JPH065903B2 - Matrix switcher with input / output combination pattern preset, storage and switching functions - Google Patents

Description

Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a matrix switcher having functions for presetting, storing and switching input / output combination patterns.

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional general matrix switcher is complicated because it is necessary to manually set an input / output combination each time. In addition, a multi-screen system implemented as one of recent multi-system matrix switcher utilization technologies forms a so-called multi-screen by arranging a plurality of TV screens vertically and horizontally, and typically the same TV program ( A program) reproduces in parallel a plurality of images taken in parallel. In this case, the matrix switcher must be switched each time in order to change the arrangement of a plurality of images for each music or voice message segment accompanying the main image, but in such a system that cannot be manually followed, The video sequence pattern determination and modification will be processed by a computer.

However, the determination of patterns and the switching control by computer control have the economical aspect of requiring computer equipment and the difficulty of creating a program according to the configuration of a multi-screen system or the like.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION Problems to be Solved by the Invention The present invention eliminates the inconvenience caused by the manual switching or the external computer control as described above in the matrix switcher or the inconvenience caused by the computer processing such as the multi-screen method. In one matrix switcher for selectively distributing signals to a plurality of output lines, an input / output combination pattern is created or input while visually observing and checking, and storage and switching control are performed.

Means for Solving the Problems In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a matrix switching circuit for selectively connecting a plurality of input lines to a plurality of output lines, and a matrix switching circuit for connecting the input lines to each other in the matrix switching circuit. Input number circuit and output selection circuit connected to a plurality of input number keys and output number keys for designating a power input and an output, and input numbers and outputs designated by the input and output number keys, which should be connected to each other In order to allow the user to confirm the combination of numbers, each element at the position corresponding to the output number is instructed to emit the input number to be connected,
A multi-window formed as a model of a predetermined arrangement of TV units connected to the plurality of output lines, and input numbers and output numbers entered by the input and output number keys are registered each time, Which has a plurality of pattern registrations and temporary storage positions for sequentially registering and temporarily storing the input / output combination patterns of a predetermined number or less determined by the plurality of combinations, whichever is most recently registered or called. Input / output control for controlling the input / output connection of the matrix switching circuit so as to realize an input / output combination pattern according to the pattern registration and the contents of the temporary storage position, and displaying the pattern on the multi-window. Circuit, and an entry for registering the input / output combination pattern in the input / output control circuit Over, a clear key for canceling the registration of the input and output the combination pattern in modern registered position of the output control circuit, and the plurality of pattern registration and temporary storage location in the forward order or reverse order of the sequence numbers 1
Input and output with a function key arrangement including a pair of forward and backward pattern shift keys for displaying in the multi-window while operating the input / output control circuit as the pattern to be realized according to the contents The matrix switcher has functions of presetting, storing and switching combination patterns.

Operation According to the above configuration, the operator decides the combination of input / output connection by the input number key and the output number key without complicating the complicated program procedure, and confirms the input / output combination pattern by the display of the multi-window at this time. However, this pattern is registered in the system, and the predetermined number of patterns thus registered are read out into the input / output control circuit in order from the one currently registered or called by pressing the pattern shift key. The matrix switching circuit is sequentially controlled so as to execute these readout patterns.

Embodiment FIG. 1 shows a block configuration in a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, the basic configuration of the matrix switcher of the present invention comprises a matrix switching circuit (1), an input / output control circuit (2), a multiwindow (2a), and a storage and control circuit (3). . In this case, the matrix switching circuit (1) is of an 8 input-16 output type, in which a plurality of video sources such as VTRs connected to 8 input lines are selectively combined and connected to a plurality of video reproducing devices connected to 16 output lines. It has an electronic matrix switching function. In this case, video sources VS ₁ , VS ₂ , ... VS ₈ are connected to the main terminals a ₁ , a ₂ , ... a ₈ of the input line, and output line terminals c ₁ , c ₂ , ...
... to each of c ₁₆ is obtained by connecting a TV unit _{TV 1, TV 2 ...... TV 16} , the input line sub input b _1, b _2, the ...... b ₈ connecting the appropriate necessary video sources However, the line input can be performed instead of the signal from the corresponding main input terminal by the sub-input operation described later. Each input line of the matrix switching circuit (1) has a buffer amplifier BA ₁ , BA ₂ ,
...... BA ₈ is inserted, and output amplifiers OA ₁ , OA ₂ ... OA ₁₆ are inserted in the output lines reaching the TV unit. By such switching circuit and amplifier connection, even when any of the video sources VS ₁ , VS ₂ , ... VS ₈ is distributed and connected to a large number of TV devices, these TV devices are provided with a sufficient level of video input. Can be obtained.

The input / output control circuit (2) controls the input-output connection of the matrix switching circuit (1) as described above, and the related input selection circuit (4), output selection circuit (5) and mode selection circuit. In cooperation with the (function key) circuit (6), the input / output connection, that is, the video array pattern is determined and registered, and the matrix switching circuit (1) is controlled in a mode for realizing this registered pattern. The input / output control circuit (2) itself has a function of registering and holding a plurality of video array patterns, and the plurality of video array patterns registered here are backed up in a storage and control circuit (3) by a memory key operation described later. Can be memorized. The pattern just after registration or the one called after being registered and held is used in this control circuit (2) as a so-called activation pattern for determining the connection of the matrix switching circuit (1), It is displayed by a multi-window (2a) formed as a model of a predetermined arrangement (multi-screen etc.) of TV units connected to the output line.

The storage and control circuit (3) reads a preset and stored automatic conversion program of a large number of video array patterns from a control program chip (7a) used as desired, and an input / output control circuit ( The execution pattern information for 2) is generated. Therefore, the storage and control circuit (3) is connected to the internal control interval timer (7b) for giving the execution timing of the automatic conversion program. A pattern switching signal interface circuit (8) is further connected to the storage and control circuit (3) as desired to receive an external switching timing signal for the pattern program stored in the control program chip (7a). However, the memory and control circuit (3) is instructed of this timing. The pattern switching timing signal from the outside is, for example,
By reading what is written in an extra audio track or the like of the input video tape used as a master source, it is possible to perform pattern switching completely synchronized with the progress of the TV program in the multi-screen system.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the circuit configuration of FIG. 1, the LAC control circuit (9) is connected to the output line (after output amplification) of the matrix switching circuit (1) and the input selection circuit (4). . This LAC control circuit (9) uses a line automatic changing function (Line Automatic Changing), that is, when one of a plurality of video sources that are playing in parallel ends or is interrupted, the TV unit to which this video source is connected is the master. A circuit that automatically connects video or another video source that is not interrupted or terminated.

FIG. 2 is a partial wiring diagram showing a substantial connection relationship between the main terminals and sub terminals of each input line and the LAC control circuit (9). As is clear from this figure, in the embodiment, L which will be described later
By selectively operating the AC key, the input number key, and the sub-input key, either the main input terminal or the sub-input terminal in any one desired input line is selected as a terminal in the same input line of the matrix switching circuit. Select switch ISW ₁ , ISW ₂
...... Select switch CSW ₁ and CSW ₂ for LAC in parallel with ISW ₈ …… C
It has SW ₈₁ .

The mode selection circuit (6) is an electrical connection circuit of various function keys for instructing the execution of the function of each block described above.

FIG. 3 shows an operation key panel of a matrix switching device in which the number keys of the input selection circuit and the output selection circuit and various function keys described above are arranged and a multi-window as a multi-screen model is arranged. In FIG. 2, the panel (10) has a multi-window corresponding to the input number key arrangement (11), function key arrangement (12), and (2a) in FIG. 1 in this case from the left end.
(13) and an output number key array (14) are provided, and a power key (15) is arranged below the input number key array (11). The input number key number (11) consists of eight illuminated numeric keys corresponding to 1 to 8 in this case, and the function key array (12) in this case has an entry key (12a) and a sub-terminal selection key (12b). ), Clear key (12c), LAC key (12
d), a pattern forward shift key (12e), a pattern backward shift key (12f), a memory key (12g) and a start / stop key (12h). In addition, multi-window (1
3) is 16 numerical light emitting elements (1) that simulate a plurality of TV arrays connected to the matrix switching circuit (1).
It is formed as a multi-screen model including 3A), (13B), ... (13P), and a mode display section and a program (pattern number) display section are arranged under the screen model. The output number key array (14) includes 16 numeric keys (14A), (14B), ... (14P) arranged in full correspondence with the multi-screen model.

In the structure of the operation key panel as described above, the determination, registration and storage of the input / output combination pattern are performed as follows. First, when the input number key corresponding to the video source to be supplied, for example (11-1), is pressed, the top surface of this key emits a light to indicate that it has been selected. The operator then selects the output key, eg (14
When A), (14B), (14C) and (14D) are pressed, the corresponding elements (13A), (13B), (13C) and (13D) of the multi-window (13) have the number "1" respectively. indicate. In such an aspect,
When the video input number in which all the elements of the multi-window (13) are selected is displayed, for example, as shown in FIG. 4A, the operator confirms that this is the input / output combination pattern to be executed and then the entry key Press (12a). Thus, this pattern is registered and held in the input / output control circuit (2), and the input / output connection of the matrix switching circuit is executed in this manner. When the operator again presses any one of the input number keys, the previously registered pattern displayed on the multi-window (13) disappears and the input key emits self-luminous light. However, the input / output combination itself according to the pattern is held until the next pattern is set and is registered by pressing the entry key. Repeating the operation of selecting one of the output number key combinations again in the above mode for this input key, a new input / output combination pattern is determined while observing the display of the multi-window (13) again.
Similarly, by pressing the entry key (12a), for example, the second input / output combination pattern as shown in FIG. 4B is registered. In this way, a predetermined number (8 in the embodiment)
While the following input / output combination patterns are registered, the input / output control circuit (2) constantly controls the connection of the matrix switching circuit (1) according to the latest registered pattern. To cancel the latest registered pattern (the pattern displayed on the multi-window (13)), press the clear key (12c).

A plurality of input / output combination patterns registered within the limit that can be registered continuously are collectively backed up or permanently stored in the memory and control circuit (3) by pressing the memory key (12g). In this case, the memory address in the memory and control circuit (3) storing the last registered pattern remains in the access (calling) state, and the memory pattern is displayed in the multi-window (13). It is held in the input / output control circuit (2) and defines the connection of the matrix switching circuit (1) as an activation pattern. For a plurality of input / output combination patterns held in the input / output control circuit (2), the operator presses the pattern backward shift key (12f) regardless of the presence / absence of backup storage. The previously registered pattern is called, this pattern is displayed in the multi-window (13) and the connection of the matrix switching circuit (1) is determined. Similarly, each time the operator presses the reverse shift key (12f),
Further, the previously registered pattern is sequentially called and executed. Conversely, when the pattern forward shift key (12e) is pressed, the input / output combination patterns registered and held after the currently executed pattern are sequentially called.

When the automatic line transfer function described above is performed, the input line is determined by pressing any input number key as a continuous video source to be supplied when an image is interrupted or terminated on any TV. , When selecting the sub-terminal input for that line, use the sub-terminal key (12
also press b). By pressing the LAC key (12d) at the same time, the LAC control circuit (9) stores this input key and the compensation input selected by the sub-terminal key operated as desired, so that a plurality of images can be displayed in parallel. If any video input disappears during playback, this is detected from the output line of the matrix switching circuit (1), and this condition is instructed to the input selection circuit (4), so that the line of the disappeared video input is detected. It provides a selected video signal to display images seamlessly during parallel video playback by all TVs in a multi-screen.

To execute various pattern programs from the control program chip (7a), press the start / stop key (12h), and to abort this program, press the start / stop key (12h) again. . In this case, the external timing control can be performed by the pattern switching signal interface circuit (8) described above.

As described above, according to the present invention, by arranging the input number key, the output number key and the function key on the front panel and forming the multi-window, the user does not have to go through a complicated program procedure, (EN) Provided is a simple and effective matrix switching device in which a video array pattern can be immediately determined, stored, and switched by a key operation. Further, by combining this with a control program chip and a LAC control circuit, it is possible to perform extremely various automatic control in multi-screen parallel reproduction by fully automatic control.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a device configuration in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a partial wiring diagram showing a substantial connection relationship between a main terminal and a sub terminal of each input line and a LAC control circuit, FIG. 3 is a front view showing an operation key panel of the device of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a view showing a general mode of pattern registration. (10) …… Panel (11) …… Input number key layout (12) …… Function key layout (13), (2a) …… Multi window (14) …… Output number key layout (15) …… Power supply Key

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A matrix switching circuit for selectively connecting a plurality of input lines to a plurality of output lines, and a plurality of input numbers for specifying inputs and outputs to be connected to each other in the matrix switching circuit. The input and output selection circuits connected to the key and the output number key, and the output number to confirm the combination of the input number and the output number specified by the input and output number keys to be connected to each other. Each element in the corresponding position is designed to indicate the input number to be connected,
A multi-window formed as a model of a predetermined arrangement of TV units connected to the plurality of output lines, and input numbers and output numbers entered by the input and output number keys are registered each time, Which has a plurality of pattern registrations and temporary storage positions for sequentially registering and temporarily storing the input / output combination patterns of a predetermined number or less determined by the plurality of combinations, whichever is most recently registered or called. Input / output control for controlling the input / output connection of the matrix switching circuit so as to realize an input / output combination pattern according to the pattern registration and the contents of the temporary storage position, and displaying the pattern on the multi-window. Circuit, and an entry for registering the input / output combination pattern in the input / output control circuit Over, a clear key for canceling the registration of the input and output the combination pattern in modern registered position of the output control circuit, and the plurality of pattern registration and temporary storage location in the forward order or reverse order of the sequence numbers 1
A function key arrangement including a pair of forward and backward pattern shift keys for displaying the multi-window is provided while calling the input / output control circuit as the pattern to be realized according to the contents. A matrix switcher with preset, storage and switching functions for the characteristic input / output combination patterns. 2. When at least one of the video input signals selected as the element video source of the input / output combination pattern being executed by the matrix switching circuit is interrupted or terminated, the video input signal is continued instead of the video input signal. A line automatic transfer circuit connected to the input selection circuit and the matrix switching circuit for distributing and supplying any one of the input signals, which is particularly selected by operating the input number key in the function key arrangement. When a selected video input signal other than the video input signal of the held number is interrupted or ended by including a LAC key for giving a command to hold the video input number in the automatic line shift circuit. , The video input signal corresponding to the holding number is input after the interruption or termination. Range No. (1) the matrix switcher according claims, characterized in that it has to be connected to the line. 3. The input / output control circuit can store the input / output combination patterns sequentially registered and temporarily stored in the input / output control circuit, which are equal to or less than the predetermined number, in a stored state in the registered and temporary storage positions. A storage and control circuit having a plurality of possible pattern storage addresses, and a backup and storage of a predetermined number or less of the registered and temporarily stored input / output combination patterns in the function key arrangement are stored in the storage and control circuit. The matrix switcher according to claim (1) or (2), further comprising a memory key for commanding. 4. A pattern chip storing a preset pattern group and a pattern switching program is connected to the memory and control circuit so that the pattern shift operation of the input / output control circuit is stored in the chip. The start / stop key for starting and ending the execution of the program is included in the function key arrangement so that the selected pattern is executed according to a switching program stored in the same chip. The matrix switcher according to item (3). 5. A pattern switching interface circuit having a timing output terminal connected to the storage and control circuit and a timing input terminal for receiving an external timing signal in order to externally control the execution timing of the program. The matrix switcher according to claim (4), characterized in that the matrix switcher is provided. 6. A plurality of input lines in the matrix switching circuit are respectively connected to corresponding main input terminals or sub input terminals via changeover switches, and in the function key arrangement, By having an auxiliary input key for connecting the selected input line to the corresponding auxiliary input terminal in cooperation with the input number key, it is possible to always connect the input line other than the selected input line to the corresponding main input terminal. What is claimed is
The matrix switcher according to any one of (1) to (4). 7. The connection from the input line to the line automatic transition input circuit, which operates according to a command from the LAC key, is made directly from a main input terminal or a sub input terminal in each input line, The combination of the LAC key and the input number key is selectively used in combination with the operation of the sub-input key so that the main input or the sub-input of any input line can be selected as the LAC input. The matrix switcher according to claim (6).