise all mute control means for providing data corresponding to silence prepared in advance to the audio output device.

  The silence data is prepared in advance as a-bit silence data corresponding to the first form, and the conversion means further converts the silence data of a bits into b bits corresponding to the second form. In addition to the audio data converted into the second form by the conversion means, the delay means further converts the b-bit silence data converted by the conversion means into the predetermined data. When the receiving means receives the all mute command, the all mute control means collects m pieces of b-bit silence data outputted from the delay means. The resulting b × m-bit silence data group can be provided to the audio output device.

  The all mute control means takes each of the m b-bit data constituting the audio data of the second form output from the delay means as a first input, and is output from the delay means. The m-number of switches that can be switched to one of the first input and the second input using the b-bit silence data as a second input, Is not received, the audio data output from the delay means is provided to the audio output device by switching all the inputs of the m switches to the first input, and the reception is performed. When the means receives the all mute command, the input of the m number of switches is switched to the second input, whereby the b × m-bit silence data group is converted into the voice output. It can be provided apparatus.

  An audio output control apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention provides an output destination of the a-bit data for n channels constituting the audio data according to the first embodiment, out of n output destinations. First setting means for setting each of the predetermined numbers may be further provided.

  Furthermore, an audio output control apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes an audio corresponding to the a-bit data set by the first setting unit as an output audio of each of the n output destinations. Second setting means for setting one of one sound and mute can be further provided.

  An audio output control method / program according to one aspect of the present invention is an audio output control method / audio for an audio output control apparatus that controls output of audio of n channels (n is an integer value of 2 or more) corresponding to a predetermined video. A program for controlling a computer to control the output of the audio data corresponding to the sound of the n channels, wherein a bit (a is an integer value of 1 or more) of data for each channel. From the first form in which the a × n-bit data group obtained as a result of the aggregation is used as a unit, b bits (b is an integer value of 1 or more) of data (m is an integer value of 1 or more) are collected. The resulting b × m bit (where b × m <a × n) data group is converted into a second format, and the audio data converted into the second format is converted into the predetermined format. Out of the picture The output timing of the response portions predetermined time delays comprising the step of outputting.

  In one aspect of the present invention, output of audio of n channels (n is an integer value of 2 or more) corresponding to a predetermined video is controlled. That is, the form of audio data corresponding to n-channel audio is a unit of an a × n-bit data group obtained as a result of collecting a channel (a is an integer value of 1 or more) n channels per channel. From the first form, b × m bits (b × m <a obtained as a result of collecting b pieces of data of b bits (b is an integer value of 1 or more) (m is an integer value of 1 or more). Xn) is converted into the second form in units of data, and the audio data converted into the second form is delayed by a predetermined time from the output timing of the corresponding part of the predetermined video. Is output.

  The output destination of the audio data converted into the second form is not particularly limited, and may be inside or outside the audio output control device.

  As described above, according to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide an audio output control device for performing screening using digital material. In particular, it is possible to easily match the phases of video and audio when a digital material is screened.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. Correspondences between the configuration requirements of the present invention and the embodiments described in the detailed description of the present invention are exemplified as follows. This description is to confirm that the embodiments supporting the present invention are described in the detailed description of the invention. Accordingly, although there are embodiments that are described in the detailed description of the invention but are not described here as embodiments corresponding to the constituent elements of the present invention, It does not mean that the embodiment does not correspond to the configuration requirements. Conversely, even if an embodiment is described here as corresponding to a configuration requirement, that means that the embodiment does not correspond to a configuration requirement other than the configuration requirement. It's not something to do.

An audio output control device according to one aspect of the present invention includes:
An audio output control device (for example, the audio output control unit 5 of the digital screening system in FIG. 1) that controls the output of audio of n channels (n is an integer value of 2 or more) corresponding to a predetermined video,
The form of audio data corresponding to the sound of the n channels is a unit of an a × n bit data group obtained as a result of a set of data of a bits (a is an integer value of 1 or more) for each channel. From the first form, b × m bits (where b × m <<) are obtained as a result of collecting b pieces of data of b bits (b is an integer value of 1 or more) (m is an integer value of 1 or more). a conversion means (for example, the P / S conversion unit 13 in FIG. 2 or the P / S conversion unit 53 in FIG. 5) for conversion into a second form in which the data group of a × n) is a unit;
Delay means for outputting the audio data converted into the second form by the conversion means after being delayed by a predetermined time from the output timing of the corresponding portion of the corresponding predetermined video (for example, in FIG. Delay unit 14 and delay unit 54 in FIG. 5)
Is provided.

The audio output control apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention (for example, the audio output control apparatus 5 having the configuration shown in FIG. 5)
All mute command which is a command to mute all the outputs of the n channels corresponding to the predetermined video for the output of the audio output device (for example, the audio output unit 6 of the digital screening system in FIG. 1). Receiving means (for example, the interface unit 15 of FIG. 5) for receiving (for example, “all mute command” issued in step S25 of FIG. 6 issued from the main control unit 1 of the digital screening system of FIG. 1);
The audio data output from the delay means is provided to the audio output device when the receiving means is arranged after the delay means and the receiving means has not received the full mute command, and the receiving means When the all mute command is received, all mute control means (for example, all mute switching unit 55 in FIG. 5) for providing data corresponding to silence prepared in advance to the audio output device is further provided.

In the audio output control device according to one aspect of the present invention (for example, the audio output control device 5 having the configuration shown in FIG. 5),
The silence data is a-bit silence data corresponding to the first form (for example, “MUTE” inputted to the AES / EBUMUTE P / S converter 61 in the P / S converter 53 of FIG. 5). ) Is prepared in advance,
The conversion means further converts the a-bit silence data into b-bit silence data corresponding to the second form (for example, P / S for AES / EBUMUTE in the P / S conversion unit 53 in FIG. 5). S converter 61 executes the corresponding process)
In addition to the audio data converted into the second form by the conversion unit, the delay unit further outputs the b-bit silence data converted by the conversion unit by delaying the predetermined time. (For example, the processing indicated by the arrow at the bottom of the delay unit 54 in FIG. 5 is executed),
The all-mute control means, when the receiving means receives the all-mute command, is a b × m-bit silence obtained as a result of collecting m pieces of b-bit silence data output from the delay means. A data group is provided to the audio output device (for example, the all mute switching unit 55 in FIG. 5 switches the inputs of the switches 55-1 to 55-8).

Further, the all mute control means includes
Each of the m b-bit data constituting the audio data of the second form output from the delay means is used as a first input, and the b-bit silence data output from the delay means is used as the first input. As the second input, m switches (for example, switches 55-1 to 55-8 in FIG. 5) that can be switched to any one of the first input and the second input,
If the receiving means has not received the full mute command, the audio data output from the delay means is converted to the audio by switching all the inputs of the m number of switches to the first input. Providing to the output device,
When the receiving means receives the all mute command, the m × 10-bit silence data group is transferred to the audio output device by switching the inputs of the m number of switches to the second input. provide.

In addition, the audio output control device according to one aspect of the present invention (for example, the audio output control device 5 having the configuration shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 5)
First setting means for setting a predetermined one of n output destinations as output destinations of the a-bit data for n channels constituting the audio data of the first mode ( For example, Ch separation part 11 of FIG. 2 or FIG. 5)
Is further provided.

Furthermore, the audio output control device according to one aspect of the present invention (for example, the audio output control device 5 having the configuration shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 5)
As the output sound of each of the n output destinations, a sound corresponding to the a-bit data set by the first setting means, a single sound or a mute is set. 2 setting means (for example, SG / mute selector 12 in FIG. 2 or 5)
Is further provided.

An audio output control method according to one aspect of the present invention includes:
An audio output control method of an audio output control device (for example, the audio output control device 5 having the configuration of FIG. 2 or FIG. 5) that controls the output of audio of n channels (n is an integer value of 2 or more) corresponding to a predetermined video. There,
The form of audio data corresponding to the sound of the n channels is a unit of an a × n bit data group obtained as a result of a set of data of a bits (a is an integer value of 1 or more) for each channel. From the first form, b × m bits (where b × m <<) are obtained as a result of collecting b pieces of data of b bits (b is an integer value of 1 or more) (m is an integer value of 1 or more). a × n) is converted into the second form with the data group as a unit (for example, the process of step S23 in FIG. 6),
The audio data converted into the second form is output after being delayed by a predetermined time from the output timing of the corresponding portion of the predetermined video (for example, the process of step S24 in FIG. 6).
Includes steps.

  The program according to one aspect of the present invention is a program corresponding to the above-described audio output control method according to one aspect of the present invention, and is executed by, for example, a personal computer having the configuration shown in FIG.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a system (hereinafter referred to as a digital screening system) for performing a screening using a digital material including an audio output control unit as an audio output control device to which the present invention is applied.

  In FIG. 1, the solid line indicates the flow of data corresponding to the digital material, and the dotted line indicates the flow of other information such as control information. Such a method of properly using the solid line and the dotted line is the same in other figures described later.

  In the example of FIG. 1, the digital screening system includes a main control unit 1, an AV data storage unit 2, a video output control unit 3, a display unit 4, an audio output control unit 5, and an audio output unit 6.

  The main control unit 1 is composed of, for example, a computer and performs various types of control necessary to perform screening using digital materials. That is, the main control unit 1 controls the overall operation of the digital screening system.

  The AV data storage unit 2 is configured by a recording system such as RAID (Redundant Arrays of Independent (Inexpensive) Disks), for example, and stores one or more data (hereinafter referred to as AV data) constituting content (movie). . AV data includes at least image data V that constitutes a video of content and audio data A that constitutes audio corresponding to the video. The reason why it is described as at least is that AV data may include other data such as caption data.

  The video output control unit 3 performs control to acquire the image data V from the AV data storage unit 2 and display a video corresponding to the image data V on the display unit 4. For example, in a movie theater or the like, the display unit 4 is often configured with a screen. In such a case, the video output control unit 3 is configured with, for example, a projector.

  The audio output control unit 5 is an embodiment of an audio output control device to which the present invention is applied, and the audio data A corresponding to the image data V to be controlled by the video output control unit 3 is stored as AV data. Control is performed to output from the audio output unit 6 the audio corresponding to the audio data A acquired from the unit 2. At this time, the audio output control unit 5 also acquires the enable signal and the sync signal from the AV data storage unit 2, and details of these signals (the usage method and the like) will be described later.

  The audio output unit 6 includes an amplifier and a speaker. When this digital screening system is employed in a movie theater, the speakers constituting at least a part of the audio output unit 6 are not only stereo LR speakers, but also center speakers, surround LR speakers, etc. It consists of a number of speakers (maximum 16 speakers) corresponding to multi-channel audio of channels (hereinafter referred to as channels). For example, in the present embodiment, the audio data A consists of track data for up to 16 channels, and therefore the speaker of the audio output unit 6 also consists of 16 speakers.

  FIG. 2 shows a detailed configuration example of the audio output control unit 5.

  In the example of FIG. 2, the audio output control unit 5 includes a Ch separation unit 11, an SG / mute selection unit 12, a P / S conversion unit 13, a delay unit 14, and an interface unit 15.

  In the example of FIG. 2, the Ch output control unit 5 is provided with the Ch separation unit 11 and the SG / mute selection unit 12 for the purpose of realizing the following first function.

  That is, the first function is a function for checking the performance of each speaker, and all 16 channels can be selected for any of the 16 speakers of the audio output unit 6 (that is, the output speakers of each channel). This is a function that enables output of 1kHz single sound (internal SG) and mute (mute) in units of speakers.

  The Ch separation unit 11 includes an enable selection unit 21 and a ch1 extraction unit 22-1 to a ch16 extraction unit 22-16. In addition, the SG / mute selection unit 12 includes switches 12-1 to 12-16. The input / output and operation (processing) of each of the enable selection unit 21, the ch1 extraction unit 22-1 to the ch16 extraction unit 22-16, and the switches 12-1 to 12-16 are described in FIG. This will be described later together with the description of the audio output control process.

  Further, for the purpose of realizing the following second function, in the example of FIG. 2, the P / S conversion unit 13 is provided in the audio output control unit 5.

  That is, the second function is a function of converting the audio data A into audio data of AES / EBU (Audio Engineering Society / European Broadcast Union) standard and outputting it. In other words, the AES / EBU standard stipulates that one connector outputs audio data for two channels (data for two channel tracks), and in this embodiment, a maximum of 16 channels are used. After all, the audio output control unit 5 has 8 connectors conforming to the AES / EBU standard. Therefore, the function of outputting audio data for 2ch of AES / EBU standard to the audio output unit 6 from each of these 8 connectors is the second function. In the following, each of the audio data for two channels of the AES / EBU standard output from each of the eight connectors of the audio output control unit 5 will be referred to as output signals AES / EBU1 to AES / EBU8.

  The P / S converter 13 includes an AES / EBU1 P / S converter 13-1 through an AES / EBU8 P / S converter 13-8. The description of input / output and operation (processing) of the AES / EBU1 P / S conversion unit 13-1 to the AES / EBU8 P / S conversion unit 13-8 is the same as the description of the audio output control processing of FIG. This will also be described later.

  Further, for the purpose of realizing the following third function, in the example of FIG. 2, a delay unit 14 including a delay memory or the like is provided in the audio output control unit 5.

  The third function is a function for matching the phase of the video displayed on the display unit 4 (video projected on the screen, etc.) and the audio output from the audio output unit 6 (speaker).

  Specifically, for example, in this embodiment, a video (moving image) is displayed in units of frames. In this case, when the audio data corresponding to the frame data is output at the same timing as when the predetermined frame data is output from the video output control unit 3, the audio corresponding to the audio data is about 0.2 to 1 SEC. The problem of being ahead will occur. Therefore, in order to solve this problem, the function of outputting the output signals AES / EBU1 to AES / EBU8 with a delay of about 0.2 to 1 SEC from the time when the predetermined frame data is output from the video output control unit 3 is provided. 3 function.

  Note that the arrangement position of the delay unit 14 is not limited to the example of FIG. 2 and may be, for example, the previous stage of the P / S conversion unit 13, but in this case, the following problem occurs. That is, as will be described later, up to the previous stage of the P / S converter 13, data of 24 bits × 16 channels is processed, and this 24 bits × 16 channels of data is converted into 1 bit of AES / EBU standard by the P / S converter 13. Converted to x8 data (serial signal). Therefore, when the arrangement position of the delay unit 14 is set to the subsequent stage of the P / S conversion unit 13 as in the example of FIG. 2, the memory capacity of the delay unit 14 (Delay memory) is only 1 bit × 8 minutes. When the arrangement position of the delay unit 14 is set to the front stage of the P / S conversion unit 13, there is a problem that the memory capacity of the delay unit 14 (Delay memory) becomes as large as 24 bits × 16 ch. End up. In other words, there is an effect that the memory capacity of the delay unit 14 (Delay memory) can be reduced by placing the delay unit 14 at the subsequent stage of the P / S conversion unit 13 as in the example of FIG. It becomes possible.

  In addition, the audio output control unit 5 provides a control signal from the main control unit 1 to the enabl selection unit 21 of the Ch separation unit 11 or the switches 12-1 to 12-16 of the SG / mute selection unit 12. An interface unit 15 is also provided.

  Next, an example of processing (hereinafter referred to as audio output control processing) of the audio output control unit 5 having the configuration of FIG. 2 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S1, the Ch separation unit 11 extracts actual data for each channel (actual data for 24 bits × 16 channels) from the audio data A (8 bits data) based on the enable signal (4 bits enable). The “actual data” here is defined as a concept for SG and MUTE data described later, and means actual audio data corresponding to the video displayed on the display unit 4.

  Specifically, the following series of processes is executed in step S1. That is, a maximum of 16 channels of audio data A is transferred from the AV data storage unit 2 to the Ch separation unit 11 via the 8-bit data bus. An enable signal is added to the audio data A so that it can be determined which part of the audio data A is which channel track, and the enable signal is also transferred to the Ch separation unit 11 in parallel with the audio data A. Come. This enable signal is input to the enable selection unit 21 of the ch separation unit 11. In addition, a command indicating which channel track of the audio data A is output from each of the outputs ch1 to ch16 (the speaker to which ch1 is assigned to the speaker to which ch16 is assigned) is interfaced from the main control unit 1. The data is input to the enable selection unit 21 via the unit 15. Therefore, the enable selection unit 21 determines which channel track of the audio data A is to be extracted for each of the ch1 extraction unit 22-1 to ch16 extraction unit 22-16, and determines Select and supply the enable signal corresponding to the channel track. Then, each of the ch1 extraction unit 22-1 to ch16 extraction unit 22-16 converts the 24-bit data of the channel track corresponding to the enable signal supplied from the enable selection unit 21 from the audio data A into the actual ch. Each is extracted as data and provided to the SG / mute selector 12.

  Through the series of processes in step S1, all the channels can be freely selected for any of the 16 speakers of the audio output unit 6 (that is, the sound of the channel track output from each of the 16 speakers can be freely selected). A part of the first function described above can be realized.

  In this way, the 8-bit audio data A is provided from the Ch separation unit 11 to the SG / mute selection unit 12 as 24-channel digital audio (16-channel actual data) for 16 channels. Thereby, a process progresses to step S2 from step S1.

  In step S2, the SG / mute selector 12 selects one of actual data, SG data (1kH sin), and MUTE data (0x000000) provided from the ch separator 11 for each channel. , Ch data (24-bit data) is selected and provided to the P / S converter 13.

  Specifically, the following series of processes is executed in step S2. That is, a command indicating whether to output audio corresponding to actual data, SG data, or MUTE data from each of the outputs ch1 to ch16 (speakers to which ch1 is assigned to speakers to which ch16 is assigned). (However, the command for outputting the sound corresponding to the MUTE data means a so-called mute command, that is, a mute command), and the SG / mute selection unit 12 from the main control unit 1 via the interface unit 15. Is input. Therefore, each of the ch1 switch 12-1 to the ch16 switch 12-16 receives the data specified for its own ch by the command from the actual data, SG data, and MUTE data from the Ch separation unit 11. Switch the switch to enter. As a result, in each of the ch1 switch 12-1 to the ch16 switch 12-16, it is designated by a command of actual data, SG data (1kH sin), and MUTE data (0x000000) provided from the ch separation unit 11. The selected one is selected (input) as the ch data (24-bit data) of the ch, and is output to the P / S converter 13.

  As a result of the series of processing in step S2, the output of the 16 speakers of the audio output unit 6 is output as 1kHz single sound (internal SG) or mute (silence) in addition to the actual audio corresponding to the video. A part of the first function described above that is made possible in units is realized.

  In this way, 24-bit ch data for 16 channels is provided from the SG / mute selector 12 to the P / S converter 13. Accordingly, the process proceeds from step S2 to S3.

  In step S3, the P / S conversion unit 13 collects the ch data of each channel (24bit x 16ch data) by 2ch and converts them into serial signals (1bit x 8) compliant with the AES / EBU standard. Then, the data are provided to the delay unit 14, respectively. Specifically, the AES / EBU1 P / S conversion unit 13-1 uses the ch1 and ch2 portions of the 24-channel ch data for 16 channels supplied from the SG / mute selection unit 12 as AES / EBU standards. Are converted into 1-bit serial signals conforming to the above, and provided to the delay unit 14. Similarly, each of the AES / EBU2 P / S conversion unit 13-2 to the AES / EBU7 P / S conversion unit 13-7 has 24 bits for 16 channels supplied from the SG / mute selection unit 12. The corresponding two channels of ch data are converted into 1-bit serial signals compliant with the AES / EBU standard and provided to the delay unit 14 respectively. The AES / EBU8 P / S converter 13-8 conforms to the AES / EBU standard for ch15 and ch16 of the 24-bit ch data for 16 channels supplied from the SG / mute selector 12. This is converted to a 1-bit serial signal and provided to the delay unit 14.

  The above-described second function of converting the audio data A into AES / EBU standard audio data (serial signal) by the series of processes of steps S1 to S3 (particularly by the process of step S3) is provided. Realized.

  In this way, a serial signal (1 bit × 8) compliant with the AES / EBU standard is provided from the P / S conversion unit 13 to the delay unit 14. Accordingly, the process proceeds from step S3 to S4.

  In step S4, the delay unit 14 performs predetermined processing so as to synchronize each serial signal (1 bit × 8) supplied from the P / S conversion unit 13 with the corresponding video (frame displayed on the display unit 4). After being delayed by a time (for example, about 0.2 to 1 SEC), it is output as output signals AES / EBU1 to AES / EBU8, respectively.

  Through the above-described processing in step S4, the third phase described above in which the phase of the video displayed on the display unit 4 (video projected on the screen or the like) and the audio output from the audio output unit 6 (speaker) are matched. Function is realized.

  However, if the third function is to be realized by the audio output control unit 5 having the configuration shown in FIG. 2, the following problems occur. That is, the delay time of the delay unit 54 for the purpose of phase matching between video and audio after the mute command is received from the main control unit 1 until the audio output from the speaker of the audio output unit 6 stops (for example, 0.2 to 1 SEC) is required, that is, after the mute command, the output sound of the speaker does not stop until the sound accumulated in the delay unit 14 is output. This causes a problem that muting is not performed immediately after the command (hereinafter referred to as a mute problem).

  For example, when a movie is being shown (when content corresponding to a predetermined one of AV data stored in the AV data storage unit 2 is being played back), the movie shower stops the movie showing. When you want to do it or in an emergency, there are many operations that issue commands to mute all 16 channels (hereinafter referred to as all mute commands). In such cases, you want to follow with high response (realize mute quickly) Request). However, it is difficult to meet such a demand unless the mute problem is solved.

  Therefore, the present inventor has thought of the following first to third methods that can solve the mute problem.

  That is, the first method is a method in which mute is immediately realized by simply clearing data once stored in the delay memory (delay unit) using a mute command as a trigger. However, it is very difficult to apply the first method as it is to the audio output control unit 5 in the example of FIGS. 1 and 2 described above. This is because the data stored in the delay unit 14 is data supplied from the P / S conversion unit 13, that is, AES / EBU-compliant data, and therefore, synchronous preamble data and the like are inserted for each frame. Because. Therefore, the first method can be applied by disposing the delay unit 14 in front of the P / S conversion unit 13. However, if the delay unit 14 is arranged in front of the P / S conversion unit 13, as described above, another problem that the memory capacity of the delay unit 14 (delau memory) becomes large occurs. Need attention.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the second method is provided with a switch 31 for short-circuiting the output line (AES / EBU signal line) of the delay unit 14 to 0 V, and no mute command is issued. In this case, the state of the switch 31 is turned off, and when a mute command is issued, the state of the switch 31 is turned on and the output line of the delay unit 14 is short-circuited to 0 V, thereby realizing the mute immediately. It is a technique. However, in the second method, equipment that receives a signal when the state of the switch 31 is switched, that is, when the switch is switched from the on state to the off state or when the switch 31 is switched from the off state to the on state (in the example of FIG. 4). There is a new problem that the voice output unit 6) is likely to generate noise.

  Therefore, in order to solve the mute problem, it is preferable to apply the following third method.

  That is, the third method is a method in which a block (mute circuit) that realizes 16-channel full mute is provided after the delay unit only when a full mute command is issued.

  FIG. 5 shows a configuration example of the audio output control unit 5 to which the third method is applied. That is, FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the audio output control unit 5 and different from FIG.

  In the audio output control unit 5 in the example of FIG. 5, the same reference numerals are given to the portions corresponding to those in the example of FIG. 2, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

  In the example of FIG. 5, the audio output control unit 5 includes a Ch separation unit 11, an SG / mute selection unit 12, a P / S conversion unit 53, a delay unit 54, and an all mute switching unit 55.

  To compare the example of FIG. 2 and the example of FIG. 5, the audio output control unit 5 of the example of FIG. 5 has an all mute switching unit 55 that functions as a mute circuit in order to apply the third method described above. However, it is significantly different from the example of FIG.

  Further, in order to arrange all mute switching unit 55 as a mute circuit after delay unit 54 configured as a delay memory in this way, an AES / EBU-compliant silence signal input to all mute switching unit 55 It is necessary to prepare.

  Therefore, the P / S converter 53 of the audio output controller 5 in the example of FIG. 5 includes eight AES / EBU-compliant signals (serial signals corresponding to ch data. In addition to the AES / EBU1 P / S conversion unit 13-1 to AES / EBU8 P / S conversion unit 13-8, which are used for output of output AES / EBU signals), the AES / EBUMUTE P / S A conversion unit 61 is provided.

  The AES / EBUMUTE P / S converter 61 converts two MUTE data (0x000000) into a 1-bit serial signal (hereinafter referred to as a silent AES / EBU signal) in accordance with the AES / EBU standard. Provided to the delay unit 54. That is, the AES / EBUMUTE P / S conversion unit 61 generates a silent AES / EBU signal having a synchronization preamble in phase with the AES / EBU signal for 8 outputs, and supplies it to the delay unit 54.

  As described above, the P / S converter 53 in the example of FIG. 5 is provided with the P / S converter 13-1 for AES / EBU1 to the P / S converter 13-8 for AES / EBU8. Although the same as the example of FIG. 2, an AES / EBUMUTE P / S converter 61 is added (further provided). This is different from the example of FIG.

  Accordingly, the delay unit 54 delays and outputs the AES / EBU signal for 8 outputs from the P / S conversion unit 13-1 for AES / EBU1 to the P / S conversion unit 13-8 for AES / EBU8. Is the same as the example of FIG. 2, but further, the silent AES / EBU signal generated by the AES / EBUMUTE P / S converter 61 is delayed and output. This is also different from the example of FIG.

  That is, the delay unit 54 delays the silent AES / EBU signal generated by the AES / EBUMUTE P / S conversion unit 61 by the same delay time (for example, about 0.2 to 1 SEC) as the AES / EBU signal for 8 outputs. Output. In order to realize this, it is only necessary to adopt, as the delay unit 54, one added data in the memory of the delay unit 14 in FIG.

  In other words, the AES / EBU signal for 8 outputs and the silent AES / EBU signal whose phase is maintained are delayed by the delay time by the delay unit 54 and input to the all mute switching unit 55. It will be.

  The all mute switching unit 55 includes switches 55-1 to 55-8. Each of the switches 55-1 to 55-8 is switched to input a silent AES / EBU signal when all mute commands are provided from the main control unit 1 via the interface unit 15, and the other switches In this case, the switch is switched so as to input a corresponding one of the AES / EBU signals for 8 outputs. Accordingly, when all mute commands are not issued, AES / EBU signals for 8 outputs are output as output signals AES / EBU1 to AES / EBU8, and when all mute commands are issued, output signal AES / Silent AES / EBU signals are output as EBU1 to AES / EBU8.

  Except for the above differences in configuration, the example of FIG. 5 and the example of FIG. 2 have basically the same configuration. That is, the audio output control unit 5 in the example of FIG. 5 is provided with a Ch separation unit 11 and an SG / mute selection unit 12 similar to those in the example of FIG. 2 in addition to the blocks described above.

  An example of the audio output control processing of the audio output control unit 5 of the configuration example of FIG. 5 is shown in the flowchart of FIG.

  Compared with the flowchart of FIG. 6 and the flowchart of FIG. 3 (an example of the audio output control process of the audio output control unit 5 of the configuration example of FIG. 2), the processes of steps S21 and S22 of FIG. The processing is basically the same as the processing in steps S1 and S2 in FIG. As described above, the audio output control unit 5 in the example of FIG. 5 also has the same Ch separation unit 11 as in the example of FIG. 2 (in the example of FIG. 2, the processing execution unit in step S1, and in the example of FIG. And an SG / mute selection unit 12 (in the example of FIG. 2, the processing execution unit in step S2 and in the example in FIG. 5 the processing execution unit in step S22). Because.

  On the other hand, the configuration subsequent to the SG / mute selector 12 is different between the example of FIG. 2 and the example of FIG. 5 as described above, and therefore, the processing of steps S23 to S27 after step S22 of FIG. This is different from the processing in steps S3 and S4 after step S2 in FIG. Therefore, hereinafter, the processes of steps S23 to S27 after step S22 will be described.

  In step S23, the P / S conversion unit 53 converts the ch data (24 bits × 16 ch data) of each channel into two channels and converts them into a serial signal (1 bit × 8) compliant with the AES / EBU standard. At the same time, two MUTE data (0x000000 × 2) are converted into a serial signal (1 bit × 1) compliant with the AES / EBU standard.

  That is, in step S23, as described above, AES / EBU signals for 8 outputs are generated by the A / ES converters 13-1 through 13-8 for AES / EBU1, and the AES / EBU signals for 8 outputs are generated. The EBUMUTE P / S converter 61 generates a silent AES / EBU signal.

  When the 8-output AES / EBU signal and the silent AES / EBU signal are provided from the P / S converter 53 to the delay unit 54, the process proceeds from step S23 to S24.

  In step S24, the delay unit 54 generates eight serial signals (1 bit × 8) corresponding to the ch data and serial signals (1 bit × 1) corresponding to the MUTE data, that is, AES / EBU signals for eight outputs. The silent AES / EBU signal is delayed by a predetermined time so as to be synchronized with the corresponding video.

  That is, when a predetermined time has elapsed after the start of the processing in step S24, the AES / EBU signal for 8 outputs and the silent AES / EBU signal are provided from the delay unit 54 to the all mute switching unit 55. Thereby, the process proceeds from step S24 to S25.

  In step S25, the all mute switching unit 55 determines whether or not an all mute command has been issued.

  If it is determined in step S25 that an all mute instruction has been issued, in step S26, the all mute switching unit 55 uses the serial signals (1 bit × 1) corresponding to the MUTE data as output signals AES / EBU1 to AES / EBU8. ) That is, a silent AES / EBU signal is output. As a result, immediately after the all mute command is issued, all MUTE (the output of all 16 speakers of the audio output unit 6 becomes silent) is realized.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S25 that all mute instructions have not been issued, in step S27, the all mute switching unit 55 supports ch data as output signals AES / EBU1 to AES / EBU8, respectively. Each of the eight serial signals (1 bit × 8), that is, eight output AES / EBU signals are output.

  The audio output control process flowchart described above is a flowchart illustrating a series of processes focusing on the flow of transmission of the audio data A in the audio output control unit 5. Thus, hereinafter, the audio output control process will be described again by changing the viewpoint and paying attention to the process of the all mute switching unit 55.

  That is, the AES / EBU signal and the silent AES / EBU signal for 8 outputs are continuously input to the all mute switching unit 55 in time during the movie showing (input as stream data). However, in order to synchronize with the video, the AES / EBU signal for 8 outputs and the silent AES / EBU signal are all temporally continuous with a predetermined time lag from the time when they are input to the delay unit 54. Input to the mute switching unit 55. During this time, the all mute switching unit 55 always performs the determination process of step S25 described above. In other words, the all mute switching unit 55 constantly monitors whether or not all mute commands have been issued. Normally, since all mute instructions have not been issued, all mute switching unit 55 continues outputting AES / EBU signals for eight outputs (that is, repeatedly executes the processes of steps S25NO and S27). When the all mute command is issued at the time of stop or emergency, the all mute switching unit 55 immediately outputs a silent AES / EBU signal (that is, immediately executes the processes of steps S25 YES and S26). In this way, all muting is realized immediately.

  By the way, the above-described series of processing (sound output control processing and the like) can be executed by hardware or can be executed by software. When a series of processing is executed by software, a program constituting the software executes various functions by installing a computer incorporated in dedicated hardware or various programs. For example, it is installed from a program recording medium in a general-purpose personal computer or the like.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a personal computer that executes the above-described series of processing by a program. That is, for example, when the above-described audio output control process is executed by a program, the audio output control unit 5 and the audio output control unit 45 can be configured by a personal computer having the configuration shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 7, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101 executes various processes according to a program stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102 or a storage unit 108. A RAM (Random Access Memory) 103 appropriately stores programs executed by the CPU 101 and data. These CPU 101, ROM 102, and RAM 103 are connected to each other by a bus 104.

  An input / output interface 105 is also connected to the CPU 101 via the bus 104. Connected to the input / output interface 105 are an input unit 106 made up of a keyboard, mouse, microphone, and the like, and an output unit 107 made up of a display, a speaker, and the like. The CPU 101 executes various processes in response to commands input from the input unit 106. Then, the CPU 101 outputs the processing result to the output unit 107.

  The storage unit 108 connected to the input / output interface 105 includes, for example, a hard disk and stores programs executed by the CPU 101 and various data. The communication unit 109 communicates with an external device via a network such as the Internet or a local area network.

  A program may be acquired via the communication unit 109 and stored in the storage unit 108.

  A drive 110 connected to the input / output interface 105 drives a removable medium 111 such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, and drives programs and data recorded therein. Get etc. The acquired program and data are transferred to and stored in the storage unit 108 as necessary.

  As shown in FIG. 7, a program recording medium that stores a program that is installed in a computer and can be executed by the computer is a magnetic disk (including a flexible disk), an optical disk (CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read). Only memory), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), removable media 111, which is a package medium composed of a magneto-optical disk, semiconductor memory, or the like, or a ROM 102 in which a program is temporarily or permanently stored, or a storage unit 108 is configured by a hard disk or the like that constitutes 108. The program is stored in the program recording medium using a wired or wireless communication medium such as a local area network, the Internet, or digital satellite broadcasting via a communication unit 109 that is an interface such as a router or a modem as necessary. Done.

  In the present specification, the step of describing the program stored in the program recording medium is not limited to the processing performed in time series in the order described, but is not necessarily performed in time series. Or the process performed separately is also included.

  Further, in this specification, the system represents the entire apparatus constituted by a plurality of apparatuses.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of the digital screening system to which this invention is applied. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an audio output control unit as an audio output control unit to which the present invention is applied, in the audio output control unit of the digital screening system of FIG. 1. 3 is a flowchart for explaining an example of an audio output control process of an audio output control unit configured as shown in FIG. 2. It is a figure explaining one of the solution methods of the problem which the audio | voice output control part of the structure of FIG. 2 has. FIG. 1 shows another configuration example of the audio output control unit as the audio output control unit to which the present invention is applied, that is, a configuration example different from the example of FIG. It is a block diagram. It is a flowchart explaining an example of the audio | voice output control process of the audio | voice output control part of a structure of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the personal computer which executes the program to which this invention is applied, for example, the program corresponding to the audio | voice output control process to which this invention is applied.

Explanation of symbols

  1 main control unit, 2 AV data storage unit, 3 video output control unit, 4 display unit, 5 audio output control unit, 6 audio output unit, 11Ch separation unit, 12 SG / mute selection unit, 12-1 to 12-16 Switch, 13 P / S conversion unit, 13-1 to 13-8 AES / EBU1 P / S conversion unit to AES / EBU8 P / S conversion unit, 14 delay unit, 15 interface unit, 21 enable selection unit, 22 -1 to 22-16 ch1 extraction unit to ch16 extraction unit, 53 P / S conversion unit, 54 delay unit, 55 full mute switching unit 55-1 to 55-8 switch, 61 AES / EBUMUTE P / S conversion unit, 101 CPU, 102 ROM, 108 storage unit, 111 removable media

Claims (9)

In an audio output control device that controls the output of audio of n channels (n is an integer value of 2 or more) corresponding to a predetermined video,
The form of audio data corresponding to the sound of the n channels is a unit of an a × n bit data group obtained as a result of a set of data of a bits (a is an integer value of 1 or more) for each channel. From the first form, b × m bits (where b × m <<) are obtained as a result of collecting b pieces of data of b bits (b is an integer value of 1 or more) (m is an integer value of 1 or more). a converting means for converting to a second form having a data group of a × n) as a unit;
An audio output control device comprising: delay means for delaying the audio data converted into the second form by the conversion means by a predetermined time from an output timing of a corresponding portion of the predetermined video; . The unit of the first form is a 24 × n-bit data group obtained as a result of collecting 24 bits of data per channel for the n channels,
The unit of the second form is 1 × (n / 2) bit data obtained as a result of collecting n / 2 pieces of 1 bit data conforming to the AES / EBU (Audio Engineering Society / European Broadcast Union) standard. The audio output control device according to claim 1, wherein the audio output control device is a group. Receiving means for receiving an all mute command, which is a command for muting all the outputs of the n channels corresponding to the predetermined video, for outputting the audio of the n channels;
The audio data output from the delay means is provided to the audio output device when the receiving means is arranged after the delay means and the receiving means has not received the full mute command, and the receiving means The audio output control device according to claim 1, further comprising: all mute control means for providing silent data prepared in advance to the audio output device when the all mute command is received. The silence data is prepared in advance as a-bit silence data corresponding to the first form,
The converting means further converts the a-bit silence data into b-bit silence data corresponding to the second form,
In addition to the audio data converted into the second form by the conversion unit, the delay unit further outputs the b-bit silence data converted by the conversion unit by delaying the predetermined time. And
The all-mute control means, when the receiving means receives the all-mute command, is a b × m-bit silence obtained as a result of collecting m pieces of b-bit silence data output from the delay means. The audio output control device according to claim 4, wherein a data group is provided to the audio output device. The all mute control means includes
Each of the m b-bit data constituting the audio data of the second form output from the delay means is used as a first input, and the b-bit silence data output from the delay means is used as the first input. As the second input, m switches that are switched to any one of the first input and the second input,
If the receiving means has not received the full mute command, the audio data output from the delay means is converted to the audio by switching all the inputs of the m number of switches to the first input. Providing to the output device,
When the receiving means receives the all mute command, the m × 10-bit silence data group is transferred to the audio output device by switching the inputs of the m number of switches to the second input. The audio output control device according to claim 4. First setting means for respectively setting a predetermined one of n output destinations as output destinations of the a-bit data of n channels constituting the audio data of the first form; The audio output control apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: As the output sound of each of the n output destinations, a sound corresponding to the a-bit data set by the first setting means, a single sound or a mute is set. The voice output control device according to claim 6, further comprising: 2 setting means. In an audio output control method of an audio output control device that controls output of audio of n channels (n is an integer value of 2 or more) corresponding to a predetermined video,
The form of audio data corresponding to the sound of the n channels is a unit of an a × n bit data group obtained as a result of a set of data of a bits (a is an integer value of 1 or more) for each channel. From the first form, b × m bits (where b × m <<) are obtained as a result of collecting b pieces of data of b bits (b is an integer value of 1 or more) (m is an integer value of 1 or more). a × n) to the second form with the data group as a unit,
An audio output control method including a step of outputting the audio data converted into the second form with a predetermined time delay from an output timing of a corresponding portion of the predetermined video. A program for causing a computer to control output of audio of n channels (n is an integer value of 2 or more) corresponding to a predetermined video,
The form of audio data corresponding to the sound of the n channels is a unit of an a × n bit data group obtained as a result of a set of data of a bits (a is an integer value of 1 or more) for each channel. From the first form, b × m bits (where b × m <<) are obtained as a result of collecting b pieces of data of b bits (b is an integer value of 1 or more) (m is an integer value of 1 or more). a × n) to the second form with the data group as a unit,
A program comprising a step of outputting the audio data converted into the second form with a delay of a predetermined time from an output timing of a corresponding portion of the predetermined video.

Images