JP2008005332A - Audio device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an audio device capable of reducing data amount which should be stored in a volume data storage portion for storing data representing volume levels in an adjustable range. <P>SOLUTION: On the occasion of a normal mode for adjusting volume coarsely, an MPU 30 computes 17 pieces of data representing volume levels at four-level intervals from "0" up to "64", and overwrites them on volume data in the storage portion 6a. On the other hand, on the occasion of a fine mode for adjusting the volume finely, the MPU 30 computes 17 pieces of data representing volume levels with a volume level ("24" for example) adjusted by the normal mode at their center from "16" up to "32" at one-level intervals, and overwrites them on volume data in the storage portion 6a. The MPU 30 reads from the volume data storage portion 6a, data representing a volume level according to the number of times of manipulation of a volume up key 41 or a volume down key 42 by a user for example, and based on the read data, volume adjustment by a volume adjustment portion 22 is controlled. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an audio device that adjusts the volume of sound to be output.

  The audio device is configured to adjust the volume of sound to be output from a speaker when a user performs an operation related to volume adjustment using an operation unit (see Patent Document 1).

The user of the audio device adjusts the volume of the sound output from the speaker of the audio device to a desired volume by, for example, pressing a volume key of an operation unit provided in the audio device.
The audio device increases or decreases the volume of the sound to be output from the speaker every time the volume key of the operation unit is pressed.

In order to adjust the volume, the audio device includes a volume adjustment unit that adjusts the volume of sound to be output from the speaker, and a volume data storage unit that stores data representing a volume level within a range adjustable by the volume adjustment unit. It is prepared in advance.
The control unit of the audio device reads data representing the volume level corresponding to the operation of the operation unit from the volume data storage unit, and controls volume adjustment by the volume adjustment unit based on the read data.

Adjustable volume level so that an appropriate volume can be output according to the user's preference, usage of the audio device (for example, whether it is used in a quiet place or a quiet place), etc. It is preferable that the range is set widely from a large volume to a small volume. Further, it is preferable that the predetermined volume adjustment amount is set to be small (that is, the volume level interval is set to be narrow) so that the volume can be finely adjusted.
In this case, for example, 65 data are stored in the volume data storage unit from the volume level “0” to the volume level “64” with the predetermined adjustment amount being “1”.

  However, when the predetermined adjustment amount of the volume is set to be small, the user presses the volume key of the operation unit many times in order to change the volume from a large volume (small volume) to a small volume (large volume). Therefore, there is a problem that the convenience for the user is lowered.

In order to solve such a problem, an audio apparatus having a normal mode for the user to roughly adjust the volume and a fine mode for finely adjusting the volume can be considered.
In the normal mode, the control unit reads and reads data representing the volume level corresponding to the operation of the operation unit from the volume data storage unit, for example, by setting the predetermined adjustment amount to “4” so that the volume can be adjusted roughly. The volume adjustment by the volume adjustment unit is controlled based on the received data. At this time, data read from the volume data storage unit is data corresponding to volume levels “0”, “4”, “8”,..., “60”, “64”.

  On the other hand, in the fine mode, the control unit reads data representing the volume level corresponding to the operation of the operation unit from the volume data storage unit, for example, by setting the predetermined adjustment amount to “1” so that the volume can be finely adjusted. Based on the read data, the volume adjustment by the volume adjustment unit is controlled. At this time, data read from the volume data storage unit is data corresponding to volume levels “0”, “1”, “2”,..., “63”, “64”.

The user using the audio apparatus as described above first adjusts the volume roughly by 4 levels in the normal mode, then switches to the fine mode, and finely adjusts the volume by a predetermined adjustment amount by 1 level, thereby obtaining the desired volume. Can output audio to the audio device.
Japanese Patent No. 3578231

  However, the conventional audio apparatus as described above needs to store a large amount of data (for example, 65 pieces of volume levels “0” to “64”) in the volume data storage unit. Because of the provision, it is not possible to use an EEPROM, RAM or the like having a small storage capacity.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and its main purpose is to exclusively store data representing a rough (fine) level of a wide (narrow) range of adjustable volume in a volume data storage unit. By adopting the configuration, an object of the present invention is to provide an audio apparatus that can reduce the amount of data to be stored in the volume data storage unit and can provide the volume data storage unit in a storage unit having a small storage capacity.

  Another object of the present invention is to calculate and calculate a plurality of data representing a wide (narrow) range of volume levels that can be adjusted in a wide (narrow) level interval when the volume is roughly (finely) adjusted. An object of the present invention is to provide an audio apparatus which can be provided with a storage means having a small storage capacity by reducing the amount of data to be stored by adopting a configuration in which data is overwritten and stored in a volume data storage unit.

  Another object of the present invention is to calculate data representing a maximum level and a data representing a minimum level in a narrow adjustable range based on data representing a volume level corresponding to the operation of the operation unit. An object of the present invention is to provide an audio apparatus capable of finely adjusting the volume after adjusting the volume roughly, for example, with the adjusted volume level as the center.

  Another object of the present invention is a configuration for calculating a level of a volume in a wide range that can be adjusted based on data representing a level of a volume corresponding to the operation of the operation unit. Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide an audio device that can finely adjust the volume after finely adjusting the volume, for example, starting from the adjusted volume level.

  Still another object of the present invention is to indicate a wide range in which the volume can be adjusted and a narrow range in which the volume can be adjusted. An object of the present invention is to provide an audio device that allows the user to easily recognize the volume adjustment mode by switching the display.

  An audio apparatus according to the present invention includes a volume adjustment unit that adjusts the volume of sound to be output, an operation unit for adjusting the volume, and a volume data storage unit that stores data representing a volume level within an adjustable range. Reading means for reading out data representing the volume level corresponding to the operation of the operation section from the volume data storage section, and controlling the volume adjustment by the volume adjustment section based on the data read by the reading section In the audio apparatus including the adjustment control means for performing the adjustment, the volume data storage unit can adjust the data representing the level of the volume in the first range that can be adjusted when the volume is roughly adjusted and the volume when the volume is finely adjusted. Storage control means for storing exclusively data representing the volume level of the second range narrower than the first range is provided.

  In the audio apparatus according to the present invention, the storage control unit determines whether to adjust the volume roughly or finely according to the operation of the operation unit, and determines that the determination unit adjusts the volume roughly. In this case, a plurality of data representing the volume level in the first range is calculated in a state where the level interval is wide, and the data calculated by the first data calculation unit is overwritten in the volume data storage unit. The first overwriting means for storing and the second data calculating means for calculating a plurality of data representing the volume levels in the second range in a state where the level interval is narrow when it is determined that the volume is finely adjusted. And a second overwriting means for overwriting and storing the data calculated by the second data calculating means in the sound volume data storage section.

  In the audio device according to the present invention, the second data calculation unit is configured to generate data representing a maximum level and data representing a minimum level in the second range based on data representing a volume level corresponding to the operation of the operation unit. Is calculated.

  In the audio device according to the present invention, when the first data calculation unit calculates data, the audio device is equal to or closest to the level based on data representing a volume level corresponding to the operation of the operation unit. Volume level calculation means for calculating the volume level of the first range is provided, and the reading means reads data representing the volume level calculated by the volume level calculation means from the volume data storage unit. It is characterized by that.

  The audio device according to the present invention displays a display content indicating the first range based on the data calculated by the display unit and the first data calculation unit, and a volume level corresponding to the operation of the operation unit. The display content indicating the second range is changed to the display content indicating the first range based on the data calculated by the first display control means for controlling the display unit to display and the second data calculation means. And second display control means for controlling the display unit so as to display a volume level corresponding to the operation of the operation unit while displaying in association with each other.

In the present invention, the storage control means sets the data indicating the level of the volume in the first range that can be adjusted when the volume is adjusted roughly, and the volume in the second range that can be adjusted when the volume is finely adjusted. The data representing the level is stored exclusively in the volume data storage unit. That is, one of the data representing the volume level in the first range and the data representing the volume level in the second range is stored in the volume data storage unit, and neither is stored in the volume data storage unit.
In other words, the storage capacity of the volume data storage unit is equal to or greater than the larger data volume of the data volume representing the volume level in the first range and the data volume representing the volume level in the second range. I just need it.

  Since the second range is narrower than the first range, the amount of data representing the volume level of the second range can be made substantially equal to the amount of data representing the volume level of the first range. If the width of the first range is equal to the width of the second range, the amount of data related to the second range for finely adjusting the volume is larger than the amount of data related to the first range for adjusting the volume roughly. More.

The reading means represents the volume level corresponding to the operation of the operation unit operated to adjust the volume from the volume data storage unit storing the data representing the volume level of the first range or the second range. The data is read, and the adjustment control unit controls the volume adjustment by the volume adjustment unit that adjusts the volume of the sound to be output based on the data read by the reading unit.
In this case, when data representing the volume level of the first range (second range) is stored in the volume data storage unit, the volume is adjusted roughly (finely) by operating the operation unit.

In the present invention, the storage control means includes determination means, first data calculation means and first overwrite means, second data calculation means and second overwrite means.
The determination means determines whether to adjust the volume roughly or finely according to the operation of the operation unit. For example, it is determined whether a key to be operated is pressed when the volume is roughly adjusted or whether a key to be operated is pressed when the volume is finely adjusted.

For example, when a key to be operated is pressed to adjust the volume roughly (finely), and the determination unit determines to adjust the volume roughly (finely), the first data calculation unit (second data calculation unit) is A plurality of data representing the volume level of the first range (second range) are calculated in a state where the level interval is wide (narrow).
The first overwriting means (second overwriting means) overwrites and stores the data calculated by the first data calculating means (second data calculating means) in the volume data storage unit.

  That is, the data to be stored in the volume data storage unit is not stored in advance in the volume data storage unit or other storage unit, but before being stored in the volume data storage unit, the first data calculating means or the second data Calculated by data calculation means.

In the present invention, when the determination means determines that the volume is finely adjusted, the second data calculation means corresponds to the operation of the operation unit with the data indicating the maximum level and the data indicating the minimum level of the second range. The calculation is performed based on the data representing the volume level, and a plurality of data representing the volume level in the second range are calculated in a small state with a wide level interval.
Generally, the user adjusts the volume roughly and then finely adjusts the volume. That is, when calculating the data representing the volume level in the second range, the volume level corresponding to the operation of the operation unit is the volume level in a roughly adjusted state. For this reason, the second range in which the volume can be adjusted is determined based on the level of the volume in a roughly adjusted state.

  In the present invention, when the determination unit determines to adjust the volume roughly, the first data calculation unit calculates a plurality of data representing the volume levels in the first range with a wide level interval, and The sound volume level calculating means is based on data representing the sound volume level corresponding to the operation of the operation unit, and is a level that is equal to or closest to this level and that is included in the first range. calculate. The first overwriting means overwrites and stores the data calculated by the first data calculation means in the volume data storage unit.

Further, the reading means is data representing the volume level calculated by the volume level calculating means from the volume data storage unit storing the data calculated by the first data calculating means, that is, data representing the volume level of the first range. Is read. The data read here is the volume level in the first range, and is data representing the volume level corresponding to the operation of the operation unit, or data representing the level closest to this level.
Finally, the adjustment control unit controls the volume adjustment by the volume adjustment unit that adjusts the volume of the sound to be output based on the data read by the reading unit.

  When the volume level corresponding to the operation of the operation unit is equal to the volume level of the second range and different from the volume level of the first range, data representing the volume level corresponding to the operation of the operation unit The data representing the volume level of the range cannot be read from the volume data storage unit in which the data is stored. In order to prevent such inconvenience, the sound volume level calculating means is a level equal to or closest to the sound volume level corresponding to the operation of the operation unit, and the level included in the sound volume level in the first range. After the calculation, data representing the volume level corresponding to the operation of the operation unit is read from the volume data storage unit.

In the present invention, the first display control means (second display control means) can adjust the volume based on the data calculated by the first data calculation means (second data calculation means). While displaying the display content indicating (second range), the volume level corresponding to the operation of the operation unit is displayed.
Here, the display content indicating the second range is displayed in association with the display content indicating the first range.

  According to the audio apparatus of the present invention, the amount of data representing the volume level of the adjustable first range when the volume is roughly adjusted, and the volume level of the adjustable second range when the volume is finely adjusted. In addition, the volume data storage unit stores one of the data representing the volume level in the first range and the data representing the volume level in the second range. For this reason, the amount of data to be stored in the volume data storage unit can be reduced, and the volume data storage unit can be provided in a storage unit (EEPROM, RAM, etc.) having a small storage capacity.

  When data representing the volume level of the first range is stored in the volume data storage unit, the volume can be roughly adjusted by the user operating the operation unit. Similarly, the volume data storage When data indicating the volume level of the second range is stored in the section, the volume can be finely adjusted. For this reason, a user's convenience can be improved.

  In the case of the audio device according to the present invention, since the data is calculated by the first data calculating unit or the second data calculating unit before storing in the volume data storage unit, the volume data storage unit is stored in the storage unit such as the EEPROM or the RAM. There is no need to store data to be stored in advance. For this reason, it is possible to reduce the amount of data to be stored in the storage unit and to provide a storage unit with a small storage capacity.

  Whether to adjust the volume roughly or finely is determined according to the operation of the operation unit, and data indicating the volume level of the first range and the volume level of the second range are expressed according to the determination result. One of the data is overwritten and stored in the volume data storage unit. When data representing the volume level of the first range (second range) is stored in the volume data storage unit, the user can adjust the volume roughly (finely). In other words, the user operates the operation unit to switch the audio device between the normal mode for adjusting the volume roughly and the fine mode for finely adjusting the volume, and outputs audio to the audio device at a desired volume. Can be output.

  According to the audio device of the present invention, the second range in which the volume can be adjusted is determined based on the level of the volume in the coarsely adjusted state. For example, after the volume is roughly adjusted, the adjusted volume level is The volume can be finely adjusted around the center.

In the case of the audio device of the present invention, the volume level is a volume level in the first range from the volume data storage unit storing data representing the volume level in the first range, and the volume level corresponds to the operation of the operation unit. Or the data representing the level closest to this level is read out, and the volume of the sound to be output is adjusted based on the read data.
For this reason, for example, after finely adjusting the volume, the volume can be roughly adjusted using the adjusted volume level or the volume level closest to the adjusted volume level as a starting point.

  In the case of the audio device according to the present invention, the user can easily recognize the volume adjustment mode by displaying appropriate display contents related to the volume adjustment on the display unit.

  Specifically, the user visually recognizes the display content indicating the first range in which the volume can be adjusted, for example, grasps the volume adjustable range in the normal mode, and further adjusts the volume corresponding to the operation of the operation unit. The level can be visually recognized, and the current volume level can be grasped.

Alternatively, the user visually recognizes the display content indicating the second range in which the volume can be adjusted, for example, grasps the volume adjustable range in the fine mode, and further visually recognizes the volume level corresponding to the operation of the operation unit. Thus, the current volume level can be grasped.
Moreover, since the display content indicating the second range in which the volume can be adjusted is displayed in association with the display content indicating the first range, the volume adjustable range in the fine mode and the volume adjustable range in the normal mode are displayed. It is easy to visually grasp the relationship.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings illustrating embodiments thereof.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an audio apparatus 1 according to the present invention.
The audio device 1 is a sound generation device such as a radio receiver or a CD player, and includes an audio device main body 2 and a remote controller (hereinafter referred to as a remote controller) 5 provided separately from the audio device main body 2.
The audio device main body 2 includes a speaker 21, a volume adjusting unit 22 that adjusts the volume of sound to be output from the speaker 21, a display unit 23 that uses a liquid crystal panel, a remote control light receiving unit 24, a control unit 3, an operation panel 4 And an EEPROM 7 are provided.

The control unit 3 includes an MPU 30, a remote control decoding unit 31 and a RAM 6 connected to the MPU 30.
The MPU 30 uses the RAM 6 as a work area, controls each part of the apparatus according to a control program, data, and the like stored in advance in the EEPROM 7 connected to the MPU 30, and executes various processes.

  A part of the storage area of the EEPROM 7 is a function storage unit 7a. The function storage unit 7a stores a function used in each of S11 and S51 described later and a function used in S31. The data amount of these functions is very small compared to the total amount of data stored in the volume data storage unit 6a described later, for example. That is, the storage capacity used as the function storage unit 7a is very small.

  The audio apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment has a normal mode for the user of the audio apparatus 1 to adjust the volume roughly and a fine mode for finely adjusting the volume.

  On the operation panel 4 and the remote controller 5, the volume up keys 41 and 51 pressed by the user to increase the volume (increase the volume level) and the user to decrease the volume (decrease the volume level) are displayed. Volume down keys 42 and 52 for pressing are provided. Further, the operation panel 4 and the remote controller 5 are provided with mode switching keys 43 and 53 that are pressed by the user to switch to the fine mode (normal mode) in the normal mode (fine mode).

The operation panel 4 is connected to the MPU 30, and gives an operation signal to the MPU 30 indicating that each key 41, 42, 43 is operated when each key 41, 42, 43 is pressed.
Each key 41, 42, 43 may be a hard key, or may be a soft key provided by the MPU 30 on a touch panel arranged on the display unit 23.

The remote controller 5 is configured to be able to communicate with the audio device main body 2 using infrared rays, and indicates that each key 51, 52, 53 has been operated when each key 51, 52, 53 is pressed. A remote control light emitting unit 54 that emits infrared rays including an operation signal is provided.
The infrared light emitted from the remote control light emitting unit 54 is received by the remote control light receiving unit 24 of the audio device main body 2. The remote control light receiving unit 24 is connected to the remote control decoding unit 31, converts the received infrared light into an electrical signal, and supplies the electrical signal to the remote control decoding unit 31.
The remote control decoding unit 31 to which the electric signal is given from the remote control light receiving unit 24 decodes the operation signal based on the given electric signal and gives it to the MPU 30.

When the MPU 30 is given an operation signal indicating that the volume up keys 41 and 51 (volume down keys 42 and 52) have been operated, the volume up keys 41 and 51 (volume down keys 42 and 52) are operated. (See S18 and S38 described later).
Further, the MPU 30 determines that the mode switching keys 43 and 53 are operated when receiving an operation signal indicating that the mode switching keys 43 and 53 are operated (see S20 and S40 described later).

Using the operation panel 4 or the remote controller 5 as described above, the user presses the volume up keys 41 and 51 (volume down keys 42 and 52) to set the volume of the sound output from the speaker 21 to a desired volume. adjust.
The MPU 30 causes the volume adjustment unit 22 to increase (decrease) the volume of the sound to be output from the speaker 21 each time the volume up keys 41 and 51 (volume down keys 42 and 52) are pressed. Control.

  The volume adjusting unit 22 controlled by the MPU 30 adjusts the volume of the audio signal that is a digital signal, and the audio signal whose volume is adjusted by the volume adjusting unit 22 is given to the speaker 21 connected to the volume adjusting unit 22. And output as sound having a required volume.

  The display unit 23 is controlled by the MPU 30 to display the operating state of the audio apparatus 1, an input instruction to the user, and the like, and the user operates the operation panel 4 or the remote controller 5 while viewing the display unit 23.

  A part of the storage area of the RAM 6 is a volume data storage unit 6a that stores data representing a volume level within a range adjustable by the volume adjustment unit 22, and the other part is a current value storage unit 6b and a final value storage unit 6b. A value storage unit 6c.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of data stored in the volume data storage unit 6a in the normal mode, and FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of data stored in the volume data storage unit 6a in the fine mode. FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the volume data storage unit 6a has 17 pieces of 8-bit data representing the level of volume in an adjustable range, and is associated with a pointer for referring to the 8-bit data. Is remembered.
The MPU 30 reads the 8-bit data from the volume data storage unit 6a, and controls the volume adjustment by the volume adjustment unit 22 based on the read 8-bit data. Further, the MPU 30 causes the display unit 23 to display display contents related to volume adjustment based on the 8-bit data, as will be described later.

Here, 8-bit data is data representing a volume level, and corresponds to 65 volume levels from 0 level to 64 level. That is, in the audio apparatus 1, 65 pieces of data are used from the volume level “0” to the volume level “64” with the predetermined adjustment amount being “1”.
However, all the 65 pieces of data are not stored in the volume data storage unit 6a. More specifically, although 65 pieces of 8-bit data are used in the audio apparatus 1, 17 pieces are stored in the volume data storage unit 6a at a time (see S12, S32, and S52 described later). The storage capacity of the RAM 6 in which the volume data storage unit 6a and thus the volume data storage unit 6a are provided is reduced.

  2 and 3, in association with an example of data stored in the volume data storage unit 6a, a volume level corresponding to this data and a volume level (hereinafter referred to as display level) displayed on the display unit 23 are also shown. It is shown.

  The normal mode is a mode for greatly adjusting the volume from a large volume (small volume) to a small volume (large volume). For this reason, the adjustable range of the volume in the normal mode is a wide range (first range) having the minimum volume level “0” and the maximum volume level “64” that can be output by the speaker 21. Further, the predetermined adjustment amount G1 is set so that the user can adjust the volume to a desired volume or a volume approximate to the desired volume without pressing the volume up keys 41, 51 or the volume down keys 42, 52 many times. (Specifically, “4”).

For this reason, as shown in FIG. 2, the data stored in the volume data storage unit 6a is 8 corresponding to each of the volume levels “0”, “4”, “8”,..., “60”, “64”. There are 17 bit data “00000000”,..., “01000000”.
The function L1 for calculating the volume level used in the normal mode is, for example, 17 integers N from “0” to “16” and a predetermined adjustment amount G1 = 4.
L1 = N × G1 (1)
It is.

The display levels displayed on the display unit 23 in the normal mode correspond to the volume levels “0”, “4”, “8”,..., “60”, “64”, respectively. “1”, “2”,..., “15”, “16” are set.
Temporarily, “0”, “4”, “8”,..., “60” on the display unit 23 corresponding to the volume levels “0”, “4”, “8”,. When the numerical value in increments of “4” such as “64” is displayed as the display level, there is a problem that it is difficult for the user to grasp the current volume sensuously.

  On the other hand, the fine mode is a mode for obtaining a desired volume by adjusting the volume in small increments from the current volume. For this reason, the adjustable range of the volume in the fine mode is a narrow range (second range) centering on the current volume level adjusted in the normal mode. As a result, the second range does not include both the minimum volume level “0” and the maximum volume level “64” that the speaker 21 can output, or does not include at least one of them. Further, the predetermined adjustment amount G2 is set small (that is, the level interval is narrow) so that the user can adjust the sound volume to a desired level (specifically, “1”).

  Therefore, the data stored in the volume data storage unit 6a is shown in FIG. 3 when the current volume level at the time of transition from the normal mode to the fine mode is “24” (display level “6”), for example. As described above, 8-bit data “00010000” corresponding to the volume levels “16”, “17”, “18”,..., “23”, “24”, “25”. ..., 17 pieces of "00100000".

The function L2 for calculating the volume level used in the fine mode has a predetermined volume increase value G2 = 1 when the current volume level at the time of transition from the normal mode to the fine mode is L0.
L2 = (N−8) × G2 + L0 (2)
It is.

  Since there is no volume level below the volume level “0” and above the volume level “64”, when the calculation result of the formula (2) is below the volume level “0” or above “64”, in the fine mode, Volume levels that do not exist are ignored and less than 17 volume levels are used. In this case, the volume adjustment bar B2 described later displays a short volume adjustment bar B2 on the display unit 23 according to the number of available volume levels.

In the case of FIG. 3, the display level displayed on the display unit 23 in the fine mode is the display level “4” corresponding to the volume levels “16”, “20”, “24”, “28”, “32”, respectively. "," 5 "," 6 "," 7 "," 8 "are set.
That is, the display level is set only for the volume level used in both the normal mode and the fine mode, and the display level is not set for the volume level used only in the fine mode. If the display level is also set for the volume level used only in the fine mode, for example, the display levels between the display levels “6” and “7” are “6.25”, “6.5”, “6. 75 ", and there is a problem that it is difficult for the user to grasp the current volume sensuously.

  Since the data stored in the current value storage unit 6b is one piece of pointer data as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 (see S13, S19, S33, S39, and S54 described later), the amount of data is very small. . Further, since the data stored in the final value storage unit 6c is one 8-bit data as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 (see S22 and S42 described later), the data amount is very small. That is, the storage capacities used as the current value storage unit 6b and the final value storage unit 6c are very small.

4A to 4C are schematic diagrams illustrating examples of screens displayed on the display unit 23 in the normal mode.
The display unit 23 displays a volume adjustment bar B1 indicating a first range for roughly adjusting the volume between the volume level “0” and the volume level “64”. At both ends of the volume adjustment bar B1, display levels “0” and “16” corresponding to the minimum level “0” and the maximum level “64” of the first range that can be adjusted in the normal mode are displayed as arithmetic numbers. .
For this reason, the user who visually recognizes the volume adjustment bar B1 can easily grasp that the volume can be significantly adjusted in a wide range from 0 level to 16 levels.

  The volume adjustment bar B1 has a display level corresponding to the current volume level (in the case of FIG. 4A, “5”, in the case of FIG. 4B, “6”, in the case of FIG. 4C). “7”) is displayed in arithmetic. Further, in the volume adjustment bar B1, a bar corresponding to the current volume level (in the case of FIG. 4A, the volume display bar B5, in the case of FIG. 4B, the volume display bar B6, FIG. 4C). ), The volume display bar B7) is highlighted.

The bars in the volume adjustment bar B1 increase (decrease) by a predetermined scale in accordance with the pressing operation of the volume up keys 41 and 51 (volume down keys 42 and 52) by the user. The length of one scale is a length corresponding to 16 equal to the length of the volume adjusting bar B1.
For this reason, a user who compares the length of the volume adjustment bar B1 with the lengths of the volume display bars B5, B6, and B7 can visually grasp the current volume level easily.

  Specifically, when the current volume level is “24”, as shown in FIG. 4B, the display unit 23 has a volume adjustment bar B1, a volume display bar B6, and a current volume level “24”. "6" is displayed, and the sound level "24" is output from the speaker 21.

  When the user presses the volume up keys 41 and 51 (volume down keys 42 and 52) in this state, the volume adjustment is performed on the display unit 23 as shown in FIG. 4C (FIG. 4A). And a display level “7” (“5”) corresponding to the volume level “28” (“20”) and the volume level bar B7 (short volume level bar B5) that is one scale longer than the volume bar B1, the volume level display bar B6 Is displayed, and the sound of the volume level “28” (“20”) is output from the speaker 21.

  In the following, a case where the current volume level is “24” (display level “6”) is illustrated, but the same applies to other volume levels.

FIGS. 5A to 5C and FIGS. 6A and 6B are schematic views showing examples of screens displayed in the fine mode on the display unit 23, respectively.
The display unit 23 displays a volume adjustment bar B2 that is thicker and shorter than the volume adjustment bar B1 so as to overlap the volume adjustment bar B1. The size, shape, etc. of the volume adjustment bar B2 have the size, shape, etc. as if a part of the volume adjustment bar B1 is enlarged and displayed.

The display level displayed at the center of the volume adjustment bar B2 is the display level “6” corresponding to the current volume level “24”, and the display levels displayed at both ends of the volume adjustment bar B2 are The display levels are “4” and “8” corresponding to the minimum level “16” and the maximum level “32” in the second range that can be adjusted in the fine mode.
Furthermore, “5” is displayed between “4” and “6”, and “7” is displayed between “6” and “8”. Moreover, the separation distance between adjacent display levels (for example, “5” and “6”) is twice the distance of one scale in the normal mode.

Furthermore, in accordance with the pressing operation of the volume up keys 41 and 51 (volume down keys 42 and 52) by the user, the inverted volume display bar B in the volume adjustment bar B2 increases (decreases) by one scale. However, the length of one graduation is 1/2 times the length of one graduation in the normal mode (the length corresponding to 32 equal to the length of the volume adjustment bar B1).
For this reason, the user who has visually recognized the display unit 23 can easily grasp that the volume can be adjusted in a small range from 4 levels to 8 levels.

  The arrangement of the volume adjustment bar B2 with respect to the volume adjustment bar B1 is, for example, when the display level corresponding to the current volume level is lower than the display level “8” displayed at the center position of the volume adjustment bar B1. The center position of the adjustment bar B2 is displayed on the left side of the volume adjustment bar B1. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5A, since the display level “6” corresponding to the current volume level “24” is smaller than the display level “8”, the volume is set to the left of the volume adjustment bar B1. The center position of the adjustment bar B2 is displayed.

On the contrary, when the display level corresponding to the current volume level is higher than the display level “8”, the center position of the volume adjustment bar B2 is displayed to the right of the volume adjustment bar B1.
When the display level corresponding to the current volume level is “8”, the center position of the volume adjustment bar B2 is displayed at the center of the volume adjustment bar B1.
For this reason, the user visually recognizes the display position of the volume adjustment bar B2, and sensibly grasps how much the volume (for example, a smaller volume or a larger volume) is to be adjusted further. can do.

FIG. 5A shows a screen displayed on the display unit 23 when the mode is switched to the fine mode when the current volume level is “24” in the normal mode.
As shown in FIG. 5A, the display unit 23 includes a volume adjustment bar B1, a volume adjustment bar B2 arranged in front of the volume adjustment bar B1, and display levels “4” to “4”. 8 "is displayed. Further, the display level “6” corresponding to the current volume level “24” is highlighted, the volume display bar B corresponding to the volume level “24” is displayed, and the sound of the volume level “24” is output from the speaker 21. Is output.

In this state, when the user presses the volume up keys 41 and 51, the current volume level becomes “25”, and the display unit 23 is similar to FIG. 5A as shown in FIG. The volume adjustment bar B1, the volume adjustment bar B2 arranged to overlap the front side of the volume adjustment bar B1, and display levels “4” to “8” are displayed. Further, the highlighted display level “6” is canceled, the volume display bar B corresponding to the volume level “25” is displayed, and the sound of the volume level “25” is output from the speaker 21.
The volume display bar B corresponding to the volume level “25” is one scale longer than the volume display bar B corresponding to the volume level “24”.

In this state, when the user further presses the volume up keys 41 and 51, the current volume level becomes “26”, and when the user further presses the volume up keys 41 and 51, the current volume level. Becomes “27”, and as shown in FIG. 5C (FIG. 6A), a volume display bar B corresponding to the volume level “26” (“27”) is displayed on the display unit 23. From 21, the sound of the volume level “26” (“27”) is output.
The volume display bar B corresponding to the volume level “26” (“27”) is longer than the volume display bar B corresponding to the volume level “24” by two scales (three scales).

Further, in this state, when the user presses the volume up keys 41 and 51, the current volume level becomes “28”, and a display corresponding to the volume level “28” as shown in FIG. 6B. The level “7” is highlighted, the volume display bar B corresponding to the volume level “28” is displayed, and the sound of the volume level “28” is output from the speaker 21.
The volume display bar B corresponding to the volume level “28” is four scales longer than the volume display bar B corresponding to the volume level “24”.

  As described above, in the fine mode, when the volume level is equal to the volume level used in the normal mode such as “24” and “28”, the corresponding display levels “6” and “7” are highlighted. Thus, the user can grasp the relationship between the volume level in the normal mode and the volume level in the fine mode.

7 to 9 are flowcharts showing a procedure of volume adjustment processing executed by the MPU 30. FIG.
The audio apparatus 1 is in the normal mode immediately after the power is turned on, and nothing is stored in the storage units 6a, 6b, 6c of the RAM 6.
When the power of the audio apparatus 1 is turned on, the MPU 30 determines that the normal mode is set, and 17 pieces of 8-bit data (hereinafter referred to as normal volume data) stored in the volume data storage unit 6a in the normal mode are Calculation is performed using the function stored in the function storage unit 7a (S11).

The function used in S11 is a function for calculating normal volume data (hereinafter referred to as a normal function), and corresponds to Expression (1).
The MPU 30 stores the normal volume data calculated in S11 in the volume data storage unit 6a (S12). After the completion of the process of S12, 17 pieces of 8-bit data shown in FIG. 2 are stored in the volume data storage unit 6a.

  The MPU 30 stores the pointer data corresponding to the current volume level as the current value in the current value storage unit 6b (S13). The current volume level in S13 is, for example, the default volume level “24” stored in advance in the EEPROM 7 at the time of factory shipment.

  Then, based on the 8-bit data stored in the volume data storage unit 6a, the MPU 30 causes the display unit 23 to display the volume adjustment bar B1, the first range display levels “0” and “0” as shown in FIG. A volume adjustment range such as 16 ″ is displayed (S14).

  Further, the MPU 30 reads the 8-bit data stored in the volume data storage unit 6a in association with the pointer data stored in the current value storage unit 6b (S15), and based on the read 8-bit data, the volume The adjustment unit 22 is controlled (S16). Upon completion of the processing of S16, the speaker 21 outputs sound at a default volume level “24”, for example.

  Furthermore, the MPU 30 displays the current volume level based on the 8-bit data read in S15 (S17). In S17, for example, if the current volume level is “24”, the display level “6” and the volume display bar B6 are displayed on the display unit 23 as shown in FIG.

  The MPU 30 determines whether or not the volume up keys 41 and 51 or the volume down keys 42 and 52 are operated (S18). When the MPU 30 is operated (YES in S18), the volume up keys 41 and 51 (volume down keys 42). , 52), the pointer data increased (decreased) by one is overwritten in the current value storage unit 6b as the current value (S19).

  After completing the process of S19, the MPU 30 returns the process to S15, reads the 8-bit data stored in the volume data storage unit 6a in association with the pointer data stored in the current value storage unit 6b, and proceeds to S16. Then, the volume control unit 22 is controlled based on the read 8-bit data. Upon completion of the processing of S16, the speaker 21 outputs sound at a volume level “28” (“20”) that is increased (decreased) by 4 levels from the volume level “24”.

  Further, in S17, the MPU 30 displays the current volume level based on the 8-bit data read in S15. In S17, for example, as shown in FIG. 4C (FIG. 4A), the display level “7” (“5”) increased by one level from the display level “6” (“5”) and the volume display bar B7. (B5) is displayed on the display unit 23.

  As described above, the volume is roughly adjusted in the normal mode.

  When the volume up keys 41 and 51 or the volume down keys 42 and 52 are not operated (NO in S18), the MPU 30 determines whether or not the mode switching keys 43 and 53 are operated (S20). If not (NO in S20), it is determined whether or not the power is turned off (S21). If not turned off (NO in S21), the process returns to S18, and is turned off (S21). YES) ends the volume adjustment process.

  When the mode switching keys 43 and 53 are operated (YES in S20), they are stored in the volume data storage unit 6a in association with the pointer data stored in the current value storage unit 6b at the time when YES is determined in S20. The 8-bit data thus written is overwritten in the final value storage unit 6c as the final value (S22).

  After the processing of S22 is completed, the audio apparatus 1 that has been in the normal mode shifts to the fine mode, and the MPU 30 uses 8-bit data (hereinafter referred to as fine volume data) stored in the volume data storage unit 6a in the fine mode as a function. Calculation is performed using the function stored in the storage unit 7a and the final value stored in the final value storage unit 6c in S22 (S31).

  The function used in S31 is a function for calculating fine sound volume data, and corresponds to Expression (2). The final value stored in the final value storage unit 6c in S22 corresponds to the current volume level L0 at the time of transition from the normal mode to the fine mode.

  The MPU 30 overwrites the fine sound volume data calculated in S31 in the sound volume data storage unit 6a (S32). After the process of S32 is completed, when the volume level corresponding to the final value stored in the final value storage unit 6c is “24”, for example, 8-bit data as shown in FIG. 3 is stored in the volume data storage unit 6a. Is done.

  The MPU 30 overwrites the current value storage unit 6b as the current value with the pointer data stored in the volume data storage unit 6a in association with the 8-bit data stored in the final value storage unit 6c in S22 (S33).

  Then, based on the 8-bit data stored in the volume data storage unit 6a, the MPU 30 causes the display unit 23 to display the volume adjustment bar B2 as shown in FIGS. 4 ”,“ 5 ”,“ 6 ”,“ 7 ”,“ 8 ”) and the like are displayed (S34).

  Further, the MPU 30 reads the 8-bit data stored in the volume data storage unit 6a in association with the pointer data stored in the current value storage unit 6b (S35), and based on the read 8-bit data, the volume The adjustment unit 22 is controlled (S36). Upon completion of the processing of S36, the speaker 21 makes a sound at a volume level corresponding to the final value stored in the final value storage unit 6c, for example, a volume level “24” at the time of switching from the normal mode to the fine mode. Is output.

  Furthermore, the MPU 30 displays the current volume level based on the 8-bit data read in S35 (S37). In S37, if the volume level at the time of switching from the normal mode to the fine mode is “24”, for example, as shown in FIG. 5A, the display level “6” is highlighted and the volume level “24” is displayed. A volume display bar B corresponding to “” is displayed on the display unit 23.

  The MPU 30 determines whether or not the volume up keys 41 and 51 or the volume down keys 42 and 52 are operated (S38). When the MPU 30 is operated (YES in S38), the volume up keys 41 and 51 (volume down keys 42). , 52), the pointer data increased (decreased) by one is overwritten in the current value storage unit 6b as the current value (S39).

  After completing the process of S39, the MPU 30 returns the process to S35, reads out the 8-bit data stored in the volume data storage unit 6a in association with the pointer data stored in the current value storage unit 6b, and proceeds to S36. Then, the volume control unit 22 is controlled based on the read 8-bit data. Upon completion of the processing of S36, the speaker 21 outputs sound at a volume level “25” (“23”) that is increased (decreased) by 1 level from the volume level “24”.

  Further, in S37, the MPU 30 displays the current volume level based on the 8-bit data read in S35. In S37, the highlighting of the display level “6” is canceled, and the volume display bar B corresponding to the volume level “25” (“23”) is displayed on the display unit 23 (see FIG. 5B).

  As described above, the volume is finely adjusted in the fine mode.

  When the volume up keys 41 and 51 or the volume down keys 42 and 52 are not operated (NO in S38), the MPU 30 determines whether or not the mode switching keys 43 and 53 are operated (S40). If not (NO in S40), it is determined whether the power is turned off (S41). If not turned off (NO in S41), the process returns to S38, and is turned off (S41). YES) ends the volume adjustment process.

  When the mode switching keys 43 and 53 are operated (YES in S40), the data is stored in the volume data storage unit 6a in association with the pointer data stored in the current value storage unit 6b when it is determined YES in S40. The 8-bit data being overwritten is overwritten in the final value storage unit 6c as the final value (S42).

  After the processing of S42 is completed, the audio apparatus 1 that has been in the fine mode shifts to the normal mode, and the MPU 30 calculates the normal volume data using the normal function stored in the function storage unit 7a (S51). The calculated normal volume data is overwritten on the volume data storage unit 6a (S52). After the completion of the processing of S52, 8-bit data as shown in FIG. 2 is stored in the volume data storage unit 6a.

  The MPU 30 calculates 8-bit data which is equal to or closest to the 8-bit data stored in the final value storage unit 6c in S42 among the 8-bit data stored in the volume data storage unit 6a. (S53) The pointer data stored in the volume data storage unit 6a in association with the calculated 8-bit data is overwritten in the current value storage unit 6b as the current value (S54).

  Then, based on the 8-bit data stored in the volume data storage unit 6a, the MPU 30 displays the volume adjustment bar B1, the display levels “0” and “16” of the first range on the display unit 23 as shown in FIG. A volume adjustment range such as "" is displayed (S55).

  After completing the process of S55, the MPU 30 returns the process to S15, reads out the 8-bit data stored in the volume data storage unit 6a in association with the pointer data stored in the current value storage unit 6b, and proceeds to S16. Then, the volume control unit 22 is controlled based on the read 8-bit data. When the processing of S16 is completed, if the volume level corresponding to the final value stored in the final value storage unit 6c in S42 is “28” from the speaker 21, for example, the volume level “28” equal to this volume level. If the volume level corresponding to the final value is “25”, the sound is output at the volume level “24” closest to the volume level.

In the sound adjustment process as described above, the operation panel 4 and the remote controller 5 each function as an operation unit for adjusting the volume.
In addition, the MPU 30 in each of S15 and S35 functions as a reading unit that reads data representing the level of the volume corresponding to the operation of the operation unit in each of S18 and S38 from the volume data storage unit 6a. Further, the MPU 30 in each of S16 and S36 functions as an adjustment control unit that controls the volume adjustment by the volume adjustment unit 22 based on the data read by the reading unit.

The MPU 30 in each of S20 and S40 functions as a determination unit that determines whether to adjust the volume roughly or finely according to the operation of the operation unit.
The MPU 30 in S11 and S51, when the determination unit determines to adjust the volume roughly (immediately after turning on the power and in the case of YES in S40), the data indicating the volume level in the first range is in a state where the level interval is wide ( The MPU 30 in S12 and S52 functions as a first overwriting unit that overwrites and stores the data calculated by the first data calculating unit in the volume data storage unit 6a. Function.

  When the determination unit determines that the volume is to be finely adjusted (YES in S20), the MPU 30 in S31 sets a plurality of data representing the volume level in the second range in a state where the level interval is narrow (predetermined adjustment amount G2). The MPU 30 in S32 functions as second overwriting means for overwriting and storing the data calculated by the second data calculating means in the volume data storage unit 6a.

  In S31, the MPU 30, which is the second data calculation means, calculates the equation based on the data representing the volume level corresponding to the operation of the operation unit in S18, that is, the final value stored in the final value storage unit 6c in S22. Using the function corresponding to (2), data representing the maximum level and data representing the minimum level of the second range are calculated.

  The MPU 30 in S53 stores the data indicating the volume level corresponding to the operation of the operation unit in S40, that is, the final value storage unit 6c in S42, when the MPU 30 as the first data calculation unit calculates data in S51. Based on the final value thus obtained, it functions as a volume level calculating means for calculating the volume level of the first range which is equal to or closest to the volume level corresponding to the operation of the operation unit in S40. The MPU 30, which is a means, reads data representing the volume level calculated by the volume level calculation means from the volume data storage unit 6a.

  The MPU 30 in S14 and S17 displays the display unit 23 so as to display the volume level corresponding to the operation of the operation unit while displaying the display content indicating the first range based on the data calculated by the first data calculation unit. It functions as a first display control means for controlling. Further, the MPU 30 in S34 and S37 displays the display content indicating the second range in association with the display content indicating the first range based on the data calculated by the second data calculation unit, and operates the operation unit. It functions as a second display control means for controlling the display unit 23 to display the corresponding volume level.

  The determination means, the first data calculation means, the first overwriting means, the second data calculation means, and the second overwriting means are provided in the volume data storage unit 6a so that the volume can be adjusted roughly when adjusting the volume. This function serves as a storage control means for exclusively storing data representing the volume level and data representing the volume level in the second range narrower than the adjustable first range when the volume is finely adjusted.

  The audio apparatus 1 as described above is provided with a normal mode and a fine mode, and the volume level at the time of transition from the normal mode to the fine mode can be set densely around this volume level. Does not increase the memory capacity.

Such an audio apparatus 1 is very convenient because the user can closely assign the volume level around the part that the user really wants to finely adjust. For example, when the surroundings are quiet, it can be finely adjusted at a portion where the volume level is low, and when the surroundings are not quiet, it can be finely adjusted at a portion where the volume level is high.
Furthermore, even in the fine mode, it is possible to cope without increasing the volume adjustment memory capacity.

Further, by displaying the volume adjustment bar B2 in which a part of the area of the volume adjustment bar B1 is enlarged on the display unit 23 in the fine mode, the user can easily recognize that the mode is the fine mode.
Furthermore, in the normal mode, it is possible to perform a large change in volume in a short time (a few key operations).

  Although detailed description is omitted for the sake of simplicity, in the present embodiment, when the current volume level is “24” in the normal mode, the volume level “16” is set in the fine mode switched from the normal mode. The volume is adjusted between “˜” and the volume level “32”. Therefore, when the user presses the volume up keys 41 and 51 four times at the time of FIG. 6B, the current volume level becomes “32”, and the display level “8” corresponding to the volume level “32”. Is highlighted, the volume display bar B corresponding to the volume level “32” is displayed, and the sound of the volume level “32” is output from the speaker 21. However, even if the volume up keys 41 and 51 are pressed five times, the state in which the volume up keys 41 and 51 are pressed four times is maintained.

  Not only in this configuration, but by pressing the volume up keys 41 and 51 five times, the display level display is changed from “5” to “9” without changing the arrangement of the volume adjustment bar B2. Even if the volume level “32” is exceeded, the volume may be further finely adjusted.

  The audio device 1 is not limited to an independent sound generation device such as a radio receiver or a CD player, and may be a sound generation device built in a liquid crystal display device, for example. In this case, the control unit 3, the operation panel 4, the display unit 23, and the like also serve as the control unit, the operation panel, the display unit, and the like of the liquid crystal display device.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the audio apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the data memorize | stored in the sound volume data storage part of RAM with which the audio apparatus which concerns on this invention is equipped at a normal mode. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the data memorize | stored in the sound volume data storage part of RAM with which the audio apparatus which concerns on this invention is equipped at the time of fine mode. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the screen displayed at the time of the normal mode on the display part with which the audio apparatus which concerns on this invention is equipped. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the screen displayed at the time of the fine mode on the display part with which the audio apparatus which concerns on this invention is equipped. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the screen displayed at the time of the fine mode on the display part with which the audio apparatus which concerns on this invention is equipped. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the volume adjustment process which MPU with which the audio apparatus which concerns on this invention is provided performs. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the volume adjustment process which MPU with which the audio apparatus which concerns on this invention is provided performs. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the volume adjustment process which MPU with which the audio apparatus which concerns on this invention is provided performs.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Audio apparatus 21 Speaker 22 Volume control part 23 Display part 30 MPU
4 Operation panel (operation unit)
41, 51 Volume up key 42, 52 Volume down key 43, 53 Mode switch key 5 Remote control (operation unit)
6a Volume data storage unit 6b Current value storage unit 6c Final value storage unit 7a Function storage unit

Claims (5)

A volume adjuster for adjusting the volume of the sound to be output;
An operation unit for adjusting the volume,
A volume data storage unit for storing data representing the volume level of the adjustable range;
Reading means for reading out data representing the volume level corresponding to the operation of the operation unit from the volume data storage unit;
In an audio apparatus comprising: adjustment control means for controlling volume adjustment by the volume adjustment section based on data read by the reading means;
In the volume data storage unit, data indicating the volume level of the adjustable first range when the volume is roughly adjusted, and the second range narrower than the adjustable first range when the volume is finely adjusted. An audio apparatus comprising storage control means for exclusively storing data representing a volume level. The storage control means
Determining means for determining whether to adjust the volume roughly or finely according to the operation of the operation unit;
A first data calculating unit that calculates a plurality of data representing the level of the volume in the first range in a state where the level interval is wide when the determination unit determines to adjust the volume roughly;
First overwriting means for overwriting and storing the data calculated by the first data calculating means in the volume data storage unit;
A second data calculating means for calculating a plurality of data representing the volume levels of the second range in a state where the level interval is narrow when the determining means determines that the volume is finely adjusted;
The audio apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a second overwriting unit that overwrites and stores the data calculated by the second data calculating unit in the volume data storage unit.   The second data calculation means calculates data representing the maximum level and data representing the minimum level of the second range based on data representing the volume level corresponding to the operation of the operation unit. The audio apparatus according to claim 2. When the first data calculating means calculates data, the volume level of the first range that is equal to or closest to the level is based on data representing the volume level corresponding to the operation of the operation unit. Volume level calculating means for calculating
4. The audio apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the reading unit reads data representing the volume level calculated by the volume level calculating unit from the volume data storage unit. A display unit;
Based on the data calculated by the first data calculating means, the display unit is controlled to display the volume level corresponding to the operation of the operation unit while displaying the display content indicating the first range. Display control means;
Based on the data calculated by the second data calculation means, the display content indicating the second range is displayed in association with the display content indicating the first range, and the volume level corresponding to the operation of the operation unit is displayed. 5. The audio apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: a second display control unit that controls the display unit to display the image.

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