JP2011134412A - Sound volume adjusting device and sound volume adjusting method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To automatically switch an output level from a speaker when needed, for suppressing the generation of a phenomenon causing a problem in specific processing, which is generated in accordance with a sound volume output from the speaker in a device including the speaker. <P>SOLUTION: A frequency separation part 302 separates a signal of a frequency to be corrected from a sound signal input from a volume 301. A sound volume level detection part 303 compares a signal level of the separation signal with a prescribed level. An excess time detection part 304 monitors time in which the signal level of the separation signal exceeds a prescribed level. When it becomes prescribed time or more, a sound volume correction part 305 corrects the separation signal. The separated sound signal including the corrected sound signal, which is combined by a combining part 307, is output from the speaker 62 via a DAC 308 and an AMP 309. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a volume adjusting device and a volume adjusting method for adjusting sound quality and volume.

  In recent years, not only display devices that display video and speakers that output audio, but also HDDs (Hard Disc Drives) for recording received broadcast programs and content input from external devices are also inside the housing. Embedded television receivers are widely used.

  In general, a speaker outputs sound by vibrating specific parts of the speaker because of its structure. When attaching a speaker to a television receiver, the speaker may be incorporated by an attachment member or directly into the housing, and the attachment member or the housing that receives vibration from the speaker may propagate this vibration to the entire housing. is there. Further, the housing may vibrate due to output sound as sound waves output from the speaker. Further, it is assumed that vibrations to the housing cause resonance of the housing. Resonance is vibration in which a specific frequency component is emphasized, which depends on the shape and material of a housing, the built-in structure of various devices incorporated in a television receiver, and the like.

  When the vibrations generated in this way are propagated to various devices and members incorporated in the housing through the housing, the operations of these devices are adversely affected, and the vibration-induced members May generate abnormal noise. For this reason, disclosure of an apparatus or method for preventing or suppressing the influence of vibration caused by the operation of the speaker is desired.

  For example, according to Patent Document 1, a sound quality adjustment device that adjusts and outputs sound quality for an input sound signal, and for each frequency band to be set, the sound output level for all volume values in the variable range is set. Level setting means for setting, upper limit value setting means for setting an upper limit value common to all audio output levels, and the audio output level set by the level setting means is the upper limit value set by the upper limit value setting means. Level correction means that corrects and resets the audio output level that has exceeded the upper limit value if exceeded, and based on the setting in the level setting means, for each frequency of the input audio signal, A sound quality adjusting device is disclosed that outputs at a sound output level corresponding to the current volume value of the band.

  This sound quality adjustment device does not need to reduce the variable range of the volume value or sacrifice the sound quality, and performs settings for sound quality adjustment to prevent chatter of the housing without trouble. It is said that there is an effect that becomes possible.

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2008-187623 (paragraph 0026 in FIG. 1)

  However, the technique according to Patent Document 1 corrects an excess audio output level to the predetermined upper limit value in order to prevent chattering when the audio output level exceeds a predetermined upper limit value. Thus, the sound quality characteristic was reset. Therefore, even when the audio output level momentarily exceeds the upper limit value, the output level correction has been activated, so the sound quality characteristic has been reset more than necessary.

  Further, in the technique according to Patent Document 1, a television receiver uses a screen for setting ON / OFF of an output level correction process (anti-chattering process) to perform this process regularly. It was the structure which sets whether or not. Therefore, it has not been possible to automatically switch whether or not to execute an output level correction process different from the specific process depending on whether or not the specific process performed by the television receiver is executed.

  Therefore, in order to solve the above-described problem, the present invention suppresses the occurrence of a phenomenon that causes a problem in specific processing that occurs according to the volume output from the speaker in an apparatus including the speaker. An object of the present invention is to provide a volume adjusting device and a volume adjusting method capable of automatically switching an output level from a speaker when necessary.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides a sound processing unit that performs a predetermined process on an input sound signal and outputs the sound signal, a speaker that outputs sound based on the sound signal from the sound processing unit, and the speaker Read / write means for reading and / or writing data to / from the recording medium, and the read / write means for reading and / or writing to the recording medium. An access determination unit that determines whether or not the recording medium is being read and / or written to the recording medium according to the determination of the access determination unit; When the predetermined upper limit level is exceeded, the audio processing means adjusts the audio level so that the audio processing means is below the predetermined upper limit level. Providing volume control apparatus characterized by positive to.

  Further, in order to solve the above-described problem, the present invention is generated by performing a predetermined process on an input audio signal and outputting it, outputting audio based on the audio signal from a speaker, and outputting the audio from the speaker. Data is read from and / or written to the recording medium at a position where vibration is received, and it is determined whether or not data is read from and / or written to the recording medium. If the sound level at a specific frequency continues for a predetermined time and exceeds a predetermined upper limit level while the data is being written, the sound level is further corrected to be equal to or lower than the predetermined upper limit level. Provided is a volume adjustment method characterized by:

  According to the present invention, in an apparatus equipped with a speaker, it is automatically detected from the speaker when necessary in order to suppress the occurrence of a phenomenon that causes a problem in specific processing that occurs according to the volume output from the speaker. The output level can be switched.

The figure which showed schematically an example of the external appearance of the television receiver to which the volume control apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention is applied. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a television receiver according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system block diagram which is provided in the audio | voice processing part and consists of each block which performs the volume correction | amendment process which correct | amends the volume of the audio | voice output from a speaker. The conceptual diagram which shows the example of the device information which each block with which the audio | voice process part demonstrated in FIG. 3 is referred when performing a volume correction process. The flowchart for demonstrating the conditions of the execution start of execution of a volume correction process performed by each block with which the audio | voice process part demonstrated in FIG. The flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the volume correction | amendment process performed by each block with which the audio | voice processing part demonstrated in FIG. The conceptual diagram for demonstrating the aspect of the output signal from a sound processing part by which the volume correction process was performed with respect to the input signal to a sound processing part.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the appearance of a television receiver 10 to which a volume control device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.
The television receiver 10 according to the present embodiment is mainly composed of a cabinet 1 and a support base 2 that supports the cabinet 1 upright. The cabinet 1 is provided with a thin flat panel video display 51, speakers 62L and 62R, an HDD (Hard Disc Drive) 71, an ODD (Optical Disc Drive) 72, and the like. In particular, the speakers 62L and 62R, the HDD 71, and the ODD 72 are installed in the cabinet 1 directly or by attachment members (not shown). The speakers 62L and 62R, the HDD 71, and the ODD 72 may be installed by the same mounting member (not shown). In the present embodiment, the HDD 71 and the ODD 72 are installed at positions that receive physical phenomena such as vibrations generated when the speakers 62L and 62R output sound.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the television receiver 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention.
The television receiver 10 includes a broadcast wave processing unit 20, an external device IF unit 21, a network IF unit 22, an operation unit 31, a light receiving unit 32, a signal processing control unit 40, a display 51, an audio processing unit 61, and a speaker 62L. , R, HDD 71, ODD 72, and the like. The broadcast wave processing unit 20 is connected to an antenna ANT, and the light receiving unit 32 exchanges information with a remote controller (hereinafter referred to as a remote controller) RC.

  The television receiver 10 performs predetermined processing on the audio information input from the broadcast wave processing unit 20 and the like and the audio information read out using the HDD 71 and the ODD 72, displays the video on the display 51 and the audio. Is output from the speakers 62L and 62R. Vibration may occur due to the sound output from the speakers 62L and R. This vibration is transmitted to the cabinet 1 and a mounting member (not shown) and is transmitted to the HDD 71 and the ODD 72. It is known that the HDD 71 and the ODD 72 are deteriorated in information reading / writing performance in a state where vibration of a specific frequency is applied. The television receiver 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention prevents the reading / writing performance of information in the HDD 71 and ODD 72 from being deteriorated due to the vibration caused by the speakers 62L and 62R.

  The broadcast wave processing unit 20 includes a tuner and a decoder corresponding to a digital broadcast wave or an analog broadcast wave received from the antenna ANT by the ground or satellite. The broadcast wave processing unit 20 acquires a signal received by the antenna ANT, performs channel selection processing and demodulation decoding processing on a specific channel on the acquired signal, and programs such as video / audio information of the program and program name A signal including related information is output to the signal processing control unit 40. The broadcast wave processing unit 20 outputs information on a program with the acquired sound.

  The external device IF unit 21 includes a connection terminal that conforms to various standards such as the HDMI (registered trademark) standard, the USB standard, or the IEEE 1394 standard, and an information extraction unit that extracts specific information based on these standards. Also, the external device IF unit 21 acquires a signal including video / audio information of the content and program-related information from an external device connected to the connection terminal and an information providing source such as a recording medium such as an external HDD or a memory card. Output to the signal processing control unit 40. In the present embodiment, the external device IF unit 21 outputs information on the content accompanied by the acquired sound.

  The network IF unit 22 includes a connection terminal for connecting to a network such as the Internet, a LAN, or a WAN, and a communication unit that performs communication via the network via the connection terminal. The network IF unit 22 acquires a signal including video / audio information of the content and program-related information from an information providing source such as a specific server connected to the network and outputs the signal to the signal processing control unit 40. Further, the network IF unit 22 acquires a signal including video / audio information of the content and program related information from a recording medium such as an external HDD or a memory card of the television receiver 10 connected via the network, and performs signal processing control. To the unit 40. The network IF unit 22 outputs information on the content accompanying the acquired sound.

  The operation unit 31 includes an operation key that receives an operation input for operating the television receiver 10, receives information on the operation input, and outputs the information to the signal processing control unit 40. Similarly, the light receiving unit 32 receives (receives) operation input information from the remote controller RC and outputs the received information to the signal processing control unit 40. The operation unit 31 or the remote controller RC is a recording key for performing recording using the HDD 71 or ODD 72, and a playback key for outputting video from the display 51 and sound from the speakers 62L and R based on information read from the HDD 71 or ODD 72. Etc.

  The signal processing control unit 40 receives a signal input from an input source such as the broadcast wave processing unit 20, the external device IF unit 21, or the network IF unit 22 in accordance with operation input information from the operation unit 31 or the light receiving unit 32. On the other hand, various processes such as a video signal and audio signal separation process and an MPEG decoding calculation process are performed to output the video signal to the display 51 and output the audio signal to the speakers 62L and 62R. Further, the signal processing control unit 40 includes a CPU or a microcomputer (not shown) as a control unit, and uses each module provided in the signal processing control unit 40 itself or each module connected to the signal processing control unit 40. Thus, execution of a plurality of processes is controlled.

  In the present embodiment, the signal processing control unit 40 executes a recording process for recording the video / audio signal input from the above-described input source to the HDD 71 or to an optical disc such as a DVD or a BD using the ODD 72. Further, the signal processing control unit 40 executes a reproduction process for reproducing the video / audio information read from the HDD 71 and the video / audio information read by the ODD 72 from the optical disc. Further, the signal processing control unit 40 executes a video / audio output process for outputting the video / audio signal reproduced by the reproduction process or the video / audio signal input from the above-described block to the display 51 and the speakers 62L and 62R. . The signal processing control unit 40 notifies the audio processing unit 61 whether or not processing using the HDD 71 or ODD 72 is being executed. Further, the signal processing control unit 40 requests the HDD 71 or the ODD 72 to output information that can uniquely identify them, reads a plurality of information based on the output information from the HDD 71, and reads the information. Information is output to the voice processing unit 61.

  The display 51 is a display module that displays the video signal input from the signal processing control unit 40. For example, a thin flat display such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or a PDP (Plasma Display Panel) can be applied to the display 51.

  The sound processing unit 61 determines whether the signal processing control unit 40 is executing processing using the HDD 71 or the ODD 72, and adjusts the volume of the sound signal input from the signal processing control unit 40. Execute the process. The audio processing unit 61 also corrects the sound volume according to the sound volume detection result of the specific frequency of the audio signal, DA conversion process that converts the digital signal into an analog signal, and outputs the audio signal from the speakers 62L and R. The amplification process is executed. Then, the sound processing unit 61 outputs the sound signal subjected to the plurality of processes to the speakers 62L and 62R. The audio processing unit 61 may be an embodiment configured integrally with the signal processing control unit 40.

  The speakers 62L and R output the audio signal input from the signal processing control unit 40. In the present embodiment, the speaker 62L outputs left channel sound, and the speaker 62R outputs right channel sound. The speakers 62L and 62 may generate vibrations in response to the output of an audio signal having a specific level or higher due to the structure. The television receiver 10 may include not only the left and right channel speakers 62L and 62R but also a subwoofer for outputting a low sound range of the input audio signal.

  The HDD 71 is a drive device that accesses a storage medium (hard disk) for storing information and executes read processing or write processing of information requested from the signal processing control unit 40. This information reading process and writing process are collectively referred to as a read / write process. When the signal processing control unit 40 requests execution of this read / write process, the HDD 71 executes the information read process or write process separately and continuously, that is, in parallel. Further, the HDD 71 stores device identification information indicating a model number, a manufacturer name, and the like that can uniquely identify the HDD 71 itself, and performs signal processing control on the device identification information in response to a request from the signal processing control unit 40. To the unit 40. Furthermore, the HDD 71 stores device information in which a plurality of pieces of information are associated with device identification information such as a model number that can uniquely identify the HDD 71 or the ODD 72. The HDD 71 stores video / audio information of programs and contents. When the HDD 71 is given a vibration of a specific frequency for a predetermined time, this vibration becomes a disturbance of servo control for the storage medium, and thus it becomes difficult to execute the read / write process.

  The ODD 72 accesses an optical disc in which information is stored, reads information requested from the signal processing control unit 40 from the accessed optical disc, and accesses an optical disc capable of recording information, and accesses the accessed optical disc to perform a signal processing control unit. 40 is a drive device that executes a process of recording information requested from 40. A process of reading information and a process of recording information by the ODD 72 are also referred to as a read / write process. The ODD 72 stores or reads out video / audio information of programs and contents from / to the optical disc. The ODD 72 stores device identification information indicating a model number, a manufacturer name, and the like that can uniquely identify the ODD 72 itself, and performs signal processing control on the device identification information in response to a request from the signal processing control unit 40. To the unit 40. When the ODD 72 is given a vibration of a specific frequency for a predetermined time, this vibration becomes a disturbance of servo control with respect to the optical disk, so that it is difficult to execute the read / write process.

  In the present embodiment, a television receiver 10 is taken as an example of a volume adjusting device to which the configuration according to the present invention is applied. However, a form similar to that of the volume control apparatus according to the present embodiment, such as a personal computer, a mobile portable terminal, an HDD / CD / DVD music playback / recording apparatus, or the like may be used. That is, in the embodiment according to the present invention, the volume is not limited to items such as broadcast wave type, signal acquisition path, and the like, but includes a configuration unit that simply processes an audio signal and a configuration unit that executes writing / reading of information. The present invention can be applied to any adjustment device.

  With such a configuration, it is difficult for the television receiver 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention to operate the HDD 71 or the ODD 72 as the read / write unit due to vibration generated according to the volume of the sound output from the speakers 62L and 62R. The vibration suppression process for suppressing the problem becomes. Since this vibration suppression process is realized by automatically correcting (decreasing) the volume of the sound output from the speakers 62L and 62, which is the source of the vibration, based on a predetermined condition, the volume correction for correcting the volume It can be said that it is processing. The volume correction process that functions as the vibration suppression process is performed on the audio signal before being input to the speakers 62L and 62R, and is mainly executed by the audio processing unit 61.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 3, each block that is provided in the audio processing unit 61 described in FIG. 2 and performs a volume correction process that corrects the volume of the audio output from the speakers 62 </ b> L and 62 </ b> R will be described.

FIG. 3 is a system configuration diagram that includes each block that is provided in the audio processing unit 61 and that performs volume correction processing that corrects the volume of audio output from the speakers 62L and 62R.
The audio processing unit 61 according to the present embodiment includes an execution processing determination unit 300, a volume 301, a frequency separation unit 302, a volume level detection unit 303, an excess time detection unit 304, a volume correction unit 305, a delay unit 306, a synthesis unit 307, A DAC 308, an AMP 309, and the like are provided.

  The execution process determination unit 300 determines whether or not the signal processing control unit 40 is executing a process that uses the HDD 71 or the ODD 72. To the unit 302. The signal processing control unit 40 determines whether or not the signal processing control unit 40 is to execute the processing in which the execution processing determination unit 300 requests the signal processing control unit 40 to notify the information indicating whether or not the processing is being executed. This can be realized in an embodiment in which the execution process determination unit 300 determines information indicating process execution, which is output spontaneously by the control unit 40. The execution process determination unit 300 functions as an access determination unit that determines whether the HDD 71 or the ODD 72 is accessing a hard disk or an optical disk that is a recording medium.

  The volume 301 is a gain setting unit for setting the volume output from the speakers 62L and 62R. The volume 301 outputs a sound signal of a predetermined multiple obtained by giving a gain of a predetermined input / output characteristic to the sound signal input from the signal processing control unit 40 to the subsequent frequency separation unit 302.

  When frequency information is input from the execution process determination unit 300, the frequency separation unit 302 is based on a predetermined multiple of the audio signal input from the volume 301, for example, a higher-order band pass centered on the determined frequency. Using a filter (BPF) or the like, a specific band signal that maintains a signal level in a specific frequency band and attenuates a signal level other than the specific frequency band is output to the volume correction unit 305 and the volume level detection unit 303 in the subsequent stage. To do. The frequency separation unit 302 uses a high-order band attenuation filter (BEF) centered on the determined frequency, for example, based on the predetermined multiple of the audio signal input from the volume 301, and outputs a signal in a specific frequency band. A specific out-of-band signal that attenuates the level and maintains the signal level other than the specific frequency band is output to the delay unit 306 at the subsequent stage. The frequency separation unit 302 reads the device information stored in the HDD 71 and determines which frequency band to separate based on the frequency information included in the read device information.

  The input / output characteristics of such BPF and BEF are preferably such that the input / output characteristics when these BPF and BEF are combined are flat, that is, the input / output characteristics of BPF and BEF are opposite. . That is, it can be said that the frequency separation unit 302 is a block having a filter function of separating and outputting an audio signal having a specific frequency from an audio signal of a predetermined multiple input from the volume 301. Further, the frequency separation unit 302 may be configured to separate signals in a plurality of frequency bands so as to correspond to a plurality of frequency information.

  In addition, when no execution information is input from the execution processing determination unit 300, the frequency separation unit 302 does not perform separation of a specific frequency as described above, and passes through the audio signal input from the volume 301 and delays the delay unit. To 306.

  The sound volume level detection unit 303 reads the device information stored in the HDD 71 and monitors the level of the specific band signal input from the frequency separation unit 302 based on the upper limit level information included in the read device information. The volume level detection unit 303 obtains the upper limit level from the upper limit level information. The volume level detection unit 303 detects level excess information indicating that the level of the specific band signal is equal to or higher than the upper limit level or greater than the upper limit level, and outputs the detected level excess information to the excess time detection unit 304. For example, the volume level detection unit 303 can detect the level excess information by outputting the output information of the comparator that has received the level of the specific band signal and the upper limit level as the level excess information for each sampling clock of a predetermined time. it can. Further, a plurality of volume level detection units 303 may be provided so as to correspond to a plurality of frequency information.

  The excess time detection unit 304 reads the device information stored in the HDD 71 and monitors the duration of the level excess information input from the volume level detection unit 303 based on the monitoring time information included in the read device information. To do. The excess time detection unit 304 obtains the monitoring time from the monitoring time information. The excess time detection unit 304 detects time excess information input from the volume level detection unit 303 and indicating that the duration of the level excess information is the same as or longer than the monitoring time, and the detected time excess Information is output to the volume correction unit 305. A plurality of excess time detection units 304 may be provided to correspond to a plurality of frequency information.

  The volume correction unit 305 reads out the device information stored in the HDD 71 and, based on the upper limit level information included in the read device information and the time excess information input from the excess time detection unit 304, the frequency separation unit 302. The level of the specific band signal input from is corrected. The volume correction unit 305 obtains the upper limit level from the upper limit level information. That is, when the excess time information is input from the excess time detection unit 304, the volume correction unit 305 corrects the level of the specific band signal input from the frequency separation unit 302 to be equal to or lower than the upper limit level. Then, the volume correction unit 305 outputs the specific band signal input from the frequency separation unit 302 and the specific band signal whose level is corrected to the synthesis unit 307. Further, a plurality of volume correction units 305 may be provided so as to correspond to a plurality of frequency information.

  The delay unit 306 delays the specific out-of-band signal input from the frequency separation unit 302 by a time corresponding to the processing delay time in the volume level detection unit 303, the excess time detection unit 304, and the volume correction unit 305. The signal is output to the combining unit 307.

  The synthesizing unit 307 outputs a synthesized audio signal obtained by synthesizing the specific band signal and level-specific band signal input from the volume correction unit 305 and the delayed specific band signal input from the delay unit 306 to the DAC 308. . That is, the synthesizing unit 307 outputs to the DAC 308 an audio signal whose level is corrected only for a signal that satisfies the conditions based on the frequency information, the upper limit level information, and the monitoring time information included in the device information. The combining unit 307 may be configured to be able to combine signals of a plurality of frequency bands so as to correspond to a plurality of frequency information.

  The DAC 308 outputs an analog audio signal obtained by converting the synthesized audio signal, which is a digital signal input from the synthesis unit 307, into an analog signal, to the AMP 309. The DAC 308 may have a low-pass filter (LPF) in the output stage that removes noise outside the audible band and affects sound quality and characteristics.

  The AMP 309 performs amplification processing for outputting from the speakers 62L and R to the analog audio signal input from the DAC 308, and outputs the result to the speakers 62L and R.

  The frequency separation unit 302, the volume level detection unit 303, the excess time detection unit 304, and the volume correction unit 305 read information that can uniquely identify the HDD 71 or the ODD 72 via the signal processing control unit 40. Based on the device identification information read by the block (not shown), the device information stored in the HDD 71 is read.

  Further, the DAC 308 is not provided, and the AMP 309 receives a PWM wave or PDM wave digital audio signal from the synthesizing unit 307, amplifies the input digital audio signal, and outputs it to the speakers 62L and 62R. It may be configured as a digital amplifier.

  Due to the system configuration of the plurality of blocks, the audio processing unit 61 according to the embodiment of the present invention has a state before being input to the speakers 62L and 62R depending on whether or not the processing using the HDD 71 or the ODD 72 is performed. Since the time when the audio signal level of the specific frequency exceeds the predetermined level is monitored with respect to the audio signal, the volume of the audio exceeding the predetermined level of the specific frequency output from the speakers 62L and R is automatically corrected. The problem that the operation of the HDD 71 and the ODD 72 becomes difficult due to vibration generated according to the volume of the sound output from the speakers 62L and R can be suppressed.

Next, an example of device information referred to when each block included in the sound processing unit 61 described in FIG. 3 performs the sound volume correction process will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of device information referred to when each block included in the audio processing unit 61 described with reference to FIG. 3 performs a sound volume correction process.
The device information includes a category indicating the HDD 71 or ODD 72, a model number, a manufacturer name of the HDD 71 or ODD 72, a storage capacity when the category is the HDD 71, and a vibration frequency at which it is particularly difficult to read and write information. In addition to the upper limit level, vibration frequency, and upper limit level corresponding to the volume output level from the speakers 62L, 62 that cause vibration, monitoring that serves as an index that makes it difficult to read and write information by the HDD 71 or ODD 72 Information such as time is associated with each other.

  That is, when executing the volume correction process, among these pieces of information, “frequency” is referred to the frequency separation unit 302 as frequency information, and “upper limit level” is set as upper limit level information, and the volume level detection unit 303 and volume correction. Reference is made to the unit 305, and “monitoring time” is referred to the excess time detection unit 304 as monitoring time information.

  In the device information, a plurality of vibration frequencies, upper limit levels, and monitoring times may be associated with a specific model number. For example, the model number “AAA” shown in FIG. 4 is associated with two vibration frequencies “100 [Hz]” and “3000 [Hz]”.

Further, the device information may be stored in a nonvolatile storage unit (not shown) provided in the television receiver 10 instead of the HDD 71.
The device information is obtained by extracting the broadcast wave processing unit 20 from a broadcast wave mixed with the video / audio information of the program, the embodiment obtained by the network IF unit 22 from a specific server device on the Internet, and the like. It can be provided in various paths.

Next, conditions for starting and continuing execution of the volume correction processing executed by each block provided in the sound processing unit 61 described in FIG. 3 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining conditions for starting and continuing execution of the volume correction processing executed by each block provided in the sound processing unit 61 described in FIG.

  As described above, the television receiver 10 performs a plurality of processes. In particular, among the plurality of processes, processes closely related to the conditions for starting and continuing the sound volume correction process are HDD playback processes that are playback processes using the HDD 71 and HDD recording processes that are recording processes using the HDD 71. It is processing. That is, the start and continuation of the execution of the volume correction process are determined depending on whether or not the HDD playback process and the HDD recording process described above are executed.

  Specifically, it is determined whether there is any process start request among a plurality of processes executed by the television receiver 10 (S501). When there is no process start request (No in S501), the presence / absence determination (S501) of the process start request is repeated.

  If it is determined that there is a request to start the HDD playback process (Yes in S501; HDD playback process), the HDD playback process is started (S502). Then, it is determined whether or not the HDD recording process is executed in parallel (S503). If the HDD recording process is being executed in parallel (Yes in S503), the execution of the volume correction process is started (S504), and the process associated with the HDD playback process start request is terminated. Also, when the HDD recording process is not executed in parallel (No in S503), the process accompanying the start request for the HDD reproduction process ends.

  If it is determined in the process start request presence / absence determination (S501) that there is a request to start the HDD recording process (Yes in S501; HDD recording process), the HDD recording process is started (S505). Then, it is determined whether or not the HDD reproduction processing is executed in parallel (S506). If the HDD playback process is being executed in parallel (Yes in S506), the volume correction process is started (S507), and the process associated with the HDD recording process start request ends. Also, when the HDD playback process is not executed in parallel (No in S506), the process associated with the HDD recording process start request ends.

  Further, when it is determined in the process start request presence / absence determination (S501) that there is a request to start other processes except for the HDD playback process and the HDD recording process (Yes in S501; other processes), other processes are started. (S508). The other processing includes, for example, stop processing of either HDD playback processing or HDD recording processing, input source switching processing of the HDD recording processing target, ODD playback processing that is playback processing using the ODD 72, and the like.

  After the start of other processes (S508), it is determined whether the HDD recording process and the HDD playback process are continuously executed in parallel (S509). When the HDD recording process and the HDD playback process are continuously executed in parallel (Yes in S509), the execution of the volume correction process is started (S510), and the processes accompanying the start request for other processes are ended. . Further, even when the HDD recording process and the HDD reproduction process are not continuously executed in parallel (No in S509), the process accompanying the start request for the other process ends.

Specifically, in a plurality of examples of the other processes described above, when the input source switching process for the HDD recording process target is requested, the execution of the volume correction process is started.
Note that although the execution start and the continuation of the sound volume correction process are determined depending on whether or not the HDD playback process and the HDD recording process are executed, a plurality of HDD recording processes are executed, for example. For example, an example in which one or both of the HDD reproduction process and the HDD recording process is a process of copying or moving information stored in the HDD 71 can be applied. In other words, the start and continuation of the execution of the sound volume correction process are conditional on frequent access to the HDD 71. Similarly, frequent access to the ODD 72 can also be a condition for starting and continuing execution of the volume correction processing.

  In this manner, the volume correction process is executed depending on whether or not a specific process (for example, HDD recording process and HDD playback process) is executed among the plurality of processes executed by the television receiver 10. Since the start and the execution continuation are determined, the output levels from the speakers 62L and 62R can be automatically switched only when necessary.

Next, the operation of the volume correction process executed by each block provided in the audio processing unit 61 described in FIG. 3 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the volume correction process executed by each block provided in the sound processing unit 61 described in FIG.
When the volume correction process is started, each block included in the sound processing unit 61 acquires device information (S601). Each of these blocks is included in the device information, and information necessary for the volume correction processing is acquired (S602). Further, each block sets information necessary for the acquired volume correction processing (S603). Up to this point, the preparation process in the sound correction process is performed, and thereafter, the substantial process in the sound correction process is executed.

  Then, the execution process determination unit 300 determines whether to stop the process (S604). The determination to stop the process is made by the execution process determination unit 300 determining that the signal processing control unit 40 is not executing a process using the HDD 71 or the ODD 72. Since the plurality of subsequent processes are repeatedly executed while the volume correction process is continuing, this determination process may be executed at the end instead of the beginning of the plurality of repeatedly executed processes. It shall be executed first.

  As a result of the determination, if the process is not stopped (No in S604), first, the frequency separation unit 302 is a signal in a frequency band centered on the correction target frequency Pf, based on the frequency information. The signal is separated into a specific band signal and a signal outside the specific band that is a signal other than the frequency band centered on the correction target frequency Pf (S605). Next, the volume level detection unit 303 monitors the level of the specific band signal based on the upper limit level information Pv (S606). When the level of the specific band signal is equal to or higher than the upper limit level Pv or larger than the upper limit level Pv (Yes in S606), the excess time detection unit 304 monitors the duration of exceeding the upper limit level based on the monitoring time information ( S607). When the duration of exceeding the upper limit level is equal to or longer than the monitoring time Pt (Yes in S607), the volume correction unit 305 determines that the level of the specific band signal is equal to or lower than the upper limit level Pv based on the upper limit level information. (S608).

  Then, not only after the volume correction unit 305 corrects the level of the specific band signal, but also when the level of the signal of the specific band (near the correction target frequency Pf) is lower than the upper limit level Pv or lower than the upper limit level Pv (in S606). No), or when the duration of exceeding the upper limit level is shorter than the monitoring time Pt (No in S607), the combining unit 307 outputs the specific band signal and the specific band signal whose level is corrected, and the delayed specific band out-of-band signal. Synthesize (S609). The synthesized audio signal output from the synthesis unit 307 is output from the speakers 62L and 62 via the DAC 308 and the AMP 309 (S610).

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the process is further stopped (S604), and while the process is not stopped, a plurality of processes after the signal separation and the signal level monitoring described above are repeatedly executed. That is, while these multiple processes are repeatedly executed, the signal level and the level excess time are monitored at a predetermined timing, so if the signal level and the level excess time are outside the level correction conditions, No correction is made.

On the other hand, when the process is stopped by determining whether or not to stop the process (Yes in S604), the sound correction process is stopped (S611) and the sound correction process is ended.
In this way, the sound volume correction processing operation is executed by each block described in FIG. That is, in the volume correction processing according to the present embodiment, first, parameter setting based on device information is executed as preparation processing, and thereafter, as actual processing, signal separation, signal level monitoring, level overtime monitoring, and level correction are performed. And signal synthesis is repeatedly executed. Therefore, in the sound volume correction process started under the predetermined condition, the sound signal is continuously monitored, and the sound volume correction is automatically performed only when necessary.

Next, an aspect of an output signal from the sound processing unit 61 obtained by performing volume correction processing on the input signal to the sound processing unit 61 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an aspect of an output signal from the sound processing unit 61 in which volume correction processing is performed on an input signal to the sound processing unit 61.
The upper part of FIG. 7 shows an example of an input signal in a frequency band centered on the correction target frequency Pf, and the lower part of FIG. 7 shows an example of an output signal obtained by performing volume correction processing on the upper input signal. Has been.

  In this volume correction processing, the level of the input signal is constantly compared with the upper limit level Pv, and when the level of the input signal exceeds the upper limit level Pv, the time when the upper limit level Pv is continuously exceeded is set as the monitoring time Pt. Have been compared.

  Further, in the input signal in FIG. 7, in the upper limit level excess periods (T1), (T2), and (T3), the upper limit level excess durations T1, T2, and T3 are shorter than the monitoring time Pt. However, in the upper limit level excess period (T4), the upper limit level excess duration T4 is longer than the monitoring time Pt. In periods other than these, the level of the input signal is smaller than the upper limit level Pv.

  When the volume correction process is performed on such an input signal, in the output signal in FIG. 7, in the upper limit level excess period (T1), the upper limit level excess duration T1 is shorter than the monitoring time Pt. Volume (signal level) is not corrected. The same applies to the upper limit level excess periods (T2) and (T3). However, in the upper limit level excess period (T4), since the upper limit level excess duration T4 is longer than the monitoring time Pt, the sound volume (signal level) is corrected to the upper limit level Pv.

  The output level is equal to the input level within the first half of the upper limit level excess period (T4), but the output level is equal to the upper limit after the second half of the upper limit level excess period (T4). It becomes level Pv. Further, after the upper limit level excess period (T4), the level of the input signal becomes smaller than the upper limit level Pv, so that the output level is not corrected, and the output level = input level. At this time, the output level may be controlled to return to the input level stepwise or gradually, instead of abruptly returning to the input level stepwise.

  In this way, in the volume correction processing according to the present embodiment, the volume can be corrected only when the time when the level of the input signal exceeds the predetermined level becomes longer than the predetermined time. It is possible to automatically switch the output level from the speakers L and R.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the sound volume correction process starts and continues depending on whether or not a specific process is executed among the plurality of processes executed by the television receiver 10. Is determined. Further, in this volume correction process, the plurality of blocks provided in the television receiver 10 suppresses the occurrence of vibrations that occur according to the volume of the sound output from the speakers 62L and 62R. Since the volume correction is performed automatically only on the signal of a specific frequency only when necessary, the device having the speaker is subjected to a specific process that occurs according to the volume output from the speaker. In order to suppress the occurrence of a phenomenon causing a problem, the output level from the speaker can be automatically switched when necessary.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Cabinet, 2 ... Support stand, 10 ... Television receiver, 20 ... Broadcast wave process part, 21 ... External apparatus IF part, 22 ... Network IF part, 31 ... Operation part, 32 ... Light-receiving part, 40 ... Signal processing Control unit 51 ... Display unit 61 ... Audio processing unit 62L, R ... Speaker 71 ... HDD 72 ... ODD RC RC remote control 301 ... Volume 302 ... Frequency separation unit 303 ... Volume level detection unit 304 ... excess time detection unit, 305 ... volume correction unit, 306 ... delay unit, 307 ... synthesis unit, 308 ... DAC, 309 ... AMP.

Claims (6)

Sound processing means for performing predetermined processing on the input sound signal and outputting the sound signal;
A speaker that outputs sound based on the sound signal from the sound processing means;
Read / write means for reading and / or writing data to / from a recording medium installed at a position where the speaker receives vibration generated by outputting sound;
Access determination means for determining whether the read / write means is reading from and / or writing to the recording medium;
When the level of the sound at a specific frequency continuously exceeds a predetermined upper limit level for a predetermined time while being read and / or written to the recording medium according to the determination of the access determination means, the sound processing Correcting the sound level so that the means is below the predetermined upper limit level;
A volume control device characterized by that. Comprising a volume component for changing volume information corresponding to the volume of the sound output from the speaker;
The volume control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sound processing unit corrects the level with respect to volume information changed by the volume component.   3. The volume control device according to claim 1, wherein the read / write unit is difficult to read and / or write the data in a state where vibration is applied.   The sound processing means adjusts the level so that when the sound level at any one of a plurality of different frequencies exceeds a predetermined upper limit level for a predetermined period of time, the level becomes equal to or lower than the predetermined upper limit level. The sound volume adjustment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sound volume adjustment apparatus corrects the sound volume.   The sound processing means corrects the level based on information indicating a frequency, an upper limit level of sound, and a time for monitoring the sound level associated with information uniquely identifying the read / write means. The sound volume adjusting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sound volume adjusting apparatus is a sound volume adjusting apparatus. Apply the specified processing to the input audio signal and output it,
Outputting sound based on the sound signal from a speaker;
Read and / or write data to the recording medium at a position where the speaker receives vibration generated by outputting sound,
Determine whether the recording medium is read and / or written;
If the audio level at a specific frequency continues for a predetermined time and exceeds a predetermined upper limit level while being read and / or written to the recording medium according to the determination, the predetermined upper limit level is further exceeded. Correct the audio level to be
A volume adjustment method characterized by the above.

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