JP2017151229A - Setting device, method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To assist proper setting of a control object parameter which is determined by combining plural parameters, such as a frequency feature curve of an equalizer.SOLUTION: A setting device 100 comprises: a determination part 101 for determining a control object parameter based on a combination of a first kind of a parameter and a second kind of a parameter according to a change instruction to one of the first kind of a parameter and the second kind of a parameter; and a control part 102 for, when a control object parameter which should be determined according to the change instruction exceeds a threshold, controlling the determination part 101 so as to change the other of the first kind of a parameter and the second kind of a parameter, instead of one of the first kind of a parameter and the second kind of a parameter for which the change instruction is output. The control object parameter is a frequency feature curve of an equalizer, and the frequency feature curve is determined by a combination of respective parameters of central frequencies, gains, and band widths of one or more frequency bands.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a setting device, a method, and a program for setting a controlled object parameter determined by a combination of first and second type parameters such as an equalizer frequency characteristic curve.

  Conventionally, there is an equalizer as one type of audio equipment. The equalizer adjusts the frequency characteristics of the acoustic signal by adjusting the volume for each frequency band. Equalizers can be used in a variety of applications, such as correcting frequency characteristics of audio equipment and recording / listening environments, averaging sound quality differences between songs, or making active sounds by emphasizing / decreasing specific frequency bands. Used for

  A type of equalizer called a parametric equalizer can adjust frequency characteristics by combining two types of parameters, volume and bandwidth, for each of a plurality of frequency bands. However, such adjustment of the frequency characteristics requires skill and is not easy. For example, if the volume of a certain frequency band is increased too much, howling may occur. Also, for example, howling may be prevented by suppressing the volume in a specific frequency band using an equalizer. In that case, it is necessary to appropriately suppress the volume of the frequency band that causes howling. If the sound volume in a frequency band not related to howling is suppressed too much, the sound quality is impaired, thereby causing a sense of incongruity on hearing.

  As a howling prevention technique using a conventional equalizer, for example, Patent Document 1 below discloses that a frequency component causing howling is detected and the frequency component of the detected howling point is attenuated by the equalizer. Patent Document 2 below discloses that a loop gain is estimated and the gain of the equalizer is controlled based on the estimated loop gain.

JP 2002-78067 A JP 2010-263600 A

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and can assist in appropriate setting of control target parameters determined by combining the first type and the second parameter such as an equalizer frequency characteristic curve, for example. A setting apparatus, method, and program are to be provided.

  The present invention provides a determination unit that determines a control target parameter based on a combination of the first type and second type parameters in response to a change instruction of either the first type or second type parameter, and the change When the control target parameter to be determined in response to the instruction exceeds a threshold value, instead of either the first type or the second type parameter instructed to change, the parameter of the first type or the second type And a control unit that controls the determination unit so as to change the other.

  According to the present invention, when the control target parameter according to the change instruction of either the first type or the second type parameter exceeds the threshold, the first type or second type parameter instructed to change Instead of either one, the other of the first type or second type parameter is changed. With this configuration, even when the control target parameter exceeds the threshold value while limiting the control target parameter so as not to exceed the threshold value, the change of the parameter different from the one instructed to change (the first type or the second type). The parameter to be controlled is changed by changing the other of the seed parameters.

  As an example, the control target parameter includes a frequency characteristic curve for adjusting the frequency characteristic of the acoustic signal, and the frequency characteristic curve includes the first type parameter for adjusting the volume of a certain frequency band and the band of the frequency band. It is determined by a combination of the second type parameters for adjusting the width. The threshold value is a threshold curve corresponding to the frequency characteristic curve. As an example, the threshold curve may limit a variable range of volume.

  The setting device according to the present invention can be configured by a dedicated device or a circuit configured to realize each function, and can execute the program module configured to realize each function and the program module It can also be configured by a combination of processors.

  In addition, the present invention can be implemented not only as an apparatus invention but also as a method invention comprising steps for realizing the functions of a setting apparatus, and for realizing the functions of a recording system by a computer. The present invention can also be implemented as an invention of a program for causing a program to be executed.

  According to the setting device, the setting method, and the program according to the present invention, even when the control target parameter exceeds the threshold value while limiting the control target parameter so as not to exceed the threshold value, the change target is different from that instructed to change. Since the parameter to be controlled is changed by changing the parameter (the other change of the first type or the second type parameter), even if the user who is not familiar with the operation of the equalizer operates the equalizer 10, it is easy And howling can be effectively prevented. In addition, even if the control target parameter exceeds the threshold, the control target parameter is changed according to the change instruction. Therefore, compared with simply limiting the variable range of the control target parameter with the threshold, the user's intention is more The reflected control target parameter can be changed. Therefore, there is an excellent effect that an appropriate setting of the control target parameter determined by combining the first type and second type parameters can be assisted by a simple and easy-to-understand method.

The block diagram explaining the structural example of the setting apparatus which concerns on this invention. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of an electrical hardware configuration of an equalizer according to an embodiment of a setting device according to the present invention. The figure explaining the structural example of the operation interface of the said equalizer. The flowchart which shows the parameter setting process example which concerns on 1st Embodiment of the said equalizer. The figure explaining another structural example of the operation interface of the said equalizer. The flowchart which shows the parameter setting process example which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of the said equalizer. (A)-(d) The figure explaining the various modifications of a threshold curve.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a conceptual configuration of a setting device 100 according to the present invention. The setting device 100 determines a control target parameter based on a combination of the first type and second type parameters in response to a change instruction of either the first type or second type parameter; When the control target parameter to be determined in response to the change instruction exceeds a threshold value, the first type or the second type of the first type or the second type of parameter is used instead of either the first type or the second type parameter instructed to change. A control unit 102 that controls the determination unit 101 is provided to change the other parameter.

  As an example, the setting apparatus 100 can be applied to set an equalizer parameter that adjusts the frequency characteristics of an acoustic signal. In this case, the control target parameter includes a frequency characteristic curve for adjusting the frequency characteristic of the acoustic signal. The frequency characteristic curve includes, for example, the first type parameter for adjusting the volume of a certain frequency band, and the frequency band. It is determined by the combination of the second type parameters for adjusting the width of the. The threshold value is a threshold curve corresponding to the frequency characteristic curve.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an electrical hardware configuration of the equalizer 10 to which the setting device 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 is applied. The equalizer 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory), a memory 12 including a hard disk, an operation unit 13, a display unit 14, an audio interface (I / F) 15, a signal. A processing unit (DSP) 16 is included, and each unit is connected by a communication bus 17.

  The CPU 11 executes various programs stored in the memory 12 and controls the operation of the equalizer 10. The memory 12 stores the various programs and various data including various parameter values necessary for the equalizing process. The display unit 14 displays various screens based on the control of the CPU 11. The operation unit 13 includes various operation elements and a detection unit that detects operations on the operation elements.

  The equalizer 10 inputs an acoustic signal from an input device (not shown) such as a musical instrument via the audio I / F 15 and outputs the signal-processed acoustic signal to an output device (not shown) such as an amplifier. The signal processing unit 16 includes, for example, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) or a signal processing device virtually realized by software stored in the CPU 11 and the memory 12. The signal processing unit 16 performs signal processing on the input acoustic signal by executing a signal processing program. The signal processing executed by the signal processing unit 16 includes an equalizing process for changing the frequency characteristic of the acoustic signal. This equalizing process is controlled based on the values of a plurality of parameters stored in the memory 12.

  The equalizer 10 may include other components not shown, such as a network interface for connecting to a computer network.

  FIG. 3 shows a configuration example of the operation panel 30 of the equalizer 10. The operation panel 30 includes a display (display unit 14 in FIG. 2) that displays an equalizer setting screen 40 and physical operators 31 to 33 (operation unit 13 in FIG. 2).

  FIG. 3 illustrates an operation panel of the three-band parametric equalizer 10 as an example. The parametric equalizer 10 for a band includes, for any three frequency bands (bands), a center frequency (hereinafter referred to as “center frequency”), a volume of the frequency band (hereinafter referred to as “gain”), and a frequency band. 3 types of parameters (hereinafter referred to as “Q”) can be set. Corresponding to each of the frequency bands A, B and C, gain (“Gain”) operation knobs 31a, 31b and 31c, center frequency (“Frequency”) operation knobs 32a, 32b and 32c, and Q operation Knobs 33a, 33b and 33c are provided. In addition, when it is not necessary to distinguish the knobs according to frequency bands, the alphabet letters attached to the reference numerals may be omitted, for example, the knobs 31, the knobs 32, and so on.

  The knobs 31, 32, and 33 are configured to input a parameter value change instruction by a rotation operation. When the knobs 31, 32, and 33 are turned to the right, the parameter values increase, and when the knobs 31, 32, and 33 are turned to the left, the parameters The value of becomes smaller. As an example, the knobs 31, 32, and 33 are configured to input a value corresponding to a rotational position as a parameter value, for example. As another example, the knobs 31, 32, and 33 may be configured to input a change amount of a parameter value according to the rotation operation amount.

  The user can select a filter characteristic for each frequency band A, B, and C. In the example of FIG. 3, a low-pass filter is selected for the band A, and band-pass filters are selected for the bands B and C. The filter characteristics of each frequency band A, B, and C are determined based on the corresponding gain, center frequency, and Q, respectively. The frequency characteristic curve of the equalizer 10 is obtained by synthesizing the filter characteristic curves of the respective frequency bands A, B, and C. In the specification, the frequency characteristic curve is referred to as an “EQ curve”. The equalizer 10 adjusts the frequency characteristic of the acoustic signal based on the EQ curve. The “EQ curve” corresponds to a “control target parameter” determined by combining only the first type and second type parameters.

  The equalizer setting screen 40 is a display unit that displays an EQ curve 41 and a threshold curve 42 (threshold). In the screen configuration example of FIG. 3, the vertical axis indicates gain and the horizontal axis indicates frequency. The EQ curve 41 is determined by a combination of three types of parameters of gain, center frequency, and Q of each frequency band A, B, and C. The equalizer 10 adjusts the frequency characteristic of the acoustic signal based on the EQ curve 41.

  The threshold curve 42 is a threshold that limits the variable range of the EQ curve 41, and is a curve corresponding to the EQ curve 41, that is, a plurality of parameters (that is, gains of the frequency bands A, B, and C, which determine the EQ curve 41). It consists of a curve defined by a combination of frequency and Q). As an example, the threshold curve 42 defines the upper limit of the gain variable range. In the example of FIG. 3, the threshold curve 42 has a linear shape that defines a common upper gain limit for all frequency bands. As an example, the display mode (for example, display color) of the threshold curve 42 may be different from the display mode of the EQ curve 41.

  The EQ curve 41 is changed according to the operation of the knobs 31, 32, and 33 by the user. It is difficult for a user who is not familiar with the operation of the equalizer to appropriately set parameters (gains of frequency bands A, B, and C, center frequency, and Q) that determine the EQ curve 41. When a user is operating the knobs 31, 32, and 33 sensuously while listening to an acoustic signal, the user tends to make an inappropriate setting such as excessively increasing a gain in a certain frequency band. In this regard, the equalizer 10, as described later, for example, when there is a change instruction to increase the gain of a certain frequency band, and when the EQ curve 41 after the change by the instruction exceeds the threshold curve 42, the gain is increased. Instead of increasing, the Q value of the frequency band is changed, specifically, the bandwidth is widened. As a result, the variable range of the EQ curve 41 is limited by the threshold curve 42 to prevent inappropriate setting. Further, since the threshold curve 42 is displayed together with the EQ curve 41 on the equalizer setting screen 40 of FIG. 3, the user can visually check the threshold curve 42 displayed on the equalizer setting screen 40 while checking the EQ curve 41. Can be changed.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a processing example for controlling the change of the EQ curve 41 according to the first embodiment. The process of FIG. 4 starts when the equalizer 10 is powered on, for example.

  In step S <b> 1, the CPU 11 displays a predetermined threshold curve 42 on the equalizer setting screen 40. For example, the CPU 11 can display the threshold curve 42 based on preset data stored in advance in the memory 12. Further, the CPU 11 displays an EQ curve 41 based on the gain, center frequency, and Q value of each frequency band A, B, C stored in the memory 12 on the equalizer setting screen 40.

  The threshold curve 42 displayed in step S1 may be determined in advance, for example. As another example, the threshold curve 42 may be selected by a user from a plurality of preset data. As another example, the threshold curve 42 may be arbitrarily input by the user. For example, in the threshold curve setting mode, the threshold curve 42 may be changed to an arbitrary shape while checking the shape on the equalizer setting screen 40 using the knobs 31, 32 and 33 of the operation panel 30. . In that case, the knobs 31, 32, and 33 of the operation panel 30 are an example of a threshold value setting unit for setting the threshold value.

  In step S <b> 2, the CPU 11 detects an operation of any knob 31, 32 or 33. The detection of the knob operation in step S2 is a process that the CPU 11 performs every predetermined detection cycle. The CPU 11 can acquire an instruction to change the parameter value in accordance with the detected operation. In the following description, as an example, a case will be described in which a change instruction is given to increase the gain of the frequency band B by operating the knob 31b in FIG.

  In step S3, the CPU 11 determines an EQ curve based on all parameters after the gain value of the frequency band B is changed by the above operation, that is, the gains, center frequencies, and Q of the frequency bands A, B, and C. 41 is recalculated. The recalculated EQ curve indicates the EQ curve after being changed by the operation detected in step S2. The recalculated EQ curve is not yet reflected in the display of the equalizer setting screen 40 or the equalizing process by the signal processing unit 16.

  In step S <b> 4, the CPU 11 compares the recalculated EQ curve with the threshold curve 42. The CPU 11 may determine that the case where the recalculated EQ curve is larger than the threshold curve 42 is “exceeded”, or if the recalculated EQ curve is equal to or greater than the threshold curve 42, It may be determined that “exceeded”. As an example, the comparison processing determines whether a gain peak in any frequency band of the recalculated EQ curve (for example, the maximum point of the recalculated EQ curve) exceeds the threshold curve 42. Note that a method of comparing the recalculated EQ curve and the threshold curve for each frequency region can be performed using a known technique.

  For example, in FIG. 3, it is assumed that the knob 31b is operated from the position Gb1 to Gb2, and the EQ curve recalculated in accordance with the operation is as indicated by reference numeral 41 '. In this case, the gain peak B1 of the recalculated EQ curve 41 ′ does not exceed the threshold curve 42 (NO in step S4). Accordingly, in step S5, the CPU 11 changes the EQ curve 41 in accordance with the operation of the knob 31b (gain change instruction). The change of the EQ curve 41 includes updating the display of the EQ curve 41 on the equalizer setting screen 40, and updating the gain, center frequency, and Q values of the frequency bands A, B, and C stored in the memory 12. Further, the signal processing unit 16 performs an equalizing process based on the changed EQ curve.

  The CPU 11 ends the process of FIG. 4 in response to an equalizer end instruction such as power-off (YES in step S7). As long as there is no end instruction (NO in step S7), the CPU 11 repeats the processes in and after step S2 for each operated knob. Until the gain peak of the EQ curve recalculated in response to the operation of the knob 31b (gain change instruction) exceeds the threshold curve 42, the CPU 11 responds to the operation of the knob 31b. In response to the gain increase instruction, the EQ curve 41 is changed to raise the gain peak in the frequency band B (step S5).

  When the recalculated EQ curve exceeds the threshold curve 42 (NO in step S4), the CPU 11 replaces the gain of the frequency band B instructed by the operation of the gain 31b in step S6 with another type. The EQ curve 41 is changed by changing the parameters. As an example, in step S6, the CPU 11 stops changing the gain of the frequency band B according to the operation of the gain 31b, changes the Q of the frequency band B instead, and changes the EQ according to the change of the Q. The curve 41 is changed. In one example, the CPU 11 replaces the gain change amount according to the operation of the knob 31b with the Q change amount of the frequency band B, and changes the Q of the frequency band B according to the replaced change amount.

  For example, in FIG. 3, when the knob 31b is operated up to Gb3, the EQ curve recalculated in accordance with the operation is indicated by reference numeral 41 ″. In this case, the gain peak B2 of the frequency band B is raised according to the operation of the knob 31b until the gain peak of the recalculated EQ curve exceeds the threshold curve 42 (the closest position), but is recalculated. When the gain peak of the EQ curve exceeds the threshold curve 42 (YES in step S4), the change of the gain in the frequency band B is stopped (step S6). Then, the CPU 11 changes the Q of the frequency band B according to the gain change amount from the gain peaks B2 to B3, and changes the EQ curve 41 according to the change of Q (step S6). As a result, the EQ curve 41 on the equalizer setting screen 40 is changed to an EQ curve 41 ″. The gain, center frequency, and Q values of the frequency bands A, B, and C stored in the memory 12 are overwritten with the values indicated by the changed EQ curve 41 ″ ″. The signal processing unit 16 performs equalizing processing based on the EQ curve 41 ″ ″. As is clear from the comparison with the EQ curve 41 ″, the EQ curve 41 ″ ″ has the gain peak stopped at B2, and the bandwidth of the frequency band B is increased by the amount corresponding to the change amount from the gain peak B2 to B3. It has an expanded shape. Q is a parameter that narrows the bandwidth as the value increases, and widens the bandwidth as the value decreases. Therefore, in the case of “increasing the bandwidth of the frequency band B”, the CPU 11 decreases the value of Q.

  As the bandwidth of the frequency band B is expanded by the step S6, the user can change the volume of sound according to the operation of the knob 31b, typically the sound pressure, to the acoustic signal of the equalizing processing result. You will feel an increase. Therefore, while the gain increase in the EQ curve 41 is limited by the threshold curve 42, the user's operation intention (that is, the intention to change the shape of the EQ curve 41 or to change the volume feeling by the equalizing process) is more reflected. The EQ curve 41 can be set and changed.

  The above-described configuration in which the operation of the knob is detected by the operation panel 30 and the CPU 11 (step S2), and the EQ curve 41 is changed (the step S5) corresponds to the determination unit 101 in FIG. The configuration for performing S4 and the step S5 or S6 corresponds to the control unit 102 of FIG.

  When the knob 31b is operated in the direction of decreasing the gain from the state of the EQ curve 41 "", for example, the CPU 11 reversibly returns the EQ curve 41 "" according to the operation of the knob 31b. . That is, first, the Q value of the frequency band B is increased by an amount corresponding to the change amount from the gain peak B2 to B3 (that is, the bandwidth is narrowed), and then the gain of the frequency band B is decreased. In that case, the gain peak of the EQ curve 41 ″ ″ decreases from B 2 due to a decrease in gain according to the operation of the knob 31 b.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, by limiting the gain of the EQ curve 41 with the threshold curve 42, for example, even if a user who is not familiar with the operation of the equalizer operates the equalizer 10, it is simple and effective. Howling can be prevented. In addition, even when the EQ curve 41 exceeds the threshold curve 42 in response to an instruction to increase the gain, another parameter (for example, bandwidth) is changed while maintaining the EQ curve 41 not exceeding the threshold curve 42. Since the EQ curve 41 changes in accordance with the change, the EQ curve 41 is changed and set more reflecting the user's intention as compared to simply limiting the variable range of the EQ curve 41 with the threshold curve 42. be able to. Therefore, there is an excellent effect that the appropriate setting of the EQ curve 41 of the equalizer 10 can be assisted by a simple and easy-to-understand method.

  Also, in recent years, as an application of the equalizer 10, for example, frequency characteristic adjustment (so-called “sound making”) by the equalizer 10 is actively used as a kind of music expression, for example, a gain of a specific frequency band is rapidly increased (boost). There are things to do. When the gain reaches the threshold curve 42 in response to the gain change instruction, the Q is changed in place of the gain so that the howling is prevented while the operation of the equalizer 10 is more dynamic and varied. This is advantageous for “active sound production” using the equalizer 10 as described above.

  Next, a processing example for controlling the change of the EQ curve 41 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. In the change control process of the EQ curve 41 according to the first embodiment, when the gain exceeds the threshold, the change of the gain is stopped, and the Q is changed in place of the change of the gain (step S5). Although configured, the change control process of the EQ curve 41 according to the second embodiment is characterized in that Q is changed while the gain change amount is gradually decreased when the gain exceeds a threshold value.

  FIG. 5 shows another configuration example of the operation panel. An operation panel 60 shown in FIG. 5 shows a configuration example of an operation panel of a 1-band parametric equalizer, and a display (display unit 14 in FIG. 2) for displaying an equalizer setting screen 40, a gain operation knob 61, a center A frequency operation knob 62, a Q operation knob 63, and an intensity operation knob 64 are provided. The intensity operation knob 64 inputs a magnification in accordance with the operation of the knob 64, and a plurality of parameters (typically, the EQ curve 41 is determined in accordance with the input magnification, that is, the EQ curve 41 is typically determined. Is configured to change the gain and Q).

  The equalizer setting screen 40 displays an EQ curve 41 and a threshold curve. In the second embodiment, the equalizer setting screen 40 displays two types of threshold curves, a first threshold curve 43 and a second threshold curve 44. The first threshold curve 43 defines a gain value for starting the control of “changing the gain change amount gradually while changing Q” in step S13 described later. Similar to the threshold curve 42 of the first embodiment, the second threshold curve 44 defines the upper limit of the gain variable range. The user can change the EQ curve 41 while visually confirming the first threshold curve 43 and the second threshold curve 44 displayed on the equalizer setting screen 40 by using the operation elements 61 to 64 of the operation panel 60. . As an example, the display forms of the EQ curve 41, the first threshold curve 43, and the second threshold curve 44 may be made different.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a change control process for the EQ curve 41 according to the second embodiment. The process of FIG. 6 is started, for example, when the equalizer 10 is turned on. In step S8, the CPU 11 displays a predetermined threshold curve 42 and an EQ curve 41 on the equalizer setting screen 40. In step S9, the CPU 11 detects an operation of any of the knobs 61 to 64. As an example, a case where a change instruction is given to increase the gain by operating the knob 61 in FIG. 5 will be described. In step S10, the CPU 11 recalculates the EQ curve 41 based on all the parameters after the gain value is changed by the above operation, that is, the gains, center frequencies, and Qs of the frequency bands A, B, and C. To do. These steps S8 to S10 may be configured similarly to steps S1 to S3 in FIG.

  In step S <b> 11, the CPU 11 compares the recalculated EQ curve with the first threshold curve 43. The comparison process may be configured similarly to step S4. However, the object to be compared with the recalculated EQ curve is the first threshold curve 43 that defines the gain value for starting the control of “changing the gain change amount gradually while changing Q”, and changing the gain. It is not the second threshold curve 44 that defines the upper limit of the range.

  When the recalculated EQ curve does not exceed the first threshold curve 43 (NO in step S11), the CPU 11 changes the EQ curve 41 in response to the operation of the knob 61 (gain change instruction) in step S12. change.

  The CPU 11 ends the process of FIG. 6 in response to an end instruction such as power-off (YES in step S14). As long as there is no end instruction (NO in step S14), the CPU 11 repeats the processes in and after step S9 for each operated knob. Until the limit at which the recalculated EQ curve reaches the first threshold curve 43 in response to the operation of the knob 61 (instruction for changing the gain), the CPU 11 increases the gain in response to the instruction to increase the gain in accordance with the operation of the knob 61. The EQ curve 41 is changed so as to lift the peak (step S5). In FIG. 5, the EQ curve 41 ′ shows a state where the gain peak B <b> 1 is at the limit where the first threshold curve 43 is reached according to the operation of the knob 61.

  When the recalculated EQ curve exceeds the first threshold curve 43 (YES in step S11), the CPU 11 gradually reduces the gain change amount by the operation of the gain 61b in step S13 while Q is decreased. The EQ curve 41 is changed according to the change of the Q. Changing the value of Q is, for example, increasing the bandwidth, that is, decreasing the value of Q.

  As an example, in step S13, the CPU 11 acquires a difference between the recalculated maximum point of the EQ curve and the second threshold curve 44, and decreases the amount of gain change according to the acquired difference, The decrease of the gain change amount is replaced with the Q change amount, and the value of Q is decreased by the replaced change amount (that is, the bandwidth is widened). The difference between the maximum point of the recalculated EQ curve and the second threshold curve 44 is, for example, the value of the gain peak of the recalculated EQ curve and the value of the second threshold curve 44 corresponding to the gain peak. It is a difference. The value of the second threshold curve 44 corresponding to the gain peak is the value of the frequency band of the gain peak in the second threshold curve 44.

  For example, in FIG. 5, it is assumed that the EQ curve recalculated in accordance with the operation of the knob 61 is indicated by reference numeral 41 ″ ″. In the EQ curve 41 ″ ″ ″, the gain peak B 3 exceeds the threshold curves 43 and 44. When such an operation of the knob 61 is performed, the gain corresponding to the operation of the knob 61 from the time when the gain peak of the recalculated EQ curve 41 exceeds the first threshold curve 43 (YES in step S11). The Q value is changed so that the change amount gradually decreases and the bandwidth gradually increases by the change amount corresponding to the decrease amount (step S11). As a result, as indicated by reference numerals 41 ″ and 41 ″ ″ in FIG. 5, the amount of change in the gain peak of the EQ curve 41 gradually decreases, while the bandwidth begins to gradually increase. The EQ curve 41 ″ ″ is a state in which the gain peak B 2 has been changed to the limit at which the gain peak B 2 reaches the second threshold curve 44. As an example, since the amount of gain change is reduced in accordance with the difference between the maximum point of the recalculated EQ curve and the second threshold curve 44, the gain peak of the recalculated EQ curve reaches the second threshold curve 44. At that time, the gain change amount according to the operation becomes zero, and the gain change according to the operation stops. As an example, the CPU 11 also stops changing the value of Q at this point.

  Thus, as the gain approaches the second threshold curve 44, the amount of change in the gain is gradually reduced, while the bandwidth is gradually widened, so that the knob 31b is less sensitive to hearing with respect to the acoustic signal of the equalizing processing result. It is possible to give a change in volume feeling according to the operation, typically an increase in sound pressure.

  The above-described configuration in which the operation of the knob is detected by the operation panel 60 and the CPU 11 (Step S8) and the EQ curve 41 is changed (Steps S12 and S13) corresponds to the determination unit 101 in FIG. The comparison in step S11 and the configuration in which step S12 or S13 is performed in accordance with the comparison correspond to the control unit 102 in FIG.

  As described above, also in the second embodiment, the gain of the EQ curve 41 is limited by the first threshold curve 43 and the second threshold curve 44, so that, for example, a user who is not familiar with the operation of the equalizer operates the equalizer 10. However, howling can be prevented easily and effectively. Further, when the EQ curve 41 exceeds the first threshold curve 43 in response to an instruction to increase the gain, the bandwidth is changed while maintaining the EQ curve 41 so as not to exceed the threshold curve 42. The EQ curve 41 can be changed and set more reflecting the user's intention, compared to simply limiting the variable range with a threshold curve. Therefore, there is an excellent effect that the appropriate setting of the EQ curve 41 of the equalizer 10 can be assisted by a simple and easy-to-understand method. Also. While preventing howling, it becomes possible to operate the equalizer 10 which is more dynamic and varied, which is advantageous for “active sound generation” using the equalizer 10.

  As a modification of step S13, when the gain peak of the recalculated EQ curve reaches the second threshold curve 44, the CPU 11 stops changing the gain according to the operation of the knob 61, while The value change may continue. Further, in step S13, the operation amount of the knob 61 may be replaced with the Q change amount instead of the configuration in which the decrease in the gain change amount is replaced with the Q change amount. Further, as a modification of the second embodiment, the second threshold curve 44 may not be explicitly provided. In this case, the CPU 11 decreases the gain change amount according to the difference between the gain peak of the recalculated EQ curve and the first threshold curve 43 in step S13, that is, leaves the first threshold curve 43, for example. As the amount of gain change is reduced, the Q value is decreased to widen the bandwidth.

  Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims and the specification and drawings. Deformation is possible.

  For example, another embodiment relates to the change control process of the EQ curve 41 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 4 or the second embodiment shown in FIG. 6 according to the operation of the intensity operation knob 64. The change control process for the EQ curve 41 may be executed.

  Another embodiment is configured to execute the change control process of the EQ curve 41 according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 6 in response to the operation of the knob 31, 32 or 33 of the operation panel 30 of FIG. May be. Further, another embodiment is configured to execute the change control process of the EQ curve 41 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 4 in response to the operation of the knob 61, 62 or 63 of the operation panel 60 of FIG. May be.

  In another embodiment, the threshold curves 42, 43 and 44 may not be displayed on the equalizer setting screen 40.

  In another embodiment, the EQ curve 41 may be continuously changed on the display of the equalizer setting screen 40 in the step S6 and the step S13. In this case, on the display on the equalizer setting screen 40, the EQ curve 41 exceeds the threshold curve 42 or the second threshold curve 44. The user can visually recognize that the current setting of the EQ curve 41 exceeds the threshold curve 42. However, since the equalizing process does not reflect the change of the EQ curve 41 according to the operation, an effect such as howling prevention by limiting the EQ curve 41 with the threshold curve 42 can be obtained.

  7A to 7D show modifications of the threshold curves 42, 43, and 44. FIG. The threshold curve 42, 43, or 44 is not limited to a linear shape extending in the horizontal direction that limits the gain with a constant value for all frequency bands as shown in FIGS. For example, an inclined linear shape as shown in FIGS. Moreover, as shown in (c), a curve that limits the gain with a different value for each frequency band may be used. Further, as shown in (d), the lower limit of the gain may be limited.

  In addition, as an example of a method for setting the threshold curves 42, 43, and 44, the frequency analysis of the acoustic signal input to the equalizer 10 is performed, and the threshold curves 42, 43, and 44 are set based on the analysis result. Good. Thereby, appropriate threshold curves 42, 43 and 44 can be set according to the reproduction environment of the acoustic signal.

  In addition, as an example of a method for setting the threshold curves 42, 43, and 44, settings may be made according to characteristics of an input source of an acoustic signal such as a musical instrument. For example, when a certain instrument is an input source, by setting threshold curves 42, 43, and 44 suitable for the frequency characteristics of the performance sound of the instrument, for example, limiting a specific frequency band so as not to be raised too much, etc. It is possible to assist the setting of the EQ curve 41 according to the characteristics of the musical instrument.

  The threshold curves 42, 43, and 44 are not limited to those that limit the gain, but may be thresholds for any other parameters such as the center frequency.

  In the first and second embodiments, the case where the gain of the EQ curve 41 is changed using the physical operation elements provided in the operation panels 30 and 60 has been described. However, the center frequency and Q have been changed. In this case, the change control process for the EQ curve 41 shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 can be executed.

  Further, although the configuration example in which the EQ curve 41 is changed using the physical operator provided in the operation panels 30 and 60 has been described, the operator that changes the EQ curve 41 is not limited to the “knob” that is operated to rotate. , Buttons, sliders, and the like, and are not limited to physical operators, and may be virtual operators including images (GUI images) displayed on the screen. As another example, the operation unit 13 and the display unit 14 may be configured by a touch panel display, and the EQ curve 41 may be changed by a touch operation on the EQ curve 41 displayed on the display.

  The setting device 100 according to the present invention is not limited to the equalizer 10 including the hardware device described above, and can be applied to, for example, a software program that causes a computer to execute an equalizing process. In this case, the computer on which the software program for executing the equalizing process is installed is not limited to a computer device owned by the user, but may be a server computer on a computer network. For example, a user may access a server computer on a computer network from his / her terminal device and use the equalizing processing function provided by the server computer via a communication network.

  In addition, the setting device 100 according to the present invention is not limited to the setting of the EQ curve 41 of the equalizer 10 described above, but includes, for example, first and second type parameters such as a device that changes a timbre by a combination of cutoff and resonance. The present invention can be applied to any device that determines a control target parameter by a combination of the above.

  For example, the setting device 100 according to the present invention includes an operation unit 13 and a display unit 14 including a touch panel display, and uses the two-dimensional coordinates displayed on the display to instruct change of the first type and second type parameters. Can be configured to perform. In that case, for example, when threshold values are provided corresponding to the four sides of the two-dimensional coordinate plane and the control target parameter exceeds the threshold value in accordance with the change instruction, either the first type parameter or the second type parameter instructed to be changed Instead of increasing or decreasing either, the other of the first type or second type parameters may be configured to increase or decrease.

  In addition, the setting device 100 according to the present invention has a function of an arbitrary music device such as an audio mixing device or a computer related music device equipped with a function of adjusting a control target parameter determined by a combination of a plurality of parameters such as an equalizer. It may be configured as a software program for execution.

  Further, the processing is not limited to the control target parameter for performing processing on the acoustic signal as in the EQ curve 41 of the equalizer 10, and the processing is performed on any type of signal such as the control target parameter for performing processing on the video signal. The setting device 100 according to the present invention can also be applied to the setting of control target parameters for this purpose.

  In addition, the present invention is not only configured and implemented as an apparatus invention, but also a combination of the first type and second type parameters according to a change instruction of either the first type or second type parameter. Determining the control target parameter based on the change, and if the control target parameter to be determined in response to the change instruction exceeds a threshold, the change is made to either the first type or the second type parameter instructed to change In addition, the invention may be configured and implemented as a method invention comprising a step of controlling to change the other of the first type or the second type of parameter. Further, the present invention may be configured and implemented as a program invention that causes a computer to execute the steps constituting the method.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Setting apparatus, 101 Change part, 102 Change control part, 10 Equalizer, 11 CPU, 12 Memory, 13 Operation part, 14 Display part, 15 Audio interface, 16 Signal processing part, 30 Operation panel, 31-33 Knob, 40 Equalizer Setting screen, 41 EQ curve (control target parameter), 42 threshold curve (threshold), 43 first threshold curve, 44 second threshold curve, 60 operation panel, 61-64 knob

Claims (12)

A determination unit that determines a control target parameter based on a combination of the first type and the second type parameters in response to a change instruction of either the first type or the second type parameter;
When the control target parameter to be determined in response to the change instruction exceeds a threshold value, the first type or the second type of the first type or the second type of parameter is used instead of either the first type or the second type parameter instructed to change. And a control unit that controls the determination unit so as to change the other of the parameters.   The control unit replaces the change amount of either the first type or the second type parameter instructed to be changed with the other change amount of the first type or the second type parameter, 2. The setting device according to claim 1, wherein control is performed so as to change the other of the first type or the second type of parameter in accordance with the replaced change amount.   The control unit controls to stop changing one of the first type or second type parameter instructed to change and to change the other of the first type or second type parameter. The setting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that   The control unit performs control to change the other of the first type or the second type parameter while gradually decreasing the change amount of either the first type or the second type parameter instructed to change. The setting device according to claim 1 or 2. The first type parameter adjusts the volume of a certain frequency band,
The second type parameter adjusts the bandwidth of the frequency band,
The control target parameter comprises a frequency characteristic curve for adjusting the frequency characteristic of the acoustic signal,
The setting device according to claim 1, wherein the threshold value is a threshold curve corresponding to the frequency characteristic curve.   The setting device according to claim 5, wherein the change control unit controls the bandwidth to be changed instead of the volume.   The setting device according to claim 5, wherein the change control unit performs control so as to widen the bandwidth instead of changing the volume.   8. The setting apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the threshold curve limits a variable range of the first type parameter for adjusting the volume.   The setting device according to claim 1, further comprising a threshold setting unit configured to set the threshold.   The setting device according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit that displays the threshold value. Determining a control target parameter based on a combination of the first type and second type parameters in response to a change instruction of either the first type or second type parameter;
When the control target parameter to be determined according to the change instruction exceeds the threshold value according to the change instruction, the first type or the second type parameter instructed to be changed is replaced with the first parameter. A method comprising controlling to change the other of the seed or the second kind of parameter. On the computer,
Determining a control target parameter based on a combination of the first type and second type parameters in response to a change instruction of either the first type or second type parameter;
When the control target parameter to be determined in response to the change instruction exceeds a threshold value, the first type or the second type of the first type or the second type of parameter is used instead of either the first type or the second type parameter instructed to change. A program that executes a controlling step so as to change the other parameter.

Images