JP2017175456A - Signal processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To calibrate an individual difference of output of a volume with click.SOLUTION: A calibration memory (25) previously storing digital data of analog output voltages corresponding to click positions of volumes (VOL1 and VOL2) with clicks as calibration data is prepared and digital data obtained by converting an analog output voltage outputted correspondingly to a present operation position of the volume with click is compared with the calibration data in the calibration memory (25). Therefore, the present operation positions (click positions) of the volumes (VOL1 and VOL2) with clicks are identified, and standardized volume output data corresponding to the identified present operation positions is generated.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to an audio signal processing device such as an audio amplifier or an audio mixer or a video signal processing device such as a video mixer, and more particularly to a signal processing device having a volume that is manually operated, and calibration of clicked volume output. The present invention relates to a signal processing apparatus having a function.

  In various application devices such as a mixer, an audio device, and an electronic musical instrument, it is conventionally known to set a desired parameter using a volume (variable resistor) in which a voltage division ratio is variably set according to a user operation ( For example, Patent Document 1). There is known a volume with a click in such a volume so that a click feeling can be obtained at each predetermined operation position of an operator (knob). In the clicked volume, the user can perceive the current operation position from the click position, which is convenient. On the other hand, if the individual differences in volume output characteristics are not calibrated, even if the click position is the same, the setting state such as the volume level for each volume will be somewhat different depending on the individual difference in volume. Since the click position can be perceived, the user tends to feel uncomfortable.

JP-A-5-243875

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a signal processing apparatus having a calibration function for calibrating individual differences in output of clicked volumes.

  The signal processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a click volume, an analog-to-digital converter that converts an analog output voltage output from the click volume to digital data, and the digital corresponding to each click position of the click volume. A specification that specifies the current operation position of the clicked volume based on a calibration memory in which data is stored in advance as calibration data and a comparison between the calibration data and the digital data output from the analog-digital converter And a generation unit that generates volume output data corresponding to the identified current operation position.

  According to the present invention, a calibration memory is prepared in which digital data of an analog output voltage corresponding to each click position of a clicked volume is stored in advance as calibration data, and the calibration operation is performed according to the current operation position of the clicked volume. By comparing the digital data obtained by converting the output analog output voltage with the calibration data, the current operation position of the clicked volume is specified, and volume output data corresponding to the specified current operation position is generated. Therefore, even if there is an individual difference in the characteristic of the analog output voltage of the clicked volume equipped, standardized volume output data can be generated for each click position. Therefore, there is an excellent effect that common (standardized) volume output data can be obtained at the same click position regardless of individual differences in volumes.

The block diagram which shows an example of the audio amplifier apparatus which is one Example of the signal processing apparatus which concerns on this invention. FIG. 2 is a front view schematically showing an example of a front panel of the audio amplifier device of FIG. 1. The figure which shows an example of the characteristic of the operation position versus resistance value in a volume with a click. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of volume operation detection processing in the audio amplifier apparatus of FIG. 1. The figure which shows another example of the characteristic of the operation position versus resistance value in a volume with a click. FIG. 5 is a front view schematically showing another example of the front panel of the audio amplifier device of FIG. 1.

  FIG. 1 shows an example of an audio amplifier apparatus which is an embodiment of a signal processing apparatus according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, analog audio signals of two channels (for example, stereo left and right channels) CH1 and CH2 are input to two input terminals IN1 and IN2 of the audio amplifier device. The audio amplifier device has two clicked volumes VOL1 and VOL2. One volume VOL1 functions as an input level setting device and an output level setting device for the first channel CH1, and the other volume VOL2 functions as an input level setting device and an output level setting device for the second channel CH2. The input level adjuster 10 adjusts the level of the input audio signal of the first channel CH1 according to the input level setting signal V1in set by one volume VOL1, and the first level according to the input level setting signal V2in set by the other volume VOL2. This adjusts the level of the input audio signal of the two channels CH2, and is composed of, for example, an amplifier (attenuator) capable of gain control.

  The two-channel audio signals output from the input level adjuster 10 are converted into digital signals by analog-digital converters (ADC) 11 and 12, respectively, and input to a digital signal processor (DSP) 13. The DSP 13 performs various processes (audio effects and the like) on the input 2-channel digital audio signal. The two-channel digital audio signals output from the DSP 13 are converted into analog signals by digital / analog converters (DACs) 14 and 15, respectively, and input to the output level adjuster 16. The output level adjuster 16 adjusts the level of the output audio signal of the first channel CH1 in accordance with the output level setting signal V1out set by one volume VOL1, and the first in accordance with the output level setting signal V2out set by the other volume VOL2. It adjusts the level of the output audio signal of the 2-channel CH2, and comprises an amplifier (attenuator) capable of gain control. The two-channel audio signals whose levels are adjusted by the output level adjuster 16 are output from the output terminals OUT1 and OUT2 via the output amplifier 17, respectively.

  Each of the clicked volumes VOL1 and VOL2 is made of a variable resistor, as is well known, and a movable tap of the variable resistor is coupled to an operator (knob or knob) that can be manually operated. By being moved along with the movement, an arbitrary voltage division ratio is set. The movement of the operation element in the clicked volumes VOL1 and VOL2 is configured so as to be physically lightly stopped at each predetermined click position so that the operator can perceive each click position. In FIG. 2, each of the clicked volumes VOL1, VOL2 is composed of a rotary type volume as an example, and each click is placed on a portion on the panel surface surrounding the outer periphery of the volume controls RN1, RN2. A scale as an index indicating the position is engraved. Of course, the clicked volume in the present invention is not limited to a rotary volume, and may be a linear volume such as a fader or a slider.

  In FIG. 1, each clicked volume VOL1, VOL2 is connected to the microcomputer unit 20, and the divided output voltage corresponding to the current operation position of the operation elements RN1, RN2 of each volume VOL1, VOL2 is the microcomputer unit. 20 is taken in. The divided output voltages (voltages indicating the current operation position) of the respective volumes VOL1 and VOL2 that have been taken in are converted into digital data by an analog-digital converter (ADC) 21 built in the microcomputer unit 20, respectively. The microcomputer unit 20 further includes known elements such as a processor (CPU) 22, a read only memory (ROM) 23, a random access memory (RAM) 24, and a flash memory 25. An application program for causing the CPU 22 to execute calibration according to the present embodiment is stored in the ROM 23 which is a non-transitory storage medium.

  The relationship between the operation positions of the clicked volumes VOL1 and VOL2 and the level setting information (attenuator value) set corresponding to the operation positions in the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The position indicated by the indicator of the operation element (rotary knob) RN1 of the clicked volume VOL1 is the current operation position. The operation element RN1 is located from the leftmost end position (for example, −∞ position) to the rightmost end position (for example, 0 position). It can rotate within a range of about 330 degrees. At the leftmost −∞ position, the maximum attenuation value −∞ dB is set. At the rightmost 0 position, the minimum attenuation value is set to 0 dB. At a plurality of click positions between the −∞ position and the 0 position, the attenuation value is set by dividing the range from −∞ dB to 0 dB with appropriate characteristics. The same applies to the clicked volume VOL2. For convenience of explanation, the −∞ position and the 0 position of each volume VOL1, VOL2 are illustrated as “(−∞)” and “(0)” in FIG. 2, but these displays are clearly shown on the actual panel surface. You don't have to.

  FIG. 3 is a characteristic diagram showing an example of the relationship between the operation position of the clicked volume VOL1 (or VOL2) and the resistance value. In the example of FIG. 3, since the resistance value variation characteristic is substantially linear over almost the entire operation position of the volume VOL1 (or VOL2), the almost entire operation position of the volume VOL1 (or VOL2) is used as the effective range. Output can be generated. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 2, the click positions of the click-added volumes VOL1 and VOL2 are set up to the end (both left and right) of the movement range of the operation element.

  As pre-calibration data creation processing, calibration data unique to each individual click volume VOL1, VOL2 is measured in association with all click positions and stored in the flash memory 25. As a method of the advance calibration data creation processing, for example, the clicked volume VOL1 (or VOL2) is sequentially operated at each click position, and the analog output voltage output corresponding to each click position is passed through the ADC 21. The data is converted into digital data, and the digital data is stored in the flash memory 25 in association with the click position. Thus, the digital data stored corresponding to all click positions is calibration data for each of the clicked volumes VOL1, VOL2, and the flash memory 25 is a calibration memory in which calibration data is stored in advance. Function.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the volume operation detection process executed by the CPU 22. This volume operation detection process is executed as a regular scan process for each of the volumes VOL1, VOL2. In step S1, it is checked whether or not a lock instruction has been issued by the user. If a lock instruction has been issued, the volume operation detection process is terminated. If the lock instruction has not been issued, the volume operation detection process is continued, and the process proceeds to step S2. In step S2, digital data obtained by digitally converting the analog output voltage of the volume VOL1 (or VOL2) that is the current scan target is acquired.

  Next, in step S3, the acquired digital data and the calibration data of the volume VOL1 (or VOL2) in the calibration memory (flash memory 25) are compared, and the calibration data corresponding to the digital data is handled. The click position is specified as the current operation position of the volume VOL1 (or VOL2).

  In step S4, volume output data corresponding to the specified click position (current operation position) is generated. For example, a standard data table is stored in the ROM 23 or other appropriate non-volatile storage medium, and standardized volume output data is stored in the standard data table corresponding to each of the click positions. ing. In step S4, the standardized volume output data corresponding to the specified click position (current operation position) is read from the standard data table with reference to the table. By generating standardized volume output data corresponding to each click position in this way, the volume output data specific to each click position (standardized volume output data, regardless of individual differences between the volumes VOL1 and VOL2). ) Will be generated. The generated volume output data is appropriately stored in a buffer for use.

  Next, in step S5, it is determined whether the volume VOL1 (or VOL2) currently being detected is functioning for input level adjustment or output level adjustment, and if it is functioning for input level adjustment. For example, the volume output data generated in step S4 is buffer-stored so as to be used as the input level setting signal V1in (or V2in), and if functioning for output level adjustment, the volume output data generated in step S4 is used. Is stored in a buffer so as to be used as the output level setting signal V1out (or V2out). Whether the volumes VOL1 and VOL2 function as input level adjustment or output level adjustment can be selected at any time by the user. For example, the input level adjustment or the output level adjustment may be selected by operating a selection button provided on the front panel. If one volume is not shared for input level adjustment and output level adjustment, this step S5 may be omitted.

  Each level setting signal V1in, V2in, V1out or V2out stored in the buffer in step S5 is stored and held until the value is updated at the next scan. Therefore, when the lock instruction is given by the user, the process of FIG. 4 is terminated without branching to YES in step S1 and performing the substantial volume operation detection process, so that the level setting signals V1in, V2in, V1out, The value of V2out is held as it was immediately before the lock instruction. Therefore, when a lock instruction is given by the user, the values of the level setting signals V1in, V2in, V1out, and V2out may be changed even if the third party manipulates the volumes VOL1 and VOL2 due to mischief or the like. Because there is no security can be kept. The lock instruction by the user can be performed, for example, by operating the menu button 31 to display a menu on the screen of the display 30 and selecting a lock instruction icon.

  In step S6, information for identifying the value of the volume output data generated in step S3 (that is, information for identifying the value of V1in, V2in, V1out, or V2out) is displayed on the display 30. For example, information for identifying the value of the volume output data of one volume VOL1 (for example, a decibel value corresponding to the current operation position) is displayed on the left side of the screen of the display 30 in FIG. 2, and the other volume VOL2 is displayed on the right side of the screen. Information for identifying the value of the volume output data (for example, a decibel value corresponding to the current operation position) is displayed. This display may be performed constantly, or may be temporarily displayed when there is a volume operation event and / or when a volume setting value confirmation request is made by the user. Further, this step S6 can be omitted.

  FIG. 5 is a characteristic diagram showing another example of the relationship between the operation position of the clicked volume VOL1 (or VOL2) and the resistance value. In the example of FIG. 5, extreme resistance values that are hardly changed in the predetermined ranges X and Y at both ends of the operation position of the volume VOL1 (or VOL2) are shown (substantially the resistance value 0 in the predetermined range X, and substantially the maximum in the predetermined range Y) Resistance value), and a substantially linear resistance value change characteristic in other regions, the region excluding the predetermined ranges X and Y at both ends of the operation position of the volume VOL1 (or VOL2) is used as an effective range. Generate output.

  FIG. 6 is a front view schematically showing an example of a front panel of an audio amplifier apparatus suitable for the clicked volumes VOL1 and VOL2 having the characteristics shown in FIG. In this case, in each of the clicked volumes VOL1 and VOL2, the predetermined range at the end (left and right ends) of the movement range of the operation element corresponding to the predetermined ranges X and Y is set to the dead zones 32x, 32y, 33x, and 33y. As an example, the controls of the clicked volumes VOL1 and VOL2 are configured to be rotatable within an effective range of, for example, about 300 degrees so as not to enter the dead zones 32x, 32y, 33x, 33y. Alternatively, it may be configured such that the movements of the controls of the clicked volumes VOL1 and VOL2 can enter the dead zones 32x, 32y, 33x, 33y beyond the effective range. In that case, no click position is set in each dead band 32x, 32y, 33x, 33y, and only an output corresponding to the maximum attenuation value −∞ dB or the minimum attenuation value 0 dB corresponding to the click position at each end is generated. It is.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, the calibration memory (flash memory 25) that stores in advance digital data of the analog output voltage corresponding to each click position of the clicked volume VOL1 or VOL2 as calibration data. Prepared and identified the current operation position of the clicked volume VOL1 or VOL2 by comparing the digital data obtained by converting the analog output voltage output according to the current operation position of the clicked volume with the calibration data. Since the volume output data corresponding to the specified current operation position is generated, even if there is an individual difference in the characteristics of the analog output voltage of the equipped volume VOL1 or VOL2 with click, it is standardized for each click position. Volume output data It can be formed. Therefore, there is an excellent effect that common (standardized) volume output data can be obtained at the same click position regardless of individual differences in volumes.

  Thereby, in particular, for example, when there are a plurality of clicked volumes VOL1 and VOL2 in the same signal processing device, the individual difference for each volume does not feel to the user. It has an excellent effect of not feeling uncomfortable. Such an effect becomes particularly noticeable when, for example, each clicked volume VOL1 and VOL2 performs the same type of parameter setting (for example, volume setting). For example, when the volume is adjusted with separate click volumes VOL1 and VOL2 for the audio signals of the left and right channels as in the above embodiment, the volume adjustment state by both is naturally perceivable for the user. However, according to the present embodiment, the same volume setting is performed at the same click position regardless of the individual difference between the volumes VOL1 and VOL2, so that a sense of incongruity cannot be felt at all.

  In the present invention, the parameter to be set or adjusted by the clicked volume is not limited to the volume as in the above embodiment, but may be any other type of parameter such as timbre, pitch, musical tone effect, and the like. In addition, when a plurality of clicked volumes are provided in one signal processing device, the plurality of clicked volumes are not limited to be configured to set or adjust the same type of parameters, but different types of parameters. May be configured to set or adjust.

  In the above embodiment, the configuration in which the CPU 22 executes the process of step S3 in FIG. 4 is based on the comparison between the digital data output from the analog-digital converter 21 and the calibration data in the calibration memory (flash memory 25). This functions as a specifying unit that specifies the current operation position of the clicked volume VOL1 or VOL2. Further, the configuration in which the process of step S4 in FIG. 4 is performed by the CPU 22 functions as a generation unit that generates volume output data corresponding to the specified current operation position. However, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the embodiment in which the specifying unit and the generation unit (and other various functional blocks) are configured by a combination of the processor (CPU 22) and the software program as in the above-described embodiment. An embodiment configured by a dedicated hardware device (electronic circuit or the like) may be adopted.

VOL1, VOL2 Clicked volume RN1, RN2 Volume controls (rotary knob)
10 Input level adjuster 16 Output level adjuster 20 Microcomputer unit 21 Analog to digital converter (ADC)
22 Processor (CPU)
23 Read-only memory (ROM)
24 Random access memory (RAM)
25 Flash memory

Claims (9)

Clicked volume,
An analog-to-digital converter that converts an analog output voltage output from the clicked volume into digital data;
A calibration memory that pre-stores the digital data corresponding to each click position of the clicked volume as calibration data;
Based on a comparison between the digital data output from the analog-digital converter and the calibration data, a specifying unit that specifies the current operation position of the clicked volume;
A generation unit for generating volume output data corresponding to the identified current operation position;
A signal processing apparatus comprising:   The signal processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a display that displays information for identifying a value of the generated volume output data.   3. A signal processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for using the generated volume output data as a parameter for signal processing.   The signal processing device according to claim 1, wherein the clicked volume is set to a click position until reaching the end of a movement range of the operation element.   4. The signal processing device according to claim 1, wherein the clicked volume has a predetermined range at a terminal end of a movement range of the operation element set as a dead zone. 5.   6. The signal processing device according to claim 1, wherein the calibration memory stores a result of actual measurement of the digital data corresponding to each click position of the clicked volume as the calibration data. .   7. The signal processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for locking so that a value of the volume output data does not change when an instruction to prohibit the operation of the clicked volume is issued. A plurality of clicked volumes,
The calibration memory stores the calibration data for each clicked volume,
The specifying unit specifies, for each clicked volume, a current operation position of the clicked volume based on a comparison between the digital data output from the AD converter and the corresponding calibration data;
The signal processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the generation unit generates volume output data corresponding to the specified current operation position for each clicked volume.   The signal processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein each of the plurality of clicked volumes performs parameter setting of the same type.

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