JPH05219589A - Adjusting device for audio equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To improve operability for controlling the various characteristics of audio signals at a car stereo unit or the like. CONSTITUTION:Adjustment such as volume adjustment, tone control or balance adjustment is executed to audio signals by the rotation of a rotary encoder 31. Each time, a manipulating knob 32 is pressed, adjusting functions are switched. This device is provided with detecting means 21 and 20 concerning the limit of respective adjusting ranges and alarm generating means 51 and 20 in reaction to these detecting means so as to roughly grasp the upper limit and lower limit of the adjustment enabling ranges for the relevant adjusting functions depending on the manipulating knob 32 to execute endless rotation, and a display element 41 is arranged near the manipulating knob so as to easily confirm the current state of the adjusting function just under executing the adjustment.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an audio device adjusting apparatus suitable for use in, for example, so-called car stereo device volume adjustment, sound quality adjustment, and left / right balance adjustment.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a car stereo device, it is important that the operability is good so that adjustment operations such as volume adjustment can be safely performed even when the automobile is running.

By the way, with the recent development of electronic technology,
An integrated multifunctional control circuit, commonly known as a multi-electronic volume control, is installed in a car stereo device, and various control functions such as volume control, front / rear balance adjustment, left / right balance adjustment, and tone control change the DC voltage. Only possible now.

The DC voltage for this adjustment control is formed, for example, according to the number of operations of each tact switch (push switch) provided for each of the plurality of adjustment functions. Alternatively, it is formed by a microcomputer according to the rotation angle of the rotary encoder. There are also multi-volumes consisting of a single rotary encoder and separate push switches for switching between multiple adjustment functions.

Conventionally, the adjustment state of each adjustment function such as volume, balance, fader, treble and bass level, and adjustment position is displayed on a centralized display located at a position distant from the adjustment knob.

[0006]

However, when a plurality of push switches are used in accordance with a plurality of adjusting functions, the number of parts increases and the desired switch must be selected by hand, so that operability is improved. There was a problem that was bad.

Further, in the case of a multi-volume type rotary encoder, since the function selection push switch is located at a distant position, there is a drawback that the operability is poor and the number of parts increases, and all necessary functions are incorporated. In some cases it was not.

Further, since the adjustment state of each adjustment function is displayed on the centralized display located at a position distant from the operation knob, the operator has to direct his sight to a position away from the operation knob. Therefore, operability and visibility are poor, and there is a safety problem when used in a car stereo device.

Particularly in the case of a rotary encoder,
Since there is no mechanism to limit the rotation, and so-called endless rotation, the user cannot mechanically recognize the limit of the predetermined rotation range corresponding to the adjustment range of each adjustment function,
You can only check the maximum value position, minimum value position, and center position of the adjustment range on the centralized display. Therefore, similarly to the above, due to safety, the adjusting device using the rotary encoder has a problem in its use as a car stereo device.

In view of the above points, an object of the present invention is to provide an audio apparatus adjusting device which is excellent in operability and visibility and has improved safety during operation.

[0011]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the adjusting device for an audio apparatus according to the present invention makes a plurality of audio signals each time the operation knob 32 is pressed, by making reference numerals of the embodiments described later correspond to each other. Adjusting function switching means 20, 33 for switching the adjusting function of the seed, and the operation knob 3
A rotary encoder 31 for generating a signal for forming an adjusting signal for each adjusting function in response to the rotation of 2.
At the rotational position of the rotary encoder corresponding to the limit of the adjustable range for each adjusting function, the alarm sound generating means 20 and 51 for generating an alarm sound, and a display for displaying the current state of the adjusting function near the operation knob 32. Elements 41, 42
And is provided.

[0012]

According to the configuration of the present invention, the user can recognize the predetermined rotation range of the rotary encoder 31, that is, the limit of the predetermined control range by the alarm sound, and
The current state of the predetermined adjustment function can be easily confirmed by the display element provided near the operation knob, and the operability and safety of each adjustment mode are improved.

[0013]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment in which an audio apparatus adjusting device according to the present invention is applied to a car stereo device will be described below with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 1 shows the electrical structure of an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 shows its external appearance. In FIG. 1, 10 is a stereo audio signal reproducing system, which has input terminals 11L and 1L.
The left and right channel audio signals from 1R are output terminals 14L and 14R via a multifunction control circuit 12 commonly called a multi-electronic volume control and amplifiers 13L and 13R.
Be derived to.

Reference numeral 20 is a microcomputer, and R
The microcomputer 20 includes an OM 21 and a RAM 22, and the microcomputer 20 supplies adjustment data, which will be described later, to the multifunction control circuit 12.

Reference numeral 31 is a rotary encoder. The rotary encoder 31 is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise by rotating the operation knob 32 coupled to the rotary encoder 31, and pulse trains CW and CCW having phases different from each other by 90 ° are obtained, and the pulse trains CW and CC are obtained.
W is supplied to the microcomputer 20. The microcomputer 20 detects the rotation direction of the rotary encoder 31 from the advance / lag relationship of these pulse trains CW and CCW. For example, if the rotation direction is clockwise, only the number of pulses of one pulse train is counted by the built-in counter. If the rotation direction is counterclockwise, the count value of the counter is decremented by the number of pulses of one pulse train. The count value of this counter becomes an adjustment value, and the adjustment data corresponding thereto is generated from the microcomputer 20.

The operation knob 32 is also configured as a push switch. When the knob 32 is pressed, the switch 33 is turned on, the input terminal 20s of the microcomputer 20 is grounded, and the knob 32 is pressed. When released, the switch 33 is open. And
The microcomputer 20 performs adjustment functions performed by the rotary encoder 31 each time the switch 33 is turned on, such as volume adjustment, front / rear balance adjustment, left / right balance adjustment, bass range level adjustment, and treble range level adjustment. Switch to cyclic one by one.

Further, the setting data of the lower limit value, the upper limit value and the median value of the count value for each adjustable range of each adjusting function performed by the rotary encoder 31 is stored in the ROM 21.
It is stored in. The lower limit value, the upper limit value, and the median value do not always become the same value in each adjustment function. Further, the RAM 22 stores current value data corresponding to the current rotational position of the rotary encoder 31.

Reference numeral 41 denotes an adjustment status display element, which is composed of a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) in this embodiment, and is arranged around the operation knob 32 on the panel of the car stereo device as shown in FIG. It is arranged so as to surround it. Among the display elements 41, LEDs 41mn, 41ct and 41mx corresponding to the lower limit value, the median value and the upper limit value of the adjustment range, respectively.
For identification, an LED whose emission color is different from that of an LED for displaying an intermediate value is used for identification. The LEDs for identifying the lower limit value, the median value, and the upper limit value are made to always emit light at least during nighttime during operation of the car stereo device.

Reference numeral 42 is an adjusting function display element,
In this embodiment, a liquid crystal display element (LCD) is used,
As shown in FIG. 2, it is arranged in the vicinity of the operation knob 32, and by pressing this knob 32, the display of the adjusting functions such as volume, front / rear balance, left / right balance, bass range level, treble range level, etc. can be performed. , For example, “VOL” “FAD”
The display is switched such as "BAL", "BAS", "TRE". Contrary to the above, LC is displayed on the adjustment status display.
D may be used and an LED may be used to indicate the adjustment function.

For example, 4-bit adjustment status display data is supplied from the microcomputer 20 to the decoder 43,
The output of the decoder 43 is supplied to the adjustment state display element 41 via the drive circuit 44. Further, for example, 3-bit adjustment function display switching data is supplied from the microcomputer 20 to the decoder 45, and via the drive circuit 46,
The output of the decoder 45 is supplied to the adjustment function display element 42.

Reference numeral 51 denotes a piezoelectric buzzer, which outputs a predetermined alarm signal from the microcomputer 20 when the rotary encoder 31 is rotated to the positions corresponding to the lower limit value, the median value and the upper limit value of the adjustment range of each adjustment function. This piezoelectric buzzer 51 is supplied. As shown by a broken line in FIG. 1, this alarm signal may be superimposed on the stereo audio signal so that the alarm sounds of the upper limit value, the lower limit value and the median value are emitted from the speaker.

Next, the adjusting operation of the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5 by taking the volume adjusting operation as an example.

Initially, the microcomputer 20 is in a state of waiting for input, and the RAM 22 stores the current volume control data.

When the rotary encoder 31 is operated in step S1 of FIG. 3, the output pulses of the rotary encoder 31 are counted, and it is determined whether or not the rotational operation direction is clockwise (steps S2 and S3). In the case of, the count value of the output pulse is added to the current volume control data (step S4). In the case of the counterclockwise direction, the count value of the output pulse is given a negative sign (step S5) and added with the current volume control data, that is, subtracted from the current volume control data to obtain a new volume. Adjustment data is generated.

As shown in FIG. 4, in this embodiment, the new volume adjustment data generated as described above is classified according to its value.

First, in step S11, it is determined whether or not the new data is less than or equal to the minimum value of the volume adjustment range. If it is less than or equal to the minimum value, a long alarm signal is supplied from the microcomputer 20 to the piezoelectric buzzer 51, and The volume control data of the value is supplied to the multi-function control circuit 12, and the status display data indicating the lower limit of the adjustment range is supplied to the display element 41 via the decoder 43 (steps S12 to S1).
Four).

As a result, a long alarm sound is emitted from the piezoelectric buzzer 51, and the user can roughly grasp the lower limit of the volume adjustment range only by rotating the operation knob 32. Then, as shown in FIG. 5A, only the LEDs 41mn, 41mx, 41ct of the display element 41 emit light, and it is displayed that the new volume adjustment data corresponds to the lower limit of the adjustment range, and the user is informed of the current volume. It can be easily confirmed that the adjustment state is the lower limit.

If it is determined in step S21 that the new data is equal to or larger than the maximum value of the volume control range,
A long warning signal is supplied from the microcomputer 20 to the piezoelectric buzzer 51, the maximum volume control data is supplied to the multi-function control circuit 12, and status display data indicating the upper limit of the control range is displayed via the decoder 43. Four
1 (steps S22 to S24). This allows
A long warning sound is emitted from the piezoelectric buzzer 51, and the user can roughly grasp the upper limit of the volume adjustment range only by rotating the operation knob 32. Then, as shown in FIG. 5D, all the LEDs of the display element 41 emit light, and it is displayed that the new volume adjustment data corresponds to the upper limit of the adjustment range, and the user is in the upper limit of the current volume adjustment state. Can be easily confirmed.

Furthermore, when it is determined in step S31 that the new data is the median value of the volume control range, a short alarm signal from the microcomputer 20 is output from the piezoelectric buzzer 51.
, The median volume control data is supplied to the multifunction control circuit 12, and the status display data for notifying the center of the control range is supplied to the display element 41 via the decoder 43 (steps S32 to S34). .. As a result, a short alarm sound is emitted from the piezoelectric buzzer 51, and the user can roughly grasp the center of the volume adjustment range only by rotating the operation knob 32. Then, as shown in FIG. 5C, in the display element 41, the LEDs 41mn to 41ct emit light,
It is displayed that the new volume adjustment data corresponds to the center of the adjustment range, and the user can easily confirm that the current volume adjustment state is the center.

Further, in the general case where it is judged in the steps S11 to S31 that the new data is neither the minimum value or less, the maximum value or more, or the median value, the new data is determined in the step S35. 12, and at the same time, in step S36, the state display data that is neither the upper limit, the lower limit, or the center of the adjustment range is supplied to the display element 41 via the decoder 43.
For example, as shown in FIG. 5B, only the low level side of the LED 41ct emits light, indicating that the new volume adjustment data corresponds to a level lower than the center of the adjustment range.

The adjusting operation of the low-pitched sound level and the high-pitched sound level is almost the same as the above-mentioned sound volume adjusting operation.
Detailed description is omitted. Further, in the case of front / rear or left / right balance adjustment, the current balance state is displayed as a bright spot on the adjustment state display element 41.

In this embodiment, the volume control mode is normally set, and even if the control function mode is switched by pressing the operation knob 32, if there is no input from the rotary encoder within a predetermined time, the volume control mode is set. It will automatically return to.

According to the above-described embodiment, the user recognizes the limit of the adjustment range of each adjustment function by the alarm sound, and even if there is no reproduced sound, the position of the operation knob 32 corresponding to the desired adjustment state. Can be roughly understood,
By directing the line of sight to the display elements 41 and 42 arranged in the vicinity of the operation knob 32, it is possible to easily confirm the current state of the predetermined adjustment function and improve the operability in each adjustment function mode.

Although the present invention is applied to the car stereo device in the above-described embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, a so-called home audio device for indoor use, a remote control device for a television receiver, a graphic equalizer, etc. It can also be applied to and has the same effect as the above-mentioned embodiment.

In the embodiment of FIG. 6 in which the present invention is applied to a home audio device, the multi-electronic volume is operated by pressing the knob 32, for example, as in the case of the car stereo device described above. The display element 41 has a function of switching and controlling the level, high-pitched sound level, and the like, and the display element 42 displays the adjustment state.
The display characters of the adjusting function such as “VOL”, “BAS”, and “TRE” are switched and displayed.

Further, in the embodiment of FIG. 7 in which the present invention is applied to the remote control device of the television receiver, it is provided with a function of switching the volume and tuning by pressing the knob 32.

In the embodiment of FIG. 8 in which the present invention is applied to the graphic equalizer, the equalization frequency band is switched every time the knob 32 is pressed, and the level of each frequency band is controlled by the rotation operation of the knob 32. It

In each of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, an alarm sound is emitted at the limit and center value of the adjustment range, as in the case of the car stereo device described above.

[0040]

As described above, according to the present invention, during the adjusting operation by the rotation of the rotary encoder,
Since the alarm sound is emitted at the limit of the adjustment range of each adjustment function, the rotational position of the operation knob corresponding to the desired adjustment state can be displayed without looking at the display display as in the past.
You can get a rough idea.

Further, since the display element is arranged in the vicinity of the operation knob to display the current state of the predetermined adjusting function, that is, which adjusting function is being executed and the adjusting state, the adjusting function is displayed. It is possible to easily confirm the current state of, and to obtain an audio device adjusting device with improved operability.

Therefore, if the device of the present invention is used in a car stereo device, the safety is improved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of an embodiment of an audio apparatus adjusting apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of still another embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 12 Multi-Function Control Circuit (Multi Electronic Volume) 20 Microcomputer 31 Rotary Encoder 32 Operation Knob 41 Adjustment Status Display Element 42 Adjustment Function Display Element 51 Piezoelectric Buzzer

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. An adjusting function switching means for switching a plurality of kinds of adjusting functions for an audio signal each time the operating knob is pressed, and a signal for forming an adjusting signal for the adjusting function according to rotation of the operating knob. A rotary encoder to generate, an alarm sound generating means to generate an alarm sound at the rotary position of the rotary encoder corresponding to the limit of the adjustable range for each of the adjustment functions, and a current adjustment function in the vicinity of the operation knob. An adjusting device for an audio device, comprising: a display element for displaying a status.