JPH08330867A - Volume adjusting device and video reproducing equipment providing the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To obtain a volume adjusting device whereby volume is automatically adjusted in accordance with the change-over of plural voice inputs or plural voice outputs. CONSTITUTION: Volume data corresponding to the respective MXN-number combinations with the N-number (plural) voice inputs and the M-number (plural) voice outputs is previously stored in a memory 1. A control part 10 constitutes a circuit so as to automatically adjust the volume level of the voice input or the voice output based on volume data from the memory 1 at the time of changing-over the voice input or the voice output. By passing a voice signal through a time constant circuit 3 at the time of the change-over, the quick change of the volume level is mitigated. Volume adjustment is not required whenever the voice input or the voice output is changed-over and the quick change of volume at the time of the change-over is corrected so as to cause no fear of unplesantness.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a volume control device,
More specifically, the present invention relates to a sound volume adjusting device that adjusts sound volume at the time of power-on and switching of sound input or sound output in a video reproducing device having a plurality of sound inputs and / or a plurality of sound outputs, such as a television receiver.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there are television receivers and audio amplifiers as electronic devices for switching and using a plurality of audio inputs and / or a plurality of audio outputs.

Some television receivers have a plurality of external audio inputs, and also have a speaker and headphones as audio outputs. A plurality of voice inputs can be input to a plurality of input terminals of an input switch (a part of the AV switch), and a user can operate a remote controller or the like to select any one voice input.

The voice output is switched from the speaker to the headphones by the user switching the output switch or inserting the headphones into the headphone jack.

An audio signal output path is formed between the selected audio input terminal and the selected audio output terminal, and the audio signal is connected to the audio output terminal through this audio signal path. It will be output as sound from (speaker or headphones).

On the other hand, the audio amplifier can switch and input a plurality of audio inputs from a tuner, a compact disc, a cassette deck or the like. Further, the audio output of the speaker or the headphone is configured to be switched and used, and like the above-mentioned television receiver, the user can freely switch the audio input or the audio output. There is.

[0007]

However, the above-mentioned conventional television receivers, audio amplifiers and the like have the following problems when the power is turned on or when the voice input or the voice output is switched.

(1) If the volume when the power is turned on is too high, a suddenly high sound is output, which causes a discomfort to the user and others. (2) If there is a difference (increase) in the level of voice input before and after the voice input is switched, the volume will increase rapidly even with the same voice output device. The problem that it causes discomfort.

(3) Since the sensitivity of the audio output device for the same audio input is different before and after the switching of the audio output, the volume suddenly increases, which is not suitable for the user and those around him. The problem of giving a pleasant feeling. (4) For the reasons (1) to (3) above, it is often the case that the volume must be readjusted after the power is turned on or after switching the voice input or the voice output, and it must be operated each time. The problem to say.

Therefore, the present invention solves the above problems,
It is an object of the present invention to provide a volume adjusting device that does not need to readjust the output volume after power is turned on or after switching between voice input and voice output, and there is a problem in its configuration.

[0011]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a volume adjusting device according to the present invention and a video reproducing device equipped with this device are provided with an input switch for selecting one from N audio inputs, and an M switch. Setting for predetermining and storing the levels of the audio signals passing through the N × M audio signal paths that can be formed by an output switch that selects one of the audio outputs of A storage means and a control means for automatically adjusting the audio signal level of the selected audio signal path so as to be equal to the level stored in the setting storage means when switching the audio input or the audio output. To do.

Further, the volume adjusting device according to the present invention and the video reproducing device equipped with this device provide a time constant for a change in the level of the audio signal passing through the audio signal path selected by the input switch and the output switch. A time constant circuit for operating is provided, and the time constant circuit is configured to start its function from the start of switching the voice input or the voice output and stop it after a predetermined time from the start of the voice signal.

[0013]

The volume adjusting device having the above structure and the video reproducing apparatus equipped with this device operate as follows. (1) For each of the audio signal paths formed by an arbitrary combination of audio input and audio output, a necessary audio signal level is set so that a predetermined output volume can be obtained. Specifically, this means that the amplification degree of the amplifier is determined for the audio signal passing through each audio signal path with reference to the proper output volume. The set level data is
It can be stored in the memory in advance, for example, in a table format.

When the control unit detects that the voice input or the voice output is switched, the control unit reads the level data corresponding to the switched voice signal path from the memory, and changes the amplification degree of the voice signal amplifier based on the level data. To do. As a result, the volume of audio output is automatically adjusted to an appropriate value.

(2) When the power source is turned on, or after switching the voice input and / or the voice output, the control unit, upon detecting the start of the voice signal, starts the function of the time constant circuit in the voice signal path after the switching, Stop after a predetermined time has passed. Then, since the audio signal passes through the time constant circuit, even if the level of the audio signal suddenly increases, due to the time constant effect,
The change in the output level of the time constant circuit is reduced.

As a result, in the audio output, when the power is turned on and when the audio input and / or the audio output are switched, it is possible to suppress a sudden increase in the volume.

[0017]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of a video reproducing device, for example, a television receiver to which a volume adjusting device according to the present invention is applied will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a video reproducing device which is an embodiment of a volume adjusting device according to the present invention as a whole.

The volume adjusting device comprises an audio signal input circuit 1 and
The amplifier 2, the time constant circuit 3, the switches 4 and 5, the speaker 6, the headphones 7, the switching detector 8, the voice signal start detector 9, the control unit 10, the memory 11, and the keyboard 12. , Infrared receiver 13 and video output circuit 1
4, a CRT display tube 15, a main body display tube 16, and an external image output circuit 17.

The audio signal input circuit 1 is controlled by the control unit 10 and is an input switch for selecting one audio input signal from a plurality of audio inputs consisting of an external audio signal of the video reproducing apparatus or an internally generated audio signal. It has the function of. The voice input selected by the voice signal input circuit 1 is output to the amplifier 2 and the voice signal start detector 9.

The amplifier 2 amplifies the audio signal selected by the audio signal input circuit 1. The amplification degree of the amplifier 2 is set based on the volume data signal sent from the control unit 10. That is, the output level of the amplifier 2 is controlled by the control unit 10. The output terminal of the amplifier 2 is connected to the input terminal of the time constant circuit 3 and one input terminal 4a of the switch 4.

The time constant circuit 3 has a time constant τ with respect to a change in the level of the audio signal input to it. That is, the time constant circuit 3 has a function of converting a sudden increase in the level of the audio signal input thereto into a gradual increase. The output terminal of the time constant circuit 3 is connected to the other input terminal 4b of the switch 4.

The switch 4 has two input terminals 4a and 4b.
And one output terminal 4c, which are controlled by the switching signal from the control unit 10 to output the output terminal 4c.
Is connected to the input terminal 4a or 4b.

That is, the switch 4 converts the audio signal output from the amplifier 2 into a logic 1 ("
1 "), the time constant circuit 3 is passed, and when the switching signal is logic 0 (" 0 "), the time constant circuit 3 is not passed. In this way, the switch 4 is used. It is a switch that allows the operator to selectively select whether or not to operate the time constant circuit 3.

The switch 5 has one input terminal 5a and 2
Has output terminals 5b and 5c, and an input terminal 5a
Is connected to the output terminal 5b when the detection signal from the switching detector 8 is "1", and is connected to the output terminal 5c when the detection signal is "0".

The output terminal 5b is connected to the speaker 6, and the output terminal 5c is connected to the headphones 7. That is,
The switch 5 has a function of selecting whether the audio signal input to the switch 5 is output by the speaker 6 or the headphones 7 according to a detection signal from the switching detector 8.

The speaker 6 has an output terminal 5b of the switch 5.
Connected with. The headphones 7 are connected to the output terminal 5c of the switch 5 when the headphones are inserted into the headphone jack.

The switching detector 8 detects the switching operation of the voice output of the user or the insertion of headphones into the headphone jack, and outputs the above detection signal to the switch 5
And to the control unit 10.

The voice signal start detector 9 detects that the level of the voice signal output from the voice signal input circuit 1 has started to increase from the state of "0", thereby starting the voice signal when the power is turned on. Alternatively, it has a function of outputting to the control unit 10 a detection signal indicating the beginning of the audio signal after switching the audio input.

The control unit 10 is composed of a microcomputer, and has input terminals respectively connected to the switching detector 8, the voice signal start detector 9, the keyboard 12, and the infrared receiver 13, the switch 4, the switch 5, and the video output. Circuit 14,
It has respective output terminals connected to the main body display tube 16 and the external video output circuit 17, and input / output terminals connected to the memory 11.

The control unit 10 has a built-in volume control program having the following functions, and by executing this program, the overall control of the volume control operation is performed.

(1) In advance, the above-mentioned volume data corresponding to each combination of 2 × N input / outputs of N voice inputs of the voice signal input circuit 1 and 2 voice outputs of the speaker 6 and the headphone 7. Is recorded in the memory 11.

(2) When switching the voice input or the voice output, the volume data corresponding to the selected voice input and the selected voice output is read from the memory 11, and the amplification degree of the amplifier 2 is set based on this.

(3) Data indicating whether or not to adjust the volume by the time constant circuit 3 is read from the memory 11 in advance,
In the case of "execute", a switching signal is sent to the switch 4 when the start of a voice signal is detected after voice switching. That is, by setting the switching signal to "1", the audio signal is made to pass through the time constant circuit 3, and when the data read from the memory 11 is "not performed", the switching signal is "
It is fixed to 0 "and the sound volume is not adjusted by the time constant circuit. By setting the switching signal to" 0 ", the audio signal does not pass through the time constant circuit 3.

(4) When the sound volume is adjusted by the time constant circuit 3, the level of the audio signal output from the time constant circuit 3 becomes equal to the level of the audio signal not passing through the time constant circuit 3. Calculate the time, set this time in the built-in counter, and measure the time.

(5) After switching the voice input or the voice output, the start of the voice signal is detected, and when the above time elapses, the switching signal is set to "0" so that the voice signal is transmitted to the time constant circuit 3. Do not pass.

(6) The name and the like of the selected audio output and the corresponding volume data are output to the CRT display tube 15, the main body display tube 16 and the external video output circuit 17, and displayed or erased respectively. To do.

(7) When the time constant circuit 3 is functioning,
The fact is output to the CRT display tube 15, the main body display tube 16, and the external image output circuit 17, and each is displayed, and the display is erased after a predetermined time has elapsed.

The memory 11 is connected to the input / output terminal of the control unit 10 and stores the above-mentioned volume data in a table format.
A flag indicating whether or not to adjust the volume by the time constant circuit 3 is stored.

The volume data is previously stored in the keyboard 12
Alternatively, it is written from the remote controller 18 into the divided storage areas of the memory 11 through the infrared receiver 13 and the control unit 10, respectively.

Further, the above flags are set in advance in the keyboard 1
2 or from the remote controller 18 through the control unit 10. For example, if the user has instructed to adjust the volume by the time constant circuit 3, the flag is set to "1", and if the user has not instructed to do so, the flag is "0".
Will be set to.

The keyboard 12 has input keys for the user to input various commands relating to input switching and volume adjustment to the control unit 10.

The infrared receiver 13 is composed of a phototransistor or the like, and converts various command signals relating to input switching and volume control by infrared rays (IR) output from a remote controller (not shown) into electric signals to control the control section 10. Transfer to.

The video output circuit 14 mixes (merges) the display data output from the control unit 10 with the video signal from the video signal processing circuit (not shown) at a predetermined timing, and the CRT display tube 15 is displayed. Output to.

The CRT display tube 15 displays the video signal mixed by the video output circuit 14 as a normal monitor screen. That is, on the monitor screen, the name of the selected audio input and audio output (speaker 6 or headphone 7) and the volume data corresponding to the selected combination are displayed superimposed on the received video. . CRT display tube 1
In addition to the above, 5 also displays display data indicating that the time constant circuit 3 is functioning.

The main body display tube 16 displays the names of the selected voice input and voice output and the corresponding volume data,
In addition, display data indicating that the time constant circuit 3 is functioning is displayed.

The external video output circuit 17 is supplied with each name and volume data of the selected audio input and audio output device, and display data indicating that the time constant circuit 3 is functioning from the control unit 10. This is transferred to an external video reproduction device (not shown) and displayed.

The operation of the volume adjusting apparatus of this embodiment will be described below with reference to the flow chart shown in FIG.

In step ST1, the control section 10
When it is detected that the power is turned on by the input signal from the keyboard 12 or the infrared receiver 13 or the sound output is switched by the detection signal from the switching detector 8, step ST2 Go to.

At step ST2, the control section 10
The selected voice output is confirmed, and the process proceeds to step ST3.

At step ST3, the control section 10
The volume data corresponding to the selected audio output is stored in the memory 11
Read out from and set in the amplifier 2. As a result, the amplifier 2 performs the amplification operation with the amplification degree corresponding to the selected audio output device. As a result, the selected audio output is automatically adjusted to an appropriate volume.

In step ST4, the control section 10
The name of the selected audio output, the corresponding volume data, and the like are output to the video output circuit 14, the main body display tube 16, and the external video output circuit 17. As a result, the CRT display tube 15 displays the name of the audio output and the corresponding volume in superimposition with the normal image, and the main display tube 16 and the external display also display the name of the audio output. Volume and are displayed.

At step ST5, the control section 10
A flag indicating whether or not to select the function of the time constant circuit 3 is read from the memory 11, and if this flag is "0", the control is returned to step ST1. If the flag is "1", step ST6. Go to.

In step ST6, the control section 10
It waits until it receives a detection signal indicating that the level of the audio signal has started to increase from "0" from the audio signal start detector 9, and when this detection signal is received, it proceeds to step ST7.

In step ST7, the control section 10
By setting the switching signal output to the switch 4 to "1", the switch 4 is controlled so that the audio signal passes through the time constant circuit 3. As a result, even if the level of the audio signal input to the time constant circuit 3 suddenly increases, it is converted into a gentle increase by the time constant circuit 3 having the time constant τ.

As a result, it is possible to prevent the level of the audio signal supplied to the speaker 6 or the headphones 7 from rapidly increasing.

Here, the control unit 10 calculates the time T until the output level of the time constant circuit 3 becomes equal to the level of the audio signal which does not pass through the time constant circuit 3, and sets it in a counter incorporated therein. Then, the counting of the counter is started.

In step ST8, the control section 10
The display data indicating that the time constant circuit 3 is functioning is displayed on the video output circuit 14, the main body display tube 16, and the external video output circuit 1.
Output to 7 and display each.

In step ST9, the control section 10
Wait until the time T set in the counter has elapsed,
When the time T has elapsed, the process proceeds to step ST10. At this point, the level of the audio signal is equivalent to that when the time constant circuit 3 is not passed.

In step ST10, the control unit 10 switches the switch 4 so that the voice signal does not pass through the time constant circuit 3 by setting the switching signal to the switch 4 to "0". The reason for this is that if the audio signal passes through the time constant circuit 3 after this point, the time constant acts on the normal change of the audio signal level, resulting in a change different from the original level. This is to prevent it.

In step ST11, the control unit 10
Stops output of display data to the CRT display tube 15, the main body display tube 16, and the external video output circuit 17, erases the display, and returns to step ST1.

Although the embodiment of the video reproducing apparatus has been described above, the same description applies to an audio amplifier having a plurality of audio inputs from a CD player, a cassette deck, etc. and a plurality of audio outputs of speakers and headphones. Can be applied to.

In this case, N audio inputs from a CD player, cassette deck, etc. are input to the audio signal input circuit 1 of FIG.
Connect to each of the input terminals.

Further, the volume data corresponding to each of 2N combinations of N voice inputs and 2 voice outputs are stored in the memory 11, and this volume data is stored at the time of switching the voice input or the voice output. Set to amplifier 2. Further, when the power is turned on or the voice input is started, a rapid increase in volume is prevented by passing through a time constant circuit.

[0064]

As described above, the following effects can be obtained by applying the volume adjusting device according to the present invention to an electronic device having a plurality of voice inputs or a plurality of voice outputs. (1) Since it is not necessary to readjust the volume each time the voice input or the voice output is switched, the operation thereof is extremely simple even if a plurality of inputs and outputs are provided.

(2) In an electronic device that outputs sound,
When the power is turned on or when the voice input or the voice output is switched, there is an effect that a time constant circuit is provided to mitigate the change in the volume and prevent the user's discomfort.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of a video reproducing apparatus provided with a volume adjusting device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a control unit in the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 audio signal input circuit 3 time constant circuit 4, 5 switch 6, 7 audio output device 8 switching detector 9 audio signal start detector 10 control unit 11 memory 12, 13 operation input means 14, 15, 16, 17 display means

Claims (23)

[Claims] 1. A voice input comprising an input switch for selecting one voice input from N voice inputs and a voice output means for outputting one voice, and one voice input appropriately selected by the input switch. Setting storage means for presetting and storing each required level of the audio signal that passes through each of the N audio signal paths connecting the audio output means and the audio output means, and the input switch. And a control means for automatically adjusting the level of the audio signal passing through the audio signal path selected by the control means to the level stored in the setting storage means. 2. The control means comprises a display means for displaying the selected audio input channel and the corresponding volume data when the audio input appropriately selected by the input switch is switched. The volume control device according to claim 1. 3. The control means includes a time constant circuit for applying a time constant to a change in the level of a voice signal passing through the voice signal path selected by the input switch. Volume adjustment device described in. 4. The volume adjusting device according to claim 3, wherein whether or not to operate the time constant circuit can be selectively selected. 5. The time constant circuit starts its function when the power is turned on or when the audio input and / or the audio output is switched, and the function is stopped after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the audio signal. The volume control device according to claim 3. 6. The volume adjusting device according to claim 5, further comprising display means for displaying that the time constant circuit is valid during a period when the function of the time constant circuit is started. . 7. A voice input means for inputting one voice,
An output switch for selecting one audio output from the M audio outputs, each of the M audio signal paths connecting the audio input means and the one audio output appropriately selected by the output switch. Setting storage means for presetting and storing each required level of the audio signal passing through the audio signal path so as to obtain a predetermined output volume, and the level of the audio signal passing through the audio signal path selected by the output switch, And a control means for automatically adjusting the level to the level stored in the storage means. 8. The control means includes a display means for displaying a selected audio output channel and volume data corresponding to the selected audio output channel when switching the audio output appropriately selected by the output switch. The volume control device according to claim 7. 9. The control means includes a time constant circuit for applying a time constant to a change in the level of an audio signal passing through the audio signal path selected by the output switch. Volume adjustment device described in. 10. Whether to operate the time constant circuit,
The volume control device according to claim 9, wherein the volume control device can be selectively selected. 11. The time constant circuit is configured to start its function when the power is turned on and when the audio input and / or the audio output are switched, and to stop the function after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the audio signal. The volume control device according to claim 9. 12. The volume adjusting device according to claim 11, further comprising display means for displaying that the time constant circuit is valid during a period when the function of the time constant circuit is started. . 13. An input switch for selecting one voice input from N voice inputs and an output switch for selecting one voice output from M voice outputs, which are appropriately selected by the input switch. Each required level of the audio signal passing through each of the N × M audio signal paths connecting the audio input and the audio output appropriately selected by the output switch is preset so as to obtain a predetermined output volume. And setting storage means for storing the same, and control means for automatically adjusting the level of the audio signal passing through the audio signal path selected by the input switch and / or the output switch to the level stored in the setting storage means. And a volume control device. 14. The control unit includes a channel of a selected audio input and / or an audio output and a volume corresponding to the selected channel when switching the audio input and / or the audio output appropriately selected by the input switch and the output switch. 14. The volume adjusting device according to claim 13, further comprising display means for displaying data. 15. The control means includes a time constant circuit for operating a time constant with respect to a change in level of an audio signal passing through an audio signal path selected by the input switch and the output switch. The volume control device according to claim 13. 16. Whether to activate the time constant circuit,
The volume adjusting device according to claim 15, wherein the volume adjusting device can be selected alternatively. 17. The time constant circuit is configured to start its function when the power is turned on, when the audio input and / or the audio output are switched, and to stop the function after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the audio signal. The volume control device according to claim 15. 18. The volume adjusting device according to claim 15, further comprising display means for displaying that the time constant circuit is valid during a period when the function of the time constant circuit is started. . 19. A video reproducing apparatus for inputting a video / audio signal to display a video and outputting audio, wherein the video reproducing apparatus selects one audio input from N audio inputs. An input switch, an output switch for selecting one audio output from the M audio outputs, one audio input appropriately selected by the input switch, and one audio output appropriately selected by the output switch Connect N ×
A setting storage unit that presets and stores each required level of the audio signal passing through each of the M audio signal paths so as to obtain a predetermined output volume, and is selected by the input switch and / or the output switch. Control means for automatically adjusting the level of the audio signal passing through the audio signal path to the level stored in the setting storage means, and audio input and / or audio output selected by the input switch and / or the output switch. A video reproducing apparatus comprising a volume adjusting device including a selected audio input and / or audio output channel and a display unit for displaying corresponding volume data at the time of switching. 20. Display means for displaying a selected audio input and / or audio output channel and corresponding volume data when switching the audio input and / or audio output selected by the input switch and / or the output switch. And a time constant circuit that operates a time constant with respect to a change in the level of the audio signal passing through the audio signal path selected by the input switch and / or the output switch, and a volume adjusting device. The video reproduction device according to claim 19. 21. Whether to activate the time constant circuit,
21. The volume adjusting device according to claim 20, wherein the volume adjusting device can be selected alternatively. 22. The time constant circuit is adapted to start its function when the power is turned on and when the audio input and / or the audio output are switched, and to stop the function after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the audio signal. The video reproduction device according to claim 20. 23. The video reproducing apparatus according to claim 20, further comprising display means for displaying that the time constant circuit is valid during a period when the function of the time constant circuit is started. .