JP2008219638A - Television - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To attempt to solve an issue that, in the case where a sound volume of a television is increased while a power supply is turned off, when a power supply is turned on at next time, a large sound outputs occasionally. <P>SOLUTION: When a power supply of the television is turned on, a sound attenuation is set irrespective of a sound volume value of the previous time. When an original sound volume value is equal to or less than a prescribed value, the sound attenuation is released. When the original sound volume value is equal to or more than the prescribed value, in the case where a command of releasing the sound attenuation is issued from a user, the sound attenuation is released. Further, when a sound volume setting is changed, after a given time period elapses, a voice is output at the sound volume, and when a sound volume change and the like are not operated after a given time period elapses as well, a voice is output at the prescribed value. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a television, and more particularly to a television having an audio mute function and capable of suppressing an audio level.

  Conventionally, when the TV is turned off, the sound level in the final state immediately before the power is turned off is retained, and the next time the power is turned on, it is restarted in the final state immediately before the previous power is turned off. . For this reason, when the power is turned off while the volume of the television is increased, an unexpected volume may be produced when the television is turned on next time.

  Therefore, conventionally, the following techniques have been disclosed as techniques for solving such problems.

  In Patent Document 1, when the power is turned on, the sound level is set to the mute level regardless of the volume setting stored at the time of the previous power off, and the user's release command is issued to cancel the mute, or over time. There is disclosed a television having a configuration in which a volume level is increased and a button for confirming the volume level is displayed.

  In Patent Document 2, a fine volume adjustment mode key (also used as a mute key) is provided in the operation unit, and when the fine volume adjustment mode key is selected and the power is turned on, the volume is set to the mute level. A remote control is disclosed in which the mute is canceled when the adjustment is made.

Patent Document 3 discloses a volume adjustment device that does not output sound from a speaker by a mute circuit during a time preset by a timer when power is turned on, and that can adjust the volume by a volume adjustment circuit during that time. Yes.
JP 2001-275062 A JP 2000-236454 A JP 9-93056 A

In Patent Document 1, when the power is turned on, the unexpected volume does not suddenly occur. However, in order for the sound volume to be determined, it is necessary to judge the user.
In Patent Document 2, an unexpected sound volume is not generated when a user operates a fine sound volume adjustment key in advance. However, if the operation is not performed in advance, an unexpected volume may be generated, and the user needs to make a judgment in order to determine the volume.
In Patent Document 3, when the power is turned on, an unexpected volume is not suddenly generated. However, in order for the sound volume to be determined, it is necessary to judge the user.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and provides a television that can mute the volume when the power is turned on, and can set the volume to the existing value when the existing volume is below a certain level. For the purpose.

  In order to achieve such an object, in the invention described in claim 2, the mute control means for muting the volume regardless of the previous volume value, and the volume comparison for comparing the previous volume value with a preset specified value. And a control means for canceling mute when the previous volume value is smaller than the specified value and setting the volume to the previous volume value.

  In other words, when the sound is output from the speaker, the previous set value and the preset specified value are set after the volume of the television is muted regardless of the stored previous volume value. Compare. As a result of comparison, if the previous set value is smaller than the specified value, the volume is set at the previous volume value by canceling the mute.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the television according to the second aspect, the mute control means is configured to mute the volume when the power of the television is turned on.
That is, when the power is turned on, the volume is muted regardless of the previous volume value stored when the power is turned off last time, and then the volume is compared.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the television according to the second or third aspect, when the previous volume value is larger than the specified value, the mute is not canceled and a predetermined display is performed. It is set as the structure provided with a means.
According to the invention described in claim 5, in the television set described in claim 4, when the mute release is performed, the control means releases the mute and ends the predetermined display. .
In the invention described in claim 6, in the television set described in claim 4 or 5, the control means determines whether or not the volume has been changed during a predetermined time, and the volume is changed. In the case of being interrupted, the mute is canceled and the predetermined display is terminated.
And in invention of Claim 7, in the television in any one of the said Claims 4-6, it is set as the structure whose said predetermined display is a blink display of a sound volume.

And in invention of Claim 8, in the television in any one of the said Claims 2-7, it has the timer which measures time, and the defined value setting means according to the time zone, The sound volume comparing means is configured to compare the prescribed value according to the time zone with the previous sound volume value.
In other words, the specified value setting means according to the time zone sets a specified value for each hour, or determines a normal specified value, and sets an adjustment value with the normal specified value for midnight or early morning. By doing so, the prescribed value of the volume according to the time zone is set. When the power is turned on, the sound is muted, and at the same time, the time when the power is turned on is measured by a timer, and a predetermined value of the volume corresponding to the time zone is compared with the previous volume.

In the invention according to claim 9, the television according to any one of claims 2 to 7, which is compatible with digital broadcasting, a means for identifying the genre of the broadcast content, and a regulation according to the genre. Means for setting a value, and the volume comparison means is configured to compare a predetermined value according to genre with the previous volume value.
In other words, as with time, the specified value setting means sets a specified value for each genre, or determines a normal specified value, and sets an adjustment value with the normal specified value depending on the genre. To set the prescribed volume level according to the genre. When the power is turned on, the sound is muted, and at the same time, the genre is acquired from the program information included in the digital broadcast, and the specified sound volume according to the genre is compared with the previous sound volume.

In the invention according to claim 10, in the television set according to any one of claims 2 to 7, the viewing rank set for the broadcast signal is acquired, and the viewing of the broadcast signal is performed according to the viewing rank. A control unit for limiting viewing, and a unit for setting a specified value corresponding to the rank of the viewing limit of the viewing control unit, wherein the volume comparison unit compares the specified value by rank with the previous volume value. is there.
That is, the specified value is set in the same manner as in time. When the power is turned on, the sound is muted, and at the same time, the viewing rank included in the TV broadcast signal is acquired, and the prescribed volume level corresponding to the viewing rank is compared with the previous volume.
Here, the viewing restriction based on the viewing rank set in the broadcast signal signal is the reception and display of video and audio that are deemed inappropriate for children in North America (USA, Canada) for television receiving television broadcasts. Is restricted by the V chip that restricts the viewer on the viewer side.

  In a more specific aspect of the present invention, a television broadcast signal of a channel selected from a television broadcast signal received by an antenna, a display for displaying video, a speaker for outputting sound, and an antenna is extracted. Based on the output tuner, the TV broadcast signal output from the tuner, the video / audio processing unit for displaying video on the display and outputting the audio, and the audio signal of the video / audio processing unit are adjusted to a predetermined volume. , An amplifier for outputting to the speaker, a remote controller for instructing sound volume, mute and mute release, a remote control receiver for receiving a signal from the remote controller, and an EEPROM for storing a previous volume value when the power is turned off And instructs the amplifier to adjust the volume based on the signal from the remote control receiver, and displays an OSD signal such as a volume display. In a television including a microcomputer that performs control for the video / audio processing unit, the microcomputer mutes the volume regardless of the previous volume value when the television is turned on. An instruction is output to the amplifier, the previous volume value is compared with a preset specified value, and if the previous volume value is smaller than the specified value, the mute is canceled and the volume is set to the previous volume value. If the previous volume value is larger than the specified value, a warning is given to the user in the form of a flashing volume, and if the mute release command is received from the remote control receiver, the mute is released. If no mute release command is received, it is determined whether or not a volume change command is received from the remote control receiver.If a volume change command is received, the volume setting is changed and the power is turned on. rear, When the predetermined time has elapsed, the mute is canceled, the predetermined display is terminated, and when the instruction for changing the volume is not received, when the predetermined time has elapsed after the power is turned on, After setting the volume value as a value, the mute is canceled and the predetermined display is terminated.

  As described above, according to the second aspect of the present invention, even if the previous volume value is set to be large, a large volume is not output as it is. Further, when the volume is within the specified value range, the volume is automatically output, so that it is not necessary for the user to make a judgment one by one.

According to the invention described in claim 3, when the power is turned on, even if the previous volume value is unknown, there is no sudden increase in volume.
And according to invention of Claims 4-6, when the last volume value is larger than a regulation value, without canceling mute, waiting for predetermined operation from a user, and canceling mute, Suddenly no loud volume is generated, and a grace period is given for resetting to the user's preferred volume.
Further, according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, since the volume is displayed, it can be confirmed whether or not the desired volume is obtained, and the volume is set to be large because it is displayed in a different form from the normal. I can know.

  Furthermore, according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to consider the sound volume according to the time zone by setting the prescribed value of the sound volume separately in a time zone where the volume is difficult to increase compared to the daytime such as late at night or early morning.

  Furthermore, according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to take into account the volume of a genre by setting the volume to a low level for a genre such as entertainment with a relatively large volume of audio.

  Furthermore, according to the invention described in claim 10, even if violent content is included, even if the viewing restriction is not applied, the program is mistakenly attached by setting the volume to a low level. If this happens, you can turn off the sound.

  Furthermore, it is needless to say that the more specific configuration described in claim 1 achieves the same effects as the above-described inventions of claims 2 to 7.

  Embodiments in which the present invention is embodied in a television will be described below.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a television 100 according to the present embodiment. In addition, about the structure which is not directly related to this invention about the said television 100, detailed description and illustration are abbreviate | omitted.

  In the figure, a television 100 extracts a TV broadcast signal of a channel selected from a TV broadcast signal received by an antenna 10a and outputs it, and a video for outputting video and audio based on the TV broadcast signal. The sound processing unit 20, the display 30 that displays the image including the OSD, the microcomputer 40, the EEPROM 45, the remote control 55, the remote control receiving unit 50, the amplifier 65 that adjusts the volume, and the amplifier 65 adjust the volume to a predetermined level. And a speaker 60 for outputting the generated sound.

  The microcomputer 40 is electrically connected to the above components and controls the overall operation of the television 100. The microcomputer 40 includes a CPU 40a, a ROM 40b, and a RAM 40c. That is, in the microcomputer 40, the CPU 40a controls the operation of the television 100 based on the program and data stored in the ROM 40c using the RAM 40b as a work area.

The EEPROM 45 stores information such as channel information and volume information (previous volume value) when the power is turned off.
The prescribed volume value may be incorporated in the microcomputer 40 as an initial setting, or may be stored in the EEPROM 45 as user setting information.

The microcomputer 40 performs control processing by receiving a signal input from the remote control receiving unit 50. The microcomputer 40 cancels the mute or sets the mute according to the mute release or mute setting signal output by operating the mute button 55a on the remote controller 55, and cancels the mute setting for the amplifier 65. . Further, the microcomputer 40 controls the volume of the amplifier 65 so as to increase or decrease the volume based on the volume increase / decrease signal output by operating the volume button 55 b on the remote controller 55.
In the present embodiment, the microcomputer 40 is controlled by receiving a signal from the remote controller. However, the microcomputer 40 may be controlled by an operation from a control panel (not shown) in the main body.

The control of the volume of the microcomputer when the power is turned on will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
Here, as an example of when sound is output from the speaker 60 of the television 100, the case where the power is turned on is given. However, when the earphone is switched to the speaker, the sound is output from the speaker. Any situation is acceptable.

In step S10, the microcomputer 40 controls the amplifier 65 to mute the sound volume regardless of the sound volume value stored in the EEPROM 45 when the power is turned off the last time as the sound muffling control means.
In step S11, the microcomputer 40 compares the volume value with a preset specified value as a volume comparison unit. As a result of the comparison, if the volume value is not more than the specified value, the process proceeds to step S15.
In step S <b> 15, the microcomputer cancels the mute and performs control for the amplifier 65 to output sound at the volume of the volume value.

Next, the control of the microcomputer when the volume value is equal to or higher than a specified value in step S11 will be described.
If it is determined in step S11 that the volume value is greater than or equal to the specified value, the process proceeds to step S20.

  In step S20, the microcomputer 40 sets the volume change count N to 0 and stores it.

  In step S21, the microcomputer 40 outputs an OSD signal to the video / audio processing unit 20 so as to display the volume display of the volume value as a warning display. When receiving the OSD signal, the OSD processing unit 20 a of the video / audio processing unit 20 outputs the OSD signal to the display 30, and the volume display is displayed on the display 30. At this time, the volume display is blinking so that the volume display is different from the normal volume display.

  In step S22, the microcomputer 40 determines whether or not a mute release command has been received from the remote controller 55. If received, the microcomputer 40 terminates the volume display and then proceeds to step S15.

In step S22, if the mute release command has not been received, the process proceeds to step S23, and the microcomputer 40 determines whether or not the volume button 55b of the remote controller 55 has been pressed.
If the volume button 55b is not pressed, the process proceeds to step S25.
When the volume button 55b is pressed, the process proceeds to step S24. In step S24, the microcomputer 40 rewrites the volume value with the volume value after operating the volume button 55b, and outputs a signal for changing the volume display. The volume change count N is increased by 1 and the process proceeds to step S25.

In step S25, the microcomputer determines whether or not a predetermined time period of 30 seconds has elapsed since the power was turned on. If 30 seconds have not elapsed, the process returns to step S21.
If 30 seconds have elapsed, the process proceeds to step S26, where the microcomputer determines whether the volume change count is zero. If the number N of volume changes is not 0, the process proceeds to step S15, and the microcomputer 40 controls the amplifier 65 to cancel the mute and output the sound with the volume value after setting the volume change.

  If the volume change count N is 0 in step S26, the process proceeds to step S27, and the microcomputer 40 sets the volume value to the preset specified value. In step S15, the microcomputer 40 controls the amplifier 65 to output sound at the predetermined volume value.

In this embodiment, the warning display in step S21 is a volume display, but a warning text or the like may be displayed.
In step S25, the predetermined time is set to 30 seconds. However, this time may be an appropriate time for adjusting the volume, and may be another time.

  Next, an operation example will be described with reference to this flowchart.

  First, a case where the volume value stored in the EEPROM 45 is equal to or less than a specified value will be described. In this case, when the user turns on the power of the television 100, the microcomputer 40 mutes the volume in step S10, determines that the volume is below the standard in step S11, and cancels the mute in step S15. Then, control is performed to output sound at the volume value initially stored in the EEPROM 45.

Next, a case where the volume value stored in the EEPROM 45 is larger than a specified value will be described.
In this case, when the user turns on the power of the television 100, in step S10, the microcomputer 40 sets the volume to mute, and in step S11, it is determined that the volume value is larger than the specified value. In S20, the volume change count N is set to 0, and in Step S21, a warning is displayed on the display 30 in the form of a flashing display of the volume. The user checks the sound volume, and if the sound volume is determined as it is, the user operates the mute button 55a. Then, the microcomputer 40 confirms the operation of the mute button 55b in step S22, cancels the mute in step S15, and performs control to output sound at the volume value stored in the EEPROM 45 from the beginning.

  A case where the user confirms the display of the volume and adjusts the volume will be described. In this case, when the user adjusts the volume with the volume button 55b, the microcomputer 40 confirms the change of the volume in step S23 and changes the volume display on the display 30 to the changed volume. The same is repeated while the user repeatedly changes the volume or until 30 seconds elapses after the power is turned on. When 30 seconds have elapsed since the power was turned on, the microcomputer 40 determines in step S26 that the volume change count N is not 0. In step S15, the microcomputer 40 cancels the mute and plays the sound with the volume value after the volume change. Control to output.

  Note that even if a warning is displayed after the user turns on the power, if nothing is done and 30 seconds have passed, the microcomputer 40 will return to 30 after the power is turned on in step S25. It is determined that the second has elapsed, and in step S26, it is determined that the volume change count N is 0. In step S27, the volume is set to a specified value. In step S15, the mute is canceled and the sound is output with the specified volume value. Control.

  As described above, in this embodiment, after setting the volume to mute, the microcomputer 40 cancels the mute if the initial volume value is less than the specified value, and the initial volume is greater than the specified value. If a mute release operation or a volume button operation is performed, the content is controlled according to the operation, and if there is no operation from the user, the sound is output at a specified volume.

  In this way, when the value is equal to or less than the specified value, the sound is quickly output from the speaker 60, and when the value is equal to or greater than the specified value, if there is a user process, a process corresponding to the user process is performed. Even if there is no sound, the sound is output at the specified value, and it is possible to prevent a sudden loud sound from being output.

Hereinafter, a modified example of the specified value setting method will be described.
(1) Change of regulation value by time zone

  FIG. 3 shows an example of changing the specified value according to the time zone.

  The microcomputer 40 measures time by a timer (not shown) built in the television 100. The microcomputer 40 determines which time zone of the table A stored in which EEPROM 45 the time corresponds to. As a result, in a time zone that requires a change from the normal default value, a standard value for judgment is set separately from the normal standard value, and the standard value for judgment is used to compare with the volume value. I do.

For example, a case will be described in which the normal value of the volume is 20 out of 64 levels. At this time, if the time when the power of the television 100 is turned on is 9 o'clock, the change amount of the specified value on the table A is 0, so that the specified value is not changed and is a normal specified value. Then, compare with the volume value.
If the power-on time is 22:00, the change amount of the specified value on the table A is -5, so the specified value is changed to 15 and compared with the volume value.

  By configuring as in this modified example, it becomes possible to make a determination at a lower volume than usual in a time zone in which the sound is likely to be annoying to the surroundings, such as late at night or early morning.

In this modification, the microcomputer 40 functions as a specified value setting unit. In this modification, the specified value setting means has explained the method of setting the specified value by increasing / decreasing the amount of change from the specified value for each time zone to the normal specified value. It may be stored in the EEPROM 45 in advance, and after the time zone is determined, the microcomputer 40 may set the corresponding specified value as a specified value for determination and compare the specified value for determination with the volume value.
(2) Change of specified value according to program contents

  When the television 100 is a digital broadcasting compatible television, in the digital broadcasting, information related to the genre of the program is usually included in the EPG.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of changing the stipulated value for each program genre.

  As in the case of changing the default value according to the time zone, the change amount of the default value is set for each genre. The microcomputer 40 determines what genre the program belongs to from the program information of the digital broadcast, and determines whether or not the determined genre needs to be changed from a normal specified value. In the case of a genre that needs to be changed, a predetermined value for determination is set, and a comparison with the volume value is performed using the predetermined value for determination.

  By configuring as in this modification, it is judged at a lower volume than usual for entertainment and sports programs that are likely to produce loud sounds, or at a louder volume than usual for news programs that do not produce too much sound, Judgment can be made according to the contents of the program.

In this modification, the microcomputer 40 functions as a specified value setting unit. In this modification, a method has been described in which the specified value setting means sets the specified value by increasing or decreasing the amount of change from the specified value for each genre to the normal specified value. However, the specified value for each genre is set in advance in the EEPROM 45. The microcomputer 40 may set the corresponding specified value as a specified value for determination after determining the genre, and compare the specified value for determination with the volume value.
(3) Change of specified value according to viewing rank

  When the television 100 is a North American television and has a V-chip as a viewing restriction means, it can be determined by rating whether or not the program contains content inappropriate for children such as violence. .

  FIG. 5 shows an example of changing the specified value according to the rating.

  As in the case of changing the default value according to the time zone, the amount of change in the default value is set for each rating. The microcomputer 40 determines what rating the program belongs to from the rating information by the V chip, and determines whether or not the determined rating needs to be changed from a normal specified value. In the case of a rating that needs to be changed, a predetermined value for determination is set, and comparison with the volume value is performed using the predetermined value for determination.

  By configuring as in this modified example, when watching a program containing content inappropriate for children, it is possible to make a determination with a volume smaller than usual.

  In this modification, the microcomputer 40 functions as a specified value setting unit. In this modification, a method has been described in which the specified value setting means sets the specified value by increasing or decreasing the amount of change from the specified value for each rating to the normal specified value. However, the specified value for each rating is set in advance in the EEPROM 45. The microcomputer 40 may be configured such that after the rating is determined, the corresponding specified value is set as a specified value for determination, and the specified value for determination is compared with the volume value.

Needless to say, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. It goes without saying for those skilled in the art,
・ Applying mutually interchangeable members and configurations disclosed in the above embodiments by appropriately changing the combination thereof.− Although not disclosed in the above embodiments, it is a publicly known technique and the above embodiments. The members and configurations that can be mutually replaced with the members and configurations disclosed in the above are appropriately replaced, and the combination is changed and applied. It is an embodiment of the present invention that a person skilled in the art can appropriately replace the members and configurations that can be assumed as substitutes for the members and configurations disclosed in the above-described embodiments, and change the combinations and apply them. It is disclosed as.

It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of a television. It is a flowchart of volume control of a microcomputer. It is a table | surface of the variation | change_quantity of the regulation value by a time slot | zone. It is a table of the amount of change of the regulation value by genre. It is a table of the amount of change of a regulation value by viewing rank.

Explanation of symbols

10a ... antenna 10 ... tuner 20 ... video / audio processor 20a ... OSD processor 30 ... display 40 ... microcomputer 40a ... CPU
50 ... Remote control receiver 55 ... Remote control 55a ... Mute button 55b ... Volume button 60 ... Speaker 65 ... Amplifier 100 ... Television

Claims (10)

A display for displaying images,
A speaker that outputs sound;
A tuner that extracts and outputs a television broadcast signal of a selected channel from a television broadcast signal received by an antenna;
A video / audio processing unit that displays video on the display and outputs audio based on the TV broadcast signal output by the tuner;
An amplifier that adjusts the audio signal of the video / audio processing unit to a predetermined volume and outputs it to the speaker;
A remote control to instruct volume, mute and mute release,
A remote control receiver for receiving a signal from the remote control;
EEPROM that stores the previous volume value when the power is turned off,
In a television provided with a microcomputer that instructs an amplifier to adjust the volume based on a signal from the remote control receiver and performs control for displaying an OSD signal such as a volume display on the video / audio processor.
The above microcomputer
When the television is turned on, the instruction to mute the volume is output to the amplifier regardless of the previous volume value.
Compare the previous volume value with a preset value,
If the previous volume value is smaller than the specified value, mute is canceled, the volume is set to the previous volume value,
When the previous volume value is larger than the specified value, a warning is given to the user in the form of a flashing sound volume.
When the mute release command is received from the remote control receiver, the mute is canceled.
If you do not receive a mute release command, determine if you received a volume change command from the remote control receiver,
When the volume change command is received, the volume setting is changed. When a predetermined time has elapsed after the power is turned on, the mute is canceled and the predetermined display is terminated.
If no command to change the volume is received, if a predetermined time has elapsed after the power is turned on, the volume value is set to the specified value, the mute is canceled, and the predetermined display is terminated. A featured television. Regardless of the previous volume value, the mute control means for muting the volume, the volume comparison means for comparing the previous volume value and a preset specified value,
A television comprising control means for canceling mute when the previous volume value is smaller than the specified value and setting the volume to the previous volume value. 3. The television according to claim 2, wherein the mute control means mutes the volume when the television is turned on. 4. The television according to claim 2, further comprising a control unit that performs predetermined display without releasing the mute when the previous volume value is larger than the specified value. 5. The television according to claim 4, wherein when the mute release is performed, the control unit releases the mute and ends the predetermined display. The control means determines whether or not the volume has been changed during a predetermined time, and if the volume has been changed, cancels the mute and ends the predetermined display. The television according to 4 or 5. The television according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the predetermined display is a blinking display of a volume. A timer for measuring time,
Means for setting a specified value according to the time zone,
The television according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the sound volume comparison means compares a predetermined value according to a time zone with the previous sound volume value. It supports digital broadcasting,
Means for identifying the genre of the broadcast content;
Means for setting a prescribed value according to the genre,
The television according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the sound volume comparing means compares a predetermined value according to a genre with the previous sound volume value. Viewing control means for obtaining the viewing rank set in the broadcast signal, and for limiting viewing of the broadcast signal according to the viewing rank;
Means for setting a prescribed value according to the rank of the viewing restriction of the viewing control means,
The television according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the sound volume comparing means compares a prescribed value by rank with the previous sound volume value.

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