JP4635549B2 - Information processing apparatus and method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and method, and more particularly, to an information processing apparatus and method capable of optimally controlling an audio signal output to each of two display devices.

  There are computers (personal computers; personal computers (PCs)) that can receive broadcast signals, watch TV programs, play DVDs, and watch movies. In recent years, plasma display panels (PDPs) and surround systems have begun to spread, and there is a demand for viewing TV programs and movies on a large screen monitor.

  Therefore, it is possible to connect two display devices to the computer, and the first display device can display images such as e-mail creation processing and document creation processing as a normal PC monitor. When the second display device is connected, the second display device can watch a TV program received by a tuner in the computer or a movie played on a DVD drive in the computer. It is possible to make it possible.

  In this case, it is necessary to optimally control the video signal (video) and audio signal (sound) output to each of the first display device and the second display device in accordance with each purpose. For example, when a movie is reproduced and displayed on the second display device, the processing sound of other programs displayed on the first display device and executed (for example, a computer generated when an e-mail arrives) It is better not to be heard from the second display device. That is, it is better to output only the video and audio of the movie to the second display device, as in the case of playing back and viewing with a DVD player.

  Some conventional computers control audio signals according to the situation (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2001-216132 A

  However, conventional audio control of a computer does not assume two display devices.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and makes it possible to optimally control an audio signal output to each of two display devices.

  The information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a first audio output unit that outputs an audio signal, a second audio output unit that outputs an audio signal, and has a higher function than the first audio output unit, Or, as a sound output means for outputting an audio signal to the second display device, a sound control means for performing control for setting the first or second sound output means is provided, and the sound control means is only for the first display device. Is used, the second audio output means is set as the audio output means for outputting the audio signal to the first display device, and the second display device is also used in addition to the first display device. In this case, the first sound output means is set as the sound output means for outputting the audio signal to the first display device, and the second sound output means for outputting the audio signal to the second display device is used as the second sound output means. Voice output means Characterized in that it constant.

  The audio signal from the second sound output means is output to the first and second display devices, and the output of the audio signal from the second sound output means to the first display device is cut off. And a display control means for causing OSD display on the first and second display devices, and a second display device is used as the sound control means in addition to the first display device. The control unit also controls the blocking unit so as to block the output of the audio signal from the second audio output unit to the first display device, and the display control unit causes the audio signal output by the first audio output unit to be output. When the volume level of the audio signal is changed, the volume level of the audio signal output from the first audio output means can be displayed on the second display device by OSD.

  When the volume level of the audio signal output from the first audio output unit is changed, the display control unit displays the OSD display in the vicinity of the OSD display of the volume level displayed on the second display device. Information indicating the volume level of the audio signal output from the audio output means can also be displayed on the OSD.

  When the volume level of the first sound output means is changed, the display control means can display the volume level of the audio signal output from the first sound output means on the first display device by OSD. .

  The second audio output means outputs an audio signal via two types of output terminals, and the volume level of the audio signal output from one of the two types of output terminals is the first audio level. It can be linked with the volume level of the audio signal output by the output means.

  When the second display device is used in addition to the first display device, the audio control unit acquires the volume level of the audio signal output by the second audio output unit, and the acquired volume level After setting the volume level of the audio signal output from the first audio output means to the same volume level as the level, the first audio output means is set as the audio output means for outputting the audio signal to the first display device. Then, the second sound output means can be set as the sound output means for outputting the audio signal to the second display device.

  The information processing method of the present invention includes a voice control step for performing control for setting the first or second voice output means as voice output means for outputting an audio signal to the first or second display device. When only the first display device is used, the control step is a second audio output that is higher in function than the first audio output unit as an audio output unit that outputs an audio signal to the first display device. When the second display device is used in addition to the first display device, the first audio output device is used as the audio output device that outputs an audio signal to the first display device. The second audio output means is set as the audio output means for setting and outputting the audio signal to the second display device.

  In the present invention, when only the first display device is used among the first and second sound output means, the first sound output means for outputting an audio signal to the first display device is the first sound output means. When the second audio output means having higher function than the audio output means is set and the second display device is used in addition to the first display device, an audio signal is output to the first display device. As the sound output means, the first sound output means is set, and as the sound output means for outputting the audio signal to the second display device, the second sound output means is set.

  According to the present invention, the audio signal output to each of the two display devices can be optimally controlled.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. Correspondences between constituent elements described in the claims and specific examples in the embodiments of the present invention are exemplified as follows. This description is to confirm that specific examples supporting the invention described in the claims are described in the embodiments of the invention. Therefore, even if there are specific examples that are described in the embodiment of the invention but are not described here as corresponding to the configuration requirements, the specific examples are not included in the configuration. It does not mean that it does not correspond to a requirement. On the contrary, even if a specific example is described here as corresponding to a configuration requirement, this means that the specific example does not correspond to a configuration requirement other than the configuration requirement. not.

  Further, this description does not mean that all the inventions corresponding to the specific examples described in the embodiments of the invention are described in the claims. In other words, this description is an invention corresponding to the specific example described in the embodiment of the invention, and the existence of an invention not described in the claims of this application, that is, in the future, a divisional application will be made. Nor does it deny the existence of an invention added by amendment.

An information processing apparatus according to claim 1 is provided.
In an information processing apparatus (for example, the computer 1 in FIG. 1) that performs processing for outputting a video signal and an audio signal to the first or second display device,
First audio output means for outputting the audio signal (for example, the audio device 28 in FIG. 5);
A second voice output means (for example, the audio device 27 in FIG. 5) which is higher in function than the first voice output means and outputs the audio signal;
Voice control means for performing control for setting the first or second voice output means as voice output means for outputting the audio signal to the first or second display device (for example, the voice output control unit in FIG. 5) 112) and
The voice control means is
When only the first display device is used, the second sound output means is set as the sound output means for outputting the audio signal to the first display device,
When the second display device is used in addition to the first display device, the first audio output unit is used as an audio output unit that outputs the audio signal to the first display device. The second audio output means is set as an audio output means for setting and outputting the audio signal to the second display device.

The information processing apparatus according to claim 2
The audio signal from the second audio output means is output to the first and second display devices,
Blocking means (for example, switch 102 in FIG. 5) for blocking output of an audio signal from the second sound output means to the first display device;
Display control means (for example, video output control unit 111 in FIG. 5) for causing OSD display on the first and second display devices;
When the second display device is used in addition to the first display device, the sound control unit outputs an audio signal from the second sound output unit to the first display device. Control of the blocking means so as to block,
When the volume level of the audio signal output from the first audio output unit is changed, the display control unit outputs the audio signal output from the first audio output unit to the second display device. The volume level is displayed on the OSD.

The information processing method according to claim 7 comprises:
In an information processing method of an information processing apparatus that includes first and second audio output means and performs processing of outputting a video signal and an audio signal to a first or second display device,
An audio control step for performing control to set the first or second audio output means as the audio output means for outputting the audio signal to the first or second display device;
The voice control step includes
When only the first display device is used, the second sound having higher function than the first sound output means as sound output means for outputting the audio signal to the first display device. Set the output means (for example, the process of step S43 in FIG. 10),
When the second display device is used in addition to the first display device, the first audio output unit is used as an audio output unit that outputs the audio signal to the first display device. The second audio output means is set as an audio output means for outputting the audio signal to the second display device (for example, step S6 in FIG. 8) (for example, step S5 in FIG. 8). Processing)
It is characterized by that.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of an embodiment of a computer system to which the present invention is applied.

  The computer system shown in FIG. 1 includes a computer 1, a VGA (Video Graphics Array) monitor 2, and a TV set 5 including a TV (TeleVision) monitor 3 and a surround system 4.

  The computer 1 transmits a video (video signal) or audio (audio signal) of content such as a TV program by a received broadcast signal or a movie obtained by playing a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) from a predetermined output terminal to a VGA. Output to the monitor 2 or TV monitor 3. The computer 1 also has a predetermined input terminal from a recording / playback device such as a hard disk recorder, a VCR (Video Cassette Recorder) or a DVD player, or an imaging device such as a digital camera (digital still camera or digital video camera). Video (video signal) and audio (audio signal) are input.

  In addition, Windows (registered trademark) (Windows (registered trademark)) is installed in the computer 1 as an OS (Operating System), and predetermined calculations such as spreadsheet creation processing software and document creation processing software that operate on the OS are installed. Application programs are also installed. Further, the computer 1 can be connected to a network such as the Internet, and can access a desired Web server or the like.

  The VGA monitor 2 has, for example, a screen 11 constituted by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or the like, and is connected to the output terminal of the computer 1 by an analog RGB cable or DVI (Digital Visual Interface). As a result, the VGA monitor 2 displays a predetermined video on the screen 11 in accordance with the video signal supplied from the computer 1. For example, the VGA monitor 2 displays images such as windows created by Windows (registered trademark), spreadsheet creation processing software, document creation software, or mail transmission / reception software (mailer) on the screen (display area) 11. The VGA monitor 2 displays the resolution of the screen 11 in 1024 × 768 (SVGA (Super Video Graphics Array)), 1280 × 1024 (SXGA (Super eXtended Graphics Array)) in addition to 640 × 480 (VGA). Is possible.

  On the other hand, the TV monitor 3 is a television receiver capable of receiving and displaying broadcast signals having signal formats of 525i, 525p, 1125i, and 750p (described later). The screen (display area) 12 of the TV monitor 3 is configured by an LCD, a PDP (Plasma Display Panel), or the like, and is larger than the screen 11 of the VGA monitor 2.

  The TV monitor 3 has an external input terminal capable of inputting component video signals having signal formats of 525i, 525p, 1125i, and 750p, and the output terminal (video output terminal) of the computer 1 is provided there. ) Is being input.

  Furthermore, the TV monitor 3 also has an external input terminal capable of inputting 6-channel (5.1-channel) audio signals, and the audio signal from the output terminal (audio output terminal) of the computer 1 is input thereto. Has been. The audio signal input to the TV monitor 3 is sent from the surround system 4 connected to the TV monitor 3 to the right, left, front (center), rear left, rear right, and subwoofer for a total of 6 channels (5.1 channels). Is output as audio.

  In the computer system configured as described above, the user uses the VGA monitor 2 as a main monitor and the TV monitor 3 as a sub monitor. That is, normally, video or audio from the computer 1 is output to the VGA monitor 2, and the user performs tasks such as document creation processing, creation and transmission / reception of e-mails, and browsing of web pages. This is performed with reference to the video (image) displayed on the screen 11 of the VGA monitor 2. Then, when a user wants to view content such as a TV program or a movie by playing a DVD on a large screen or a screen independent of the VGA monitor 2, the user activates the TV monitor application by operating the computer 1. Let The TV monitor application outputs a video of content designated by the user to the TV monitor 3 and causes the surround system 4 to output sound.

  Next, a signal format of a video signal that can be received or input by the TV monitor 3 will be described with reference to FIG. As described above, the TV monitor 3 can input 525i, 525p, 1125i, and 750p video signals (broadcast signals).

  Here, as shown in FIG. 2, the signal format of 525i has 525 scanning lines (resolution) of the video signal, 480 effective scanning lines of the video signal, and the scanning method of the video signal is This indicates interlace (interlace scanning method).

  The signal format of 525p indicates that the number of scanning lines of the video signal is 525, the number of effective scanning lines of the video signal is 480, and the scanning method of the video signal is progressive (sequential scanning method). ing.

  Similarly, the 1125i signal format has 1125 video signal scanning lines, 1080 video signal effective scanning lines, and the video signal scanning method is interlaced (interlaced scanning method). Represents.

  The signal format of 750p indicates that the number of scanning lines of the video signal is 750, the number of effective scanning lines of the video signal is 720, and the scanning method of the video signal is progressive (sequential scanning method). .

  Note that a terminal capable of inputting only a 525i component video signal is called a D1 terminal in the CP-4120 standard of EIAJ (Electronic Industries Association of Japan).

  A terminal capable of inputting a 525p component video signal can also input a 525i component video signal, and is called a D2 terminal in the EIAJ CP-4120 standard.

  Terminals capable of inputting 1125i component video signals can also input 525i and 525p component video signals, and are called D3 terminals in the EIAJ CP-4120 standard.

  Terminals capable of inputting 750p component video signals can also input 525i, 525p, and 1125i component video signals, and are called D4 terminals in the EIAJ CP-4120 standard.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the computer 1 of FIG.

  In FIG. 3, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21 performs various processes according to a program stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) 22 or a program loaded from a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 32 to a RAM (Random Access Memory) 23. Execute the process. The RAM 23 also appropriately stores data necessary for the CPU 21 to execute various processes.

  Here, as a program (application) loaded from the HDD 32 to the RAM 23 and executed by the CPU 21, an audio output control program for controlling audio output from the computer 1 in addition to the OS and spreadsheet calculation processing software described above. There is a video output control program for controlling video output from the computer 1.

  The CPU 21, ROM 22, and RAM 23 are connected to each other via a bus 24. An input / output interface 25 is also connected to the bus 24.

  The input / output interface 25 receives a broadcast signal supplied from an antenna (not shown) and detects and demodulates a broadcast signal of a predetermined channel, an audio device (main) 27 that generates an audio signal (sound), and An audio device (sub) 28, an operation unit 29 including a keyboard and a mouse, an input unit 30 for inputting a video signal (video) or an audio signal (sound) from the outside, a video signal (video) or an audio signal (sound). An output unit 31 that outputs to an external device, an HDD 32 that stores (records) predetermined data, a communication unit 33 that includes a modem, a terminal adapter, and the like, and a DVD drive 34 that records or reproduces a DVD 71 are connected. Yes.

  A drive 35 is connected to the input / output interface 25 as necessary, and a magnetic disk (including a floppy disk), an optical disk (CD-ROM (Compact Disk-Read Only Memory)), a magneto-optical disk (MD (Mini-Disk) )), Or a removable medium (recording medium) 72 such as a semiconductor memory is appropriately mounted, and a computer program read from the medium is installed in the HDD 32 as necessary.

  The input unit 30 includes an S (S video) input terminal 41 for inputting a video signal obtained by separating a luminance signal and a color signal, a composite input terminal 42 for inputting a composite video signal, and an audio input terminal 43 for inputting an audio signal. At least.

  The output unit 31 includes an audio output unit (audio output terminal) 51 and a video output unit (video output terminal) 52.

  The sound output unit 51 is a VGA monitor (V) output terminal 61 that outputs an audio signal (sound) to a speaker built in the VGA monitor 2, and a headphone (H) that outputs an audio signal (sound) to a headphone (Head Phone). ) At least an output terminal 62 and a surround (5.1CH) output terminal 63 for outputting an audio signal (sound) in surround. Note that the audio signals from the VGA monitor output terminal 61 and the headphone output terminal 62 can be output by changing the volume level, but the surround output terminal 63 is an RCA terminal and is output by changing the volume level. (The volume level that is output is fixed).

  In the computer system of FIG. 1, a VGA monitor output terminal 61 is connected to the VGA monitor 2 via a predetermined cable. The surround output terminal 63 is connected to the TV monitor 3 via a predetermined cable.

  The video output unit 52 outputs an S (S video) output terminal 64 that outputs a video signal obtained by separating a luminance signal and a color signal, a composite (CS) output terminal 65 that outputs a composite video signal, and outputs a component video signal. And a VGA monitor (V) output terminal 67 for outputting a video signal for the VGA monitor 2 by analog RGB or DVI (Digital Visual Interface).

  In the computer system of FIG. 1, a VGA monitor output terminal 67 is connected to the VGA monitor 2 via a predetermined cable. The component output terminal 66 is connected to the TV monitor 3 via a predetermined cable.

  The HDD 32 stores (records) various (application) programs such as the above-described OS, spreadsheet calculation processing software, audio output control program, and video output control program in a built-in hard disk. The program stored in the HDD 32 is loaded into the RAM 23 or the like under the control of the CPU 21 based on the operation signal from the operation unit 29 corresponding to the user operation.

  Further, the HDD 32 can store, for example, video (including audio) captured by a digital camera or the like, or video or audio of a television program received by the tuner 26, which is input from the input unit 30. Thereby, for example, the user can reproduce and watch a previously recorded television program recorded in the HDD 32, edit a video photographed with a digital camera, and store it in the HDD 32. The TV program and digital camera video may be either SD (Standard Definition) video or HD (High Definition) video.

  In the computer 1 configured as described above, the user can, for example, a video of a TV program received by the tuner 26, a video of a movie or a drama reproduced by the DVD drive 34, or a video of a digital camera input from the input unit 30. (Including still images and audio) can be output (displayed) from the output unit 31 to the VGA monitor 2 or TV monitor 3 for viewing or stored (recorded) in the HDD 32. The computer 1 may be provided with a plurality of tuners 26 to simultaneously record a plurality of television programs broadcast on a plurality of channels.

  Now, as described with reference to FIG. 3, the computer 1 includes two audio devices (main) 27 and an audio device (sub) 28. Hereinafter, the audio device (main) 27 is also referred to as a main audio device 27, and the audio device (sub) 28 is also referred to as a sub audio device 28.

  There are differences in the functions of the two audio devices 27 and 28. FIG. 4 shows the functions (performance) that the audio devices 27 and 28 have.

  The main audio device 27 has a higher function than the sub audio device 28.

  That is, the main audio device 27 has an A / D (Analog to Digital) conversion of 8 channels (resolution) with 20 bits (resolution) and a resolution of 8 bits with 24 bits (bit). It has D / A (Digital to Analog) conversion of channel (ch).

  The main audio device 27 also has LINE and CD stereo inputs, PC-Beep monaural inputs, stereo and monaural microphone (Mic) inputs, and optical (optical) SPDIF (Sony Philips Digital Interface) inputs as audio inputs. Have.

  Furthermore, the main audio device 27 has LINE and Level Out stereo outputs, 6 (5.1) channel and 8 (7.1) channel multi-channel (surround) outputs, and optical (optical) and coaxial SPDIF as audio outputs. Has output.

  In addition, the main audio device 27 includes SRC (Sample Rate Converter), 32K, 44.1K, 48K, 96K, and 192K Sample Rates, MIC boost, AC3 (Audio Code number 3) -Encoder, Analog mixer, and Digital mixer. Have.

  On the other hand, the sub audio device 28 has a resolution of 16 bits (bit), 2-channel (ch) D / A (Digital to Analog) conversion, audio output as LINE stereo output, and 44.1K and 48K Sample Rates. It has only.

  Of the above functions, the resolution and channel of D / A conversion are 24 bits and 8 channels for the main audio device 27, 16 bits and 2 channels for the sub audio device 28, and Sample Rates is the main audio device. 27 is capable of higher frequencies (96K and 192K) than the sub audio device 28, the main audio device 27 can output a higher-quality audio signal than the sub audio device 28.

  Note that the functions of each of the audio devices 27 and 28 in FIG. 4 are merely examples, and each of the audio devices 27 and 28 has a function that is not provided in FIG. Alternatively, it may have a function other than the function shown in FIG. Further, the computer 1 does not necessarily need to use all the functions of each audio device.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration when the computer 1 performs audio output from the audio output unit 51. In FIG. 5, parts corresponding to those in FIG.

  For example, analog or digital audio data such as PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) data is input to the main audio device 27. Here, the audio data input in analog is, for example, broadcast signal data received by the tuner 26. Also, digitally input audio data is, for example, data of content (television program, movie, music, etc.) recorded on the HDD 32 or DVD 71.

  The main audio device 27 performs A / D conversion or the like on the input audio data as necessary, converts it into an audio signal, and outputs the audio signal to the headphone output terminal 62 and the surround (5.1CH) output terminal 63.

  Only digital audio data is input to the sub audio device 28 via the input / output interface 25 (FIG. 3). The sub audio device 28 converts the input audio data into an audio signal and outputs it to the VGA monitor output terminal 61.

  The output to the headphone output terminal 62 of the main audio device 27 and the output to the VGA monitor output terminal 61 of the sub audio device 28 are connected via a switch (SW) 102, and the switch 102 is controlled. It is turned on or off under the control of the unit 101.

  The control unit 101 includes a video output control unit 111 that controls video output of the computer 1 and an audio output control unit 112 that controls audio output.

  For example, when the volume level of the audio device 27 or 28 is changed, the video output control unit 111 displays the volume level OSD (On Screen Display) on the screen 11 of the VGA monitor 2 or the screen 12 (FIG. 1) of the TV monitor 3. ) Display.

  The audio output control unit 112, for example, depending on whether the computer 1 displays (outputs) video only on the VGA monitor 2 or displays (outputs) video on both the VGA monitor 2 and the TV monitor 3. The main audio device 27 or the sub audio device 28 is set in a Windows (registered trademark) standard audio device. Here, the Windows (registered trademark) standard audio device represents an audio device set in the “Sound and Audio Device Properties” of the control panel window for performing the Windows (registered trademark) system setting, and the Windows (registered trademark). Represents an audio device used when an audio device to be used is not specifically set in the application (or source program).

  In addition, the audio output control unit 112 controls the switch 102 to be turned on or off as described above.

  In FIG. 5, the control unit 101 corresponds to the process executed by the CPU 21 in FIG. 3, the video output control unit 111 is the process executed by the video output control program, and the audio output control unit 112 is the audio output control program. It corresponds to each process to be executed.

  FIG. 6 shows the control state of the main audio device 27, the sub audio device 28, and the switch 102 by the audio output control unit 112 when only the VGA monitor 2 is set as the video output destination of the computer 1. .

  When only the VGA monitor 2 is set as the video output destination of the computer 1, the audio output control unit 112 sets the main audio device 27 to the Windows (registered trademark) standard audio device. Also, the audio output control unit 112 turns on the switch 102.

  Thus, the audio signal from the main audio device 27 is output to all of the VGA monitor output terminal 61, the headphone output terminal 62, and the surround output terminal 63.

  Therefore, for example, the computer system sound generated when an e-mail arrives or the sound (audio signal) from the computer 1 such as a movie or music played on the DVD drive 34 is output from the VGA monitor output terminal 61, It is output to all of the headphone output terminal 62 and the surround output terminal 63.

  Note that audio data is not supplied to the sub audio device 28, and the sub audio device 28 is not used. Therefore, the sound output from the VGA monitor output terminal 61 does not become a sound in which the audio signal from the main audio device 27 and the audio signal from the sub audio device 28 overlap.

  Further, since the control state shown in FIG. 6 is when only the VGA monitor 2 is set as the video output destination of the computer 1, the TV monitor 3 is generally turned off or the computer 1 For example, a video program such as a TV program received by the TV monitor 3 itself, which is unrelated to the audio signal output from 1, should be displayed. Therefore, the VGA monitor output terminal 61 and the headphone output terminal are substantially used. The sound of the computer 1 is output from two locations 62. Of course, when the TV monitor 3 switches the video display to external input, the sound of the computer 1 is also output from the surround system 4.

  As described above, when only the VGA monitor 2 is used, the audio output control unit 112 sets the main audio device 27 as an audio device that outputs an audio signal to the VGA monitor 2.

  On the other hand, when the TV monitor application is activated by the user and the TV monitor application displays a video of predetermined content on the TV monitor 3, the control state of the main audio device 27, the sub audio device 28, and the switch 102 is controlled. Is as shown in FIG.

  That is, FIG. 7 shows the main audio device 27, the sub audio device 28, and the switch 102 by the audio output control unit 112 when the TV monitor 3 is set in addition to the VGA monitor 2 as the video output destination of the computer 1. The control state is shown.

  The audio output control unit 112 sets the sub audio device 28 to a Windows (registered trademark) standard audio device. Also, the audio output control unit 112 sets the main audio device 27 to an audio device used by the TV monitor application. Further, the audio output control unit 112 turns off the switch 102.

  Thereby, for example, a sound (audio signal) such as a computer system sound generated when an e-mail arrives is output from the VGA monitor output terminal 61 only by the sub audio device 28. Then, the audio (audio signal) of the TV monitor application such as TV program or DVD playback is output from the headphone output terminal 62 and the surround (5.1CH) output terminal 63 by the main audio device 27.

  As described above, when the TV monitor 3 is used in addition to the VGA monitor 2, the sub audio device 28 is set as an audio device that outputs an audio signal to the VGA monitor 2, and the audio signal is output to the TV monitor 3. Is set as the audio device that outputs the signal.

  Next, an audio device control process of the computer 1 when the TV monitor application is activated will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S1, the audio output control unit 112 acquires an audio device currently set as a Windows (registered trademark) standard audio device. Since the control state regarding the sound output of the computer 1 at this time is the control state shown in FIG. 6 described above, the sound output control unit 112 acquires the main audio device 27 as a Windows (registered trademark) standard audio device. The process proceeds to step S2.

  In step S2, the audio output control unit 112 acquires the volume level (setting) of the audio device (acquired audio device) acquired in step S2, and proceeds to step S3.

  In step S3, the audio output control unit 112 sets the volume level (setting) of the sub audio device 28 to the volume level (acquired volume level) acquired in step S2, and proceeds to step S4.

  In step S4, the audio output control unit 112 turns off the switch 102 and proceeds to step S5.

  In step S5, the audio output control unit 112 sets the main audio device 27 as an audio device used by the TV monitor application, and proceeds to step S6.

  In step S6, the audio output control unit 112 sets the sub audio device 28 as a Windows (registered trademark) standard audio device, and ends the process.

  As described above, the control state relating to the audio output of the computer 1 transitions from the state shown in FIG. 6 to the state shown in FIG.

  According to the audio device control process of FIG. 8, the volume level of the main audio device 27 set as the current Windows (registered trademark) standard audio device is acquired, and the sub audio is set to the same volume level as the acquired volume level. Since the sub audio device 28 is set as a Windows (registered trademark) standard audio device after the volume level of the device 28 is set, the audio output from the computer 1 by changing the Windows (registered trademark) standard audio device. It is possible to prevent the sound volume from changing.

  Further, according to the audio device control process of FIG. 8, the switch 102 is turned off (the output of the audio signal from the main audio device 27 to the VGA monitor output terminal 61 is cut off), so the audio device control process of FIG. Thereafter, the audio signal from the main audio device 27 is output from the headphone output terminal 62 and the surround output terminal 63, and the audio signal from the sub audio device 28 is output from the VGA monitor output terminal 61. That is, it is possible to prevent the sound from the main audio device 27 or the sub audio device 28 from being output from both the VGA monitor output terminal 61 and the headphone output terminal 62.

  Note that the processes of steps S4 to S6 may be executed in any order, and may be executed in parallel.

  Next, the volume level control processing of the audio devices 27 and 28 while the TV monitor application is running will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S21, the audio output control unit 112 determines whether or not the volume level of the Windows (registered trademark) standard audio device has been changed. Here, since the Windows (registered trademark) standard audio device that is running the TV monitor application is the sub audio device 28, the audio output control unit 112 determines whether or not the volume level of the sub audio device 28 has been changed. The process waits until it is determined that the volume level of the sub audio device 28 has been changed.

  If the volume level of the sub audio device 28 is changed in step S21, the process proceeds to step S22, and the audio output control unit 112 determines the volume of the changed Windows (registered trademark) standard audio device (sub audio device 28). The volume level of the main audio device 27 is set to the same volume level as the level, the process returns to step S21, and the subsequent processing is repeated.

  9, the headphone output terminal 62 (one of the headphone output terminal 62 and the surround output terminal 63 (two types of output terminals) connected to the main audio device 27, which is not the RCA terminal). The volume level of the audio signal output from the output terminal) is linked to the volume level of the sub audio device 28, so that the user can change the volume level of the audio signal output from the headphone output terminal 62.

  In other words, the computer 1 is provided with two audio devices, and the volume level of both audio devices can be adjusted without making the user aware of what sound each of the two audio devices is used for. User can change.

  Next, an audio device control process of the computer 1 when the TV monitor application is terminated will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S41, the audio output control unit 112 turns on the switch 102 and proceeds to step S42.

  In step S <b> 42, the audio output control unit 112 determines whether the Windows (registered trademark) standard audio device is the sub audio device 28. If it is determined in step S42 that the Windows (registered trademark) standard audio device is not the sub audio device 28, step S43 is skipped and the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S42 that the Windows (registered trademark) standard audio device is the sub audio device 28, the process proceeds to step S43, and the TV monitor application is used as the Windows (registered trademark) standard audio device. The main audio device 27 is set, and the process ends.

  With the audio device control process of FIG. 10, the control state relating to the audio output of the computer 1 transitions (returns) from the state shown in FIG. 7 to the state shown in FIG.

  As described above, when the video output destination (display device) of the computer 1 is only the VGA monitor 2, the audio output control unit 112 of the computer 1 is a high-performance audio of the two audio devices 27 and 28. An audio signal is output to the VGA monitor 2 using the device 27, and if the video output destination of the computer 1 is the VGA monitor 2 and the TV monitor 3, the audio signal is output to the TV monitor 3 using the audio device 27. Then, the audio device 28 is used to output an audio signal to the VGA monitor 2.

  As a result, the main audio device 27 can be set as an audio device that outputs higher-quality sound, such as sound of a TV program or DVD playback video received by the tuner 26. In addition, the volume level of the main audio device 27 is also changed in conjunction with the change of the volume level for the sub audio device 28 set as the Windows (registered trademark) standard audio device.

  Therefore, the audio output control unit 112 can optimally control the audio signal output to each of the two display devices (VGA monitor 2 and TV monitor 3).

  Next, referring to FIG. 11, the volume level of the sub audio device 28 in the control state shown in FIG. 7, that is, in the state where the TV monitor 3 is set in addition to the VGA monitor 2 as the video output destination of the computer 1. A description will be given of the OSD display control of the sound volume level when is changed.

  In FIG. 11, a sub audio device 28 is set as a Windows (registered trademark) standard audio device, and a main audio device 27 is set as an audio device used by the TV monitor application.

  For example, it is assumed that the user displays a TV program of a predetermined channel received by the tuner 26 (FIG. 3) on the TV monitor 3 and watches it with a TV monitor application. At this time, the sound of the television program heard from the surround system 4 is based on the audio signal output from the surround (5.1CH) output terminal 63 of the computer 1.

  The user can change a channel received by the tuner 26 by operating a remote controller (hereinafter referred to as a remote controller) 141 attached to the computer 1.

  By the way, the TV monitor 3 itself can receive a broadcast signal and display a TV program of a predetermined channel, so that the user can set the TV program channel displayed on the TV monitor 3 to a computer. It is impossible to tell at a glance whether the channel is received by one tuner 26 or the channel received by the tuner of the TV monitor 3.

  Therefore, there is a possibility that the user may mistakenly think that the channel received by the tuner of the TV monitor 3 is changed even though the channel received by the tuner 26 of the computer 1 is changed. is there.

  However, even if such a misunderstanding is made, the video displayed on the TV monitor 3 can be switched according to the channel operated by the remote controller 141, so that no problem occurs.

  On the other hand, when the user performs an operation to increase the volume level with the remote controller 141, the volume level of the sound heard from the surround system 4 does not change. This is because the surround (5.1CH) output terminal 63 is an RCA terminal whose output volume is fixed.

  However, if the user misunderstands that the channel received by the TV monitor 3 is changed, the user wonders that the volume level of the sound output from the surround system 4 will not be changed. It is conceivable to operate the remote controller 141 many times (an operation to increase the volume level).

  After that, the user does not change the volume level of the sound that is heard even if the remote controller 141 is operated several times, so that the user notices an error in his / her own operation and the volume of the original TV monitor 3 remote controller (not shown). Expected to change level.

  At this time, the user thinks that the computer 1 has not been changed because the volume level of the sound to be heard has not changed by the operation of the remote controller 141 of the computer 1.

  However, in the computer 1, the volume levels of the VGA monitor output terminal 61 and the headphone output terminal 62 are increased in conjunction with the operation of the remote controller 141 that increases the volume level of the user.

  As a result, when the user connects a headphone to the headphone output terminal 62 and tries to listen to the sound of the TV program received by the tuner 26 with the headphone, a loud sound is output from the headphone, or the user is on the VGA monitor 2. When some operation (application processing) is being performed, the system sound suddenly sounds at a loud volume, which surprises the user. Such an adverse effect due to the user's erroneous operation is due to the user not being aware that the volume levels of the audio devices 27 and 28 of the computer 1 have been changed.

  Therefore, in the computer 1, when the user performs an operation of changing the volume level with the remote controller 141, the volume level of the sound (audio signal) output from the audio device 27 of the computer 1 (hereinafter, as appropriate, the computer 1 The volume level of the sound output from the audio device 27 is displayed on the VGA monitor 2 or the TV monitor 3 so that the user can understand that the volume level is changed.

  That is, as shown on the right side of FIG. 12, the video output control unit 111 displays the volume of the computer 1 on the screen 12 of the TV monitor 3 together with the character information 171 of “PC volume” indicating the volume level of the computer 1. Level 172 is displayed on the OSD.

  Further, the video output control unit 111 of the computer 1 causes the volume level 161 of the computer 1 to be OSD-displayed on the screen 11 of the VGA monitor 2 as shown on the left side of FIG.

  Further, the video output control unit 111 may display the volume level 173 of the TV monitor 3 in the OSD above the volume level 172 of the computer 1 on the screen 12 of the TV monitor 3.

  In FIG. 12, instead of the character information 171 of “PC volume”, an image (image) imitating a PC, a predetermined mark, a symbol, or the like may be displayed in an OSD manner. That is, the information 171 may be any OSD display that allows the user to recognize that the volume level 172 is not the volume level of the TV monitor 3 but the volume level of the computer 1.

  Next, the volume level OSD display control processing of the computer 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This process is executed when an operation for changing the volume level of the computer 1 is performed.

  First, in step S61, the video output control unit 111 determines whether a video signal is being output to the TV monitor 3.

  If it is determined in step S61 that the video signal is not output to the TV monitor 3, the process proceeds to step S62, and the video output control unit 111 displays the volume level of the computer 1 on the screen 11 of the VGA monitor 2 by OSD display. The process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S61 that a video signal is being output to the TV monitor 3, the process proceeds to step S63, where the video output control unit 111 displays the volume level of the computer 1 on the screen 11 of the VGA monitor 2 as an OSD. At the same time, the volume level of the computer 1 is displayed on the screen 12 of the TV monitor 3 by OSD, and the process is terminated.

  As described above, according to the OSD display control processing at the volume level in FIG. 13, when the video from the computer 1 is displayed only on the VGA monitor 2 (the video signal is output), the VGA monitor 2. Display the volume level of the computer 1 on the OSD.

  When the video from the computer 1 is displayed on each of the VGA monitor 2 and the TV monitor 3, the volume level of the computer 1 is displayed on the VGA monitor 2 and the TV monitor 3 by OSD. Further, as shown in FIG. 12, information indicating the volume level of the computer 1 is also displayed in the OSD display near the OSD display of the volume level of the computer 1 displayed on the TV monitor 3.

  Accordingly, the user can easily (immediately) recognize that the volume level that he / she is changing is the volume level of the computer 1, thereby preventing erroneous operation of the volume level of the computer 1 and adverse effects caused thereby. can do.

  In the above-described embodiment, the two audio devices 27 and 28 included in the computer 1 are such that one audio device (audio device 27) is a highly functional audio device relative to the other audio device (audio device 28). Although described as being devices, the two audio devices 27 and 28 may be audio devices having the same function. That is, two audio devices 27 may be provided.

  However, as in the above-described embodiment, only one of the two audio devices 27 and 28 (main audio device 27) is a high-performance audio device, and depending on whether video is output to the TV monitor 3 or not. By switching the Windows (registered trademark) standard audio device between the audio devices 27 and 28, it is necessary to output high-quality audio signals such as DVD playback while suppressing the cost of the audio device of the computer 1. A highly functional audio device can always be assigned to the output terminal.

  In the above-described embodiment, the screen 12 of the TV monitor 3 is described as being larger than the screen 11 of the VGA monitor 2 in order to make the explanation easy to understand. However, the screen 12 of the TV monitor 3 is not necessarily limited to the VGA monitor 2. It is not necessary to be larger than the screen 11.

  Further, in the present embodiment, an apparatus including two audio devices and a component output terminal has been described as a computer. However, the present invention is applicable to a recording / reproducing apparatus including an HDD, a DVD drive, etc. in addition to a computer. Is possible.

  In the present specification, the steps described in the flowcharts are executed in parallel or individually even if they are not necessarily processed in time series, as well as processes performed in time series in the described order. It also includes processing.

  Further, in this specification, the system represents the entire apparatus constituted by a plurality of apparatuses.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of one Embodiment of the computer system to which this invention is applied. It is a figure explaining the signal format of a video signal. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the computer 1 of FIG. It is a figure explaining the audio devices 27 and 28. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structural example in case the computer 1 outputs an audio | voice. It is a figure explaining the control state of the audio devices 27 and 28. FIG. It is a figure explaining the control state of the audio devices 27 and 28. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining audio device control processing of the computer 1. It is a flowchart explaining the volume level control process of an audio device. 5 is a flowchart for explaining audio device control processing of the computer 1. It is a figure explaining OSD display control of a volume level. It is a figure which shows the example of the OSD display of a volume level. It is a flowchart explaining the OSD display control process of a volume level.

Explanation of symbols

  1 computer, 21 CPU, 26 audio device (main), 27 audio device (sub), 31 output unit, 51 audio output unit, 61 VGA monitor output terminal, 62 headphone output terminal, 63 surround output terminal, 101 control unit, 102 Switch, 111 video output control unit, 112 audio output control unit

Claims (7)

In an information processing apparatus that performs processing for outputting a video signal and an audio signal to a first or second display device,
First audio output means for outputting the audio signal;
A second voice output means that is more functional than the first voice output means and outputs the audio signal;
Voice control means for performing control for setting the first or second voice output means as voice output means for outputting the audio signal to the first or second display device;
The voice control means is
When only the first display device is used, the second sound output means is set as the sound output means for outputting the audio signal to the first display device,
When the second display device is used in addition to the first display device, the first audio output unit is used as an audio output unit that outputs the audio signal to the first display device. An information processing apparatus, wherein the second audio output means is set as an audio output means for setting and outputting the audio signal to the second display device. The audio signal from the second audio output means is output to the first and second display devices,
Blocking means for blocking output of an audio signal from the second sound output means to the first display device;
Display control means for causing OSD display on the first and second display devices,
When the second display device is used in addition to the first display device, the sound control unit outputs an audio signal from the second sound output unit to the first display device. Control of the blocking means so as to block,
When the volume level of the audio signal output from the first audio output unit is changed, the display control unit outputs the audio signal output from the first audio output unit to the second display device. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the volume level is displayed in an OSD manner. When the volume level of the audio signal output from the first audio output unit is changed, the display control unit displays the OSD display near the OSD display of the volume level displayed on the second display device. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein information indicating that the volume level of the audio signal output from the first audio output unit is OSD-displayed. When the volume level of the first audio output unit is changed, the display control unit displays the volume level of the audio signal output from the first audio output unit on the first display device by OSD display. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: The second audio output means outputs an audio signal via two types of output terminals,
The volume level of the audio signal output from one of the two types of output terminals is linked to the volume level of the audio signal output from the first audio output means. The information processing apparatus according to 1. When the second display device is used in addition to the first display device, the sound control unit acquires a volume level of the audio signal output by the second sound output unit, As audio output means for outputting the audio signal to the first display device after setting the volume level of the audio signal output by the first audio output means to the same volume level as the acquired volume level. The information according to claim 1, wherein the first audio output means is set, and the second audio output means is set as an audio output means for outputting the audio signal to the second display device. Processing equipment. In an information processing method of an information processing apparatus that includes first and second audio output means and performs processing of outputting a video signal and an audio signal to a first or second display device,
An audio control step for performing control to set the first or second audio output means as the audio output means for outputting the audio signal to the first or second display device;
The voice control step includes
When only the first display device is used, the second sound having higher function than the first sound output means as sound output means for outputting the audio signal to the first display device. Set the output means,
When the second display device is used in addition to the first display device, the first audio output unit is used as an audio output unit that outputs the audio signal to the first display device. An information processing method comprising: setting the second sound output means as sound output means for setting and outputting the audio signal to the second display device.

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