JP2007049734A - Matrix switcher, and method for displaying source signal name at matrix switcher - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To directly confirm all of source names selected at present at outputs at a glance. <P>SOLUTION: An operation panel 40 of the switcher system in which a plurality of inputs and a plurality of outputs are freely connected by switching is provided with cross point buttons 40A for selecting a plurality of inputs, source name display units 40N for displaying the source names being input, delegation buttons 45A for selecting a plurality of outputs, and output source name display units 45N for displaying the source name to be selected and output. When the predetermined output is selected in the delegation button 45A, the source name displayed on the output source name display unit 45N is changed to a source name newly selected by the cross point button 40A. By this, all of the source names selected at present at outputs can be directly confirmed at a glance. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a matrix switcher that outputs a source video signal supplied to an input line from a desired output line by switching a cross point where a plurality of input lines and a plurality of output lines are connected. More specifically, the operator visually recognizes the cross point by displaying the source name given to the source video signal in correspondence with a plurality of operation buttons for switching the cross point provided on the control panel. The present invention relates to a matrix switcher that can be used.

  As a switcher system for a broadcasting station, a matrix switcher having a plurality of input lines and a plurality of output lines is used. The matrix switcher has a plurality of input lines and a plurality of output lines. By switching a cross point where the input lines and the output lines are connected, a source video signal supplied to the input lines is changed to a desired output line. It is a device that outputs from.

  Such a matrix switcher includes a control panel having a plurality of operation buttons for switching a plurality of cross points. This control panel is also called a console. The operator can freely switch the cross point by operating the operation buttons on the control panel.

  However, in recent broadcasting station systems, the number of input devices such as video cameras and VTRs connected to one matrix switcher and the number of output devices such as disk recorders and servers tend to increase. For example, if ten input lines and ten output lines are provided in consideration of an increase in the number of input / output devices, there are 100 cross points. Conventionally, 100 operation buttons have been arranged on the control panel in order to switch the 100 cross points.

  However, the area on the control panel is limited, and it is difficult to arrange more buttons. Furthermore, in recent broadcasting station systems, the number of input devices such as video cameras and VTRs connected to one matrix switcher and the number of output devices such as disk recorders and servers tend to increase. Therefore, it is conceivable that the number of cross points further increases, and it is difficult to arrange more buttons on the control panel in terms of space.

  Further, only a plurality of operation buttons for switching the cross point are provided on the control panel of the conventional matrix switcher. Therefore, in order to recognize which source device is the signal output from a certain output line, the operator checks the cross point with a certain input line set on the output line, Furthermore, it was necessary to examine the source device connected to the input line. Therefore, it is difficult for an operator to immediately recognize which source device is a signal output from a certain output line. In particular, in a broadcasting station system, the switched video may be on-air to each home as it is in live broadcasting, and real-time performance is required when sending the video. However, there was a request to reduce operation mistakes.

  A matrix switcher according to the present invention is a matrix switcher for switching a cross point formed by a plurality of input lines and a plurality of output lines, and a plurality of matrix switchers for selecting a desired input line from the plurality of input lines. A control panel having a cross point button, a plurality of delegation buttons for selecting a desired output line from the plurality of output lines, and a source name given to the source signal supplied to the input line is predetermined. And a panel control means for displaying the source name given to the source signal output from the output line via the cross point on a predetermined name display unit.

  Therefore, the source name given in advance to the signal output to the output line is displayed in the name display section of the control panel in association with the delegation button indicating the output line. It is possible to directly grasp which device is visually.

  The matrix switcher according to the present invention is assigned to a crosspoint assignment table for storing assignment data for assigning a plurality of input lines to a plurality of crosspoint buttons and a source signal supplied to the plurality of input lines. A source name table for storing the source names.

  Therefore, a plurality of input lines can be freely assigned to a plurality of cross point buttons. Further, a free source name can be given to the source input signal. In addition, since the matrix switcher of the present invention stores the crosspoint allocation table and the source name table in a nonvolatile memory, the data in this table can be reused even after the switcher is turned off. Can do.

  In addition, the matrix switcher of the present invention has a cross point table for storing cross point information indicating the connection / disconnection state of all cross points in the matrix section in the processor. Therefore, the panel control means can always grasp the connection / disconnection state of the cross points of the matrix portion, and can control the control panel at high speed.

  Further, the matrix switcher of the present invention selects an input line connected to an output line corresponding to the delegation button based on the information of the crosspoint table, and supplies the selected input line based on the source name table. The source name assigned to the source signal is displayed.

  Further, the matrix switcher of the present invention selects one output line from the plurality of output lines in response to the operation of any one of the plurality of delegation buttons, and then, among the plurality of crosspoint buttons. One cross point is selected from the plurality of cross points in the matrix portion by selecting one input line from the plurality of input lines in response to the operation of any one of the operation buttons.

  Therefore, it is possible to select the cross point with a small number of operation buttons on the control panel.

  Further, the matrix switcher of the present invention is based on the first process of selecting one output line from a plurality of output lines in response to a button selected by the operator among the delegation buttons, and information on the crosspoint table. The input line already connected to the output line selected in the first process is selected from the plurality of input lines, and the crosspoint set for the output line selected in the first process is selected as a processor. A plurality of crosspoint buttons assigned to the input line selected in the second process based on the second process selected from the plurality of crosspoints and the crosspoint button assignment table. The third process selected from the point buttons and selected in the third process And to perform a fourth processing for turning on the loss point button. Therefore, when the operator operates the delegation button, the crosspoint button associated with the input line connected to the output line associated with the delegation button can be automatically turned on.

  Furthermore, the matrix switcher according to the present invention is based on the fifth process for detecting whether or not a button other than the crosspoint button lit in the fourth process is selected by the operation of the operator, and the crosspoint button allocation table. A sixth process for selecting an input line corresponding to the first operation button selected in the fifth process from the plurality of input lines, an output line selected in the first process, and a sixth A seventh process for selecting one cross point as a cross point to be connected from a plurality of cross points in accordance with the input line selected in the process of (2), and a cross point selected in the second process from the connection state The control command for switching to the disconnected state and the cross point selected in the seventh process are disconnected. And a control command for switching to et connected state is to perform an eighth processing of transmitting to the processor. Therefore, it is possible to automatically switch the cross point simply by operating the delegation button and the cross point button, and the usability of the button operation is improved.

  The matrix switcher according to the present invention further includes a ninth process for searching for the source name assigned to the input line selected in the sixth process based on the name data in the source name table, and a search in the ninth process. The source name thus displayed is replaced with the source name already displayed, and a tenth process for newly displaying the name on the name display unit corresponding to the output line selected in the first process is performed. Therefore, when the cross point is switched, the name displayed automatically is changed according to the switching.

  The source name given in advance to the signal output to the output line is displayed in the name display section of the control panel in association with the delegation button indicating the output line, so the operator can select which device the source signal is supplied to. It can be grasped visually.

A matrix switcher according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
1. Description of Overall System First, a switcher system for a broadcasting station in which the matrix switcher of the present invention is used will be described with reference to FIG.
The switcher system includes a processor 1, a control panel 2, and a panel control block 2c. The processor 1 is a signal processing circuit for performing signal processing on a video signal supplied to the input unit, and a plurality of video signals supplied to the input unit for switching to a plurality of output units. A switching circuit is provided. The control panel 2 has a plurality of operation buttons, a display unit, and the like. The panel control block 2 c is a block provided on the substrate on the back side of the control panel 2. The panel control block 2c is connected to the processor 1 through a communication cable of the RS-422A format, and sends a control signal to the processor 1 according to the operation state of the control panel. Specifically, the panel control block 2c instructs signal processing performed in a signal processing circuit provided in the processor 1, and controls cross-point switching in the switching circuit.

  The input side of the processor 1 is provided with 29 input lines, and the output side of the processor is provided with 13 output lines. Here, for convenience of the following description, these 29 input lines are divided into a first primary input 1 line (Prm1), a second primary input 2 line (Prm2), and a third primary input line (Prm3) to It will be called the 29th primary input 29 line (Prm29). The thirteen output lines are divided into a first auxiliary output line (AUX1), a second auxiliary output line (AUX2), a third auxiliary output line (AUX3) to a thirteenth auxiliary output line (AUX13). I will call it.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the first video camera 3a is connected to the first input line Prm1 of the processor 1, the second video camera 3b is connected to the second input line Prm2, and the third video A third video camera 3c is connected to the input line Prm2, a first VTR 4a for recording / reproducing is connected to the fourth input line Prm4, and a second recording / reproducing second is connected to the fifth input line Prm5. A VTR 4b is connected, a third VTR 4c for reproduction is connected to the sixth input line Prm6, a fourth VTR 4d for reproduction is connected to the seventh input line Prm7, and an eighth input line Prm8 is connected to the eighth input line Prm8. A first disk recorder 6a is connected, a second disk recorder 6b is connected to the ninth input line Prm9, and a first special effect device is connected to the tenth input line Prm10. 7a is connected to the 11th input line Prm11 of being connected to the second special effect device 7b, the 12th input line Prm12 of being connected to a third special effect device 7c.

  In the present embodiment, it is assumed that no devices are connected to the input lines from the thirteenth input line Prm13 to the twenty-ninth input line Prm29, and the illustration thereof is omitted. Further, the connection between the input line and each device is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 1, and any connection is possible.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the first output line AUX1 is connected to the first VTR 4a for recording and reproduction, and the second output line AUX2 is connected to the second VTR 4b for recording and reproduction. A fifth VTR 4e for reproduction is connected to the third output line AUX3, a sixth VTR 4f for reproduction is connected to the fourth output line AUX4, and a video signal is on-air to the fifth output line AUX5. The on-air server 5 for buffering is connected, the first disk recorder 6a is connected to the sixth output line AUX6, the second disk recorder 6b is connected to the seventh output line AUX7, The first special effect device 7a is connected to the output line AUX8, and the second special effect device 7b is connected to the ninth output line AUX9. Third special effect device 7c is connected to the down AUX10.

  It should be noted that no devices are connected to the output lines of the eleventh output line AUX11 to the thirteenth output line AUX13, and the illustration thereof is omitted. Further, the connection between the output line and each device is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 1, and any connection is possible.

  The special effect devices 7a, 7b, and 7c are devices for applying special effects such as image transformation in a three-dimensional space to the supplied video signal. Is also called.

  The switcher system further includes an editing machine 8a for editing the source video supplied to the processor 1 and a computer 8b for controlling the editing machine 8a. The editing machine 8a includes a processor 1, special effects devices 7a, 7b, and 7c, video cameras 3a, 3b, and 3c, VTRs 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d, and a disc via a communication cable conforming to the RS-422A communication format. The recorders 5a and 5b can be controlled. The editing machine 8a receives an editing list representing a desired editing operation created by the operator operating the computer 8b. Then, the editing machine 8a sends commands for instructing video signal output to the video cameras 3a, 3b, 3c according to the editing list, and also VTRs 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d and disk recorders 5a, 5b. Control commands for playback, stop, recording, etc. The editing machine 8a controls the type and timing of the effect processed in the special effect devices 7a, 7b, and 7c based on the editing list, and controls the switching timing of the switching circuit in the processor 1.

2. Description of Processor Next, referring to FIG. 2, will be described in detail with respect to the processor 1.
The processor 1 includes a CPU unit 101 that controls the entire processor 1, an input processing unit 103 that converts a video signal in an SDI (serial digital interface) format into a parallel video signal so as to be suitable for signal processing inside the switcher, and A matrix unit 104 that switches connections between a plurality of input signal lines and a plurality of output signal lines, chroma key circuits 105, 106, and 107 that generate chroma key signals from YUV signals supplied for key signal generation, and a matrix unit 104 And a first M / E (mix / effect) that applies an effect to the video signal or mixes the two video signals based on the video signal and the key signal supplied from the chroma key circuits 105, 106, and 107. ) Circuit 150, second M / E circuit 1 0, a third M / E circuit 170, and an output processing unit 108 for converting the video signal output to a plurality of output lines to the video signal of the SDI format.

  The processor 1 is provided with 29 input lines from the first input line Prm1 to the 29th input line Prm29 as input lines to be input to the input processing unit 103 and the matrix unit 104.

  On the other hand, in the processor 1, as output lines output from the matrix unit 104 and the output processing unit 108, 13 output lines including the first output line AUX1 to the thirteenth output line AUX13 are provided. Further, first, second, and third program lines are provided as output lines from the first M / E circuit 150, the second M / E circuit 160, and the third M / E circuit 170, respectively. .

  Note that the video signal output to the first program line is a video signal that has been subjected to effect processing and mixing processing by the first M / E circuit 150 and is output to the second program line. Is a video signal that has been subjected to effects and mix processing by the second M / E circuit 160, and the video signal output to the third program line is processed by the third M / E circuit 170. This is a processed video signal.

  In the matrix unit 104, 29 input lines arranged in the vertical direction in FIG. 2 and 16 output lines arranged in the horizontal direction intersect in a matrix shape, which is indicated by “x” in FIG. By switching the cross point between the input line and the output line, the connection between the input line and the output line can be freely selected.

  These 29 input lines are 29 input lines including the first input line Prm1 to the 29th input line Prm29 described above. These 16 output lines are composed of 13 output lines composed of the first output line AUX1 to the 13th output line AUX13 described above and the first program line to the third program line. It consists of three output lines.

  The matrix unit 104 includes three lines connected to the first signal selection block 110 having three output lines connected to the first M / E circuit 150 and the second M / E circuit 160. The second signal selection block 120 having three output lines, the third signal selection block 130 having three output lines connected to the third M / E circuit 170, and the first output described above. The AUX signal selection block 140 has 13 output lines including the line AUX1 to the 13th output line AUX13.

  As shown in FIG. 2, three output lines of the first signal selection block 110, three output lines of the second signal selection block 120, three output lines of the third signal selection block 130, and The 13 output lines of the AUX signal selection block 140 cross all the input lines from the first input line Prm1 to the 29th input line Prm29, and the cross points can be freely switched.

  The chroma key circuits 105, 106 and 107 are circuits that receive the luminance signal Y and the color difference signals U and V supplied from the outside and generate various types of chroma key signals from these signals.

  The first M / E circuit 150, the second M / E circuit 160, and the third M / E circuit 170 perform effects such as three-dimensional conversion on the video signal, This circuit performs a transition between video signals and mixes two video signals.

  The CPU unit 101 receives a control command sent from the panel control block 2c of the control panel 2, and controls each circuit of the processor 1 according to the control command. For example, the CPU unit 101 controls switching of cross points in the matrix unit 104 based on the received control command. The CPU unit 101 also determines the type of chroma key generated in the chroma key circuits 105, 106, 107, the type of effect applied to the video signal in the first to third M / E circuits 150, 160, 170, or the mix. Control the ratio and so on.

3. Description of Control Panel Next, the control panel 2 will be described with reference to FIG.
The control panel 2 includes a first signal selection operation block 10, a second signal selection operation block 20, a third signal selection operation block 30, an AUX signal selection operation block 40, and a first M / E. An operation block 50, a second M / E operation block 60, a third M / E operation block 70, and a display block 80 are included.

  The first signal selection operation block 10 is a block in which a plurality of operation switches for operating the switching of the cross point in the first signal selection block 110 of the processor 1 is arranged. The operation block 20 is a block in which a plurality of operation switches for operating the switching of the cross point in the second signal selection block 120 of the processor 1 is arranged, and the third signal selection operation block 30 is a processor. The AUX signal selection operation block 40 is a block in which a plurality of operation switches for operating the switching of the cross points in one third signal selection block 130 are arranged, and the AUX signal selection operation block 40 is included in the AUX signal selection block 140 of the processor 1. Block with multiple operation switches for operating crosspoint switching A.

  The first M / E operation block 50 is a block in which a plurality of operation switches and operation levers for performing operations related to the effect processing and the mix processing performed in the first M / E circuit 150 of the processor 1 are arranged. In the second M / E operation block 60, a plurality of operation switches and operation levers for performing operations related to the effect processing and the mix processing performed in the second M / E circuit 160 of the processor 1 are arranged. The third M / E operation block 70 includes a plurality of operation switches and operation levers for performing operations related to the effect processing and the mix processing performed in the third M / E circuit 170 of the processor 1. It is an arranged block.

  The display block 80 displays a menu for setting up the processor 1, and displays effects performed in the first M / E circuit 150, the second M / E circuit 160, and the third M / E circuit 170. This is a block for displaying a menu or the like for selecting from a plurality of effects.

Next, the first signal selection operation block 10 will be described with reference to FIG.
The first signal selection block 10 is supplied to the foreground video signal button row 10A for selecting the foreground video signal supplied to the first M / E circuit 150 and the first M / E circuit 150. Background video signal button row 10B for selecting a background video signal, key signal button row 10K for selecting a key signal supplied to the first M / E circuit 150, and foreground video signal button row 10A And a source name display section 10N for displaying names assigned to source signals supplied to the input lines of the background video signal button row 10B.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the foreground video signal button row 10A includes a first crosspoint button 101A that is first from the left, a second crosspoint button 102A that is second from the left, and a third crosspoint button that is third from the left. A total of 29 cross-point buttons including 3 cross-point buttons 103A and 29th 29th cross-point button 129A from the left are arranged. Similarly, the background video signal button row 10B includes a first crosspoint button 101B that is the first from the left, a second crosspoint button 102B that is the second from the left, and a third crosspoint that is the third from the left. A total of 29 crosspoint buttons consisting of the 29th crosspoint button 129B from the left of the button 103B to 29th are arranged. The key signal button row 10K includes a first cross-point button 101K that is the first from the left, a first first cross-point button 102K that is the second from the left, and a third cross-point button 103K that is the third from the left. A total of 29 crosspoint buttons including the 29th 29th crosspoint button 129K from the left are arranged.

  The 29 first to 29th crosspoint buttons provided in each of the crosspoint button rows 10A, 10B, and 10K are assigned identification numbers “1” to “29” from the left side, respectively. Yes.

  The source name display section 10N includes a first name display section 101N that is the first from the left, a second name display section 102N that is the second from the left, a third name display section 103N that is the third from the left,. A total of 29 name display parts consisting of the 29th 29th name display part 129N are provided. Specifically, in the source name display portion 10N, the name given to the input signal supplied to the input line associated with each crosspoint button of each crosspoint button row 10A, 10B, 10K. Is displayed. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 4, the input line Prm1 associated with the first crosspoint button 101A, 101B, 101K that is the first from the left of each of the crosspoint button rows 10A, 10B, 10K is illustrated. Since the name given to the input signal is “CAM1”, the letters “CAM1” are displayed on the first name display portion 101N. The name given to the source signal supplied to the input line Prm2 associated with the second crosspoint button 102A, 102B, 102K of each crosspoint button row 10A, 10B, 10K is “CAM2”. Therefore, the letters “CAM2” are displayed on the second name display portion 102N. The name given to the source signal is a preset name. A method for assigning names to the source signals will be described later.

Next, the second signal selection operation block 20 will be described with reference to FIG. Basically, it is exactly the same as the first signal selection operation block 10 already described.
The second signal selection block 20 has the same cross point button row as the first signal selection block. Specifically, the second signal selection block 20 includes a foreground video signal button row 20A for selecting a foreground video signal supplied to the second M / E circuit 160, and a second M / E circuit. A background video signal button row 20B for selecting a background video signal to be supplied to 160, a key signal button row 20K for selecting a key signal to be supplied to the second M / E circuit 160, and the foreground It has a source name display section 20N for displaying the names given to the source signals supplied to the input lines of the video signal button row 20A and the background video signal button row 20B.

  The foreground video signal button row 20A includes a total of a first crosspoint button 201A, a second crosspoint button 202A, a third crosspoint button 203A, and a 29th crosspoint button 229A in order from the left. There are 29 crosspoint buttons. Similarly, the background video signal button row 20B includes a total of a first crosspoint button 201B, a second crosspoint button 202B, a third crosspoint button 203B, and a 29th crosspoint button 229B. There are 29 crosspoint buttons. The key signal button row 20K includes a total of a first crosspoint button 201K, a second crosspoint button 202K, a third crosspoint button 203K, and a 29th crosspoint button 229K in order from the left. There are 29 crosspoint buttons.

  As with the first signal selection block 10, the 29 first to 29th crosspoint buttons provided in each of the crosspoint button rows 20A, 20B, and 20K are respectively “1” from the left side. "To" 29 "are assigned.

  The source name display unit 20N has a total of 29 items including a first name display unit 201N, a second name display unit 202N, a third name display unit 303N, and a 29th name display unit 229N in order from the left. The name display section is provided. Specifically, the source name display portion 20N is given to the input signal supplied to the input line associated with each crosspoint button arranged in each crosspoint button row 20A, 20B, 20K. Displayed. For example, in the example of FIG. 6, the names given to the source signals supplied to the input line Prm1 associated with the first crosspoint buttons 201A, 201B, and 201K in the crosspoint button rows 20A, 20B, and 20K. Is “CAM1”, the characters “CAM1” are displayed in the first name display portion 201N. In addition, since the name given to the source signal associated with the second crosspoint buttons 202A, 202B, and 102K in each of the crosspoint button rows 20A, 20B, and 20K is “CAM2”, the second name On the display unit 202N, characters “CAM2” are displayed.

  Next, the third signal selection operation block 30 will be described with reference to FIG. Basically, it is exactly the same as the first signal selection operation block 10 and the second signal selection operation block 20 already described.

  The third signal selection block 30 has the same cross point button row as the first and second signal selection blocks. Specifically, the third signal selection block 30 includes a foreground video signal button row 30A for selecting a foreground video signal supplied to the third M / E circuit 170, and a third M / E circuit. A background video signal button row 30B for selecting a background video signal provided to 170, a key signal button row 30K for selecting a key signal supplied to the third M / E circuit 170, and It has a source name display section 30N for displaying the names given to the source signals supplied to the input lines of the foreground video signal button row 30A and the background video signal button row 30B.

  The foreground video signal button row 30A includes, in order from the left, a total of a first crosspoint button 301A, a second crosspoint button 302A, a third crosspoint button 303A, and a 29th crosspoint button 329A. There are 29 crosspoint buttons. Similarly, the background video signal button row 30B includes a total of a first crosspoint button 301B, a second crosspoint button 302B, a third crosspoint button 303B, and a 29th crosspoint button 329B. There are 29 crosspoint buttons.

  The key signal button row 30K includes, in order from the left, a total including a first crosspoint button 301K, a second crosspoint button 302K, a third crosspoint button 303K, and a 29th crosspoint button 329K. There are 29 crosspoint buttons.

  As in the case of the first signal selection operation block 10 and the second signal selection operation block 20 which have already been described, 29 first to 29th blocks provided in each of the crosspoint button rows 30A, 30B, 30K. The cross point buttons are assigned identification numbers “1” to “29” from the left side.

  The source name display unit 30 has a total of 29 items including a first name display unit 301N, a second name display unit 302N, a third name display unit 303N, and a 29th name display unit 329N in order from the left. The name display section is provided. Specifically, the source name display section 30N is given to an input signal supplied to an input line associated with each crosspoint button arranged in each crosspoint button row 30A, 30B, 30K. Displayed. For example, in the example of FIG. 7, the names given to the source signals supplied to the input line Prm1 associated with the first crosspoint buttons 301A, 301B, 301K in the respective crosspoint button rows 30A, 30B, 30K. Is “CAM1”, the characters “CAM1” are displayed on the first name display portion 301N. The name given to the source signal supplied to the input line Prm2 associated with the second crosspoint buttons 302A, 302B, 302K in the crosspoint button rows 30A, 30B, 30K is “CAM2”. Therefore, the characters “CAM2” are displayed on the second name display portion 302N.

  Here, the correspondence between the cross points of the matrix unit 104 of the processor 1 described in FIG. 2 and the cross point buttons of the operation blocks 10, 20, and 30 described in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 will be described.

  The first cross point button 101A of the first signal selection operation block 10 (see FIG. 4) corresponds to the cross point 101a of the first signal selection block 110 (see FIG. 2) of the matrix section 104, and The first crosspoint button 101B of the signal selection operation block 10 corresponds to the crosspoint 101b of the first signal selection block 110, and the first crosspoint button 101K of the first signal selection operation block 10 is the first This corresponds to the cross point 101k of the signal selection block 110. Similarly, the second to 29th cross point buttons 102A to 129A correspond to the respective cross points 102a to 129a, and the second to 29th cross point buttons 102B to 129B correspond to the respective cross points 102b to 102b. Each of the second to 29th cross point buttons 102K to 129K corresponds to each of the cross points 102k to 129k.

  The first crosspoint button 201A of the second signal selection operation block 20 (see FIG. 5) corresponds to the crosspoint 201a of the second signal selection block 120 (see FIG. 2) of the matrix unit 104, and the second The first crosspoint button 201B of the signal selection operation block 20 corresponds to the crosspoint 201b of the matrix section 104, and the first crosspoint button 201K of the second signal selection operation block 20 is the crosspoint of the matrix section 104. Corresponds to 201k. Similarly, the second to 29th cross point buttons 202A to 229A correspond to the respective cross points 202a to 229a, and the second to 29th cross point buttons 202B to 229B correspond to the respective cross points 202b to 202b. Each of the second to 29th cross point buttons 202K to 229K corresponds to each of the cross points 202k to 229k.

  The first crosspoint button 301A of the third signal selection operation block 30 (see FIG. 6) corresponds to the crosspoint 301a of the third signal selection block 130 (see FIG. 2) of the matrix section 104, and the third The first crosspoint button 301B of the signal selection operation block 30 corresponds to the crosspoint 301b of the matrix section 104, and the first crosspoint button 301K of the third signal selection operation block 30 is the crosspoint of the matrix section 104. Corresponds to 301k. Similarly, the second to 29th cross point buttons 302A to 329A correspond to the respective cross points 302a to 329a, and the second to 29th cross point buttons 302B to 329B correspond to the respective cross points 302b to 302b. Each of the second to 29th cross point buttons 302K to 329K corresponds to each of the cross points 302k to 329k.

  In other words, as can be seen from the above description, the first crosspoint buttons 101A, 101B, 101K, 201A, 201B, 201K, 301A, first from the left defined by the identification number “1” of each crosspoint button row. 301B and 301K are all assigned the same input line Prm1. To explain in an easy-to-understand manner, the first button line V1 in the vertical direction composed of the arrangement of the first first crosspoint buttons 101A, 101B, 101K, 201A, 201B, 201K, 301A, 301B, 301K is the first Is associated with the input line Prm1.

  Therefore, the same name is displayed on the first name display portions 101N, 201N, and 301N in the first signal selection operation block 10, the second signal selection operation block 20, and the third signal selection operation block 30. In the examples shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, all have the same name “CAM1”.

  For convenience of future explanation, as described above, on the control panel 2, a vertical line composed of an array of the nth crosspoint buttons having the identification number “n” is referred to as the nth button line Vn. I will call it.

  Similarly, from the vertical button line V2 made up of the second crosspoint button on the control panel 2 to the 29th button line V29 made up of the 29th crosspoint button in the vertical direction, the second The 29th input line Prm29 is assigned from the input line Prm2. Therefore, the same can be said for the second name display units 102N, 202N, and 203N to the 29th name display units 129N, 229N, and 329N.

  In the example shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, the first source input Prm1 is assigned to the first button line composed of the first cross point buttons, and the second cross line is assigned. A second source input Prm2 is assigned to the second button line composed of the point buttons, and the 29th button line composed of the 29th crosspoint button is assigned the 29th button line. Although an example in which the source input Prm29 is assigned has been described, the apparatus of the present invention is not limited to this assignment. Specifically, the assignment of each crosspoint button to the input line can be freely set by a crosspoint button assignment table described later.

Next, the AUX signal selection operation block 40 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
The AUX signal selection operation block 40 is a cross point for operating switching of a cross point constituted by a matrix of 29 input lines Prm1 to Prm29 and 13 output lines AUX1 to AUX13. For a crosspoint button row 40A having buttons, a source name display section 40N for displaying a name given to a source signal supplied to an input line assigned to each crosspoint button, and a crosspoint button row 40A, A delegation button row 45A having a delegation button (delegation button) for selecting one of the 13 output lines including the first output line AUX1 to the 13th output line AUX13, and each delegation button Corresponding output line And an output source name display unit 45N for displaying the name of the source signal that is currently being used.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the crosspoint button row 40A includes, in order from the left, a first crosspoint button 401A, a second crosspoint button 402A, a third crosspoint button 403A,. A total of 29 crosspoint buttons including the crosspoint buttons 429A are arranged. In addition, the 29 first to 29th crosspoint buttons provided in the crossbutton row 40A are respectively “1” from the left side, like the crosspoint buttons 101A to 129A, 201A to 229A, and 301A to 329A. "To" 29 "are assigned.

  The first crosspoint button 401A is provided on the first button line V1 indicating the vertical button line on the control panel 2, and the second crosspoint button 402A is provided on the second button line V2. The 29th crosspoint button 429A is provided on the 29th button line V29.

  That is, as described with reference to FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, the first crosspoint buttons 101A, 101B, 101K, 201A provided on the first button line V1 in the vertical direction on the control panel 2 are used. , 201B, 201K, 301A, 301B, 301K are associated with the first input line Prm1, and the first crosspoint button 401A provided on the first button line V1 is , Associated with the first input line Prm1. Similarly, the second crosspoint button, the third crosspoint button, and the 29th crosspoint button are respectively a second input line Prm2, a third input line Prm3, and a 29th input line. It is associated with Prm29.

  The source name display unit 40N has a total of 29 items including a first name display unit 401N, a second name display unit 402N, a third name display unit 403N, and a 29th name display unit 429N in order from the left. The name display section is provided. Specifically, the name assigned to the source signal supplied to the input line corresponding to each of the crosspoint buttons 401A to 429A is displayed in the source name display portion 10N.

  In the example shown in FIG. 7, the input line associated with the first crosspoint button 401A in the crosspoint button row 40A is the first input line Prm1, and is supplied to this input line. Since the name given to the input source signal is “CAM1”, the letters “CAM1” are displayed on the first name display portion 401N.

  That is, the 29 crosspoint buttons 401A to 429A correspond to 29 input lines Prm1 to Prm29, respectively, like the crosspoint buttons 101A to 129A, 201A to 229A, and 301A to 329A. Therefore, the same name as that displayed on the source name display units 10N, 20N, and 30N of the signal selection operation blocks 10, 20, and 30 is displayed on the source name display unit 45N.

  In the delegation button row 45A, a total of 13 delegation buttons including a first delegation button 451A, a second delegation button 452A, a third delegation button 453A, and a thirteenth delegation button 463A are arranged in this order from the left. Has been. Further, the 13 first to 13th delegation buttons 451A to 463A provided in the delegation button row 45A are assigned identification numbers “1” to “29” respectively from the left side.

  The output source name display unit 45N includes a total of 13 items including a first name display unit 451N, a second name display unit 452N, a third name display unit 453N, and a thirteenth name display unit 463N in order from the left. There are provided name display portions. Specifically, the names given to the source signals output to the output lines AUX1 to AUX13 are displayed on the name display portions 451N to 463N, respectively.

  Next, referring to FIG. 8, the names displayed on the output source name display section 45N will be described in more detail. FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the AUX signal selection block 140 shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 8, the first input line Prm1 and the first output line AUX1 are connected at the cross point 401a-1, and the second input line Prm2 and the second output line AUX2 are connected at the cross point 402a-2. The third input line Prm3 and the third output line AUX3 are connected at the cross point 403a-3, the sixth input line Prm6 and the seventh output line AUX7 are connected at the cross point 406a-7, and the seventh The input line Prm7 and the eighth output line AUX8 are connected at the cross point 407a-8, the eighth input line Prm8 and the ninth output line AUX9 are connected at the cross point 408a-9, and the tenth input line Prm10 is connected. The fourth output line AUX4 is cross point 410a. It is connected at 4, and the input line Prm11 eleventh fifth output line AUX5 indicates an example that is connected at the cross point 411a-5.

  That is, the signal output from the AUX first video camera CAM1 is output from the first output line AUX1 via the cross point 401a-1, and the signal output from the second video camera CAM2 is the cross point 402a. -2 is output from the second output line AUX2 and the signal output from the third video camera CAM3 is output from the third output line AUX3 via the cross point 403a-3, and the third video. The signal output from the tape recorder VTR3 is output from the seventh output line through the cross point 406a-7, and the signal output from the fourth video tape recorder VTR4 is output through the cross point 407a-8. 8 output line AUX8 and the signal output from the first disk recorder DR1. Is output from the ninth output line AUX9 via the cross point 408a-9, and the signal output from the first special effect device DME1 is output from the fourth output line AUX4 via the cross point 410a-4. Then, the signal output from the second special effect device DME2 is output from the fifth output line AUX5 via the cross point 411a-5.

  Accordingly, the characters “CAM1” are displayed on the first output source name display portion 451N corresponding to the first output line AUX1, and the second output source name display portion 452N corresponding to the second output line AUX2 is displayed. Is displayed with the characters “CAM2”, the third output source name display portion 453N corresponding to the third output line AUX3 is displayed with the characters “CAM3”, and the fourth output line corresponding to the fourth output line AUX4. Is displayed on the output source name display portion 454N, and the seventh output source name display portion 457N corresponding to the seventh output line AUX7 is displayed with the characters “VTR3”. In the eighth output source name display portion 458N corresponding to the output line AUX8, the characters “VTR4” are displayed and corresponding to the ninth output line AUX9. The 9 of the output source name display unit 459N letters "DR1" is displayed. Note that the source name is not displayed in the sixth output source name display portion 456N because there is no source signal output to the sixth output line AUX6.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, the relationship between each crosspoint button of the AUX signal selection operation block 40 and each crosspoint of the AUX signal selection block 140 will be described in more detail.

  First, since the first crosspoint button 401A is associated with the first input line Prm1, operating the crosspoint button 401A causes thirteen crosspoints 401a on the first input line Prm1. -1, 401a-2, 401a-3 to 401a-13 can be operated. Similarly, since the second crosspoint button 402A is associated with the second input line Prm2, operating the second crosspoint button 402A causes 13 on the second input line Prm2. Switching of the cross points 401a-1, 401a-2, 401a-3,..., 401a-13 can be operated. That is, by operating the “n” -th n-th crosspoint button 40′n′A from the left, the switching of the 13 crosspoints on the “n” -th input line Prm′n ′ is operated. Can do.

  The 13 delegation buttons 451A to 463A are respectively associated with the 13 output lines AUX1 to AUX13. By operating this delegation button, one output line can be selected from among the 13 output lines AUX1 to AUX13.

  For example, when the second delegation button 452A is pressed, the second output line AUX2 is selected, and when the fourth delegation button 454A is pressed, the fourth output line AUX4 is selected.

  It should be noted here that the delegation buttons 451A to 463A are crosspoint buttons for selecting one output line from the output lines AUX1 to AUX13, and this button is used to connect the crosspoints. Will never switch.

  In FIGS. 7 and 8, the first input line Prm1 is assigned to the first crosspoint button 401A, and the second source input Prm2 line is assigned to the second crosspoint button 402A. Is shown, and the 29th input line Prm29 is assigned to the 29th crosspoint button 429A. However, in the apparatus of the present invention, the assignment is not limited to such an assignment. Absent.

  That is, the assignment of the crosspoint buttons 401A to 429A to the input lines Prm1 to Prm29 is assigned by the crosspoint button assignment table described later, similarly to the assignment of the input lines to the crosspoint buttons in the signal selection blocks 10, 20, and 30. It can be set freely.

4). Description of Panel Control Block Next, the panel control block 2c for controlling the control panel 2 will be described with reference to FIG.
The panel control block 2c is provided on a substrate provided on the back side of the button arrangement surface (front surface) on which the cross point buttons of the control panel 2 are arranged.
The panel control block 2c generates a control signal according to the ON / OFF state of the crosspoint button provided on the control panel 2, outputs the control signal to the processor 1, and is provided on the control panel 2. This is a block for controlling the light emission of a cross point button or an LED (Light Emitting Diode) in the source name display section.

  The panel control block 2c includes a main CPU 201 for controlling each circuit in the panel control block 2c via a control bus, a program ROM 202 for storing a control operation program of the panel control block 2c, and the control A nonvolatile EEPROM (Electric Erasable Program Read Only Memory) 203 for storing information set for the panel 2, a RAM 204 for storing the cross point state of the matrix section 104 of the processor 1, an interface circuit ( The communication CPU 205 for communicating with the processor 1 via the I / F) 206 and a signal indicating the ON / OFF state of each crosspoint button provided on the control panel 2 are received from each crosspoint button and each crosspoint button is also received. Button controller 207 for sending a control signal for displaying a button lighting LED provided on the remote button, source name display units 10N, 20N, 30N, 40N and output source name display unit 45N of the control panel 2. The LED controller 208 for causing the LEDs provided in the LED to emit light and the display controller 209 for driving the display provided in the display unit 50 of the control panel 2 are provided.

  The EEPROM 203 stores a crosspoint button allocation table for storing associations between 29 primary input lines and 29 crosspoint buttons.

  Specifically, this crosspoint button allocation table is a table in which numbers indicating 29 primary input lines are associated with identification numbers indicating 29 crosspoint buttons, as shown in FIG.

  The crosspoint allocation table shown in FIG. 10 is a table created so as to correspond to FIGS. 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8, and the first input line Prm 1 is the first table. No. crosspoint button is assigned, the second crosspoint button is assigned to the second input line Prm2, and the 29th crosspoint button is assigned to the 29th input line Prm29. .

  Note that this crosspoint button allocation table is a table that can be freely set by the operator at the time of device setup, and is not limited to the assignment of input lines and crosspoint buttons as shown in FIG. Therefore, for example, the fourth input line Prm4 is assigned to the first crosspoint button, the seventh input line Prm7 is assigned to the third crosspoint button, and the operator can freely assign the input line to the crosspoint button. it can.

The EEPROM 203 stores a source name table having source names given to signals supplied to 29 primary input lines.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, the source name table associates numbers indicating primary input lines with source names given to signals supplied to the 29 input lines. It is a table.

  The source name table shown in FIG. 11 is a table created so as to correspond to FIGS. 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8, and is supplied to the first input line Prm1. The signal is given the name “CAM1”, and the signal supplied to the second input line Prm2 is given the name “CAM2” and supplied to the third input line Prm3. The signal is given the name “CAM3” and the signal supplied to the fourth input line Prm4 is given the name “VTR1” and supplied to the fifth input line Prm5. The signal is given the name “VTR2”, and the signal supplied to the sixth input line Prm6 is given the name “VTR3” and supplied to the seventh input line Prm7. For signals, “VT 4 ”and the signal supplied to the eighth input line Prm8 is given the name“ DR1 ”and the signal supplied to the ninth input line Prm9 is“ For the signal given the name “DR2” and supplied to the tenth input line Prm10, the name given to “DME1” and given to the eleventh input line Prm11 is “ It is a table showing an example in which the name “DME3” is given to the signal supplied with the name “DME2” and supplied to the twelfth input line Prm12.

  The names stored in the source name table can be freely set by the operator and are not limited to the names as shown in FIG.

The RAM 204 has a cross point table for storing the ON / OFF state of the cross points of the matrix unit 104 of the processor 1.
As shown in FIG. 12, this cross point table is composed of data in which the cross point states are stored in the form of a map. Specifically, the AUX signal selection block 140 is used for 29 input lines Prm1 to Prm29. 13 output lines AUX1 to AUX13, three output lines from the first signal selection block 110, three output lines from the second signal selection block 120, and from the third signal selection block 130 2-bit data indicating whether or not three output lines are connected is stored.

  In FIG. 12, “1” indicates that the input line and the output line are connected, and “0” indicates that the input line and the output line are not connected.

5. Description of the operation of the matrix switcher The operation of this matrix switcher will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS . 13, 14 and 15. FIG.
First, the setup of the control panel 2 and the panel control block 2c will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S1, the CPU 201 determines whether to newly create a crosspoint allocation table based on an instruction from the operator. If yes, then continue with step S2, otherwise continue with step S3.

  In step S2, the CPU 201 creates a new crosspoint button allocation table in accordance with the operation of the operator. Specifically, the CPU 201 controls the display controller 209 so as to display table-like data as shown in FIG. 10 on the display provided in the display unit 80 of the control panel 2. At this time, the data displayed on the display is number data 1 to 29 of the primary input line, and the data indicating the identification number of the crosspoint button is not displayed and is left blank. Next, the operator inputs a desired crosspoint button number by operating a cursor and a numeric keypad provided near the display. The CPU 201 receives data indicating the identification number of the newly input crosspoint button via the display controller 209, and creates a crosspoint button allocation table as shown in FIG. At the end of step S <b> 3, the CPU 201 stores the newly created crosspoint allocation table in a predetermined area of the EEPROM 203.

  In step S3, the CPU 201 determines whether or not to create a new source name table based on an instruction from the operator. If yes, then continue with step S4, otherwise continue with step S5.

  In step S4, the CPU 201 creates a new source name table in accordance with the operation of the operator. Specifically, the CPU 201 controls the display controller 209 so as to display table-like data and a keyboard as shown in FIG. 11 on a display provided in the display unit 80 of the control panel 2. At this time, the data displayed on the display is only the number data 1 to 29 of the primary input line, and the source name is not displayed and is left blank. Next, the operator inputs a new desired source name by operating a cursor and a numeric keypad provided near the display. The CPU 201 receives the newly input source name via the display controller 209, and creates a source name table as shown in FIG. At the end of step S <b> 4, the CPU 201 stores the newly created source name table in a predetermined area of the EEPROM 203.

  In step S5, the CPU 201 determines whether to use the crosspoint button allocation table and the source name table that are already stored in the EEPROM 203 based on the operation of the operator.

  Through the above steps S1 to S5, the EEPROM 203 stores a crosspoint button allocation table and a source name table having setup data desired by the operator.

Next, a case where a new cross point is set will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
First, in step S11, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the delegation buttons 451A to 463A are pressed in accordance with a command from the button controller 207. When the CPU 201 detects that any one of the 13 delegation buttons 451A to 463A has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S12. Here, in order to facilitate understanding of the future description, it is assumed that the seventh delegation button 457A is pressed from among the 13 delegation buttons by the operator in step S11 in accordance with the example shown in FIG.

  In step S12, the button controller 207 causes the LED provided inside the pressed delegation button to emit light in order to light the delegation button pressed in step S11.

  In step S13, the CPU 201 selects an output line corresponding to the delegation button selected in step S11 from among the 13 output lines AUX1 to AUX13. That is, since the seventh delegation button 457A is pressed in step S11, the CPU 201 selects the seventh output line AUX7 from among the 13 output lines AUX1 to AUX13.

  In step S <b> 14, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the cross point buttons 401 </ b> A to 429 </ b> A are pressed according to the detection signal from the button controller 207. When the CPU 201 detects that any one of the 29 crosspoint buttons 401A to 429A has been pressed, the CPU 201 proceeds to step S14. In the description of this step, it is assumed that, in accordance with the example shown in FIG. 8, in this step S14, the sixth crosspoint button 406A out of 29 crosspoint buttons is pressed by the operator.

  In step S15, the button controller 207 causes the LED provided inside the pressed crosspoint button to emit light in order to light the crosspoint button pressed in step S13.

  In step S16, the CPU 201 refers to the crosspoint button assignment table stored in the EEPROM 203, and selects the input line assigned to the crosspoint button selected in step S14 from among the 29 input lines Prm1 to Prm29. select. Specifically, referring to the data of the EEPROM 203 shown in FIG. 9, the input line assigned to the sixth crosspoint button is the sixth input line Prm6. 6 input lines are selected.

  In step S17, the CPU 201 determines a cross point to be switched based on the output line and input line selected in steps S13 and S16. Specifically, referring to FIG. 8, since the seventh output line AUX7 has already been selected in the process of step S13 and the sixth input line Prm6 has been selected in step S16, the CPU 201 The cross point for connecting the output line AUX7 and the sixth input line Prm6 can be determined to be the cross point 406a-7.

  In step S18, the CPU 201 sends a control command to the processor 1 via the communication CPU 205 so as to switch the cross point 406a-7 selected by the process in step S17 from the non-connected state (OFF) to the connected state (ON). Send it out.

On the other hand, the CPU 101 of the processor that has received this control command controls the cross point 406a-7 from the unconnected state (OFF) to the connected state (ON).
In step S19, the CPU 201 updates the data of the cross point table stored in the RAM 204. Specifically, since the cross point 406a-7 is changed from the non-connection state (OFF) to the connection state (ON) by the process in step S14, the connection state of the cross point 406a-7 in the cross point table is shown. The data is switched from “0” to “1”.

  In step S20, the CPU 201 controls the LED controller 208 to display the characters “VTR3” on the seventh name display unit 457N of the output source name display unit 45N.

  With the above steps S11 to S20, the setting of one cross point is completed. When setting a plurality of cross points, the loop from step S11 to step S20 may be repeated.

Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 14, the case where the already set cross point is changed to a different cross point will be described.
In order to facilitate understanding of the flowchart, a specific example will be described. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the signal from the third video tape recorder VTR3 is supplied to the seventh output line AUX7 connected to the second disk recorder. The flow chart of FIG. 14 will be described as a specific example in which the cross point is switched from the initial state shown in FIG. 8 so that the signal from the second video camera CAM2 is output to the seventh output line AUX7. To do.

  First, in step S <b> 21, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the delegation buttons 451 </ b> A to 463 </ b> A are pressed according to a command from the button controller 207. When the CPU 201 detects that any one of the 13 delegation buttons 451A to 463A has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S12. In the specific example described above, the signal output to the seventh output line AUX7 must be switched from the signal of the third video tape recorder VTR3 to the signal of the second video camera. The delegation button 457A is pressed.

  In step S22, the button controller 207 causes the LED provided in the pressed delegation button 457A to emit light in order to turn on the delegation button 457A pressed in step S11.

  In step S23, the CPU 201 selects an output line corresponding to the delegation button selected in step S21 from among the 13 output lines AUX1 to AUX13. That is, since the seventh delegation button 457A is pressed in step S21, the CPU 201 selects the seventh output line AUX7 from among the 13 output lines AUX1 to AUX13.

  In step S24, the CPU 201 searches for an input line that crosses the seventh output line AUX7 selected in step S23. Specifically, the CPU 201 refers to the cross point data stored in the cross point table of the RAM 204 and sets the input lines crossing the seventh output line AUX to the 29 input lines Prm1 to Prm29. Choose from. In this example, since the input line crossing the seventh output line AUX7 is the sixth input line Prm6, in this step, the CPU 201 selects the sixth input line Prm6.

  In step S24, the CPU 201 refers to the cross point data stored in the cross point table of the RAM 204, so that the cross point circuit where the seventh output line AUX and the sixth input line Prm7 cross is It can be recognized as the cross point 406a-7 in the matrix unit 104.

  In step S25, the CPU 201 searches for a crosspoint button corresponding to the input line selected in the process of step S24. Specifically, the CPU 201 refers to the cross point button assignment table of the EEPROM 203 and selects a cross point button assigned to the sixth input line Prm6. In this example, the cross point button corresponding to the sixth input line Prm6 is the sixth cross point button 406A. Therefore, the CPU 201 selects the sixth cross point button 406A as the cross button corresponding to the input line to which the signal output to the seventh output line is supplied.

  In step S26, the CPU 201 controls the button controller 207 so that the LED of the sixth crosspoint button 406A selected in step S25 emits light and the button 406A is lit.

  In step S27, the CPU 201 determines whether or not a crosspoint button other than the lit crosspoint button has been pressed in response to a detection signal from the button controller 207. That is, in this example, it is determined whether or not the cross point buttons 401A to 405A and 407A to 429A other than the sixth cross point button 406A that has been lit by the processing of step S25 and step S26 have been pressed. In the specific example described above, the signal output to the seventh output line AUX7 must be switched from the signal of the third video tape recorder VTR3 to the signal of the second video camera. In this step S27, The operator presses the second crosspoint button 402A.

  In step S28, the button controller 207 causes the LED provided in the pressed crosspoint button to emit light in order to light the crosspoint button 402A pressed in step S27. Further, the cross point button 406A that has been lit up until now is turned off.

  In step S29, the CPU 201 refers to the crosspoint button assignment table stored in the EEPROM 203, and selects the input line assigned to the crosspoint button 402A selected in step S27 from among the 29 input lines Prm1 to Prm29. Select from. Specifically, referring to the data stored in the EEPROM 203 shown in FIG. 9, since the input line assigned to the second crosspoint button is the second input line Prm2, the CPU 201 determines the second input line Prm2 in step S29. 2 input lines are selected.

  In step S30, the CPU 201 determines a cross point to be switched based on the output line and input line selected in steps S23 and S29. Specifically, since the seventh output line AUX7 has already been selected in the process of step S23 and the second input line Prm2 has been selected in step S29, the CPU 201 determines that the seventh output line AUX7 and the second output line AUX7 It is possible to determine that the cross point for connecting the input line Prm2 is the cross point 402a-7.

  In step S31, the CPU 201 switches the cross point 406a-7 connected so far selected by the process of step S24 from the connected state (ON) to the non-connected state (OFF) and selects it by the process of step S30. A control command is sent to the processor 1 via the communication CPU 205 so as to switch the cross point 402a-7 thus made from the non-connected state (OFF) to the connected state (ON).

  On the other hand, the CPU 101 of the processor that has received this control command switches the cross point 406a-7 from the connected state (ON) to the non-connected state (OFF), and changes the cross point 402a-7 from the non-connected state (OFF). Control the connection state (ON).

  In step S <b> 32, the CPU 201 updates the data of the cross point table stored in the RAM 204. Specifically, the cross point 406a-7 is switched from the connected state (ON) to the disconnected state (OFF) by the process of step S31, and the cross point 402a-7 is switched from the disconnected state (OFF) to the connected state. Therefore, the CPU 201 changes the data indicating the connection state of the cross point 406a-7 in the cross point table from “1” to “0” and also displays data indicating the connection state of the cross point 402a-7. Change from “0” to “1”.

  In step S33, the CPU 201 controls the LED controller 208 so that the characters “CAM2” are displayed instead of the characters “VTR3” on the seventh name display unit 457N of the output source name display unit 45N.

  Through the above steps S21 to S33, the changing process for one cross point is completed. When changing a plurality of cross points, the loop from step S21 to step S33 may be repeated.

  As described above, the matrix switcher according to the present invention is a matrix switcher for switching a cross point generated by a cross between a plurality of input lines and a plurality of output lines. A control panel having a plurality of crosspoint buttons for selecting a desired input line, a plurality of delegation buttons for selecting a desired output line from the plurality of output lines, and a source supplied to the input line A panel for displaying a source name given to a signal on a predetermined name display unit and displaying a source name given to a source signal output from the output line via the cross point on a predetermined name display unit And a control block.

  Therefore, the source name given in advance to the signal output to the output line is displayed in the name display section of the control panel in association with the delegation button indicating the output line. It is possible to visually grasp which device it is.

  The matrix switcher according to the present invention is assigned to a crosspoint assignment table for storing assignment data for assigning a plurality of input lines to a plurality of crosspoint buttons and a source signal supplied to the plurality of input lines. A source name table for storing the source names.

  Therefore, a plurality of input lines can be freely assigned to a plurality of cross point buttons. Further, a free source name can be given to the source input signal. In addition, since the matrix switcher of the present invention stores the crosspoint allocation table and the source name table in a nonvolatile memory, the data in this table can be reused even after the switcher is turned off. Can do.

  In addition, the matrix switcher of the present invention has a cross point table for storing cross point information indicating the connection / disconnection state of all cross points in the matrix section in the processor. Therefore, the panel control means can always grasp the connection / disconnection state of the cross points of the matrix portion, and can control the control panel at high speed.

  Also, the matrix switcher of the present invention selects an input line connected to an output line corresponding to delegation based on the information of the crosspoint table, and supplies the selected input line based on the source name table. The source name given to the source signal is displayed.

  Further, the matrix switcher of the present invention selects one output line from the plurality of output lines in response to the operation of any one of the plurality of delegation buttons, and then, among the plurality of crosspoint buttons. One cross point is selected from the plurality of cross points in the matrix portion by selecting one input line from the plurality of input lines in response to the operation of any one of the operation buttons.

  Therefore, it is possible to select the cross point with a small number of operation buttons on the control panel.

  Further, the matrix switcher of the present invention is based on the first process of selecting one output line from a plurality of output lines in response to a button selected by the operator among the delegation buttons, and information on the crosspoint table. The input line already connected to the output line selected in the first process is selected from the plurality of input lines, and the crosspoint set for the output line selected in the first process is selected as a processor. A plurality of crosspoint buttons assigned to the input line selected in the second process based on the second process selected from the plurality of crosspoints and the crosspoint button assignment table. The third process selected from the point buttons and selected in the third process And to perform a fourth processing for turning on the loss point button. Therefore, when the operator operates the delegation button, the crosspoint button associated with the input line connected to the output line associated with the delegation button can be automatically turned on.

  Furthermore, the matrix switcher of the present invention includes a fifth process for detecting whether or not a button other than the crosspoint button lit in the fourth process is selected by an operator's operation, and a crosspoint button allocation table. A sixth process for selecting an input line corresponding to the first operation button selected in the fifth process from the plurality of input lines; an output line selected in the first process; The seventh process of selecting one cross point as a cross point to be connected from a plurality of cross points according to the input line selected in the process of 6, and the cross point selected in the second process are connected. The control command for switching from the disconnected state to the disconnected state and the cross point selected in the seventh process are disconnected. It is a control command for switching to perform an eighth processing of transmitting to a processor connected state from. Therefore, the cross point can be automatically switched by operating only the delegation button and the cross point button, and the usability of the button operation is improved.

  The matrix switcher according to the present invention further includes a ninth process for searching for the source name assigned to the input line selected in the sixth process based on the name data in the source name table, and a search in the ninth process. The source name thus displayed is replaced with the source name already displayed, and a tenth process for newly displaying the name on the name display unit corresponding to the output line selected in the first process is performed. Therefore, when the cross point is switched, the name displayed automatically is changed according to the switching.

  The matrix switcher of the present invention can be applied to a switcher system that selects desired source video data from video data input from a plurality of input lines and appropriately switches to a desired output line for output in a broadcasting station or the like.

It is a figure which shows the whole switcher system structure by which the matrix switcher of this invention is used, It is a block diagram showing a configuration of a matrix switcher processor, It is a figure showing the appearance of the control panel of the matrix switcher, It is a figure which shows the 1st signal selection operation block of a control panel, It is a figure which shows the 2nd signal selection operation block of a control panel, It is a figure which shows the 3rd signal selection operation block of a control panel, It is a figure which shows the AUX signal selection operation block of a control panel, It is a figure which shows the AUX signal selection block in a matrix part, It is a block diagram showing the configuration of the panel control block, It is a figure showing a crosspoint button allocation table, It is a figure showing a source name table, It is a figure showing a crosspoint table, It is a flowchart showing the operation at the time of setup of the matrix switcher of the present invention, In the matrix switcher of the present invention, it is a flowchart showing the operation of setting a new crosspoint, 5 is a flowchart showing an operation of changing a cross point in the matrix switcher of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Processor, 2 ... Control panel, 2c ... Panel control block, 10 ... 1st signal selection operation block, 20 ... 2nd signal selection operation block, 30 ... 3rd signal selection operation block, 40A ... Crosspoint button 40N ... Source name display section, 45A ... Delegation button string, 45N ... Output source name display section, 101 ... CPU, 104 ... Matrix section, 110 ... First signal selection block, 120 ... Second signal selection block, 130 ... third signal selection block, 140 ... AUX signal selection block, 401A ... first crosspoint button, 402A ... second crosspoint button, 401N ... first name display section, 401A ... second name display 451A ... first delegation button, 452A ... second delegation Ligation button, 451N ... first name display, 452N ... second name display

Claims (24)

In a matrix switcher for switching a cross point generated by crossing a plurality of input lines and a plurality of output lines,
A plurality of first operation buttons for selecting a desired input line from the plurality of input lines;
A plurality of first display units for displaying the source names given to the source signals in locations respectively associated with the plurality of first operation buttons;
A plurality of second operation buttons for selecting a desired output line from the plurality of output lines;
A plurality of second display sections for displaying the source names given to the source signals at locations respectively associated with the plurality of second operation buttons;
The source name given to the source signal supplied to the input line is displayed on the first display unit, and the source name given to the source signal output from the output line via the cross point is displayed. And a matrix switcher having control means for displaying on the second display section. A control panel including the plurality of first operation buttons, the plurality of first display units, the plurality of second operation buttons, and the plurality of second display units, and a panel control block having the control means When,
A matrix portion where the plurality of input lines and the plurality of output lines intersect in a matrix;
The matrix switcher according to claim 1, further comprising: a processor having switching control means for controlling switching of each cross point in the matrix section. The control means includes
2. The matrix switcher according to claim 1, further comprising storage means for storing assignment data for assigning the plurality of input lines to the first operation buttons. The control means includes
The matrix switcher according to claim 1, further comprising storage means for storing name data given to signals supplied to the plurality of input lines. First storage for storing allocation data for allocating the plurality of input lines to the first operation buttons and storing source names respectively assigned to source signals supplied to the plurality of input lines. The matrix switcher according to claim 2, further comprising: The control means includes
The assigned data indicating the operation buttons assigned to the plurality of input lines is stored in the first storage means as a first table, and the source names assigned to the plurality of input lines are stored in the second table. The matrix switcher according to claim 5, wherein the matrix switcher is stored in the first storage means. The first storage means is
The matrix switcher according to claim 6, wherein the matrix switcher is a non-volatile memory. 7. The matrix switcher according to claim 6, further comprising second storage means for storing cross point information indicating connection / disconnection states of all cross points in the matrix section of the processor. The control means includes
The matrix switcher according to claim 8, wherein the cross point information is stored in the second storage means as a third table. The control means includes
Based on the name data of the second table stored in the first storage means and the cross-point information of the third table stored in the second storage means, the output is output to the second display section. The matrix switcher according to claim 9, wherein a source name given to a signal output from the line is displayed. The control means includes
Based on the cross point information of the third table stored in the second storage means, an input line connected to the output line corresponding to the second operation button is selected, and the first storage means The second display unit corresponding to the second operation button, the source name given to the source signal supplied to the selected input line based on the name data of the second table stored in The matrix switcher according to claim 9. The control means includes
In response to the operation of the first operation button and the second operation button, one cross point is selected as a cross point to be connected from a plurality of cross points of the matrix portion, and the selected cross point is set to the non-cross point. Sends a control command for switching from the connected state to the connected state to the processor,
The switching control means of the processor includes:
The matrix switcher according to claim 9, wherein the selected crosspoint is switched from a non-connected state to a connected state in accordance with a control command sent from the control means. The control means includes
In response to the operation of any one of the plurality of second operation buttons, one output line is selected from the plurality of output lines, and then one of the plurality of first operation buttons is selected. The matrix according to claim 12, wherein one cross point is selected from a plurality of cross points of the matrix portion by selecting one input line from the plurality of input lines in response to an operation of any one of the operation buttons. Switcher. The control means includes
When it is detected that one of the plurality of second operation buttons has been operated by the operator, an output line corresponding to the operated second operation button is retrieved, and the retrieved output line The matrix switcher according to claim 11, wherein the first operation button associated with the input line connected to is lit. The control means includes
A first process of selecting one output line from the plurality of output lines in response to an operation button selected by an operator among the plurality of second operation buttons;
Second processing for selecting an input line already connected to the selected output line from a plurality of input lines based on the cross-point information of the third table stored in the second storage means When,
Based on the allocation data of the first table stored in the first storage means, the operation buttons allocated to the input line selected in the second process are displayed as the plurality of first operation buttons. A third process of selecting from,
The matrix switcher according to claim 11, wherein at least a fourth process of lighting a first button selected in the third process is performed. The control means includes
A fifth process for detecting whether an operation button other than the first operation button lit in the fourth process is selected by an operator's operation;
A sixth process of selecting an input line corresponding to the first operation button selected in the fifth process from the plurality of input lines based on the data of the operation button allocation table;
A seventh process for determining a cross point inside the processor according to the output line selected in the first process and the input line selected in the sixth process;
16. The matrix switcher according to claim 15, further comprising at least an eighth process of sending a control command for controlling the crosspoint determined in the seventh process from a non-connected state to a connected state to the processor. The switching control means of the processor includes:
The matrix switcher according to claim 16, wherein the crosspoint determined in the seventh process is switched from a non-connected state to a connected state based on a control command sent from the control means. The control means includes
A first process of selecting one output line from the plurality of output lines in response to an operation button selected by an operator among the plurality of second operation buttons;
Based on the cross-point information of the third table stored in the second storage means, an input line already connected to the output line selected in the first process is selected from a plurality of input lines. And a second process for selecting a cross point set for the output line selected in the first process from a plurality of cross points in the processor;
Based on the allocation data of the first table stored in the first storage means, the operation buttons allocated to the input line selected in the second process are displayed as the plurality of first operation buttons. A third process of selecting from,
A fourth process for turning on the first button selected in the third process;
Operation buttons other than the first operation button lit in the fourth process are
A fifth process for detecting whether or not it is selected by an operator's operation;
A sixth process of selecting an input line corresponding to the first operation button selected in the fifth process from the plurality of input lines based on the data of the operation button allocation table;
According to the output line selected in the first process and the input line selected in the sixth process, a first cross point is selected as a cross point to be connected from a plurality of cross points in the processor. 7 processing,
The first control command for switching the cross point selected in the second process from the connected state to the disconnected state, and the cross point selected in the seventh process from the non-connected state to the connected state. The matrix switcher according to claim 11, wherein at least an eighth process of sending a second control command to the processor to the processor is performed. The control means includes
Crosspoint information indicating the connection state of the crosspoint selected in the second process stored in the second storage means, and crosspoint information indicating the connection state of the crosspoint selected in the seventh process The matrix switcher according to claim 18, wherein the matrix switcher is updated with new crosspoint information. The control means includes
Based on the fifth process for detecting whether or not an operation button other than the first operation button lit in the fourth process is selected by an operator's operation, and the data in the operation button allocation table, A sixth process of selecting an input line corresponding to the first operation button selected in the fifth process from the plurality of input lines;
A ninth process for searching for a source name assigned to the input line selected in the sixth process based on the name data of the second table stored in the storage means;
The source name searched in the ninth process is newly displayed on the second display unit corresponding to the output line selected in the first process, instead of the source name already displayed. The matrix switcher according to claim 15, wherein: The control means includes
A first process of selecting one output line from the plurality of output lines in response to an operation button selected by an operator among the plurality of second operation buttons;
Based on the cross-point information of the third table stored in the second storage means, an input line already connected to the output line selected in the first process is selected from a plurality of input lines. And a second process for selecting a cross point set for the output line selected in the first process from a plurality of cross points in the processor;
Based on the allocation data of the first table stored in the first storage means, the operation buttons allocated to the input line selected in the second process are displayed as the plurality of first operation buttons. A third process of selecting from,
A fourth process for turning on the first button selected in the third process;
A fifth process for detecting whether an operation button other than the first operation button lit in the fourth process is selected by an operator's operation;
A sixth process of selecting an input line corresponding to the first operation button selected in the fifth process from the plurality of input lines based on the data of the operation button allocation table;
According to the output line selected in the first process and the input line selected in the sixth process, a first cross point is selected as a cross point to be connected from a plurality of cross points in the processor. 7 processing,
The first control command for switching the cross point selected in the second process from the connected state to the disconnected state, and the cross point selected in the seventh process from the non-connected state to the connected state. An eighth process of sending a second control command to the processor to the processor;
A ninth process for searching for a source name given to the input line selected in the sixth process based on the name data of the second table stored in the first storage means;
The source name searched in the ninth process is newly displayed on the second display unit corresponding to the output line selected in the first process, instead of the source name already displayed. The matrix switcher according to claim 11, wherein the matrix switcher performs 10 processes. The control means includes
Crosspoint information indicating the connection state of the crosspoint selected in the second process stored in the second storage means, and crosspoint information indicating the connection state of the crosspoint selected in the seventh process The matrix switcher according to claim 21, wherein the matrix switcher is updated with new crosspoint information. The processor
A plurality of mix / effect circuits for applying effects to the supplied source signal and mixing the supplied plurality of source signals,
The above control panel
A third operation button for selecting a source signal supplied to the plurality of mix / effect circuits, and a source name given to the source signal are displayed at a location associated with the third operation button. The matrix switcher according to claim 9, further comprising: a third display unit for performing the operation. The control means includes
Based on the first table stored in the first storage means, the same input line is assigned to the first operation button and the third operation button, and stored in the first storage means. The matrix switcher according to claim 23, wherein the same source name is displayed on the first display unit and the third display unit based on a second table.

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