JP5655889B2 - Route setting method and acoustic device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a path setting method and an audio apparatus for setting a path for transmitting an audio signal in an audio system that transmits an audio signal via a network.

  A mixing system (product name “PM1D”) sold by the present applicant includes a mixing console (control device) in which an operator inputs using an operator, and signal processing that performs digital audio signal processing according to the input in the console This is a system composed of individual hardware devices that perform the functions of a unit (mixing engine) and an input / output device (I / O device) that inputs and outputs audio signals. In this system, the I / O device and the console are connected to the mixing engine by an audio cable for digital audio signal communication, and a plurality of digital audio signals can be transmitted and received between the engine and each device. The console and the engine are connected by a control cable for communicating control signals, and the console can remotely control the operation of the engine.

  The I / O device has a plurality of input terminals (input ports) and output terminals (output ports), inputs an audio signal for each input port, and outputs an audio signal for each output port. The mixing engine has a plurality of input channels, and each input port of the I / O device is connected to each input channel. The audio signal input from the input port is supplied to the input channel to which the input port is connected. The mixing engine has a plurality of output channels, and each output port of the I / O device is connected to each output channel. The audio signal output from each output channel is supplied to the output port to which the output channel is connected. In this specification, for example, assigning one input channel to a connection destination of an input port, that is, assigning one signal supply destination to a connection destination of one signal supply source is referred to as a “patch”.

  In the conventional mixing system, the input patch that assigns the input channel to the input port of the I / O device and the output patch that assigns the output channel to the output port are set by the input patch function and the output patch function provided by the console, respectively. It was done. Specifically, on the console, an operation screen having an input patch function or an output patch function is displayed on the display unit, and an operator can connect an arbitrary input channel to an arbitrary input port with a simple operation from the operation screen. And an instruction to connect an arbitrary output channel to an arbitrary output port (see Non-Patent Document 1 below).

  Conventionally, an audio network system that transmits audio signals between a plurality of nodes is known. In an audio network system, nodes are connected using an Ethernet (registered trademark) standard network cable. A “node” is an individual device that constitutes a network. For example, the following Patent Document 1 discloses an audio network in which an “audio transmission frame” makes a round between all nodes connected to the network for each sampling period, thereby transmitting an audio signal between a plurality of nodes. Has been. According to this, it was possible to transmit audio signals of several hundred channels between a plurality of nodes in substantially real time using a plurality of transmission channels included in the audio transmission frame. In addition, Ethernet (registered trademark) control data and the like can be transmitted simultaneously with the transmission of the audio signal by the audio transmission frame (see Patent Document 1 below).

JP 2008-99264 A

“PM1D Version2_brochure (pamphlet)” [online], created in November 2005, Yamaha Corporation, [searched on February 13, 2009], Internet <URL: http://proaudio.yamaha.co.jp/downloads /brochures/mixers/pm1dv2_brochure_en.pdf>

  In audio signal routing (transmission path setting) using a network, after a connection from an audio signal supply source to the audio signal supply destination is set, a transmission band (transmission) used for audio signal transmission in the connection is set. In general, a routing method for securing a channel) is applied. In such a system, after the supply source device and the supply destination device on the network confirm the existence of each other, the connection is set by performing negotiation between the supply source device and the supply destination device. One transmission band (transmission channel) is assigned to the set connection. Then, the connection is realized by transmitting an audio signal between the supply source and the supply destination using the allocated transmission band.

  However, the conventional routing method has a disadvantage that it takes time until the connection is realized after the operator (system user) performs the connection setting operation.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and in a sound system for transmitting an audio signal via a network, a route setting method and a sound device capable of improving the convenience of audio signal transmission route setting work. The purpose is to provide.

The present invention is a path setting method for setting a path for transmitting the audio signal in an acoustic system for transmitting an audio signal from a signal supply source node to a signal supply destination node among a plurality of nodes via a network, A securing process in which at least a signal supply source node among the plurality of nodes reserves a predetermined number of transmission channels among a plurality of transmission channels included in the network; a certain signal supply source node and a certain signal supply destination node; In order to set a route between the audio signal to the signal supply destination node , at least an unused transmission channel of the predetermined number of transmission channels reserved in advance by the certain supply source node is set as the audio signal to the certain signal supply destination node. An allocation process for allocating the transmission, and the signal source node using the allocated transmission channel A transmission step of transmitting the audio signal to the serial network, a route setting method characterized by having a reception process of the signal supply destination node receives the audio signal from the allocated transmission channel.

  At least a signal supply source node among a plurality of nodes reserves a predetermined number of transmission channels in advance, and among the predetermined number of transmission channels reserved in advance, an unused transmission channel is assigned a signal from the signal supply source node. Since it is assigned to the transmission of the audio signal to the supply destination node, the transmission channel securing process after receiving the user connection instruction (setting operation) becomes unnecessary, and the time until the connection is realized can be shortened. Therefore, the response to the operator's connection instruction operation (setting operation) is improved. In addition, since allocation is performed in a range of a predetermined number of transmission channels secured in advance, the transmission band (number of transmission channels) from the node having the signal supply source to the network can be limited, and thus the transmission channels can be used efficiently. .

  In one embodiment of the route setting method according to the present invention, the acoustic system has a master node, and the securing step exclusively secures the predetermined number of transmission channels under the management of the master node. You may comprise.

The present invention is also an acoustic device for transmitting an audio signal to a desired device among a plurality of signal supply destination devices via a network, and a predetermined number of transmission channels among a plurality of transmission channels included in the network. And a predetermined number of transmission channels reserved in advance by at least the certain supply source node in order to set a path between the certain signal supply source node and the certain signal supply destination node. A transmission means for allocating an unused transmission channel for transmission of the audio signal to the certain signal supply destination node and transmitting the audio signal to the network using the allocated transmission channel. It can also be constituted as an acoustic device characterized by doing.

  According to the present invention, in an acoustic system that transmits an audio signal from a signal supply source node to a signal supply destination node among a plurality of nodes, a response to an operator connection instruction operation (setting operation) is improved. There is an excellent effect that the convenience of setting the transmission path of the audio signal is improved.

The block diagram which shows the structural example of the mixing system which is embodiment of the acoustic system which concerns on this invention. (A) is a diagram showing a configuration example of a transmission frame transmitted through the network of the mixing system shown in FIG. 1, (b) is a diagram for explaining a transmission path of the transmission frame, and (c) is an audio signal of the transmission frame. The figure explaining the state which allocated the transmission channel to each apparatus in the storage area. 1A is a block diagram for explaining a hardware configuration of a console constituting the mixing system of FIG. 1, FIG. 1B is a block diagram for explaining a hardware configuration of an I / O device constituting the mixing system, and FIG. The block diagram explaining the hardware constitutions of the mixing engine which comprises a mixing system. The block diagram explaining the flow of the signal processing in the mixing system of FIG. The flowchart which shows the process performed when each apparatus joins a network. The flowchart which shows the transmission channel reservation process which each apparatus performs. The flowchart which shows the transmission channel reservation process which each apparatus performs regularly. (A) is an engine input patch setting screen displayed on the control device, (b) is an engine output patch setting screen displayed on the control device, and (c) is an enlarged view of (a) input patch setting screen. FIG. (A) is a network input patch setting screen of the I / O device displayed on the control device, and (b) is a network output patch setting screen of the I / O device displayed on the control device. The flowchart which shows the process which a control apparatus performs when the grid of a patch setting screen is clicked. The flowchart which shows the connection setting process which a control apparatus performs. The flowchart which shows the connection clear process which a control apparatus performs. The flowchart which shows the process which the apparatus performs when the connection of the supply source and supply destination in an apparatus is set. The flowchart which shows the process which the apparatus performs when the connection of the supply source in an apparatus and a supply destination is cleared. The flowchart which shows the connection update process which each apparatus performs regularly. The flowchart which shows the process which the apparatus performs when the receiving connection of the supply destination which an apparatus has is cleared. The flowchart which shows the process which the apparatus performs when the transmission connection of the supply source which an apparatus has is cleared. The flowchart which shows the process which the apparatus performs when the transmission connection of the supply source which an apparatus has is cleared. The figure which shows the structural example of the interface which an I / O apparatus comprises. FIG. 19A is a diagram showing that the supply source SS in the I / O device is selected as the connection destination of the supply destination SD on the patch setting screen of the supply destination SD displayed on the display unit of FIG. FIG. 20B is a diagram showing a network selected as a connection destination of the supply destination SD on the patch setting screen of the supply destination SD displayed on the display unit of FIG. (A) is a diagram showing that the supply destination SD in the I / O device is selected as the connection destination of the supply source SS on the patch setting screen of the supply source SS displayed on the display unit of FIG. FIG. 20B is a diagram illustrating a network selected as a connection destination of the supply source SS on the patch setting screen of the supply source SS displayed on the display unit of FIG. 19. The flowchart which shows the process which the apparatus performs when the connection destination of supply destination SD is changed in the patch setting screen of supply destination SD of FIG. The flowchart which shows the process which the apparatus performs when the connection destination of a supplier SS is changed in the patch setting screen of the supplier SS of FIG. The flowchart which shows the process which the apparatus performs when the signal output ON / OFF setting part of a supplier SS is operated in the patch setting screen of the supplier SS of FIG. The flowchart which shows the process which the apparatus performs when the name of a supplier SS is changed in the patch setting screen of the supplier SS of FIG. The flowchart which shows the process which a control apparatus performs when the setting of lock on / off is changed. The flowchart which shows the process which the apparatus performs when the number DCN of transmission channels which should be ensured with a certain apparatus in a control apparatus is changed. The flowchart which shows the process which this new control apparatus performs when a new control apparatus joins a network. It is an example of a change of a patch setting screen displayed on a control device, (a) is an input patch setting screen of an engine capable of setting a double patch, and (b) is a patch setting screen for setting connection between an input port and a transmission channel. .

  A mixing system including a route setting method or a route setting device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<Outline of mixing system>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of a mixing system including a route setting method or a route setting device according to the present invention.

  The mixing system shown in FIG. 1 includes a mixing console 1, a mixing engine 2, and a plurality of input / output devices (I / O devices) 3-5. Each device is connected by an audio network 6. The audio network 6 is a network that transmits various types of data including audio signals in units of “transmission frames” between a plurality of devices by the transmission method disclosed in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2008-99264). The network 6 includes a plurality of transmission channels, and has a capability of transmitting a plurality of channels of audio signals between a plurality of devices in substantially real time using the plurality of transmission channels. Further, the “transmission frame” can transmit various control data including data for remote control simultaneously with the transmission of the audio signal.

  The mixing console 1 is an “acoustic adjustment console” having a large number of operators including channel strips corresponding to a plurality of channels and receiving operations by an operator. An operator (acoustic system user) controls various operations of the mixing system including data sound level adjustment (level adjustment, etc.) of the audio signals of a plurality of channels, data input, and the like, using the operator of the console 1. Various control data corresponding to the operation performed by the operator in the console 1 is transmitted to other devices (engine 2, I / O devices 3 to 5) via the network 6, and other devices (engine 2, I / O device). 3 to 5) operate based on the transmitted control data. That is, the console 1 is a control device that remotely controls operations of other devices via the network 6.

  The I / O devices 3 to 5 have a function of transmitting an audio signal supplied from a multi-channel audio signal supply source SS (not shown) to the network 6 and a multi-channel audio signal received from the network 6 (not shown). It has a function of supplying to a multi-channel audio signal supply destination SD. In the mixing system of FIG. 1, as an example, a first I / O device (# 1 I / O) 3, a second I / O device (# 2 I / O) 4, and a third I / O device (# 3 I / O) Three I / O devices 5 are connected.

  The mixing engine 2 is configured by a DSP (digital signal processor) that performs signal processing on a digital audio signal. From the operations performed by the operator in the control device (console 1), the I / O devices 3 to 5 and the console 1 One or more channels of audio signals transmitted to the network 6 are received, signal processing is performed on the received one or more channels of audio signals, and one or more channels of audio signals resulting from the processing are transmitted to the network. be able to.

  A personal computer (PC) can be connected to any of the console 1, the engine 2, and the I / O devices 3 to 5. FIG. 1 shows an example in which a PC 7 is connected to the third I / O device 5. The PC 7 connected to the device can be used as a control device for remotely controlling the operation of each device on the network 6. When the PC 7 is used as a control device, control data output from the PC 7 is transmitted from the third I / O device 5 to another device via the network 6.

  Note that the configuration example of the mixing system shown in FIG. 1 is an example, and the number of devices and the types of devices constituting the system are not limited to this.

  In FIG. 1, each of the devices 1 to 5 connected to the network 6 has two sets of a reception interface and a transmission interface that perform communication in one direction as network interfaces (see FIG. 3 described later). Two devices are connected by connecting one set of receive and transmit interfaces of one device and one set of receive and transmit interfaces of another device using a network cable of the Ethernet standard. Is done. Since one device has two sets of receive and transmit interfaces, one device can be connected to two devices. For example, the engine 2 is connected to the console 1 by one set of reception and transmission interfaces, and is connected to the second I / O device 4 by another set of reception and transmission interfaces.

  Each device (console 1, engine 2 and I / O devices 3 to 5) is connected to an adjacent device, whereby each device is connected in series with two ends as a whole. In the example of FIG. 1, the first I / O device 3 and the third I / O device 5 are end portions. Since each device has two sets of reception interfaces and transmission interfaces, the transfer process of receiving the transmission frame from the upstream of the transmission path and transmitting the transmission frame to the downstream of the transmission path is performed between the forward path and the return path. It can be done in two directions. As a result, as shown by a broken line in FIG. 1, a ring-shaped data transmission path for circulating a transmission frame between five devices (console 1, engine 2, and I / O devices 3 to 5) on the network 6 is established. Can be formed.

<Master node>
Any one of the five devices 1 to 5 on the network 6 becomes a “master node”. In FIG. 1, as an example, the second I / O device 4 is a master node.
The master node creates a transmission frame at every sampling period of a predetermined sampling frequency and performs an operation of sending the created transmission frame over the network 6. All devices other than the master node are slave nodes, and each performs a transfer process of receiving a transmission frame transferred from the upstream of the route and transferring it downstream of the route. Since the end of the path is a point where the transmission path is turned back (loopback), the transmission frame transferred from the adjacent apparatus is transferred back to the adjacent apparatus. This transfer process does not transfer each transmission frame to the downstream device after receiving all the transmission frames, but transfers the transmission frame sequentially from the head side to the downstream side while receiving the transmission frame. To be done. By appropriately setting the size of one transmission frame based on conditions such as the sampling period and the communication speed (transmission bandwidth) of the network 6, all the devices on the network 6 can be transmitted within one sampling period. It is possible to make one cycle between.

  The master node is also a word clock master of the word clock that synchronizes the timing of the sampling period for processing the waveform data in each device on the network 6. Each device serving as a slave node generates a word clock, which is a signal that defines a sampling period for processing waveform data, in synchronization with the timing at which reception of one transmission frame is started, thereby adjusting the processing timing of waveform data. , And synchronized with the timing of the sampling period (word clock) in the master node.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, the master node collectively controls the transmission channel assignment state for each device, which will be described later, and specifically controls the number of transmission channels secured by each device. That is, the master node functions as a bandwidth management unit that controls the number of transmission channels secured by each device in this mixing system. Note that the processing itself for securing the transmission channel is executed by each device as described later.

<Configuration of transmission frame>
FIG. 2A shows a configuration of a transmission frame transmitted through the audio network 6. In FIG. 2A, the left side of the drawing is the front in the frame transmission direction, that is, the head of the frame. As shown in (a), the transmission frame includes a preamble 40, a management data CD storage area 41, an audio signal storage area 42 capable of storing audio signals of a plurality of channels, an Ethernet (registered trademark) data area 43, and an ITP area. 44, a meter area 45 for storing data for a level display meter, an NC area 46 for storing data indicating the network configuration of the network 6, and a frame check sequence (FCS) area 47 for storing an error check code of the frame. Become.

  In the preamble 40, an SFD (StartFrameDelimiter), a destination address, a source address, or a length (data size) of the transmission frame is described together with a preamble defined by IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers) 802.3. The CD storage area 41 describes data (transmission frame number and sample) delay value used by each device connected to the network 6 in order to manage the data included in the transmission frame. .

The audio signal storage area 42 has a predetermined plurality of transmission channels (for example, 256 channels). The plurality of transmission channels are transmission bands used for transmitting audio signals, and can store digital audio signals (waveform data) of a plurality of channels sampled at a predetermined sampling frequency. One transmission channel stores one channel of waveform data for each sample.
Since a plurality of transmission channels are provided in the audio signal storage area 42 in the transmission frame, the network 6 can transmit a plurality of channels of audio signals using the plurality of transmission channels.
The transmission frame having the audio signal storage area 42 is circulated between the devices on the network 6 for each sampling period, so that the predetermined plurality of frames are transmitted between the devices connected to the network 6. It is possible to transmit waveform data for a plurality of transmission channels (for example, 256 channels) in substantially real time.

  The Ethernet (registered trademark) data area 43 describes control data for remote control transmitted from the control device, information on the connection status and operation status of each device, and the like. When transmitting data having a size larger than that of the Ethernet (registered trademark) data area 43, the data is divided on the transmission side by a well-known technique, and the divided data is divided into a plurality of transmission frames and transmitted. By combining a plurality of data extracted from a plurality of transmission frames on the side in a predetermined order, the packet before division can be restored. The FCS 47 is an area for storing data for detecting frame errors, which is defined by IEEE 802.3. The reason why the area 45 for storing the data for the level display meter and the NC area 46 for storing the data shown in the network configuration are provided in order to constantly transmit the data.

  FIG. 2B is a diagram for explaining the transmission status of the transmission frame shown in FIG. In (b), each device corresponds to the console 1, engine 2, and I / O devices 3 to 5 in FIG. 1, but for convenience of explanation, the five devices are represented by alphabetic characters “A”, “B”, Differentiated by “C”, “D”, and “E”. Further, the device “D” is a master node ((M) indicates a master in the figure). Further, the devices “A” and “E” are loopback (LB), that is, the return end of the transmission path. The device D, which is a master node, creates a transmission frame every sampling period. The created transmission frame circulates between the devices A to E in the order of the devices D → E → D → C → B → A → B → C → D in each sampling period. The direction of the arrows connecting the devices indicates the transmission direction of the transmission frame.

  In the process in which the transmission frame circulates between the devices A to E, each device reads out waveform data, control data, and the like to be received from other devices from the transmission frame transmitted on the network 6, and other devices Write waveform data, control data, and the like to be transmitted to the transmission frame. When each of the devices A to C and E serving as slave nodes starts receiving a transmission frame and reaches an area where data in the audio signal storage area 42 and below is to be read and written, it reads out waveform data and the like for the transmission frame. Start writing. Then, in parallel with reading and writing of waveform data and the like, the transmission frame is sequentially transferred from the head side. Accordingly, each of the devices A to C and E can read and write waveform data and the like with respect to the transmission frame while passing the transmission frame. In addition, it is preferable that the device D serving as a master node starts generating and transmitting the next transmission frame after receiving the transmission frame that has made a round of the network 6.

In addition, devices other than the loopback devices A and E pass the transmission frame twice in the forward path and the return path while the transmission frame makes a round between the devices A to E. Reading and writing need only be done once, for example when the transmission frame is first passed.
Any data written to a transmission frame from any device on the network 6 will pass through all devices on the network 6 before the transmission frame returns to the device that wrote the data. Therefore, any data written by any device can be transmitted to all devices.

<Assignment of transmission channel to each device>
Each device writes waveform data samples to the transmission channel of the audio signal storage area 42 in the transmission frame, and reads waveform data samples necessary for itself from the transmission channel. Each device (devices A to E in FIG. 2B) is assigned in advance the number of transmission channels required by the device. By receiving the transmission channel assignment, each device can secure a necessary number of transmission channels and write waveform data samples to the reserved transmission channels.

  FIG. 2C is a diagram illustrating a state in which the transmission channels of the audio signal storage area 42 are assigned to the devices A to E. In (c), each section where an alphabetic character is written represents an area (one or a plurality of transmission channels) allocated to the devices A to E corresponding to the alphabetic character, and the size of the section is , Represents the number of transmission channels assigned to the device.

  Each device connected to the network 6 secures the number of transmission channels necessary for the device by executing the transmission channel securing process shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 described later when the device joins the network 6. To do. As a result, the plurality of transmission channels in the audio signal storage area 42 are assigned to each device (see FIG. 2C). A transmission channel that is not assigned to any device is an “empty channel (empty channel)”. When a new transmission channel is allocated to a device, the necessary number of transmission channels are allocated to the device from among the empty channels (empty channels) by management of the master node.

  Each device can write a sample of waveform data to one or more transmission channels secured by the device while receiving and transferring the transmission frame. The waveform data can be written to each transmission channel exclusively by a device that secures the transmission channel. For example, the device B can write a sample of waveform data to the transmission channel of the section B in the audio signal storage area 42. Other devices cannot write waveform data samples to the transmission channel in section B.

  When receiving waveform data from another device, each device reads a sample of waveform data to be received from a transmission channel in which the waveform data is written while receiving and transferring a transmission frame. For example, when the waveform data transmitted from the device B is received by another device C, the device C reads a sample of waveform data from the transmission channel in the section B in the audio signal storage area 42.

  The number of transmission channels in the audio signal storage area 42 is a finite number determined according to the size of the audio signal storage area 42 and the number of bits of waveform data. If the size of the audio signal storage area 42 is the same, reducing the number of bits of the waveform data will reduce the accuracy of the audio signal, but more transmission channels can be prepared.

  Note that the transmission method of a transmission frame via a network applied to the mixing system shown in the present embodiment can be performed by the technique disclosed in “JP 2008-99264 A” cited as Patent Document 1 above. Various technical matters such as the size of the transmission frame and the network specifications disclosed in the document are applicable to the present embodiment, and the entire contents disclosed in the document are incorporated.

<Configuration of each device>
3A to 3C show the hardware configuration of the console 1, the engine 2, and the I / O devices 3 to 5 constituting the mixing system.

<Console configuration>
1A, the console 1 includes a CPU 10, a memory 11 including a ROM and a RAM, an audio input / output unit 12 (“A IO”; hereinafter referred to as “audio I / O”), and a network interface 13 (“N I / O”). O ”, hereinafter referred to as“ network I / O ”), an interface (PC I / O) 14 for connecting a personal computer (PC), and a display unit (P display) 15 provided on the operation panel, An operation unit (P operation unit) 16 and a volume level adjustment operation unit (electric F) 17 are included, and each unit is connected via a CPU bus 18. The audio I / O 12 and the network I / O 13 are connected via an audio bus 19.

The CPU 10 executes a control program stored in the memory (ROM and RAM) 11 and controls the overall operation of the console 1. The memory 11 stores various data necessary for communication via the network 6 such as information regarding the configuration of the console 1. Further, the memory 11 of the console 1 stores a control program necessary to operate as a control device of the mixing system, and a current memory storing the current configuration and operation state of the mixing system. . The data stored in the current memory includes information on all devices connected to the network 6 (including the type, name, configuration, control data necessary for operation, etc. of each device) and all the devices have. Connection information (supply destination information and supply source information for each port) of the other ports (input terminals and output terminals).
During the operation of the mixing system, the contents of the current memory of the control device (console 1) are synchronized with information relating to the operation and connection status of each device. The remote control main (control device) connected via the network and the control target can be synchronized (matched) by a conventionally known technique.

  The display unit 15 is a display such as a liquid crystal display, for example, and displays various information based on a display control signal given from the CPU 10 via the CPU bus 18. The operator can set a “patch”, which will be described later, from the screen displayed on the display unit 15. The operation element 16 includes a large number of operation elements arranged on the operation panel and a detection mechanism for detecting the operation. A detection signal corresponding to the operation of the operation element 16 is supplied to the CPU 10 via the CPU bus 18. The CPU 10 generates various data based on the supplied detection signal. The volume level adjusting operator 17 is an operator for adjusting the volume of the audio signal, and the operation position of the knob unit is electrically controlled based on the drive signal supplied from the CPU 10, so-called “electric fader”. Consists of.

  The network I / O 14 is an interface for connecting the console 1 to the network 6 and includes two sets of transmission interfaces and reception interfaces as described above. The network I / O 14 transmits / receives transmission frames via the network 6, reads various data including necessary audio signals (waveform data) and control data from the transmission frames, and various types including waveform data and control data for the transmission frames. Data writing, transmission / reception of waveform data via the audio bus 19, transmission / reception of control data via the CPU bus 18, etc. are performed, and a mechanism necessary for this is provided. The network I / O 14 may be configured by an interface for performing data communication by any communication method as long as it has the capability of performing communication for circulating a transmission frame through the network 6 within one sampling period. .

  The audio bus 19 is a local bus that time-division-transmits digital audio signals (waveform data) of a plurality of channels one sample at a time for each sampling period between the audio I / O 12 and the network I / O 13. Note that the audio I / O 12 and the network I / O 13 synchronize the timing for processing the waveform data by a known technique using a word clock. That is, any one of the audio I / O 12 and the network I / O 13 becomes a word clock master, and other than the master becomes a slave. The slave generates a word clock at a timing synchronized with the word clock generated by the master. The waveform data is processed at the timing of the sampling period based on the above.

  The audio I / O 12 includes an analog input unit that outputs an analog audio signal, an analog output unit that outputs an analog audio signal, or a digital input / output unit that inputs and outputs a digital audio signal (waveform data). Details of the audio I / O 12 will be described in detail when the configuration of the I / O device is described.

  The PC interface 14 is an interface for connecting a personal computer to the console 1. As described above, the PC connected to the PC interface 14 can be used as a control device for remotely controlling the operation of each device (console 1, engine 2, I / O devices 3 to 5) of the mixing system.

<Configuration of I / O device>
3B, the I / O device includes a CPU 20, a memory (ROM and RAM) 21, an audio I / O 22, a network I / O 23, a PC interface 24, and a simple operator interface (simple UI) 25. Are connected via the CPU bus 26. The audio I / O 22 and the network I / O 23 are connected via an audio bus 27. The CPU 20 and the memory (ROM and RAM) 21 are control units that control the overall operation of the I / O device. The memory 21 also includes information on the configuration of the device, information on the connection state of the device (including supply destination information on the signal supply source of the device, and supply source information on the signal supply destination of the device). Various data necessary for communication via the network 6 and remote control are stored. The audio bus 27, the audio I / O 22, the network I / O 23, and the PC interface 24 are configured in the same manner as described with reference to FIG.

  The audio I / O 22 includes an analog input unit that inputs an analog audio signal, an analog output unit that outputs an analog audio signal, or a digital input / output unit that inputs and outputs a digital audio signal (waveform data).

  The analog input unit includes, for example, a plurality of analog input terminals such as an XLR terminal and a microphone input terminal and an AD conversion circuit, and converts an analog audio signal input from an external analog audio signal supply source SS into a digital signal (for each sampling period). Waveform data) and output to the audio bus 27. In addition, the analog output unit includes a number of analog output terminals such as an XLR terminal and a headphone terminal and a DA conversion circuit, and converts a digital signal (waveform data) captured from the audio bus 27 into an analog audio signal for each sampling period. Then, the data is output to an external analog audio signal supply destination SD. The digital input / output unit includes a plurality of digital audio terminals such as an AES / EBU terminal and an ADAT (registered trademark) terminal, and has a waveform with a digital audio signal supply source SS or a supply destination SD for each sampling period. Input and output data.

  The audio I / O 22 is configured by a card-type device that can be attached to and detached from an I / O card mounting slot provided in the console 1. In this case, the configuration (number of terminals, etc.) of the audio I / O 22 can be changed depending on the number of I / O cards mounted on the console 1. Note that the audio signal supply source SS is an audio device that is an audio signal supply source, such as a microphone, a musical instrument, or a music playback device (such as a CD player) connected to an input terminal. The audio signal supply destination SD is an audio device to which the audio signal is supplied, such as an amplifier or headphones connected to the output terminal of the audio I / O.

  The simple UI 25 is composed of a relatively simple display unit and operation unit group shown in FIG. 19 described later, and displays various information on the display unit based on a display control signal given from the CPU 20 via the CPU bus 26. A detection signal corresponding to the operation is supplied to the CPU 20 via the CPU bus 26. The CPU 20 generates various data based on the supplied detection signal. As will be described in detail later, the operator can set a “patch” using the simplified UI 25 of each I / O device as a supply destination or a supply source.

<Engine configuration>
3C, the engine 2 includes a CPU 30, a memory (ROM and RAM) 31, an A I / O) 32, a network I / O 33, a PC interface 34, a signal processing unit (DSP) 35, and a simple operator interface ( Each unit includes a simple UI) 36 and is connected via a CPU bus 37. The audio I / O 32, the network I / O 33, and the DSP 35 are connected via an audio bus 38. The CPU 30 executes a control program stored in the memory (ROM and RAM) 31 and controls the overall operation of the engine 2. In the memory 31 of the engine 2, in addition to a microprogram necessary for signal processing of the DSP 35, information on the configuration of the device, information on the connection state of the device, etc., communication via the network 6 and remote control are performed. Various data necessary for receiving are stored. The audio bus 38, the audio I / O 32, the network I / O 33, and the PC interface 34 are configured in the same manner as described with reference to FIG. The simple UI 36 is a power switch, an LED indicator for operation check, or the like.

  The DSP 35 executes a microprogram based on the control data given from the console 1 and performs signal processing such as mixing processing for each sampling period on the audio signals of a plurality of channels received from the audio bus 38, The signal-processed waveform data can be output to the network I / O 33 and the audio I / O 32 via the audio bus 38. An outline of the operation of the mixing process will be described later. Since the DSP 35 is connected to the network I / O 33 and the audio I / O 32 via the audio bus 38, both the waveform data received from the network I / O 33 and the waveform data input from its own audio I / O 32 are used. It can be supplied to the DSP 35. The waveform data output from the DSP 35 can be supplied to both the network I / O 33 and the audio I / O 32.

  As shown in the figure, the engine 2 does not have an operator interface for operation control of signal processing executed by the DSP 35. This is because in the mixing system of the present embodiment, the signal processing executed by the DSP 35 of the engine 2 is remotely controlled via the network 6 based on the operation of the operator in the console 1 or the remote control PC.

<Flow of signal processing in mixing system>
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the flow of signal processing in the mixing system shown in FIG. In FIG. 4, the audio I / O function of the console 1 and the first I / O device 3 are used for input / output of audio signals to the network 6, the second I / O device 4 is used only for the same input, and The third I / O device 5 is used only for the same output. Also, in FIG. 4, the audio I / O function of each device is depicted separately for an audio input unit and an audio output unit, so that “i” is added to the input side code, and the output side code "O" is added to indicate the distinction. In FIG. 4, the flow of audio signals performed via the audio network 6 is indicated by dotted arrows, and the flow of audio signals performed via the audio buses 19, 27, and 38 in each device is indicated by solid arrows.

  As described above, the audio network 6 has a predetermined plurality of transmission channels (for example, 256 channels). Each device connected to the network 6 secures the number of transmission channels necessary for the device in advance (see FIG. 2C). Each device secures the secured transmission channel regardless of whether or not it actually uses the secured transmission channel (that is, whether or not a substantial audio signal is transmitted using the transmission channel). An operation of transmitting a signal to the network 6 using the transmission channel is performed. That is, when a substantive audio signal is not supplied from the supply source, a silence signal (zero level signal) having a volume level of zero is supplied to the reserved transmission channel. Therefore, although not shown in FIG. 4, each patch unit 50 to 57 includes a zero-level signal supply source (not shown).

  In this mixing system, a console 1, a first I / O device 3, and a second I / O device 4 are connected to the audio signal input side to the audio network 6. Each device 1, 3 and 4 is connected to each input terminal via its respective audio I / O (“Ai (c)” 60i, “Ai (# 1)” 61i, and “Ai (# 2)” 62i). An analog audio signal input from a signal supply source SS (not shown) connected to is converted into a digital signal (waveform data) for each sampling period and is captured.

  The patch units 50, 51, and 52 allocate one transmission channel secured by the apparatus to each supply source SS one by one based on “transmission connection” described later. Then, the network I / Os 13 and 23 (see FIGS. 3A and 3B) of the devices 1, 3 and 4 on the input side receive the waveform data input from the supply sources SS for each sampling period. , Write to each assigned transmission channel. Thus, each waveform data is transmitted on the network 6 on the assigned transmission channel.

  The engine 2 receives waveform data on a transmission channel necessary for the engine 2 from a plurality of transmission channels of the audio network 6 through the network I / O 33. The transmission channel to be received is a transmission channel connected to the input channel by the input patch unit 53, and this is specified by the reception connection described later. The input patch unit 53 assigns one input channel of the input channel unit 64 as an output destination of a signal received from a desired transmission channel based on “reception connection” described later. The input channel unit 64 has a plurality of input channels, and one transmission channel is assigned to one input channel. Thus, the waveform data received from the transmission channel assigned by the input patch unit 53 is supplied to each input channel of the input channel unit 64 for each sampling period.

  The input channel unit 64, the mixing bus 65, and the output channel unit 66 are realized by a microprogram executed by the DSP 35 of the engine 2 (see FIG. 3C), and operate in the same manner as conventionally known. The input channel unit 64 performs signal processing such as level adjustment, equalizing, and effect application on the input waveform data for each input channel, and outputs the processed waveform data to the mixing bus 65. The mixing bus 65 is composed of a plurality of bus lines. For each bus line, the waveform data supplied from one or a plurality of input channels of the input channel unit 64 is mixed, and the mixed result is output to the output channel unit 66. To do. The output channel section 66 has a plurality of output channels corresponding to the respective bus lines, and performs signal processing such as level adjustment, equalizing, and effect application for each output channel with respect to the waveform data output from the mixed bus. I do.

  The output patch unit 54 assigns one transmission channel secured by the engine 2 to each output channel of the output channel unit 66 based on “transmission connection” described later. Then, the network I / O 33 of the engine 2 writes the waveform data for each output channel signal-processed by the engine 2 to the assigned transmission channel for each sampling period. As a result, the audio signal of each output channel processed by the engine 2 is transmitted on the network 6 on the assigned transmission channel.

  The console 1, the first I / O device 3, and the second I / O device 4 are connected to the audio network 6 on the output side of the audio signal to the audio network 6. The network I / Os 13 and 23 (see FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b)) of each of the devices 1, 3 and 5 transmit necessary transmissions of the devices among a plurality of transmission channels of the network 6 for each sampling period. Receives waveform data on the channel. The transmission channel to be received is a transmission channel connected to the supply destination SD by the patch units 55, 56 and 57, and this is specified by a reception connection described later.

  The patch units 55, 56, and 57 assign one signal supply destination SD as an output destination of a signal received from a desired transmission channel based on “reception connection” described later. The devices 1, 3 and 5 are connected from the network 6 via audio I / O (“Ai (c)” 60o, “Ai (# 1)” 61o and “Ai (# 2)” 63o), respectively. The received waveform data of each transmission channel is converted into an analog audio signal for each sampling period, and supplied to the signal supply destination SD assigned by the patch units 55, 56 and 57.

  The engine 2 also includes its own (local) audio I / O (Ai (Lo) 67i and Ao (Lo) 67o). Therefore, the input patch unit 53 can also assign the input channel of the input channel unit 64 to the signal supply source SS connected to each input terminal of the Ai (Lo) 67i. The output patch unit 54 can also assign the signal supply source SS connected to each output terminal of the Ao (Lo) 67o to the output channel of the output channel unit 66. The patch function for connecting the local audio I / O and the input channel unit 64 is the same as that conventionally known.

  The patch section provided in each device is configured to operate the audio bus (see FIGS. 3A to 3C) of each device as a patch, or the network I / O of each device (FIG. 3A). To (c)) can be realized by a configuration in which hardware dedicated to patches is provided. As shown in FIG. 4, not only the engine 2 but also the console 1 and the I / O devices 3 to 5 are provided with a patch unit, and the patch unit is arranged between the network 6 and the device.

  In the mixing system configured as described above, each of the devices 1 to 5 on the network 6 uses the transmission channel secured by each of the devices 1 to 5 to input one or a plurality of channels of audio signals to the audio network 6. Can be sent to. The engine 2 can mix the audio signal (waveform data) for each transmission channel received from the audio network 6 and transmit the processing result from the audio network 6. The processing result signal output from the engine 2 can be output from each device 1 to 5 on the network 6.

<Secure transmission channels>
As a prerequisite for the operation of the mixing system, each device must have the required number of transmission channels. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing processing executed when each device joins the network. In this processing, each device performs processing for securing a necessary number of transmission channels. The time when each device participates in the network is, for example, when the device is connected to the network 6 or when the power of the device connected to the network is turned on.

  In step S1, the CPU of the device participating in the network sets the parameter DCN stored in the memory of the device to the number x of transmission channels reserved in the current process. This parameter determines the number of transmission channels that each device should secure (the number of transmission channels necessary for the device), and is stored in a nonvolatile manner in the memory of each device. The DCN is basically a number corresponding to the number of input ports (input terminals) of the device.

  In step S2, the CPU of the device acquires information on the mixing system from a transmission frame transmitted through the network 6, stores the acquired mixing system information in its own memory, and Is notified to other devices on the network 6. The information on the mixing system includes information on the master node of the network and information necessary for creating an R signal list described later, and is stored in the NC area 46 of the transmission frame. “Information about the device” includes the device name of the device, the number of audio I / O card mounting slots, the number of input terminals and output terminals of the card mounted in the slot, and the like. In the following description, when “notify” of some data, it means that a broadcast address is assigned and data is transmitted to all other devices connected to the network 6.

  In step S2, the CPU of the device creates an “R signal list” and a “T signal list” based on the acquired mixing system information, and creates the created R signal list and T signal list. Store in the memory of the device. Details of the “R signal list” and the “T signal list” will be described later.

  In step S3, the CPU of the apparatus executes a transmission channel securing process for the number x set in step S1. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing x transmission channel reservation processing. In step S4, the CPU of the device transmits a request for securing x transmission channels to the master node, and receives a response from the master node.

  In this embodiment, the master node of the network 6 becomes a bandwidth management unit that controls the number of transmission channels secured by each device. In response to the request in step S4, the master node checks an empty channel in the audio signal storage area 42 of the transmission frame and checks whether there is a transmission channel that can be assigned to the device that has generated the request. When approving the request, a response describing the number (i) of one or a plurality of transmission channels to be assigned to the apparatus that has generated the request is returned from the master node to the apparatus that has made the request. The number “i” is a number assigned to each of a plurality of predetermined transmission channels (for example, 256 channels) included in the audio signal storage area 42.

  In other words, if the requested x transmission channels can be assigned to the device, the master node describes the number (i) of x free transmission channels in the response, and requests the requested x transmission channels. The number (i) of the number of transmission channels that can be assigned to the device is described in the response even if there is no empty channel. When there is no vacant channel in the vacant channel or when the other request is not approved (when no transmission channel is allocated), the master node returns a reply not admitting or does not respond (step S5). NO), the transmission channel securing process ends.

  If there is a response that approves the request (YES in step S5), the CPU of the device secures a transmission channel of each number (i) described in the response and uses these transmission channels (i). The signal transmission is started and the reserved transmission channel number is set to KN (step S6). KN is a parameter indicating the number of transmission channels secured by the device, and is stored in a nonvolatile manner in the memory of the device. At this point, the “transmission connection” to be described later is not realized, and the supply source and the transmission channel (i) are not allocated (there is no substantial audio signal supply). Transmission of a zero level signal (silent audio signal) is started using the transmission channel (i).

In step S7, the CPU of the device sets null to SSN (i) corresponding to all transmission channels (i) secured in step S6, and sets the SSN (i) to other devices on the network 6. Notify
SSN (i) is information composed of a set of a name SSN that identifies an audio signal supply source SS and a transmission channel number (i), that is, a supply source SSN of a signal output to the transmission channel (i). Is signal output information. Each device can associate the supply source SS of the audio signal specified by the name SSN with the channel number (i) of the transmission channel used for transmission of the audio signal SSN by SSN (i). The reason why null is set in each SSN (i) in the step S7 is that the audio signal supply source SS is not assigned to the transmission channel (i) at present. A process executed by another device that has received the notification of SSN (i) will be described later.

By the processing of FIGS. 5 and 6, each device reserves a necessary number of transmission channels in advance. As described in steps S4 and S5 of FIG. 6, each device does not always secure DCN transmission channels.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a transmission channel securing process periodically executed by the CPU of each device. In step S100, the CPU of the device sets the difference between the value of DCN stored in the memory and the number KN of transmission channels reserved in the device to x. If the value of x is positive (x> 0) (“positive” in step S101), the number of transmission channels DCN to be secured has not been secured yet, so the CPU of the apparatus performs step S102. 6, the process of securing x transmission channels shown in FIG. 6 is executed, and KN is updated in accordance with the number of secured transmission channels. On the other hand, when the number of DCNs is the same as that of KN (“x = 0” in step S101), since the necessary number of transmission channels DCN have already been secured, the process ends. Each device connected to the network 6 periodically performs the process shown in FIG. 7 and tries to secure DCN transmission channels.

<R signal list and T signal list>
The R signal and T signal created by each device in step S2 of FIG. 5 will be described. The “T signal list” is a list composed of SSN (i) corresponding to all audio signals SSN transmitted by the device to the network 6. Each device can associate the audio signal SSN of the supply source SS connected to its input terminal with the transmission channel (i) used for transmission of the signal SSN by referring to the T signal list. . At the time of step S2, since the apparatus has not yet transmitted an audio signal, an empty list is created as the T signal list.

The “R signal list” is a list composed of SSN (i) corresponding to all audio signals SSN included in a transmission frame received by the apparatus from the network 6. That is, the R signal list included in each device is a list in which the audio signal SSN of the supply source SS included in another device is associated with the transmission channel (i) used for transmission of the signal SSN. Therefore, SSN (i) registered in the T signal list of all other devices is registered in the R signal list of a certain device. Furthermore, if the T signal list and the R signal list of one device are combined, it becomes a list in which all signals stored in the audio signal storage area 42 are associated with the transmission channels on which these signals are placed.
By referring to the R signal list, each device can associate the audio signal SSN of the source SS possessed by another device with the transmission channel (i) used for transmission of the signal SSN. The information of the mixing system acquired by each device in the step S2 includes information necessary for creating the “R signal list” (name SSN of the audio signal transmitted to the network by other devices and the SSN). SSN (i)) associated with the transmission channel (i) used for transmission is included.

  Each device independently creates an R signal list and a T signal list and stores them in each memory. Therefore, the contents of the R signal list and the T signal list that each device has differ from device to device. As will be described in detail later, the R signal list of each device is updated when SSN (i) is newly notified from another device, and the T signal list of each device is updated by the transmission channel (i ) Is updated when the audio signal of the supply source SS is assigned to.

The name SSN is a name set for each signal supply source SS. Each device on the network can specify the signal supply source SS, the audio signal supplied from the supply source SS, and the input port to which the supply source SS is connected by the name SSN. That is, the name SSN is the name of the supply source SS, and can be said to be the name of the audio signal supplied from the supply source SS.
The operator can set the name SSN of each signal supply source SS in the dressing device (console 1 or PC 7) or each device to which the signal supply source SS is connected. The name “ssn” set by the operator is, for example, an ordinary name that identifies the type of the audio signal (for example, “BGM” or “Mic”), or the name of the port to which the supply source SS is connected. is there. Note that the name “ssn” set by the operator must be unique at least in the apparatus to which the supply source SS that sets the name SSN is connected. Then, when the operator sets the name SSN, the control device or each device automatically adds the device ID of the supply source SS (ID unique to the device) to the name SSN. A unique name SSN can be generated.

<Patch setting screen>
FIGS. 8A to 8C and FIGS. 9A and 9B are diagrams illustrating configuration examples of the patch setting screen displayed on the display unit of the control device. These patch setting screens are displayed on the panel display unit 15 (see FIG. 3A) of the console 1 used as a control device or the monitor of the PC 7. The operator can perform patch setting in the mixing system shown in FIG. 1 from the patch setting screen.
In this specification, “patch” means, for example, that one input channel is assigned to a connection destination of an input port, that is, one signal supply destination is assigned to a connection destination of one signal supply source. With the “patch” setting, a certain supply source and one supply destination are connected, and a path for transmitting a signal is set between the supply source and the supply destination. The setting of “patch” is called “patching”. Furthermore, assigning a supply destination to a supply source is called an “input patch”, and assigning a supply source to a supply destination is called an “output patch”.

  In order to display the patch setting screen described below, the control device acquires information on all ports included in all devices connected to the network 6 and stores them in the memory. The “information on all ports of the device” includes information on each device, information on the connection status of the input terminal and output terminal, and various information on the operation status of each device. The CPU of the control device displays various information described below on the patch setting screen based on “information on all ports of all devices” stored in the memory. As described above, each device notifies the information of each device when joining the network (step S2 in FIG. 5). In addition, each device notifies information on the changed connection state or operation status when the connection state or operation status of each device is changed, such as when a connection update process described later is executed.

<Input patch setting screen>
FIG. 8A is an input patch setting screen for performing patch setting of the input patch unit 53 of the engine 2. In the input patch setting screen shown in (a), rows for displaying input channel groups of the input channel unit 64 of the engine 2 are arranged in a column, and all selectable input port (input terminal) groups are displayed in a row. It is composed of a matrix diagram in which columns are arranged, and a combination of input ports and input channels is represented by matrix intersections (grids).

  FIG. 8C is an enlarged view of the input patch setting screen shown in FIG. As shown in (c), each input channel row displayed in the column is provided with a channel name display column 70 for displaying the name of the corresponding input channel (for example, “IN CH01”). In the column of the input patch setting screen, all input channels of the engine 2 are displayed.

  In addition, in the row of each input port displayed in the row, all selectable input ports, that is, input ports (local ports) of the engine 2 and all other devices connected to the network 6 are displayed. The input ports (remote ports) 1 to 5 are displayed. In the figure, for the sake of illustration, only the input port of “engine” (engine 2) and the port of “# 1 I / O” (first I / O device 3) are depicted.

  In each input port column, a device name display field 71, a slot number display field 72, and an input port name display field 73 are provided in this order from the top. In the device name display field 71, “engine”, “# 1 I / O”. . . The name of each device is displayed as follows. The slot number display field 72 displays the name (number) of the slot for installing the I / O card of the device. Each input port name display column 73 displays the name of the supply source SS connected to the corresponding input port (input terminal). The name displayed in the input port name display field 73 corresponds to the name SSN of the supply source SS connected to the input port (input terminal). Since all input ports of all devices connected to the network 6 are displayed in the input port column, input ports (input terminals) to which the supply source SS is not connected are also displayed. And the input port name display column 73 of the input port to which the supply source SS is not connected is blank.

  Further, the transmission channel assignment state display column 74 below the port name display column 73 of the input port displays a symbol indicating whether or not a transmission channel has been allocated to the input port. In the column 74, the symbol “-” indicates that the transmission channel is unnecessary because the input port is an input port (local port) in the engine 2. The symbol “La” indicates that output on / off of the audio signal from the input port (source SS) to the network 6 is set to off. The symbol “*” indicates that a transmission channel has been assigned to the input port (source SS). The absence of a symbol indicates that no transmission channel is assigned to the input port (source SS).

In the input patch setting screen of (c), since each input port (input terminal) of the engine 2 is a local input port, it is not necessary to assign a transmission channel of the network 6. Therefore, the symbol “-” is displayed in these input port columns.
On the other hand, input ports (input terminals) of other devices such as the first I / O device 3 are remote ports. Therefore, connection between these remote input ports and the input channel of the engine involves setting of a transmission channel (setting of “transmission connection”) to which each input port is connected. Therefore, in the column of each input port that other devices have, the transmission channel assignment state for that input port is displayed in the transmission channel assignment state display column 74 by the symbol “La”, symbol “*”, or no symbol.

  In each grid of the input patch setting screen, a connection symbol corresponding to the connection status of the grid is displayed. A grid without a connection symbol is in a state where no patch is set. The symbol “●” indicates a connection within the same device or a connection between different devices, in which a transmission channel is assigned to the input port (source SS) (in the input port column 74). State in which the symbol “*” is displayed). The symbol “◯” is patching between different devices, and the transmission channel is not assigned to the input port (source SS) (the symbol “La” is displayed in the input port column 74). State). In addition, the symbol “La” indicates that the device having the supply source SS or the device having the supply destination SD does not exist in the network 6, the device having the input port does not have the actual hardware of the supply source SS, or the output The case where the actual hardware of the supply destination SD does not exist in the apparatus having the port is shown. Note that “the actual hardware does not exist” is a case where the supply source SS is not connected to the input port (input terminal) or a supply destination SD is not connected to the output port (output terminal). .

  In the input patch setting screen shown in FIGS. 8A and 8C, the operator gives an instruction to connect the grid by performing an operation to specify an arbitrary grid, and the input channel (signal) displayed in the row. It is possible to set an input patch to which an input port (signal supply source) displayed in the column is assigned to a supply destination and to cancel the input patch. The operation for designating the grid is performed, for example, by clicking using a mouse pointer. Hereinafter, this connection instruction operation is referred to as “click”.

<Output patch setting screen>
FIG. 8B is an output patch setting screen for performing patch setting of the output patch unit 54 of the engine 2, and the display content is different only in the supply source and the supply destination displayed in the matrix. This is almost the same as the input patch setting screen shown.
In the output patch setting screen shown in (b), the names of output channels of the engine 2 are displayed in columns. On the output patch setting screen, a symbol (symbol “La”, symbol “*”, or no symbol) indicating whether the output channel has been assigned to the transmission channel is displayed next to the name display column in each row or row. Is done. This is because an audio signal is transmitted from the output channel through the network 6, that is, a transmission channel as a connection destination is set for each output channel. Further, the device name, slot name, and output port name of each device are displayed in the row. As the output port name, the name of the supply destination SD connected to the output port is displayed. Each grid displays a connection symbol indicating the connection status of the grid.
The operator clicks an arbitrary grid to set and cancel the output patch that assigns the output port (signal supply source) displayed in the column to the output channel (signal supply source) displayed in the row. It can be performed.

<Network input patch setting screen>
The control device can display a patch setting screen for all devices connected to the network 6.
FIG. 9A is a network input patch setting screen in each of the I / O devices 3 to 5. In the network input patch setting screen shown in FIG. 9A, each row in the column has an output port name (port number or connection of the output port) of a local output port (output terminal) group included in the I / O device. The name of the supplied supply destination SD) is displayed.
In each row, a local input port (input terminal) of the I / O device and a remote input port (input terminal) of all other devices 1 to 5 connected to the network 6 are provided. Is displayed. In each input port column, a device name, a slot name, and an input port name (name of the supplier SS connected to the input port) are displayed, and whether each input port has been assigned to a transmission channel is determined. A symbol is displayed. Each grid displays a connection symbol indicating the connection status between the output port and the input port.
The operator clicks an arbitrary grid to set and cancel the input patch that assigns the input port (signal supply source) displayed in the column to the output port (signal supply destination) displayed in the row. It can be performed. Note that this input patch setting is viewed from the I / O device as an audio signal input from the network (connected to the input port displayed in the column) as the signal supply source of the output port displayed in the row. Network input patch setting to which the signal of the supply source SS) is assigned.

<Network output patch setting screen>
FIG. 9B is a network output patch setting screen in each of the I / O devices 3 to 5. In the network output patch setting screen shown in FIG. 9A, the input port name (port number of the input port or the input port name of the local input port (input terminal) group included in the I / O device is connected to each column in the column. The name of the supplier SS). In addition, a symbol indicating whether each input port has been assigned to a transmission channel is displayed in each input port row.
In each row, a local output port (output terminal) included in the I / O device and remote output ports included in all other devices 1 to 5 connected to the network 6 are displayed. In each output port column, a device name, a slot name, and an output port name (name of the supply destination SD connected to the output port) are displayed. Each grid displays a connection symbol indicating the connection status between the input port and the output port.
The operator clicks an arbitrary grid to set and release the patch that assigns the output port (signal supply destination) displayed in the column to the input port (signal supply source) displayed in the row. It can be carried out. Note that this output patch setting is a network output patch setting that assigns an output to the network as a signal supply destination of the input port displayed in the row as viewed from the I / O device.

<Processing according to grid click (connection instruction)>
FIG. 10 shows processing executed by the CPU of the control device when the grid is clicked on the patch setting screen. Here, an example will be described in which an intersection between a supply source SS (input port) and a supply destination SD (output port) is clicked on the network input patch setting screen or the network output patch setting screen. In the following description, “apparatus having a supply source SS” and “apparatus having a supply destination SD” are apparatuses each having a terminal to which the supply source SS or the supply destination SD is connected.

  When the grid at the intersection of the supply source SS and the supply destination SD is clicked by the operator, the CPU of the control device has already been connected to the clicked grid based on the information stored in its own memory in step S8. Judge whether or not. If there is no connection symbol in the grid on the patch setting screen, there is no connection (NO in step S8), and if there is a symbol “●”, symbol “◯”, or symbol “La”, there is already a connection (step YES in S8).

  If there is already a connection in the clicked grid (YES in step S8), the CPU of the control device performs connection clear processing shown in FIG. 12 to be described later in step S9 to connect the supply source SS and the supply destination SD. Is released. In step S10, the CPU of the control device deletes the grid connection symbol “●”, symbol “◯”, or symbol “L”. Thereby, the display of the grid is updated to a state without a connection symbol.

  If there is no connection to the clicked grid (NO in step S8), in step S11, the CPU of the control device determines whether there is a connection to another grid for the supply destination SD of the clicked grid, that is, the SD. Is connected to another supplier SS. When the SD is connected to another SS (YES in step S11), in step S12, connection clear processing shown in FIG. 12 to be described later is performed on the other grid to connect the SS and the other SD. Is released. In step S13, the CPU of the control device deletes the connection symbol for the other grid that has been disconnected. Thereby, the display of the other grid is updated to a state without a connection symbol.

  In step S14, the CPU of the control device performs connection setting processing shown in FIG. 11 to be described later, and connects the supply source SS and the supply destination SD corresponding to the clicked grid. In step S15, the CPU of the control device displays the connection symbol “●”, the symbol “◯”, or the symbol “L” corresponding to the connection state set by the connection setting process on the clicked grid. To do. Thereby, the display of the grid is updated to a connection symbol corresponding to the connection state.

  If the supply destination SD of the clicked grid is not connected to another grid, that is, if the SD is not connected to another SS (NO in step S11), the CPU of the control device performs step The process of S14 and step S15 is executed, SS and SD corresponding to the grid are connected by a connection setting process shown in FIG. 11 described later, and a connection symbol corresponding to the connection state set by the connection setting process is Display on the clicked grid.

<Connection setting process executed by the control device>
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the connection setting process performed in step S14. In step S16, the CPU of the control device checks whether SS and SD corresponding to the grid to be subjected to connection setting processing (the clicked grid) are respectively connected to ports of the same device. That is, it is determined whether the connection between the supply source SS and the supply destination SD is made via the audio network 6 or not via the audio network 6.

  When in the same device (YES in step S16), the CPU of the control device sets a connection between the supply source SS and the supply destination SD in a device having the supply source SS and the supply destination SD in step S17. When the connection is set, the apparatus having the supply source SS and the supply destination SD performs event processing shown in FIG. 13 to be described later, and performs patch setting of the supply source SS and the supply destination SD in the own apparatus.

  When the connection between the SS and the SD is over a network (NO in step S16), in step S18, the CPU of the control device transmits a transmission channel (in the supply source SS) on which the audio signal supplied from the supply source SS is loaded. The assigned transmission channel) is searched, and if there is a corresponding transmission channel, its number is set to “i”.

  If there is a transmission channel on which the audio signal of the supplier SS is placed (YES in step S19), the “transmission connection” related to the supplier SS is already set in the apparatus having the supplier SS, and the supplier Since the transmission channel is assigned to the SS (that is, the signal of the supplier SS is transmitted to the network 6), the process proceeds to step S21 without performing step S20.

  If there is no transmission channel on which the audio signal of the supply source SS is loaded (NO in step S19), no transmission channel is assigned to the supply source SS in the apparatus having the supply source SS (in the patch setting screen) “No symbol” is displayed for the input port). In this case, the CPU of the control device sets “transmission connection” to the device having the supply source SS in step S20. The “transmission connection” set here is a setting for transmitting the audio signal supplied from the supply source SS to the network (that is, a setting for assigning the supply source SS to the transmission channel of the network 6). The CPU of the control device rewrites the information of the input port connected to the supply source SS stored in its current memory based on the content of “transmission connection”. Then, the content of “transmission connection” is notified to the device having the supply source SS, and remote control is performed to rewrite the supply destination information stored in the memory of the device having the supply source SS. The supply destination information is information indicating a supply destination SD (one of supply destinations of other devices) to which the supply source SS is to be connected.

  In step S21, the CPU of the control device sets “reception connection” to the device having the supply destination SD. The “reception connection” set here is a setting for receiving an audio signal corresponding to the name SSN of the supply source SS from the network and outputting the received signal SSN from the supply destination SD (that is, the supply destination SD). Setting to assign the transmission channel carrying the SSN to the connected output port). The CPU of the control device rewrites the information of the output port connected to the supply destination SD stored in its own memory according to the content of the “reception connection”. Then, the content of “reception connection” is notified to the device having the supply destination SD, and remote control is performed to rewrite the “supply source information” stored in the memory of the device having the supply destination SD. “Supplier information” is information indicating a supply source SS (one of the supply sources of other apparatuses) to which the supply destination SD is to be connected.

The operations performed by the control device and related devices in steps S20 and S21 are summarized. In steps S20 and S21, the CPU of the control device sets to connect the desired supply destination SD to the desired supply source SS in accordance with a connection instruction from the operator (“transmission connection” and supply destination of the device having the supply source SS). Connection setting unit for changing the supply destination information and the supply source information stored in the memory of the device having the supply source SS and the apparatus having the supply destination SD by performing “setting of“ reception connection ”of the device having the SD” Perform the operation. The change of the supply destination information and the supply source information is remote control of each device by the control device.
The control device stores connection information (settings of “transmission connection” of the supply source SS and “reception connection” of the supply destination SD) indicating the connection contents set by the operation of the connection setting unit in the current memory.
Each device stores supply destination information regarding each supply source included in the device and supply source information regarding each supply destination included in the device in a memory included in the device. The remote control changes the supply destination information and the supply source information stored in the memory of each device.

<Connection clearing process executed by the control device>
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the connection clearing process performed in step S9 or step S12 of FIG. In step S22, the CPU of the control device determines that the supply source SS and the supply destination SD corresponding to the connection clear processing target grid (the clicked grid or the “other grid” in step S12) are in the same device. Check if it is in.

  When SS and SD are in the same device (YES in step S22), the CPU of the control device clears the connection between the supply source SS and the supply destination SD to the device having the supply source SS and the supply destination SD in step S23. . That is, the control device clears the connection information between the supply source SS and the supply destination SD stored in the current memory, and supplies the supply destination SD stored in the memory of the device having the supply source SS and the supply destination SD. Remote control is performed to clear the information and the supply destination information of the supply source SS.

  If the connection between the SS and the SD is over the network (NO in step S22), in step S24, the CPU of the control device clears the reception connection of the supply destination SD set in the device having the supply destination SD. To do. That is, remote control is performed to clear the supply source information of the supply destination SD stored in the memory of the control device, and to clear the corresponding supply source information of the memory of the device having the supply destination SD.

  In step S25, the CPU of the control device checks whether there is a device for which a reception connection including the name SSN is set in addition to the device that has cleared the reception connection. When there is no other device for which the reception connection is set (NO in step S26), in step S27, the CPU of the control device clears the transmission connection of the supply source SS set in the device having the supply source SS. . That is, remote control is performed to clear the supply destination information of the supply source SS stored in the memory of the control device, and to clear the supply destination information of the supply source SS stored in the memory of the device having the supply source SS.

  If there is another device with a reception connection including the name SSN (YES in step S26), the audio signal supplied from the supply source SS is received by a device different from the device that cleared the reception connection by the above processing. Therefore, the process is terminated without clearing the transmission connection in step S27.

<Connection setting and cancellation within the same device executed by each device>
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing event processing executed by the apparatus when the connection between the supply source SS and the supply destination SD in the same apparatus is set in step S17. In the control device, when the connection between the supply source SS and the supply destination SD in the same device is set, the device performs patch setting for assigning the output destination of the signal of the supply source SS to the supply destination SD (FIG. 13). Step S28). As a result, the output of the supply source SS is connected to the supply destination SD. Such patch setting in the same apparatus can be performed by a conventionally known technique.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing event processing executed by the apparatus when the connection between the supply source SS and the supply destination SD in the same apparatus is cleared in step S23. In the control device, when the connection between the supply source SS and the supply destination SD in the same device is cleared, the device cancels the patch setting in which the output destination of the signal of the supply source SS is assigned to the supply destination SD (FIG. 14 step S29). As a result, the connection from the supply source SS to the supply destination SD is disconnected. The release of the patch setting in the same apparatus can be performed by a conventionally known technique.

<Realization of transmission connection in each device>
FIG. 15 shows connection update processing periodically executed by each device connected to the network 6. The device in which the transmission connection is set in step S20 indicates supply destination information indicating the content of the transmission connection in the memory, and the device in which the reception connection is set in step S21 indicates the content of the reception connection in the memory. Each supplier information is stored. Then, by connection update processing periodically executed by each device, network input patch setting (realization of transmission connection) is performed based on the stored supply destination information, and based on the stored supply source information Thus, network output patch setting (realization of reception connection) is performed.

  In step S30, the CPU of the device detects a transmission connection in which the signal output is on and the transmission channel is not assigned among the transmission connections set by the control device, and detects the detected transmission connection. Sort according to the priority of the signal source SS.

  In this embodiment, the output of the audio signal to the network 6 can be set on / off for each signal supply source SS. The operator can arbitrarily set signal output on / off for each supply source SS from the control device or the device (I / O device) to which the supply source SS is connected. The signal source OFF supply source SS is excluded from the transmission connection implementation targets described below. For the signal output OFF supply source SS (input port), the symbol “La” is displayed in the transmission channel assignment state display column 74 of the patch setting screen (see FIG. 4C, etc.).

  In this embodiment, the operator can set a “priority” for each signal supply source SS from the control device. Details of the priority will be described later. By sorting the transmission connections in descending order of priority in the step S30, it is possible to control so as to give priority to the realization of the transmission connection with the higher priority. Step S30 is executed as a background process of the apparatus.

  In step S31, the CPU of the device prepares a first transmission connection detected and sorted in step S30. And the CPU of the said apparatus implement | achieves the transmission connection which connects supplier SS to the transmission channel of a network with the following processes. Step S32 is confirmation for a loop process described later. In step S33, the CPU of the apparatus determines whether there is a transmission channel that is not used for transmission of the audio signal among the transmission channels secured by the apparatus (a transmission channel that is not assigned to the supply source SS (input port)). Check). If there is no empty transmission channel secured by the device (NO in step S32), the CPU of the device proceeds to step S37 without realizing a new transmission connection in the current connection update process.

  If there is a transmission channel that is not used for transmission of the audio signal among the transmission channels secured by the apparatus (YES in step S33), the CPU of the apparatus supplies the supplier that should realize the transmission connection in step S34. Check whether the actual hardware of the SS is connected to the input terminal. If the actual hardware of the supplier SS does not exist (NO in step S34), the process proceeds to step S36 without realizing the transmission connection in the next step S35. As described above, even when the transmission connection is set, each device is connected to the supply source SS when the supply source SS is not connected to the input terminal (the supply source SS does not exist in the device). By not realizing transmission connection without assigning transmission channels, waste of transmission channels can be prevented. When there is no actual hardware of the supply source SS, the connection symbol “La” is displayed on the grid related to the supply source SS on the patch setting screen (see FIG. 4C).

  In step S35, the CPU of the apparatus uses one unused transmission channel (i) among the transmission channels secured by itself by the transmission channel securing process to transmit the audio signal of the supply source SS. Assign to the transmission channel. That is, the channel number of the transmission channel is set to “i”, the transmission channel (i) is set as the transmission channel used for the transmission connection, and the name SSN of the supplier SS that should realize the transmission connection , Set the channel number (i) to SSN (i). Thereby, one of the transmission channels secured by the device is assigned to the supply source SS designated by the click performed on the patch setting screen.

  Then, the CPU of the device generates a transmission port of the transmission channel (i), and supplies the supply source SS (input terminal to which the SS is connected) by the patch unit (50, 51, or 52 in FIG. 4). Set the patch to be connected to the transmission port of the transmission channel (i). The “transmission port” is a port set in the network I / O (reference numerals 13 and 23 in FIGS. 3A and 3B) in order for the device to transmit an audio signal to the transmission channel of the audio network 6. is there. As a result, the CPU of the apparatus having the supply source SS sets the audio signal supplied from the supply source SS to be output to the network 6 on the assigned transmission channel (i). That is, in step S35, the CPU of each device assigns one transmission channel to the supply source SS based on the set transmission connection (supply destination information), and places the audio signal on the assigned transmission channel. The transmission setting unit is set so as to output, and the transmission connection related to the patch setting of the grid clicked by the operator is realized. In addition, the CPU of the device stores, in a memory, information on the connection status (the name SSN of the supply source SS, the input terminal to which the supply source SS is connected, information on the transmission channel (i), and the like) regarding the realized transmission connection. To do.

According to the above-described process of realizing the transmission connection, a device having a supply source SS determines which audio signal is supplied from the supply source SS based on one supply destination information stored in the memory of the device. It is only necessary to set whether to transmit from the transmission channel (i). For this reason, the apparatus having the supply source SS does not check the existence of the apparatus having the supply destination SD, and further does not check the existence of the actual hardware of the supply destination SD in the apparatus that should have the supply destination SD. The operation of realizing the connection can be performed.
For this reason, since the apparatus having the supply source SS can perform the same transmission operation regardless of the presence / absence of the apparatus having the supply destination SD, even if some of the apparatuses in the system are absent, The device's audio signal transmission operation can continue. For example, even if the engine 2 that is the center of the mixing system does not exist from the network 6 due to power-off or network disconnection, the audio signal transmission operation of each device can be continued. In other words, this mixing system can continue to transmit audio signals in the entire mixing system even when some of the devices constituting the system are absent.
Further, there is no need to negotiate over the network 6 between the device having the supply source SS and the device having the supply destination SD, and the same operation is performed regardless of the presence / absence status of the device having the supply destination SD. Since it can be performed, the control for realizing the transmission connection executed by each device is extremely simple. Therefore, even a device having only relatively simple control means can operate without excessive burden.

  In step S35, the CPU of the device notifies the set SSN (i) to all other devices on the network 6 and registers SSN (i) in its own T signal list. In addition, other devices that have received the notification of SSN (i) from other devices register the notified SSN (i) in their own R signal list by the process described later. Since SSN (i) is notified to all other devices, all devices know the name SSN of the audio signal supply source SS written in the transmission channel (i). That is, the CPU of each device sends the signal output information SSN (i) indicating the supply source SSN of the signal output to the transmission channel (i) to all other devices connected to the network 6 in step S35. The operation of the output notification unit for notification is performed.

  After realizing the first transmission connection prepared in step S31 by the above process, the CPU of the device performs a loop process of steps S32 to S36, and 1 for all transmission connections detected in step S30. The processing for realizing the transmission connection described above is performed in order. As described above, since the detected transmission connections are sorted according to the priority in the step S30, the priority level can be changed even when the number of transmission channels secured by the apparatus is smaller than the detected transmission connections. For a high transmission connection, a transmission channel is assigned to the source SS relatively reliably, and the transmission connection can be realized. Then, when there is no transmission connection to be realized (NO in step S32), or when there is no available transmission channel secured by the device (NO in step S33), the CPU of the device performs the process in step S37. To proceed.

  The priority control in realizing the transmission connection in steps S32 to S36 is a control closed in the apparatus that only sorts the transmission connections according to the priority. Priority control is an operation that does not consider the relationship with other devices having the transmission connection supply destination, and is the same operation regardless of which other device has the transmission connection supply destination. Realized by simple processing. Transmission channel assignment processing in a network such as a normal Ethernet (registered trademark) standard is a configuration in which transmission channels are assigned to connection settings (supplier and supplier) between nodes. This is not a configuration (closed control at the transmission side node) in which a transmission channel is assigned to the transmission side (supplier). For this reason, when performing priority control of connection settings between nodes in a general network, the node to which the connection settings are supplied affects the priority control. As a result, priority control is performed. The process to do becomes complicated. On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, as described above, priority control by extremely simple processing is possible.

<Realization of receiving connection in each device>
In step S37 of FIG. 15, the CPU of the device detects a reception connection whose reception port is not connected among the reception connections set by the control device. The reception port is a port set in the network I / O (reference numerals 13 and 23 in FIGS. 3A and 3B) in order for the device to receive an audio signal from the transmission channel of the audio network 6. “Reception connection with no reception port connected” is a reception connection in which a transmission channel is not assigned to the supply destination SD, that is, a reception connection that is not realized. Step S37 is executed as a background process of the apparatus.

  In step S38, the CPU of the apparatus prepares the first reception connection detected in step S37, and realizes the reception connection for connecting the supply source SSN to the supply destination SD by the following processing. Step S39 is confirmation for a loop process described later. In step S40, the CPU of the device checks whether or not the actual hardware of the supply destination SD that is to realize the reception connection is connected to the output terminal. When the actual hardware of the supply destination SD does not exist, the CPU of the device advances the process to step S47 without realizing the reception connection in the current connection update process. When the actual hardware of the supply destination SD does not exist in the apparatus, the connection symbol “La” is displayed in the grid corresponding to the supply destination SD of the patch setting screen (FIG. 4). (See (c)).

  In step S41, the CPU of the device searches for a reception port that is receiving an audio signal transmitted from the supply source SS of the name SSN indicated in the reception connection. In the memory in the device, the name SSN of the supply source SS of the audio signal received at the reception port is stored corresponding to each reception port of the device. The CPU of the apparatus can determine whether there is another reception port that is receiving the signal of the SSN by referring to the memory. If there is a reception port that is receiving an SSN signal (YES in step S42), the reception port can be used for the reception connection realized this time, and the process proceeds to step S46.

  If there is no receiving port that is receiving the SSN (NO in step S42), in step S43, the CPU of the device searches the SSN (i) corresponding to the SSN by referring to the R signal list held by itself. . Thereby, the number (i) of the transmission channel on which the signal SSN is carried is specified. When the SSN (i) corresponding to the name SSN of the supply source SS indicated by the reception connection is not registered in the R signal list (NO in step S44), the audio signal of the supply source SS of the name SSN is the network 6 Is not transmitted (the transmission connection is not realized), and the process proceeds to step S47 without realizing the reception connection by the processes of steps S45 and S46.

  In the R signal list, SSN (i) corresponding to the name SSN of the supply source SS indicated by the receiving connection is registered, and the number (i) of the transmission channel carrying the SSN is specified (in step S44). YES), the CPU of the device generates a reception port for receiving the audio signal of the specified transmission channel (i), and performs setting for receiving the audio signal from the transmission channel (i) (step S45).

  In step S46, the CPU of the apparatus connects the generated reception port to the supply destination SD (output terminal to which the SD is connected) by the patch unit (55, 56 or 57 in FIG. 4). Thereby, the apparatus having the supply destination SD can receive the audio signal corresponding to the name SSN placed on the transmission channel (i) from the reception port and supply the received signal SSN to the supply destination SD. That is, in steps S45 and S46, the CPU of each device adds the set reception connection (source information) and signal output information SSN (i) notified from another device for each supply destination SD of the device. Based on this, the transmission channel (i) to which the audio signal is to be input is determined, the reception setting unit for inputting the audio signal from the transmission channel (i) is operated, and the grid patch clicked (connection instruction) by the operator Receiving connection for settings. Also, the CPU of the apparatus provides information on the connection status regarding the realized reception connection (the supply destination SD, the output terminal to which the supply destination SD is connected, the name SSN of the supply source SS of the audio signal received at the reception port, and the transmission Channel (i) information, etc.) is stored in memory.

  After realizing the first reception connection prepared in step S38 by the above processing, the CPU of the device performs the loop processing of steps S39 to S47, and one for all reception connections detected in step S37. Processing for realizing the above-described reception connection is performed in order.

  According to the process of realizing the reception connection, the device receives a signal for the supply destination SD for each supply destination SD of the device based on the supply source information stored in the memory of the device. A transmission channel (i) to be determined can be determined, and an audio signal can be received from the determined transmission channel. Therefore, also in the realization of the reception connection, as in the case of the realization of the transmission connection described above, the device having the signal supply destination SD does not negotiate with the device having the signal supply source SS without performing the reception connection. Once implemented, the operation of receiving an audio signal can be started.

  Since the device having the supply destination SD realizes the reception connection by connecting the supply destination SD to the transmission channel carrying the signal of the supply source SS, the other devices of the mixing system are turned off or disconnected from the network. Even if it no longer exists, the receiving operation can continue. In other words, this mixing system continues to transmit and receive audio signals between the devices remaining in the mixing system even when some of the devices in the system are turned off or disconnected from the network connection. be able to.

The operations performed in each device by the connection update processing of FIG. 15 are summarized for one patch setting designated by the operator in the control device.
When one patch setting (connection between the supply source SS and the supply destination SD) is instructed by the operator in the control device, the device in which the transmission connection is set by the instructed patch setting performs the connection update process shown in FIG. As a supply source setting unit that performs a process (step S35) of assigning one unused transmission channel to the supply source SS designated by the patch setting from among the transmission channels secured by the apparatus. Function.
In addition, the device in which the reception connection is set by the instructed patch setting executes the connection update process shown in FIG. 15, thereby obtaining the audio signal of the transmission channel assigned to the supply source SS by the supply source setting unit. It receives (step S45) and functions as a supply destination setting unit for supplying the received audio signal to the supply destination SD.
Therefore, even in the patch setting for connecting the supply source SS and the supply destination SD via the network 6, the operator simply clicks the connection between the desired supply source SS and the supply destination SD from the patch setting screen displayed on the control device. Then, in response to the connection instruction (click) by the operator, one transmission channel is selected from the transmission channels secured by the apparatus having the supply source SS, and using the selected transmission channel, The supply destination SD is connected.

  In addition, even when a transmission connection is set according to a patch setting instruction by an operator, a transmission that is not used for transmission of an audio signal in a transmission channel secured by a device to which the transmission connection is set If there is no channel (if there is no vacant transmission channel), step S33 is branched to NO, the transmission channel is not assigned to the supply source SS, and transmission connection is not realized. In other words, by realizing transmission connection within the range of transmission channels reserved in advance by each device, it is possible to limit the output band of the device (the transmission band (transmission channel) used by the device for transmitting audio signals). it can. As described above, since the number of unused transmission channels is insufficient in the device for which the transmission connection is set (NO in step S33), when the transmission connection is not realized, the CPU 0 of the control device performs the processing shown in FIG. In step S15, a connection symbol “◯” is displayed on the grid to warn the operator that there are not enough unused transmission channels.

  If the transmission connection is not realized, when a device in which a reception connection corresponding to the transmission connection is set performs connection update processing, SSN (i) corresponding to the supply source SS in the R signal list of the device Is not registered, step S44 is branched to NO, and the reception connection corresponding to the transmission connection is not realized. Accordingly, the connection between the supply source SS and the supply destination SD based on the patch setting instruction is not realized. In this case, in the device having the supply destination SD to which the supply source SS is connected (the device indicated by the supply destination information of the supply source SS), the supply source of the silent signal in the device (see FIG. The zero-level signal supply source (not shown) described with reference to FIG. 4 may be locally connected so that a silence signal is output from the supply destination.

  When the device in which the transmission connection is set and the device in which the reception connection is set perform the connection update process of FIG. 15 as a result of the patch setting instructed by the operator, it is displayed on the display unit of the control device. In the grid corresponding to the patch setting on the patch setting screen, the connection symbol “●” is displayed in step S15 of FIG. If the transmission connection is not realized because there are not enough unused transmission channels (NO in step S33), the connection symbol “◯” is displayed in the grid in the same manner in step S15. If there is no device for which a transmission connection is set or a device for which a reception connection is set, or if there is no actual hardware of the supply source SS or the supply destination SD (NO in step S34 or S40), the connection is similarly made in step S15. The symbol “La” is displayed in the grid. That is, the CPU of the control device performs control to display connection symbols of different display modes depending on whether or not the instructed patch setting is realized. Thereby, the operator can know the result of the patch setting.

  Also, although there are not enough unused transmission channels (NO in step S33), the patch setting that has not been realized and is in an unrealized state (connection symbol “◯” on the grid) is instructed by the operator. When the number of transmission channels KN reserved in the apparatus increases (applied patch setting), a new transmission channel is secured by the process of FIG. 7 or the process of FIG. 27 described later. Case), the patch setting is automatically realized. That is, when the connection update process is performed, the device in which the unrealized transmission connection is set causes the empty transmission channel generated by the increase in the number of transmission channels KN to the supply source SS corresponding to the transmission connection. Assign to realize the transmission connection. Accordingly, the apparatus having the supply destination SD to be connected to the supply source SS realizes a reception connection corresponding to the transmission connection that has not been realized when the connection update process is executed. Here, since the connection update process is a process periodically executed by each device, if the number of transmission channels KN reserved in the device to which the transmission connection is set increases, the connection update processing is automatically unrealized. Patch setting is realized.

<Release incoming connection on each device>
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing event processing executed by the device (device having the supply destination SD) whose reception connection is cleared when the reception connection is cleared in step S24 of FIG. In step S48, the CPU of the apparatus confirms the supply source SS (connection destination) to which the supply destination SD is connected based on the supply source information of the supply destination SD corresponding to the cleared reception connection, and the supply The receiving port to which the destination SD is connected and the transmission channel i of the receiving port are specified. If there is no connection from the reception port to the supply destination SD (NO in step S49), no reception connection is made in the device, and the CPU of the device ends this process.

  If there is a connection from the reception port to the supply destination SD (YES in step S49), in step S50, the CPU of the device disconnects the connection between the supply destination SD and the reception port. In step S51, if there is no supply destination connected to the reception port other than the disconnected supply destination SD, the CPU of the device cancels reception of the transmission channel i in the device, and receives the reception port. Annihilate. When there is another supply destination connected to the reception port (NO in step S49), in step S51, the CPU of the device does not cancel the reception of the transmission channel i, but the reception port. Hold.

In the present embodiment, there is an upper limit on the number of reception ports generated for each device (there is an upper limit on the number of transmission channels that can be connected to the supply destination SD in each device). Is dynamically controlled (setting and cancellation of reception ports). That is, when it is necessary to receive a certain transmission channel, the reception port is generated by setting the reception of that transmission channel in steps S45 and S46 of FIG. 15, and it is no longer necessary to receive a certain transmission channel. In step S51 of FIG. 16, the reception of the transmission channel is canceled and the reception port is extinguished.
If there is no restriction on the transmission band used for each device to receive an audio signal on the network 6 and reception ports can be generated without restriction, transmission that the device does not secure among all the transmission channels of the network 6. Configure all channels (or all transmission channels listed in the R signal list) (transmission channels secured by all other devices) at all times, and generate all reception ports for receiving those transmission channels. Also good. In that case, there is no need to dynamically set or cancel reception of the transmission channel, and the receiving connection setting process included in the connection update shown in FIG. 15 and the receiving connection clearing process shown in FIG. 16 can be simplified. Can do.

<Transmission connection clear in each device>
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing event processing executed by the device (device having the supply source SS) whose transmission connection is cleared when the transmission connection is cleared in step S27 of FIG. In step S52, the CPU of the device searches the SSN (i) corresponding to the source SS of the transmission connection to be cleared (name SSN of the SS) by referring to the T signal list held by itself. The channel number (i) of the transmission channel used for transmission of the signal SSN is specified.

  If there is an SSN (i) corresponding to the name SSN in the T signal list (YES in step S53), in step S54, the CPU of the device determines the transmission port of the identified transmission channel (i) and the name SSN. The connection of the supply source SS is disconnected, and null is set in SSN (i). Then, the record of the SSN (i) is deleted from its own T signal list, and the SSN (i) in which the null is set is notified to other devices on the network. As a result, the transmission connection is released.

<R signal list update processing>
A process executed by each device when the SSN (i) notified from another device is received will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG. In step S55, the CPU of each device determines whether the notified value of SSN (i) is null. When the name SSN of the supply source SS is set in the notified SSN (i) (No in step S55), the CPU of each device displays the notified SSN (i) in the R signal list that the own device has. (Step S56). Thereby, each device stores the name SSn of the supply source SS of the audio signal transmitted by another device and the transmission channel (i) used for the transmission in association with each other.

On the other hand, if SSN (i) is null (Yes in step S55), if SSN (i) of number (i) has already been registered in the R signal list of the device, the SSN (i) is Delete from the list (step S57). For example, when the connection between the transmission port of the transmission channel (i) and the supply source SS is disconnected in another device, SSN (i) in which null is set is notified (see step S54 and the like) Since the SSN (i) is registered in the R signal list of the device, each device that has received notification of SSN (i) in which null is set deletes the SSN (i) in the R signal list.
When a transmission channel (i) is secured when the device joins the network, null is set in SSN (i) for each secured transmission channel (i), and SSN (i) in which the null is set is notified. However, since the SSN (i) is not registered in the R signal list of the other device at this stage, the other device that has received the notification does not perform any processing at this stage. There is no need to do.

  In this embodiment, the list configuration is such that non-null SSN (i) is recorded in the R signal list of each device. However, all transmission channels secured by other devices including null SSN (i) are used. SSN (i) may be recorded in the R signal list of each device. The same applies to the T signal list. In the present embodiment, the non-null SSN (i) is recorded in the T signal list of each device. You may make it record SSN (i) of all the secured transmission channels. Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example is described in which the R signal list and T signal list of each device are configured as separate lists. However, the R signal list and the T signal list are combined to create an entire mixing system. Each device has one signal list in which SSN (i) of the transmission channel is recorded, and the portion of the transmission channel secured by the device is used as the T signal list in the signal list, and the other portions May be used as the R signal list.

<Engine input patch, output patch>
In the description of the patch setting with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 10 to 17, the connection between the supply source SS (input port) and the supply destination SD (output port) has been described. When the connection between the supply source SS (input port) and the input channel of the mixing engine 2 is performed, the operation is substantially the same. In this case, the “supply destination SD (output) in the description of the connection between the supply source SS and the supply destination SD is used. Port) ”is read as“ Input channel ”.

  That is, when the connection setting of the supply source SS (input port) and the input channel is performed, the CPU of the control device sets the transmission connection of the device having the supply source SS (step S20 in FIG. 11) and sets the input channel. The reception connection of the engine 2 is set (step S21 in FIG. 11). Then, the CPU of the engine 2 sets reception of the transmission channel i on which the signal of the supply source SS is loaded, and connects the reception port of the transmission channel i to the input channel (steps S45 and S46 in FIG. 15). When the connection setting is cleared, the CPU of the control device clears the reception connection of the engine 2 having the input channel (step S24 in FIG. 12) and, if necessary, the device having the supply source SS. The transmission connection is cleared (step 27 in FIG. 12). Then, the CPU of the engine 2 disconnects the connection from the reception port of the transmission channel i to the input channel and cancels reception of the transmission channel i if there is no other input channel connected to the reception port. The reception port is extinguished (steps S50 and S51 in FIG. 16).

When the output channel of the mixing engine 2 is connected to the supply destination SD (output port), the “supply source SS” in the description of the connection between the supply source SS and the supply destination SD is read as “output channel”. That is, when the connection setting of the output channel and the supply destination SD (output port) is performed, the control device sets the transmission connection of the engine 2 having the output channel (step S20 in FIG. 11) and has the supply destination SD. The receiving connection of the device is set (step S21 in FIG. 11). The engine 2 sets one of the transmission channels secured by itself to “i”, generates a transmission port of the transmission channel (i), and connects the output channel to the transmission port of the transmission channel (i) ( Step S35 in FIG. 15). At this time, the name SSN of the output signal of the output channel (name SSN of the supply source SS of this signal) and the transmission channel (i) are set to SSN (i), and the SSN (i) is set on the other network. And register it in its own T signal list.
When the connection setting is cleared, the CPU of the control device clears the reception connection of the device having the supply destination SD (step S24 in FIG. 12) and clears the transmission connection of the engine having the output channel. (Step S27 in FIG. 12). Then, the CPU of the engine 2 disconnects the connection from the output channel to the transmission port of the transmission channel i, sets null to SSN (i), notifies this to other devices on the network, and SSN (i) is deleted from the signal list (step S54 in FIG. 17).

<Description of simple UI>
In the above description, the patch setting has been described from the patch setting screen displayed on the display unit of the control device. In this mixing system, each of the I / O devices 3 to 5 includes a simple operator interface (simple UI 25) including a display unit and an operator, and the simple UI 25 of each of the I / O devices 3 to 5 is used. The local patch setting of the I / O device can be performed. FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the simple UI 25 included in each of the I / O devices 3 to 5.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the simple UI 25 includes a display device 75 and an operator group. The display device 75 is constituted by, for example, an LED display device, and can display a patch setting screen described later based on the control of the CPU 20. The operator group includes a cursor key 76, an increment switch 77, a decrement switch 78, an enter key 79, and a cancel key 80. As shown in the figure, the simple UI 25 has a very simple configuration.

  The operator calls the patch setting screen of the supply destination SD or the patch setting screen of the supply source SS on the display unit 75 of the I / O device, and uses the operators 76 to 80 from the patch setting screen displayed on the display unit 75. The patch setting of the supply destination SD or the patch setting of the supply source SS can be performed. The patch setting of the supply destination SD is a patch setting for connecting one input of a supply source SS (input port) possessed by the apparatus or an input of the network to one supply destination SD (output port) possessed by the apparatus. . Further, the patch setting of the supply source SS is a patch setting for connecting one output destination SD (output port) of the device or the output of the network to one supply source SS (input port) of the device. It is.

<Supplier SD patch setting screen>
20A and 20B show a configuration example of the patch setting screen of the supply destination SD. 20A and 20B, the character string “# 1 I / O Device” or “Out Port Patch” displayed at the top of the screen causes the screen to be output to the output port of the first I / O device (the corresponding output port). It is shown that this is a screen for setting a patch for the supply destination SD) connected to.

  20A and 20B, in the To column 81, the operator can select one from the list of all output ports of the I / O device. The To column 81 displays the port name of the selected output port. The port name includes a slot number (“Slot 2” in the figure) in which the output port (output terminal) is mounted and a terminal number of the terminal (“Port 3” in the figure). In the From column 82 arranged on the right side of the To column 81, the operator selects all output ports selected in the To column 81 as connection destinations (audio signal supply sources) of the I / O device. One of the input ports (local input ports) or an input from the network can be selected.

  FIG. 20A shows a case where a local input port is selected in the From column 82, and the name of the selected input port (input terminal) is displayed in the From column 82. In this case, the operator sets a local patch (local connection) that assigns the input port (source SS) selected in the From column 82 to the output port (source SD) selected in the To column 81 from the patch setting screen. ) Can be instructed. The name of the input port displayed in the From column 82 is also composed of a slot number (“Slot 1” in the figure) and a port number (“Port 3” in the figure). In the NAME column 83, the name SSN given to the supply source SS connected to the input port (input terminal) selected in the From column 82 is displayed. In the NAME field 83 of FIG. 20A, since one name is determined for the input port selected in the From field 82, unlike the other display fields, a square box is not drawn. That is, the name is not selected from the NAME column 83.

  FIG. 20B shows a case where network input is selected in the From column 82, and “Network” is displayed in the From column 82. In this case, the operator further uses the operator groups 76 to 80 in the NAME column 83 to select one SSN from among a plurality of SSN (i) registered in the R signal list of the I / O device. select. By selecting the SSN, the operator can specify the audio signal received from the network. That is, the operator instructs the reception connection for assigning the reception port of the transmission channel in which the audio signal selected in the NAME field 83 is loaded to the output port (supply destination SD) selected in the To field 81 from the patch setting screen. can do.

<Supplier SS patch setting screen>
21A and 21B show configuration examples of the patch setting screen of the supply source SS. In FIGS. 21A and 21B, the character string “# 1 I / O Device” or “Input Port Patch” displayed at the top of the screen causes the screen to change to the input port (input port) of the first I / O device. It is shown that this is a screen for setting a patch of the supply source SS) connected to.

  On the SS patch setting screen, a From column 82 is arranged on the left side of the screen, and a To column 81 is arranged on the right side thereof. In the From column 82, the operator can select one of all input ports of the I / O device. In the From column 82, the port name of the selected input port is displayed. In the To column 81, the operator selects one of all output ports (local output ports) of the I / O device as a connection destination (audio signal supply destination) of the input port selected in the From column 82. Or the output from the network can be selected.

On the SS patch setting screen, the operator sets the name SSN for the input port (supplier SS) selected in the From column 82 in the NAME column 83. The name SSN can be set by selecting one name ssn from a plurality of names ssn registered in the name list of each device. The CPU of each device creates a unique name SSN in the mixing system by assigning a device ID to the selected ssn by a process described later. As described above, the name ssn registered in the list is an ordinary name (for example, “BGM” or “Mic”) that identifies the type of the audio signal, or a port name to which the supply source SS is connected. It is.
In order to perform this name setting in each of the I / O devices 3 to 5, the control device creates a name list in which a plurality of ssn is registered in advance for each I / O device, and the created name list is displayed. The data is transferred to the I / O device and stored in the memory of the I / O device. When another device receives an audio signal supplied from a certain supply source SS, the other device determines a transmission channel (i) for receiving the audio signal based on the name SSN of the supply source SS. . For this reason, the name SSN must be unique in the mixing system. Therefore, the SSN set for any one of the supply source SSs becomes invalid in the name list, and cannot be set for other supply source SSs.

  FIG. 21A shows a case where a local output port is selected in the To column 81, and the name of the selected output port is displayed in the To column 81. In this case, local patch setting (local connection) is performed in which the input port (supply source SS) selected in the From column 82 is assigned to the local output port (supply destination SD) selected in the To column 81. Note that, on the structure of the patch unit, one input port (source SS) can be connected to a plurality of connection destinations (multiple output ports or networks), but the patch setting screen of the source SS in the I / O device is It is designed so that only one output port (supply destination SD) can be connected to one input port (supply source SS).

  FIG. 21B shows a case where output to the network is selected in the To column 81, and “Network” is displayed in the To column 81. In this case, a transmission connection is performed in which the input port (supplier SS) selected in the From column 82 is assigned to the transmission port of the transmission channel. In another device that receives the audio signal transmitted to the network 6 through the transmission connection, based on the name SSN selected in the NAME field 83, a transmission channel to be received by the device is determined. For this determination, the name SSN of the supply source SS of the audio signal received at the receiving port is stored in the memory of each device corresponding to each receiving port of the device as described above. .

  When output to the network is selected in the To column 81, a signal output on / off setting unit 84 is further displayed. The signal output ON / OFF setting unit 84 outputs (ON) or does not output the audio signal SSN (signal name “BCast_ # 1 @ local” in the example in the figure) input from the input port to the network ( OFF) is a GUI that is set by an operator's operation, and is configured by, for example, a button image for switching on / off. When the signal output ON / OFF setting unit 84 is set to ON, the transmission channel assignment state is further displayed by the indicator 85 on the right side of the signal output ON / OFF setting unit 84. When the transmission channel has been assigned to the input port, the indicator 85 is lit, and when the transmission channel has not been assigned to the input port, the indicator 85 is turned off.

<SD and its patch setting process>
FIG. 22 shows when the connection destination of the supply destination SD (output port) is changed on the SD patch setting screen (FIGS. 20A and 20B) displayed on the display device 75 of the I / O device. 4 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the CPU of the I / O device.

  In step S58, the CPU of the I / O device checks whether the reception port of the transmission channel is connected to the supply destination SD (output port) whose connection destination has been changed. When the connection destination before the change is a network input and the reception connection is realized, the output port is being connected to the reception port. In other cases, that is, when the connection destination before the change is a local input port, when receiving connection of input from the network is not realized, or when the connection destination is not selected, step S58 is performed. Branch to NO.

  When the output port (supply destination SD) is connected to the reception port (YES in step S58), the CPU disconnects the connection between the output port (supply destination SD) and the reception port in step S59. Stops receiving audio signals from the transmission channel. As a result, the existing reception connection of the output port is cleared.

  If the new connection destination of the supply destination SD is an input port in the I / O device (“inside device” in step S60), in step S61, the CPU of the I / O device connects the connection destination of the supply destination SD. The supply source SS selected this time is set, and the supply destination information of the supply source SS and the supply source information of the supply destination SD stored in its own memory are changed. Then, SD and SS are connected based on the set connection. This process is the same as step S28 in FIG. The content of this connection is notified to the control device, and the control device stores its current memory connection information (information for connecting the supply source SS and the supply destination SD of this I / O device).

  If the new connection destination of the supply destination SD is an input of the network (“over the network” in step S60), in step S62, the CPU of the I / O device supplies the SD supply source stored in its own memory. The information is changed, and a receiving connection for connecting the transmission channel (i) carrying the signal of the name SSN selected in the NAME field 83 is set to the supply destination SD. When the I / O device performs the connection update process of FIG. 15, the set reception connection is realized (see steps S40 to S46 of FIG. 15). Note that the control device, depending on the content of the reception connection, connection information of its own current memory (supply source information of the supply destination SD of this I / O device and supply of other devices corresponding to the supply source information) Change the source information of the original SS).

<Patch setting process for SS and its connection destination>
FIG. 23 shows a case where the connection destination of the supply source SS (input port) is changed in the SS patch setting screen (FIGS. 21A and 21B) displayed on the display device 75 of the I / O device. 4 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the CPU of the I / O device.

  In step S63, the CPU of the I / O device checks whether the transmission port of the transmission channel is connected to the input port (source SS) whose connection destination has been changed. When the connection destination of the input port is “output to network” and the transmission connection is set, the input port is being connected to the transmission port of the transmission channel. In other cases, that is, when the previous connection destination is a local output port, when the transmission channel is not assigned to the SS (transmission connection is not realized), or the connection destination is not selected until immediately before. If YES, step S63 branches to NO.

When the input port (supplier SS) is connected to the transmission port (YES in step S63), in step S64, the CPU of the apparatus refers to the T signal list held by itself and the name SSN of the supplier SSN. SSN (i) corresponding to is searched, and the number (i) of the transmission channel that is the output destination of the signal of the supply source SS is specified. In step S65, the CPU of the device sets null to SSN (i) corresponding to the identified number (i), and transmits the transmission port of the transmission channel of the number (i) and the input port ( The connection with the supply source SS) is disconnected, and the transmission of the transmission channel (i) is stopped. Further, the CPU of the device notifies the other device on the network 6 of the SSN (i) in which null is set, and deletes the SSN (i) from the T signal list held by itself.
Note that the case where the step S63 is branched to YES is a case where the output destination to the network is selected as the connection destination of the input port. Therefore, the new connection destination this time is always the output port of the device. Either one. Therefore, after step S65, the CPU of the device proceeds to step S67 without performing the process of determining the connection destination in step S66.

  When the input port (supplier SS) is not connected to the transmission port (NO in step S63), and the new connection destination of the supplier SS is the output port (supplier SD) in the I / O device In step S67, the CPU of the I / O device sets the supply destination SD selected this time as the connection destination of the supply source SS, and stores the SS stored in its own memory. Supply destination information and SD supply source information are changed. Then, SD and SS are connected based on the set connection. This process is the same as step S28 in FIG. The content of this connection is notified to the control device, and the control device stores its current memory connection information (information for connecting the supply source SS and the supply destination SD of this I / O device).

  Further, if the input port (source SS) is not connected to the transmission port (NO in step S63), and the new connection destination of the source SS is a network input ("over network" in step S66). In step S68, the CPU of the I / O device changes the supply source information of the SS stored in its own memory, and is selected in the NAME column 83 as the output port (supply destination SD) in the To column 81. The transmission connection for connecting the transmission channel (i) carrying the received signal is set. When this I / O device performs the connection update process of FIG. 15, the set transmission connection is realized, and the SSN (i) in which the name of the SS is set is notified to the other devices. SSN (i) is registered in its own T signal list (see steps S33 to S35 in FIG. 15). Note that the control device receives the connection information of its own current memory (the supply destination information of the supply source SS of this I / O device and the signal of the supply source SS in accordance with the content of the transmission connection. The supply destination information of the supply source SS) of the apparatus of FIG.

  According to step S61 in FIG. 22 and step S68 in FIG. 23, each device connects the supply source SS of the device with another device (transmission connection of the supply source SS), and the device. The connection between the supply destination SD and the other device via the network (reception connection of the supply destination SD) can be set from the simple UI 25 of the device, and the connection is realized by the transmission channel securing process executed by the device (See FIG. 6). In other words, each device is necessary even if there is no control device for controlling the entire mixing system (when the control device is not connected to the network 6 or when the control device is turned off). Each signal path can be controlled independently.

<Processing According to Operation of Signal Output On / Off Setting Unit 84>
When the signal output on / off setting unit 84 displayed on the SS patch setting screen in FIG. 21B is operated, the CPU of the device executes the process shown in the flowchart of FIG. In response to the operation of the operator, the CPU of the device inverts the on / off setting state of the signal output on / off setting unit 84 (step S69).

  When the signal output off is set by this operation (“OFF” in step S70), the CPU of the I / O device changes the signal output on / off parameter to off, and changes the state after the change. Store in memory. Then, when the transmission port of the transmission channel (i) is connected to the supply source SS (input port) whose signal output is turned off (YES in step S71), the same processing as in steps S64 and S65 is performed. That is, the CPU of the I / O device disconnects the connection between the input port and the transmission port (transmission channel (i)) and sets null to SSN (i) for the supply source SS connected to the input port. Then, the SSN (i) is notified to another device, and is deleted from the T signal list held by itself (steps S72 and S73).

  When the signal output on is set by the current operation (“ON” in step S70), the CPU of the I / O device changes the signal output on / off parameter to on, The state is stored in the memory, and this process is terminated. Since the signal source is newly turned off before the operation, the supply source SS that is newly turned on is not a detection target in step S30 of FIG. 15 described above, and transmission connection is not realized. Since the signal output is set to ON by the current operation, the transmission connection related to the supply source SS is in a state where the transmission connection can be realized by the connection update process of FIG.

<Process when name SSN is changed>
When the name of the supply source SS is changed in the NAME field 83 of the SS patch setting screen shown in FIGS. 21A and 21B, the CPU of the device executes the process shown in the flowchart of FIG.
In step S74, the CPU of the device generates the name SSN by assigning the device ID of the device to the name ssn newly set by the operator's operation. Since it is assumed that the name ssn is not duplicated in the device, the name SSN becomes a unique name in the mixing system by assigning the device ID to ssn. When the transmission port of the transmission channel is connected to the supply source SS whose name has been changed (YES in step S75), in step S76, the CPU of the device transmits the transmission connected to the supply source SS. Set the channel number to (i). In step S77, the new name SSN set in step S74 and the channel number (i) set in step S75 are set to SSN (i), and the newly set SSN (i) is set. Notifying other devices and registering it in the T signal list held by itself.

<Lock of supply source SS and supply destination SD (priority control)>
In each patch setting screen shown in FIGS. 20 (a) and 20 (b) and FIGS. 21 (a) and 21 (b), the setting of the transmission connection of the supply destination SD or the setting of the reception connection of the supply source SS is as follows. A lock mark 86 indicating a setting state of lock on (unchangeable) / off (changeable) is displayed. In the example shown in the figure, the lock mark 86 is an image simulating a so-called padlock, and in the case of lock-off (changeable), as shown in the figure, the vine portion of the padlock image is displayed. Displayed in unlocked form. In the case of lock-on (cannot be changed), the vine portion is displayed in a locked form. When the connection setting of the supply source SS or the supply destination SD is locked, the operator sets the patch setting related to the supply source SS or the supply destination SD on the patch setting screen on the simplified UI 25 side of each I / O device (see FIG. 20). It cannot be changed in (a), (b) and the screens of FIGS. 21 (a), 21 (b).

  The lock on / off setting for each supply destination SD and each supply source SS is performed according to an instruction from the control device. That is, in a region (current memory) for storing the current operation state of the mixing system provided in the memory of the control device, a plurality of supply sources SS (input ports) connected to each device and a plurality of supply destinations SD (output) For each port), lock-on / off setting data for each supply destination SD and each supply source SS is stored. The memory of each device stores lock on / off setting data for a plurality of supply sources SS (input ports) and a plurality of supply destinations SD (output ports) connected to the device.

<Lock on / off setting switching>
FIG. 26 shows an example of a procedure of processing executed by the CPU of the control device when an instruction to set lock-on / off is issued for one supply destination SD or supply source SS. This process is executed, for example, when the operator performs an operation for designating lock on / off for the supply destination SD or the supply source SS from the control device.

  When the lock-on / off setting of the supply destination SD or the supply source SS is changed to on by the lock-on / off setting instruction (YES in step S78), the CPU of the control device stores the corresponding data stored in the current memory. The lock on / off setting data of the supply destination SD or the supply source SS is changed to ON, and the lock of the supply destination SD or the supply source SS is set in the apparatus having the supply destination SD or the supply source SS (step S79). ). The CPU of the device having the supply destination SD or the supply source SS changes the lock on / off setting data of the supply destination SD or the supply source SS stored in the memory of the device to ON. Thereby, the lock mark 86 on the patch setting screen is displayed in a display mode indicating ON.

  When the lock on / off setting is changed to off (NO in step S78), the lock on / off setting data of the supply destination SD or the supply source SS stored in the current memory is changed to off and the supply is performed. The device having the destination SD or the supply source SS unlocks the supply destination SD or the supply source SS (step S80). The CPU of the device having the supply destination SD or the supply source SS changes the lock on / off setting data of the supply destination SD or the supply source SS stored in the memory of the device to off.

<Lock and priority of supplier SS>
According to this embodiment, by setting lock-on / off for each supply source SS (input port) and a plurality of supply destinations SD (output ports) connected to each device, a plurality of devices connected to each device A "priority (priority order)" can be given to the supply source SS (input port) and the plurality of supply destinations SD (output port). That is, two levels of “priority” are set for the transmission connection of each supply source SS and the reception connection of each supply destination SD depending on whether the lock is turned on or off. The lock-on supply source SS or supply destination SD has a higher priority than the lock-off source, and the lock-off supply source SS or supply destination SD has a lower priority than the lock-on source.

<Priority transmission channel assignment>
By locking the transmission connection of the desired supplier SS and setting its priority high, transmission channel assignment to the locked supplier SS is realized preferentially. This appears in the process of step S30 in the connection update process (FIG. 15) for each device described above. That is, as described above, in step S30, the CPU of each device detects the transmission connection to be realized, and sorts the detection results according to the priority of the supply source SS. Then, the CPU of each device performs “realization of transmission connection” in order from the transmission connection with the highest priority. Therefore, a finite number of transmission channels secured by the device can be more reliably assigned to a transmission connection with a high priority. Furthermore, if the number of transmission channels necessary for realizing all the set transmission connections is not secured in the apparatus, the transmission connection of the low-priority supplier SS Compared to a high transmission connection, it is actively unrealized.
Therefore, by giving priority by lock on / off setting of a desired supply source SS, any of the set transmission connections (step S14 in FIG. 11) is preferentially realized, and which transmission is set. The operator can control whether or not the connection is not realized.

<Processing when changing DCN and preferential retention of some transmission connections>
The operator can perform an operation of setting an arbitrary number for the number of transmission channels DCN to be secured for an arbitrary device connected to the network 6. The DCN setting operation is performed, for example, when a transmission channel is newly secured or when a transmission channel that has already been secured is returned (a transmission channel assigned to the device is released). The operator can perform an operation of setting the number of DCNs in the control device or a device for setting a new DCN.

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing a process executed by the CPU of the apparatus in which the transmission channel number DCN is set when the operator sets the transmission channel number DCN. In step S81, the CPU of the device sets the difference between the value of DCN stored in the memory and the number KN of transmission channels currently reserved in the device to x. If the value of x is positive (x> 0) (“positive” in step S82), the number of DCNs newly set by the operator is greater than KN. In step S83, the CPU of the device The process of securing x transmission channels shown in FIG. 6 is executed to secure the necessary number of transmission channels. If x transmission channels can be secured, the CPU of the apparatus updates the reserved transmission channel number KN.

  On the other hand, if the value of x is negative (“x <0”) (“negative” in step S82), the number of DCNs newly set by the operator is less than KN. Return (release) the number of transmission channels of the absolute value x. Note that the absolute value x is used because the value of x in this case is negative (−x), and the number of transmission channels corresponding to it is the absolute value x. In step S84, the CPU of the apparatus compares the number of transmission channels that are not used for audio signal transmission in the reserved transmission channels with the number x of transmission channels to be returned.

When the number of unused transmission channels is smaller than x set in step S81 (NO in step S84), a necessary number of transmission channels are released from the transmission channels used for audio signal transmission. . The transmission channel in use for transmission of the audio signal is a transmission channel assigned to the supply source SS.
That is, in step S85, the CPU of the device determines a transmission channel to be released based on the priority of each supply source SS assigned to each transmission channel in use, and sets the determined transmission channel number to (i ). Here, (i) is one or a plurality according to the number of transmission channels that are insufficient (the difference between the number of unused transmission channels and x).

  In step S85, the transmission channel to be released is determined based on the priority of the signal supply source SS. As a result, transmission channels connected to a high-priority supplier SS (a supplier SS whose lock is set to on) are excluded from being released as much as possible, and a low-priority supplier SS (the lock is set to off). It is possible to perform priority control for determining the transmission channel to be released sequentially from the transmission channel connected to the supply source SS). With this priority control, even when the number of transmission channels is reduced, the connection between a desired supply source SS set with a high priority and the transmission channel is relatively difficult to be released. The priority order among the transmission channels having the same priority may be determined according to an appropriate rule, for example, in the order of transmission channel numbers.

  In step S86, the CPU of the device controls to display a warning on the display unit (P display unit 15, simple UI 25, or PC 7 monitor) of the device operated by the operator. This warning display indicates, for example, that the transmission channel is to be released and inquires of the operator whether to continue or cancel the processing. Further, the name SSN of the supply source SS to be disconnected by releasing the transmission channel to be released may be included in the display indicating that the transmission channel is released. When the operator cancels the transmission channel return processing in response to this warning display, the CPU of the device stops the processing and sets the DCN value updated by the operator's operation to the previous value (the relevant Return to the value before the start of processing.

  In step S87, the CPU of the apparatus disconnects the connection between the transmission channel and the supply source SS for all the transmission channels (i) determined in step S85 (deallocates the supply source SS to the transmission channel). ). Then, null is set in SSN (i) corresponding to each transmission channel (i), and each SSN (i) in which the null is set is notified to other devices on the network 6. In response to this notification, the other apparatus executes the processing of FIG. 8 and deletes each SSN (i) in the R signal list of each device in step S57 of FIG.

  In step S88, the transmission of the audio signal using the x transmission channels (i) in which the connection with the supply source SS is disconnected is stopped. As a result, the apparatus returns these transmission channels (i) to the network 6. Since these transmission channels (i) have been released from the assignment to the device, they become free transmission channels (see FIG. 2C).

  In step S84, if the number of unused transmission channels is larger than x set in step S81 (YES in step S84), unused transmission channels may be released, so steps S85 to 87 are performed. It is not necessary to disconnect the connection between the supply source SS and the transmission channel. In this case, in step S88, the CPU of the device stops transmitting audio signals using x transmission channels (i) among unused transmission channels, and transmits these transmission channels (i) to the network 6. Return (release) to. Since the unused transmission channel (transmission channel not connected to the supply source SS) is also transmitting a zero level signal (silent signal), the transmission of the zero level signal is stopped in step S88. .

  If the number of DCNs newly set by the operator is the same as the number of KNs (“x = 0” in step S12), it is not necessary to secure or return a transmission channel, and thus the process ends.

<New connection of control device to operating mixing system and priority control>
When a new control device is connected to an operating mixing system, the contents of the current memory of the newly connected control device and the memory of each device on the mixing system are synchronized. FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing a process executed by the CPU of the control device when the control device is newly connected to the operating mixing system. When a new control device is connected, when the new control device is physically connected to the network 6, and when the power is turned off, the control device is physically connected to the network 6. This includes the case where the power is turned on.

  In step S89, the CPU of the newly connected control device collects information on all devices connected to the network 6, and based on the collected information on all devices, the other control devices are included in the mixing system. Check if already exists. If another control device already exists (YES in step S90), the CPU of the newly connected control device synchronizes the stored contents of the current memory with the existing control device in step S91. Perform processing. That is, the storage contents of the current memory of the existing control device are overwritten on the current memory of the newly connected control device. As a result, the contents stored in the current memory of the newly connected control device coincide with the current state of the operating mixing system.

  If there is no other control device (NO in step S90), the CPU of the newly connected control device stores its own current memory in step S92 based on the information of all devices collected in step S89. The stored data and the device connected to the network 6 are associated with each other. In other words, the information of one or more devices stored in the current memory of the newly connected control device is identified as the actual hardware of the device and the actual hardware not present in the mixing system. To do. A device in which the information of the device in the current memory and the actual hardware on the mixing system match is a device that has been associated. In addition, when actual hardware of the device exists in the mixing system, but information on the device corresponding to the current memory of the control device is not stored, information corresponding to the device based on the collected device information And the generated information is associated with the actual hardware.

In step S93, the CPU of the newly connected control device designates one of the devices already associated in step S92.
In step S94, if the CPU of the newly connected control device includes the supply source SS and supply destination SD whose lock is set to ON in the information of the designated device stored in the current memory, the lock is performed. The connection information (supply source information and supply destination information) relating to the supply source SS or the supply destination SD for which is set to ON is overwritten in the memory of the designated device. As a result, the supply destination information of the supply source SS stored in the designated device-side memory and the supply source information of the supply destination SD for which the lock is set to ON are stored in the connection information stored in the current memory. It is rewritten to the corresponding setting. That is, when the control device is newly connected, the setting of the transmission connection of the supply source SS with the lock set to ON and the setting of the reception connection of the supply destination SD with the lock set to ON are set in the device ( At that time, the setting on the side of the newly connected control device is prioritized over the connection setting currently realized).

  In step S95, the CPU of the control device sets the supply destination information of the supply source SS other than the supply source SS in which the lock is set to ON, and the supply destination SD other than the supply destination SD in which the lock is set to ON. The supply source information is overwritten from the memory of the designated device to the connection information of the current memory of the control device. In other words, when a control device is newly connected, the transmission connection settings of each unlocked supply source SS and the reception connection settings of each supply destination SD are set in each device (at that time, they are currently realized). The setting details of the connected connection) take precedence.

  In step S96, the CPU of the control device overwrites other data related to the designated device stored in the current memory of the control device in the memory in the designated device. That is, when a control device is newly connected, all the information other than the supply destination information of the supply source SS and the supply source information of the supply destination SD is set in each device (the setting currently realized at that time). have priority.

  In step S97, the CPU of the control device designates another device associated in step S92, and performs the synchronization processing from step S94 onward for the designated device (loop of steps S94 to S98). processing). Then, the CPU of the control device performs the synchronization process between the current memory of the control device and the memory in the device for all devices at the time of the correspondence diagram (YES in step S98), and then performs this process. finish.

  Here, the main point of the operation of the processing shown in FIG. 28 is that when the control device is newly connected to the mixing system, the setting of the transmission connection of the specific supplier SS or the setting of the connection between the specific devices. From the viewpoint of leaving the setting state before connection of the new control device (priority is given to the setting on each device side), in other words, setting of the connection regarding the supply source SS that is not locked (supply destination information and supply source information) ) Synchronize by focusing on synchronization.

First, the CPU of the newly connected control device sets lock on / off one by one for the supply source SS or the supply destination SD that the plurality of devices 1 to 5 have by the processing of FIG. It can function as a specifying unit that specifies an unlocked supply source SS of each device among a plurality of devices (corresponding devices) of the mixing system.
Then, when the control device is newly connected to the mixing system, the CPU of the control device, based on the connection information stored in its own current memory, supplies each supply destination information stored in each memory. , And supply destination information related to the specified supply source SS, and supply destination information (that is, supply destination information indicating the supply destination of the supply source SS and a signal of the supply source SS are received. Update all information except the supply source information of the supply destination) (operation of step S94 to change the contents of the memory of each device), and based on the supply destination information and the supply destination information regarding the specified supply source SS Then, the connection information stored in the current memory of the newly connected control device is updated (operation of step S95 for changing the contents of the current memory). Can.

In another aspect, the CPU of the newly connected control device sets lock on / off one by one for the supply source SS or the supply destination SD included in the plurality of devices 1 to 5 by the processing of FIG. And a predetermined two mutually connected devices (a device having an unlocked supply source SS and a locked device to which the SS is connected) among a plurality of devices (mapped devices) of the mixing system. It can function as a specifying unit that specifies a device having no supply destination SD.
Then, when the control device is newly connected to the mixing system, the CPU of the control device, based on the connection information stored in its own current memory, supplies each supply destination information stored in each memory. , And the supply destination information regarding the connection between the two specified devices, and the supply destination information (that is, the supply destination indicating the supply destination of the unlocked supply source SS of one device) Update all the information except the information and the supply source information of the supply destination SD that is not locked in the other device (operation of step S94 for changing the contents of the memory of each device), and The connection information stored in the current memory of the newly connected control device is updated based on the supply destination information and the supply destination information related to the connection (the contents of the current memory It can operate as a further operating step S95) synchronization unit.

In still another aspect, the CPU of the newly connected control device sets lock on / off one by one for the supply source SS or the supply destination SD of the plurality of devices 1 to 5 by the processing of FIG. Thus, a predetermined two mutually connected devices (a device having a locked supply source SS and a locked device to which the SS is connected) among a plurality of devices (mapped devices) of the mixing system It can function as a specifying unit that specifies a device having a supply destination SD.
Then, when the control device is newly connected to the mixing system, the CPU of the control device, based on the connection information stored in its own current memory, supplies each supply destination information stored in each memory. , And among the supply source information, supply destination information related to the connection between the two specified devices, and supply destination information (that is, supply destination information indicating the supply destination of the locked supply source SS of one device) And the supply source information of the locked supply destination SD of the other device) (the operation of step S94 for changing the contents of the memory of each device), and the supply destination information regarding the connection between the two devices Based on the supply destination information, the connection information stored in the current memory of the newly connected control device is updated (the operation of step S95 for changing the contents of the current memory). It can operate as a synchronized unit.

  According to the operation of the process of FIG. 28 summarized from the above three viewpoints, when the control device is newly connected to the mixing system, the setting of the transmission connection of the supply source SS specified by the specifying unit, or the specific As for the connection setting between devices, the setting state before newly connecting the control device can be left. That is, according to this embodiment, the control device locks the direction of data synchronization between each device and the control device for each supply source SS stored in its own memory by the processing of FIG. By controlling based on on / off settings, the setting state before a new connection (data stored in the memory of each device) for the transmission connection setting of a specific supplier SS or the connection setting between specific devices Can be left. Therefore, it is possible to maintain a desired transmission path setting state of the mixing system.

<Double patch mode>
In the above-described embodiment, each device executes the transmission connection related to the patch setting specified by the operator on the patch setting screen shown in FIGS. 8A to 8C and FIGS. 9A and 9B. This was automatically performed by the connection update process (step S35). That is, it has been automatically determined which of the transmission channels secured by the apparatus is assigned to the supply source SS (input port) related to the transmission connection to be realized.
As another embodiment, in addition to the connection between the supply source and the supply destination, the transmission frame path setting (connection between the supply source and the transmission channel) may be configured to be specified by the operator from the patch setting screen. With such a configuration capable of setting double patches, the operator can manage the transmission channel (management of the transmission band) by himself / herself.

  FIGS. 29A and 29B show patch setting screens in which double patches can be set. (A) is an input patch setting screen of the engine 2. Although the configuration is substantially the same as that in FIG. 8C, the transmission channel assignment state display column 74 provided for each input port in FIG. 8C (reference numeral 87 in the figure) is changed to FIG. In a), the number of the transmission channel connected to each input port is displayed. As in FIG. 8C, a connection symbol “O” indicating patch setting / release of the input port and input channel is displayed on the grid. The grayed out columns (input ports to which MTR7 and MTR8 signals are supplied) indicate that no transmission channel is assigned to the input port.

  When the operator designates the column 87 in which the number of the transmission channel assigned to each input port is displayed by clicking or the like, the output of the transmission channel in the device having the designated input port (the first I / O device in this example). A transmission channel output setting screen for setting, that is, a transmission channel from which an input port signal is transmitted is opened. FIG. 29B shows a configuration example of the transmission channel output setting screen. In FIG. 29B, all transmission channels secured by the device are displayed in each column of the column. All input ports of the device are displayed in each row. Each column indicating the input port is divided for each slot. The operator clicks on the intersection (grid) of the matrix to instruct to connect the transmission channel to the input port corresponding to the grid. Thereby, a plurality of transmission channels secured by the device can be connected to an arbitrary supply source (input port). A connection symbol “◯” is displayed on the grid connected by the instruction. No connection symbol is displayed on unconnected grids.

<Another example of lock settings>
In the above embodiment, it has been described that the lock-on / off setting of the transmission connection of the supply source SS and the reception connection of the supply destination SD can be instructed for each of the supply source SS and the supply destination SD by the operation of the operator. As another example, an instruction to automatically set the lock on may be generated according to the signal types of the supply source SS and the supply destination SD.

For example, the name of the supply source SS or supply destination SD (name of input port or output port) is fixed such as a monitor channel (monitor signal input / output) or an income channel (eg, local broadcast input / output). For example, when a specific type for which a route is to be secured is set, an instruction to automatically set the lock on may be generated. When a specific type of signal for which a route is to be secured in a fixed manner is set in the supply source SS, it is desired to secure an input / output route for the signal, so that the transmission connection of the supply source SS is locked and the supply source SS The receiving connection of the supply destination SD that receives the signal (that is, the partner of the patch setting of the supply source SS) may be locked.
Further, for a supply source SS in which a specific type of signal for which a route should be secured is set, even if the transmission connection is not set without the operator setting a patch for the supply source SS, As long as the signal output ON / OFF setting of the supply source SS is ON (as long as the transmission connection is detected in step S30), regardless of whether or not the supply source SS is connected to the input port (ie, step A configuration may be adopted in which a transmission channel is automatically allocated to the supply source SS (without performing the determination in S34). For example, a transmission channel that transmits an intercom signal is automatically assigned to the supply source SS when “for intercom” is set as the input port supply source SS. As for the monitor channel, since a monitor output terminal (output port) is fixedly provided in each device such as the console 1 and the transmission channel is indispensable, the corresponding input port and output are automatically set. A configuration may be adopted in which a transmission channel is assigned to a port and a necessary route is automatically secured.

<Others>
In the above-described embodiment, the priority for each supply source SS is set in two steps of high and low according to lock on / off. However, the priority is not limited to this, and appropriate multiple steps are provided for each supply source SS. It may be configured so that the operator can set the priority.

  In the above embodiment, the setting of lock on / off of the supply source SS and the supply destination SD is instructed from the control device. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and the supply of the device from the simple UI 25 of each device The source SS and the supply destination SD may be configured to be set to lock on / off.

  In the above embodiment, the example in which the patch setting screen shown in FIGS. 20 and 21 is displayed on the display 75 of the simple UI 25 included in each of the I / O devices 3 to 5 has been described. Regardless, any device constituting the mixing system has an operator interface capable of displaying and operating the same patch setting screen, and has a display unit and an operation unit for performing the operation. By performing patch setting of the source SS and the supply destination SD (input / output port), it is possible to realize transmission connection or reception connection related to the patch setting within the range of the transmission channel secured by the apparatus.

  In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the operation of changing the number of transmission channels DCN to be secured as a trigger for starting the processing in FIG. 27 is performed from the control device, but is not limited thereto, and the simple UI of each device is illustrated. Thus, an operation for changing the number of transmission channels DCN to be secured in the apparatus may be performed.

  The patch setting in the control device is not limited to a configuration in which patch setting is instructed by a matrix diagram (patch setting screen) composed of a supply source and a supply destination as shown in the above-described embodiment, but an appropriate configuration known from the past is used. May apply.

  In the above embodiment, an example in which the master node of the audio network 6 functions as a transmission band management unit that manages transmission channel assignment states (number of transmission channels secured by each device) for each device, that is, the network 6. The example in which one of the devices manages the transmission band of all the devices has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and each device may have a transmission band management unit that performs assignment of each transmission channel. Good. In this case, in step S4 of the transmission channel securing process in FIG. 6, a request for securing x transmission channels is transmitted to the transmission band management unit provided in the apparatus, and a response from the transmission band management unit is received. obtain.

  In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the console 1 is used as a control device has been described. In addition, the PC 7 connected to each device of the mixing system is also used as a control device. That is, the control device may be configured by a device incorporated in a device constituting the mixing system, or may be configured by a device independent of each device. When the control device is configured by a device incorporated in a device constituting the mixing system, the control device is not limited to the console 1 and may be incorporated in any device constituting the mixing system. Further, the function of the control device may be built in a plurality of devices in the system. Further, when the control device is configured by an independent device, the configuration is not limited to the configuration in which the control device (PC) is connected to the PCI / O of the device connected to the network, and the configuration is such that a PC directly connected to the network is used as the control device. It may be.

  The mixing system of the above embodiment is used for a PA (Public Address) system such as a concert venue or a large-scale event, for example, a system for on-site broadcasting in a facility such as a department store or a school, or a recording in a music recording studio. The system may be an audio mixing system (acoustic system) used in various scenes such as a system.

1 mixing console, 2 mixing engine, 3-5 I / O device, 6 audio network, 7 PC, 10, 20, 30 CPU, 11, 21, 31 memory, 12, 22, 32 audio I / O, 13, 23 , 33 Network I / O, 14, 24, 34, PC interface, 15 display section, 16 panel display section, 17 Volume level adjustment operator, 18, 26, 37 CPU bus, 19, 27, 38 Audio bus, 25 , 36 Simple UI, 42 Audio signal storage area, 50 to 57 Patch section, 60 to 63, 67 Audio input / output section, 64 Input channel section, 65 Mixed bus, 70 Channel name field, 71 Device name display field, 72 Slot number Display field, 73 Input port name display field, 74 Transmission channel assignment status display field, 7 Indicator, 76-80 Various controls, 81 To column, 82 From column, 83 NAME column, 84 Signal output on / off setting section, 85 indicator, 86 Lock mark, 87 Transmission channel number display column, SS supplier, SD Supply destination

Claims (3)

A path setting method for setting a path for transmitting an audio signal in an acoustic system for transmitting an audio signal from a signal supply source node to a signal supply destination node among a plurality of nodes via a network,
A securing process in which at least a signal source node among the plurality of nodes reserves a predetermined number of transmission channels among a plurality of transmission channels included in the network;
In order to set a path between a certain signal supply source node and a certain signal supply destination node, at least an unused transmission channel among the predetermined number of transmission channels reserved in advance by the certain supply source node is selected. the allocation process of allocating the transmission of the audio signal to 該或Ru signal supply destination node,
A transmission process in which the signal source node transmits the audio signal to the network using the assigned transmission channel;
A path setting method comprising: a reception process in which the signal supply destination node receives the audio signal from the assigned transmission channel. The acoustic system has a master node,
The route setting method according to claim 1, wherein the securing step exclusively reserves the predetermined number of transmission channels under the management of the master node. An audio device that transmits an audio signal to a desired device among a plurality of signal supply devices via a network,
Securing means for preliminarily securing a predetermined number of transmission channels among a plurality of transmission channels included in the network;
In order to set a path between a certain signal supply source node and a certain signal supply destination node, at least the predetermined number of transmission channels reserved in advance by the certain supply source node are unused transmission channels. And transmitting means for transmitting the audio signal to the network using the allocated transmission channel. .

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