WO1999000974A1 - Switcher system and i/o switching method - Google Patents

Abstract

A switcher system for switching the I/O route of each signal without increasing the number of switchers even when the number of types of signal is increased. The system is provided with matrix-like switchers comprising a set of cross points where a plurality of input lines and ouput lines intersect for switching the I/O route of signal by switching the connection of the cross points within a specified matrix range constituted of specified input lines and output lines out of the input lines and output lines, means for storing unused matrix range information representative of unused input lines and output lines out of the input lines and output lines except the specified matrix range and selected matrix range information representative of input lines and output lines selected from an unused matrix range, and control means for setting a new matrix range from the unused matrix range based on the unused matrix range information and the selected matrix range information.

Description

 Description Switcher device and input / output switching method

 The present invention relates to a switcher device and an input / output switching method, for example, a switching switch for switching a signal input of a video tape recorder (VTR) or a video camera in a broadcasting station and transmitting the signal to a desired signal output destination. It is suitable for application to a cover.

Background art

 Conventionally, routing switches have been used to control the switching of signal input / output paths at broadcast stations, etc., and take in video signals and audio signals from signal sources from any input line, and then specify The output color is output to each receiving unit on the editing side, and each receiving unit performs an editing operation on a video signal and an audio signal.

 In other words, the routing switcher cross-connects the input line and the output line in order to send the external video signal from the arbitrary input line to the arbitrary output line. It is a matrix-like input / output switching device formed by a set of modules. It sets the input color for each column of the matrix and sets the output line for each row. In this case, the input signal of the specified input line is output from the specified output line via the specified crosspoint.

As shown in Figure 20, the routing switcher R! In the ~ RX is placed on the output line ~D _n Togama door re-box-like input line S! ~ S "and the OUT side of the IN side, input line ~ S n and the output La Lee down ~ D a signal from the specified input line to the specified output line via each cross point where n intersects Is output.

That routing Ngusui Tcha R i ~ RX is, for example, from any input line 5 "selected Ru receive the request for switching to output the signal to any output line 0 _∞, the input la Lee emissions S _m the input signal via the click scan Poi down bets C 1 of the shortest for a course from the output la Lee emissions D _m.

The routing switchers R to RX not only output signals from one output line _Dm, but also output signals from a plurality of output lines D! ~ D _n can be simultaneously output via up to n output lines D arbitrarily selected, and any signal can be output simultaneously from all output lines ~ D _n or specified. It has the flexibility to output only from the predetermined output line D.

When dealing with many types of signals at the same time, the number of routing switches R in this case (X in this case) corresponding to each signal! ~ R _X is required. For example, the types of signals required to record video with one VTR include video signals, audio signals (R and L), time codes and remote control signals. These signals are collectively called levels.

In other words, when switching the input / output route of a signal, each routing switch can switch multiple types of signals related to one VTR at the same time, or switch only specific types of signals. it is that the layer structure which is to assign each signal to the same Conclusions re hex range present in Ji R i ~ R _X of Conclusions Li click scan region.

 Therefore, when the user actually switches the input / output route of the signal, by specifying the address of the cross point to be switched and its level (type of signal), the routing switch of the designated level is designated. In R, it is possible to switch to the input / output route of the signal via the specified cross point.

In this case, Routing Switcher R! ~ There are as many levels as there are RX units (X units) (in other words, it is possible to switch the signal input / output route for each of the X levels), but video and audio signals (And) There are digital and analog signals for each, and there are also time codes and various remote control π-rule signals, so it is necessary to actually handle multiple types of signals for one VTR. In some cases, only X switching switches R may not be able to handle each signal. Also, when the number of signal types further increases, it is natural that X levels alone may not be enough.

 In such a case, Routing Switcher R! If there are only X R units, it is physically impossible to handle X or more types of signals and switch the signal input / output route for each of X or more levels. Therefore, even if the types of signals increase, in order to control the input and output routes of the signals at each level, the number of routing switches R must be increased by the number of signal types (levels). There was a problem.

 By the way, in the case of the routing switcher R, when an arbitrary input line is selected for a specific output color to be controlled, all input color names on the input side are sequentially displayed on a predetermined display section. It is made to do.

 In this way, when the names of all input lines (line numbers) are displayed for the output line to be controlled when selecting the input line, for example, for input lines that cannot be used on the input side, Will also be displayed, forcing the user to perform unnecessary searches when selecting input lines. Therefore, there was a risk that the user would select and configure an unavailable input line for a particular output line.

 It is also conceivable to display all the input line names (line numbers) that can be set for each output line. In this case, the input line names that can be set for each output line correspond to the input line names. Since the number of data to be stored increases because the number of data to be stored increases, there is a problem that the amount of data to be stored increases.

On the other hand, in the case of the routing switcher R, when the input line or the output line is extended by cascade connection (series connection), for example, the same routing switch is cascaded via each output line. When you connect Since the new output color line is connected to the original output color line, the input line is approximately doubled.

 In this case, the routing switcher on the main unit side and the routing switch on the expansion side are combined to form a single routing switch, so that the signal input / output route can be set. It is necessary to provide a new control panel for the routing switcher on the extension side, and to control each input and output using two types of control panels on the main unit and the extension side.

 On the other hand, in the case of the routing switch R, cascade connection is not required.For example, the input line is extended by connecting the extension-side routing switch to the corresponding routing switch R of the main unit using a single bus. In order to set the signal input / output route with the extended routing switcher, a control panel for the extension-side routing switcher is newly provided, and both the main unit and the extension side It is necessary to control each input and output using two types of control panels.

 In the extended switching switch, the monitoring of input status becomes complicated as the number of control panels increases, which allows the user to accurately grasp the input / output route setting status. In addition to this, the input and output lines have to be set using the routing switches on the main unit and the extension side, which complicates the operation.

Disclosure of the invention

 The present invention has been made in view of the above points.Even if the number of types of signals increases, it is possible to easily and quickly switch and control the input / output paths for each type of signal without newly adding a switcher. It is intended to propose a switcher device and an input / output switching method that can be obtained.

In order to solve such a problem, in the present invention, a plurality of input lines and a plurality of output lines intersect with a set of a plurality of intersection points, and a plurality of input lines and a plurality of input lines are provided. A switch that switches the signal input / output path by switching the crosspoint connection within a predetermined matrix range that includes predetermined input and output lines. A switch in the form of a triangle and multiple input lines and multiple output lines that indicate unused input and output lines excluding the specified matrix range. Storage means for storing the used matrix range information, and selected matrix range information indicating input lines and output lines selected from unused matrix ranges; Control means for setting a new matrix range from unused matrix ranges based on the matrix range information and the selected matrix range information is provided.

 According to the present invention, a switch is newly provided by setting a new matrix range for switching the input / output path of a new signal from an unused matrix range of the switcher. Even if there is no signal, a switcher device that can control the switching of the input / output path for each type as long as the type of signal is an integer multiple or more of the number of switchers can be realized. Further, in the present invention, a plurality of input lines and a plurality of output lines in a matrix-like switcher comprising a set of a plurality of cross points where a plurality of input lines and a plurality of output lines intersect. An input / output switching method for switching a signal input / output path by switching a connection of a cross point in a predetermined matrix range composed of a predetermined input line and a predetermined output line. Unused matrix range information indicating unused input and output lines excluding a predetermined matrix range among a plurality of input lines and a plurality of output lines; The first step of reading from the storage means the selected matrix range information indicating the input and output colors selected from the used matrix range, and the unused matrix range So that a second step of setting a new Conclusions Li hex range from the Conclusions re hex range unused based on the distribution and selection Conclusions Li box range information.

According to the present invention, by setting a new matrix range for switching the input / output path of a new signal from the unused matrix range of the switcher, Even if a new switch is not provided, if the signal type is an integer multiple of the number of switchers, An input / output switching method capable of controlling input / output switching for each type can be realized. Further, in the present invention, in a switcher device for switching a signal path of a signal input from one or more input lines from a single or a plurality of output lines to a desired output line, An input / output range setting section that sets the use range of the output line, and also sets the use range of the input color whose use is restricted for the use range of the output line, and the input line for the use range of the output line. A signal path setting unit for displaying input lines whose use is restricted for output lines based on the use range of the signal lines and switching to input lines whose use is restricted for predetermined output lines. Be provided.

 According to the present invention, an input line range for an output line to be controlled is set by setting an input line range that can be used for a predetermined output line by an input / output range setting unit. Only the available input lines can be displayed on the display of the input / output path setting section, and the desired input line can be selected from the displayed available input lines. A switcher device that can set an input line for an output line to be controlled reliably and quickly by simply performing an operation can be realized.

 Further, according to the present invention, in a switcher device for switching a signal path of a signal input from one or a plurality of input lines to a desired output line from one or a plurality of output lines, respectively. A body switcher having one or more input lines and one or more output lines, and one or more input lines for extending the input and / or output lines of said body switcher; An expansion switch with one or more output lines, a connection bus that connects the expansion switch to the main switch, and a setting that sets the connection status of the expansion switch to the main switch And a switching control section for switching the signal paths of the main body switcher and the extension switcher according to the connection state.

According to the present invention, the input and / or output lines of the main body switch and the input and / or output lines of the expansion switch are connected and expanded by the connection bus, and the set main body and expansion switches are set. Switch on the main unit according to the connection status of the switch. By switching the signal paths of the switch and the expansion switch, it is possible to select the desired input line and / or output line of the expansion switch as well as the main switch and switch to the desired signal path. Controllable switch device can be realized

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

 FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the entire configuration of the switcher device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

 FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a remote outlet unit according to the first embodiment.

 FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a method of setting an extension level.

 FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the input / output route switching processing procedure at the extended level.

 FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a display processing procedure at the extension level. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the switch device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

 FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a remote control unit according to the second embodiment.

 FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a routing switch according to the second embodiment.

 FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram for explaining the range setting of the input line and the output line. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a control panel.

 FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a switcher device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

 FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a remote control unit according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a routing switcher according to the third embodiment. FIG.

 FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing a control panel.

 FIGS. 15A and 15B are schematic diagrams used to explain the setting of the input / output route. FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram for explaining the setting of the input / output route.

 FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram for explaining the setting of the input / output route.

 Figure 18 is a chart showing the input line display procedure.

 Figure 19 is a flowchart showing the input switching procedure.

 FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram showing a level configuration of the routing switcher. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

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

 (1) First embodiment

 (1-1) Overall configuration of the switcher device

 In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a switcher device according to the present invention as a whole, and the input and output lines of a routing switcher 3 (3A and 3B) are controlled by the control of a control unit 2. By setting the input and output routes of the signals that are switched and input, the signal transmission sources such as VTRs and cameras provided in the transmission unit (source) 4 corresponding to each input line are provided. Each input signal transmitted from each is connected to each output line, and a desired transmission specified from among a plurality of transmission destinations such as a VTR or monitor of a receiving unit (destination) 5 provided to each output line Output is made earlier.

The control section 2, which is the control station, performs basic settings related to switching of the input and output lines of the routing switches 3A and 3B at the control terminal 2A. Is displayed on a monitor (not shown). At this time, each remote control unit 6 (6A and 6B) stores the route setting data set in the relevant remote control π-runit 6A and 6B itself. D 0 is read, and this is read out via the S (Seria 1) bus 7 Send to control terminal 2 of unit 2.

 The control terminal 2A displays the contents of the route setting data DO on the setting screen, and based on this content, a new route that represents the input / output route set by the user's input. By sending control setting data from the control unit 2B to the remote control unit 6 and the routing switcher 3 via the S bus 7, the basic setting of the input / output route I do.

 That is, as shown in FIG. 2, the remote control unit 6 receives the current remote control unit 6 in response to a request from the control unit 2 (FIG. 1). The route setting data D0 representing the input / output route set for itself is stored in the flash ROM (Read Lead) under the control of the CPU (Central Processing Unit) 12 in the control unit 10 #. Read from Only Memory 14 and send it to control unit 2 via RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, input buffer 1 IE and S bus 7. At this time, the control unit 2 displays the data content of the received route setting data D0 on the setting screen displayed on the monitor of the control terminal 2Α.

 In the control terminal 2A, the new route setting data set by the user's key input is transferred to the remote control unit 6 and the routing switcher 3. Thus, the basic setting of the input / output lines in the routing switcher 3 is performed based on the new route setting data by the remote control port unit 6.

 In practice, the control unit 1 unit 2B of the control unit 2 switches the input / output route for each remote control unit 6A and 6B via the S bus 7 Sends new route setting data to perform the operation.

Each remote control unit 6 6 and 6Β specifies switching of input and output lines based on the new route setting data on each control unit panel. The switching request data S 1 representing the specified input / output line is transmitted to the control π-rule unit 2 via the S bus 7. Here, in each of the remote control units 6A and 6B, each of the selection buttons 17 provided on the display section 10B corresponding to the control panel is previously assigned to each of the buttons. The input / output lines of the routing switches 3A and 3B are set in association with each other.

 Therefore, when the user selects and presses the selection button 17 corresponding to the input line or output line desired to be switched on the control panel (display section 10B), the selection button is pressed. The switch SW 17 is set to the ON state. At this time, the signal indicating the ON state of the switch SW in the selection button 17 is sent to the control unit 10 A via the buffer 11 D. Output to RAM 13

 At this time, the CPU 12 of the control unit 1OA detects the output of the switch SW sent to the RAM 3 and identifies the setting state of the input line or the output line according to the output level. When the CPU 12 recognizes that the predetermined selection button 17 has been selected based on the identification result, the CPU 12 switches the input line and the output line in accordance with the selected selection button 17. The switching request data S 1 is generated on the RAMI 3 and output to the control unit 2 via the S bus 7.

 Upon receiving the switching request data S1, the control η-controller unit 2 responds to the switching request from each of the remote control units 6 6 and 6Β by the switching request data S1 to perform routing. It generates route setting data D1 for setting the input / output routes of the switches 3A and 3B, and sends it to each of the routing switches 3A and 3B.

 At this time, the control unit 2 has a control unit and a unit 2B which are almost the same as the display unit 10B of each of the remote control units 6A and 6B. On the control α-panel (not shown), the selection buttons corresponding to the input lines and the output lines are lit based on the route setting data D 1, so that each of the routing switches 3 is turned on. It is possible to display the route setting status of the input / output line for which the switching setting has been made for A and 3B.

Note that each remote control unit 6A and 6B has an ID (I- dentlfication) switch 19, and a unique station ID is set for each remote control unit 6Α and 6Β by the ID switch 19 It is made to do. As a result, when the control unit 2 transmits and receives data to and from the remote control unit 6, the remote control unit 6 can be controlled by the station ID. And 6Β. When each of the routing switchers 3A and 3B receives the note setting data D1 sent from the control unit 2, based on the route setting data D1, the routing switches 3A and 3B receive the note setting data D1. Set the input and output routes respectively.

In this manner, when is switched output line of the routing Ngusui Tcha 3, then co emissions collected by filtration Lumpur section 2 Control This setup ¹ p - Ruyuni' DOO 2 B is, 3 A and the routing Holdings Lee Tsu Chiya 3 Inquires of B about the result of switching the input / output route.

 On the other hand, if there is an input / output line whose cross point has been switched based on the route setting data D1, each of the routing switches 3A and 3B The switching result data S2 is transmitted to the control unit 2B via the S bus 7. As a result, each of the routing switches 3 A and 3 B transmits the result of switching the input / output line to the control unit 2. In this case, upon receiving the switching result data S2, the control unit 2 reflects the switching result of the input / output line of each of the routing switches 3 ヤ and 3B based on the switching result data S2. It generates the route switching result data D2 and sends it to each remote control unit 6A and 6B.

 In other words, when each of the remote control units 6A and 6B receives the route switching result data D2 transmitted from the control unit 2, the respective remote control units 6A and 6B perform the route switching connection. The selection button corresponding to the input / output line that has been switched and set based on the result data D2 is lit or the input / output line name is displayed on the control panel described later. It has been done.

The remote control unit 6 is used for input / output from the control unit 2. When the route switching result data D 2 of the route is received by the control unit 10 A via the S bus 7 and the input buffer 11 A, the route switching result data D 2 is received by the RAM 1 via the CPU 12. Expand on 3.

 At this point, the remote control unit 6 is newly controlled by the CPU 12 so that the remote control unit 6 newly connects to the route setting data D 0 already stored in the flash R 0 Μ 14. The route switching result data D2 sent from the ingress opening 2 is expanded on RA Μ13, and the route setting data D0 and the route switching result data D2 are collated. It has been done.

 In this case, the CPU 12 controls the RAM 13 and the flash R〇Ml4 with the control signal SC, and also controls the RAM 13 and the flash R0M14 with the address data AD. Specify the address.

 That is, the remote control unit 6 sends the route setting data D0 and the program for data processing from the flash R0M14 under the control of the CPU 12 in the control unit 10A. Is read, and the route setting data D 0 read according to the data processing program is compared with the newly transmitted route switching result data D 2.

 In addition, the remote control unit — Lunit 6 is controlled by the CPU 12 based on the comparison result of the note setting data D 0 and the route switching result data D 2 to control each routing. Detects the address of the cross point of switches 3 Α and 3 B and searches the input / output route. In the control unit 10A, the route switching result data D2 including the address of the cross point detected by the CPU 12 is transmitted to the display unit 10B via the buffer 11B. Send out.

In this case, on the display section 10 B of the remote control π-unit 6, the selection button 17 corresponding to the input / output line of the notifying switch 3 is operated by pressing the control button. By illuminating based on the route switching result data D2 sent from the part 2, the input / output route set for the routing switcher 3 is illuminated and displayed by the selection button 17 Has been made. That is, the display unit 10B of the remote control unit 6 decodes the route switching result data D2 of the input / output line input from the control unit 10A via the buffer 11B to the decoder. In accordance with the address data of the cross point included in the route switching result data D 2, the selection button 17 corresponding to the switched input line is latched to the latch Z driver 17. Lighting data L 1 is output via bar 16. Thus, the display unit 10B controls the lighting of the light emitting diode LED provided on the selection button 17 on-off based on the route switching result data D2.

 In the display section 10B, the switch SW of each selection button 17 is turned on Z off based on control data obtained by decoding the route switching result data D2 by the decoder 15. It is controlled.

 Further, in the display section 10B, the address data obtained by decoding the route switching result data D2 by the decoder 15 is output to the character display section 18. The character display section 18 displays the input color name and the output color name of the input / output route in accordance with the input address data.

 By the way, the character display section 18 displays the type name (type) of the input source and the input line number as the name of the input line, and furthermore, the output destination as the name of the output line. The type of the negotiation and the outgoing color number are displayed.

 As described above, in the switcher apparatus 1, the control sigma section 2, which is a control station, switches the remote control port units 6Α and 6Β to the routing switcher 3 from the remote control port units 6Α and 6Β. The request data S1 is combined to generate route switching data D1 for setting the route of the input / output line, and the route switching data D1 is passed through the S bus 7 to each of the routing switches 3A. And 3B to switch the input and output lines of the routing switchers 3A and 3B.

Further, the control section 2 collects the input / output line switching result data S2 sent from each of the routing switches 3A and 3B and collects the route switching result data. D2 is generated, and the route switching result data D2 is transmitted to each remote control D-unit 6A and 6B via the S bus 7.

 As a result, each remote control unit 6A and 6B is connected to each input / output line switched by each of the routing switches 3A and 3B based on the route switching result data D2. The name of the console and the selection buttons corresponding to each input / output line can be displayed on the control panel.

 (1-2) Extension level setting

 In the switching device 1, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, eight routing switches 3 (3A to 3H) are prepared, and eight switching switches 3 are connected to the respective routing switches 3. By using the remote control unit 6 to handle up to 16 types of signals, it is possible to switch the input / output route of up to 16 levels of signals. I have.

 In the switcher device 1, if the entire switching control range by the control π-rule unit 2 is a matrix range composed of 4 X 4 input / output lines, the routing switcher If the matrix range 3 indicated by the diagonal line 3 is set by the input lines Ι Ν 1, Ι Ν2, output line 0 UT1, OUT2, the input of the matrix range B indicated by the diagonal line Lines IN 3 and IN 4 and output lines ◦ UT 3 and OUT 4 are unused I / O lines.

 By the way, in the switcher device 1, for the sake of explanation, the entire control range of the control π-section 2 is composed of 4 × 4 input / output lines in each routing switch 3 The case is assumed.

In the switcher device 1, the eight routing switches 3A to 3H use the common matrix range A to switch the input / output routes of signals for eight levels. When control levels are set, unused input lines IN 3 and IN 4 and output lines OUT 3 and OUT 4 exist for each level. That is, in the switcher device 1, there is an unused matrix range B area that is not used for each of the routing switchers 3A to 3H. Now, the switcher device 1 has eight routing switchers 3, that is, eight control levels capable of switching and controlling the input and output routes of signals. If the area of the matrix range B is newly set as an extension level, it can be expanded by an additional 8 levels, and as a result, the total of the control level and the extension level is doubled. 16 levels can be used as setting levels.

 Therefore, the switching device 1 sets the area of the unused matrix range B after IN 3 of the input line and OUT 3 of the output line as extended levels 9 to 16 (for 8 levels). To set, the offset data “NEXTLEVELSOURCETOPIN 3, NEXTLEVELDESTINATIONT OPOUT 3” as unused matrix range information indicating the area of the matrix range B (hereinafter referred to as the offset data “IN 3 , OUT 3 ”) and the selection represented by the desired input and output colors selected from the matrix range B area after the offset data“ IN 3, 0 UT 3 ”. The matrix range information is stored in the flash memory R0M14 of each remote control module 6 in advance.

 Therefore, the switcher device 1 sets the offset data “IN3, OUT3” and the selected matrix range stored in the flash memory R4 by the CPU 12 of each remote control unit 6. Read the information and set the extension levels 9 to 16 in the area of the unused matrix range B of each of the routing switches 3A to 3H on the RAM 13 based on the information. Thus, a total of 16 levels including the control levels 1 to 8 and the extension levels 9 to 16 can be set. In practice, in the switching device 1, the area of the matrix range B of level 1 is defined as the extension level 9 and the area of the matrix range B of level 2 is defined as the extension level 10; Similarly, by setting the area of the matrix range B of the level 8 as the extension level 16, the level 9 to the level 16 are set as the extension level.

Here, the switcher device 1 controls the control levels 1 to 8 even at the expansion levels 9 to 16. It is possible to switch and control the input / output routes of various types of signals for one VTR at the same time as if it were apparently using the area of the matrix range A as an extension of.

 That is, in the switcher device 1, the area of the matrix range B is located at a position where the number of input / output lines is offset by two with respect to the area of the matrix range A. For this purpose, the input lines IN1, IN2 and the output lines OUT1, O2 of the matrix range A are connected to IN3, IN4 and OUT3, OUT4 of the matrix range B. The conversion is performed using the offset value “2” to correspond to UT2.

 In practice, the switcher device 1 controls the input / output route of all the signals at levels 1 to 16 by specifying the cross point of [IN 1, 0 UT 1], for example. When each remote control unit 6 receives the route setting data D1 from the unit 2, the remote control unit 6 is designated at the control levels 1 to 8. It is only necessary to switch the input / output route to the cross point of [IN 1, 0 UT 1]. However, in expansion levels 9 to 16, the area of matrix range B is used. Therefore, the offset value “2” is added to each of the specified [IN 1, 0 UT 1] cross points, and the [IN 3, 0 UT 3] cross points are added. Switch the input / output route to the point.

 In this case, the switcher device 1 switches the input route to the [IN 1, OUT 1] cross point at the control levels 1 to 8, and then inputs the input line “IN 1”. It is sufficient to check the type of signal (input source name) to be displayed and display it on the character display section 18 provided on the control panel of the remote control unit 6. At the extension levels 9 to 16, the input line actually switched according to the specified input line "IN 1" is "IN 3". The type of the signal (input source name) is checked, and the input source name is displayed as a signal input to the input line “IN 1”.

As described above, when switching the input / output route of the signal, the switcher device 1 transmits the route setting data D1 from the remote control π-unit 6 via the S path 7 to the router. This is executed by supplying the signal to the swing switch 3, and as a result, the signal type of the switched input / output line is displayed on the character display section 18. This allows the user to easily check the character display section 18 of the remote control unit 6 to easily change the signal type of the input / output line whose input / output route has been switched. Can be recognized.

 Subsequently, in the switcher device 1, the processing procedure when the input / output route of the signal of the level specified by the user is switched by the CPU 12 of the remote control unit 6 is shown in FIG. π — Explanation using a chart.

 That is, CPU 12 of controller 10A enters from the start step of RT 1 and moves to step SP 1. In step SP1, the CPU 12 switches the signal input / output route to the level 1 based on the switching request set on the control panel of the remote control unit 6 by the user. Check whether it is within the control level of ~ 8 or the extension level of level 9 ~ 16.

 In step SP2, CPU12 determines whether or not the level designated to switch the input / output route of the signal is the extension level based on the switching request. If a negative result is obtained here, this indicates that the specified level is a control level of levels 1 to 8, and the CPU 12 does not need to perform conversion using the offset value. If not, the process proceeds to step SP6, switches the input / output route to the specified cross point of the specified level, and ends the process (step SP7). On the other hand, if a positive result is obtained in step SP2, this indicates that the level specified to be switched is an extension level of levels 9 to 16, in which case CPU 12 Move on to step SP3.

In step SP3, the CPU 12 subtracts the number "8" of the control levels 1 to 8 from the number of the specified level (for example, the number "1 2" for the level 12) to obtain the actual number. The control level "4" is derived, and the process proceeds to step SP4. In this case, the CPU 12 recognizes that the specified level 12 is actually an extension level using the matrix range B of level 4. In step SP4, the CPU 12 sets the offset value “2” to the number of the output line connected to the crosspoint specified by the user at the normal control levels 1 to 8 (matrix range A). ”, And proceeds to step SP5 so as to correspond to the output line of the level 4 matrix range B.

 For example, if a cross point of [IN 1, 0 UT 1] is specified to switch the signal input / output route in the area of matrix range A, the area of matrix range B Does not have a crosspoint of [IN 1, 0 UT 1], so CPU 12 has line number “1” of output line “0 UT 1” specified with offset value “2”. The output line “OUT 3” obtained by adding to the above is made to correspond to the output line “◦UT 1” in the matrix range A.

 In step SP5, the CPU 1 sets the offset value to the number of the input line connected to the π point specified by the user at the normal control levels 1 to 8 (matrix range A). Add “2” to make it correspond to the input line of the matrix range B of level 4 and move to step SP6. Also in this case, if the [IN 1, OUT l] crosspoint is specified for switching the signal input / output route in the matrix range A area, the matrix Since there is no crosspoint of [IN1, 0UT1], CPU 12 must add the offset value “2” to the line number “1” of the specified input line “IN1”. The input line “IN 3” obtained in this way corresponds to the output line “IN 1” in the matrix range A.

 In step SP 6, the CPU 12 sets the input point “IN 3” and the output line “0 UT 3” to which the offset value “2” has been added in steps SP 4 and 5 described above. Switch the signal input / output route, and move to step SP 7 to end the process.

As described above, when the switcher device 1 switches the input / output route of the signal at the extension levels 9 to 16, the switcher device 1 connects to the input / output line of the designated point in the matrix range A area. The matrix is calculated by adding It is possible to correspond to the input / output lines in the area of the range B, and thus the signal in the area of the matrix range B based on the specification of the cross point in the area of the matrix area A. I / O route can be switched. In other words, the CPU 12 can switch the input / output route of the signal at the expansion levels 9 to 16 based on the specification of the cross point at the control levels 1 to 8.

 In addition, in the switcher device 1, when the input / output route of the signal of the level specified by the user is switched, the type of the signal of the switched input / output line is changed to the remote control unit 6. The processing procedure for checking by the CPU 12 and displaying it on the character display section 18 will be described with reference to FIG.

 That is, CPU 12 of the control section 1OA enters from the start step of RT 2 and moves to step SP 11. In step SP 11, the CPU 12 checks whether or not the level of the signal displayed on the character display section 18 is within the control levels of levels 1 to 8.

 In step SP12, CPU12 determines whether the level to be displayed is the extension level. If a negative result is obtained here, this indicates that the displayed level is not the extended level but the control level, and the CPU 12 does not need to perform conversion using the offset value, and therefore, it is not necessary to perform the conversion using the offset value. The process proceeds to step SP17 to terminate the process by checking and displaying the signal type of the input / output line whose input / output route has been switched at the designated level (step SP18).

 On the other hand, if a positive result is obtained in step SP12, this indicates that the displayed level is the extended level of levels 9 to 16, and the CPU 12 then proceeds to step SP13. Move on.

In step SP13, the CPU 12 subtracts the number "8" of the control levels 1 to 8 from the number of the level to be displayed (for example, the number "1 2" in the case of the level 12) to obtain the actual number. The control level "4" is derived, and the process proceeds to step SP14. In this case, the CPU 12 recognizes that the displayed level 12 is actually an extended level using the area of the matrix area B of the level 4. In step SP14, the CPU 12 sets the offset value "2" to the output color number corresponding to the crosspoint specified by the user at the normal control levels 1 to 8 (matrix range A). ”, The flow proceeds to step SP 15 corresponding to the output line of the matrix range B of level 4. For example, if the [IN 2, OUT 2] gross point is specified to switch the signal input / output route in the matrix range A area, Since there is no cross-point for IN 2, OUT 2), CPU 12 adds the offset value `` 2 '' to the line number `` 2 '' of the specified output line `` OUT 2 ''. The calculated output line “0UT4” is made to correspond to the output line “0UT2” in the matrix range A.

 In step SP 15, the CPU 12 switches the input / output route of the signal in the matrix range B of level 4 based on the route setting data D 1, and the switched output line “ Check the signal type of the input line (IN 4 in this case) connected to “UT 4” and proceed to step SP 16.

 In step SP 16, the CPU 12 subtracts the offset value “2” from the examined line number “4” of the input line “IN 4” to derive the input line “IN 2”. Move on to SP 17.

 In step SP 17, the CPU 12 determines the signal type of the input line “IN 4” determined in step SP 15 by the input level “IN 2” in the area of the matrix range A which is the control level. The signal is displayed on the character display section 18 together with the input line “IN 2” as if it were a signal, and the processing proceeds to step SP 18 and ends.

As described above, when the switcher device 1 checks and displays the type of the signal of the input / output line whose input / output route has been switched at the extension levels 9 to 16, the switch device 1 inputs the designated co-point. After adding an offset value to the output line number and switching the input / output route to correspond to the input / output line at the actual extension level, check the signal type of the input / output line and check the specified input / output line. The signal type is displayed on the character display section 18 together with the output line number. As a result, even if the switching device 1 switches the input / output route of the signal using the area of the matrix range B at the extension levels 9 to 16, it is as if the switching devices 1 are at the control levels 1 to 8. The signal type can be displayed as if switching was performed using the input / output lines in the range A.

 (1-1-3) Operation and effect in the first embodiment

 In the above configuration, the switcher device 1 uses the area of the matrix range B, which is not used in the normal control levels 1 to 8 (Fig. 3), as the extended levels 9 to 16. In the flash ROM 14, the offset data "IN3, 0UT3" and the offset data "IN3, OUT3" or later are selected from the matrix range B area. And the selected matrix range information represented by the desired input and output lines, and the offset data “IN 3, OUT 3” and the selected matrix are stored by the CPU 12. Read out the range information, expand it on RAMI3, and set the extension levels 9 to 16 based on the offset data "IN3, OUT3" and the selected matrix range information.

 As described above, the switcher device 1 sets the extension levels 9 to 16 for switching the input / output route of a new signal using the unused matrix range B, Even when the number of signal types increases, the level according to the increase in signal types can be set only with the existing routing switches 3A to 3H without adding a new routing switch 3. Then, the input / output route of each signal can be switched and controlled.

 Further, the switcher device 1 uses the offset value to switch the input / output route at the extension level 9 to 16 based on the input / output route switching request specified at the control level 1 to 8. By performing the conversion, the signal input / output cull can be switched even at the extension levels 9 to 16 based on the switching request specified by the control levels 1 to 8.

As a result, the switcher device 1 can control the matrix range A of the control levels 1 to 8 even if the input / output culls of 16 types of signals related to one VTR are switched at the same time. By simply specifying the desired cross point in the area, the input / output route of the signal in the area of the matrix range B of the extension level 9 to 16 can be switched. Operation can be simplified.

 In addition, the switching device 1 converts the input / output route using the offset value when the input / output route is switched at the extension levels 9 to 16, so that the switched input / output line is converted. By examining the signal types of the input and output signals, they can be displayed as if they were input / output line signals at control levels 1 to 8.

 Thus, the switcher device 1 switches the input / output route of the signal at the extension levels 9 to 16, and then switches the type of the signal of the switched input / output line to the input / output route at the control levels 1 to 8. By displaying the signal on the character display section 18 as if it were a control signal, the user can check the extended levels 9 to 16 in the same display format as the control levels 1 to 8. This makes it very easy to confirm.

 According to the above configuration, the switcher device 1 is configured to use the area of the unused matrix range B at the normal control levels 1 to 8 as the extended levels 9 to 16. Even if the types of signals to be handled increase, the increased signals can be assigned to the extension levels 9 to 16 and the input / output routes of the signals can be switched for each level, thus enabling the matrix range to be effective. It can be used, and it is not necessary to add the routing switch 3, so that the whole apparatus can be prevented from being enlarged.

(2) Second embodiment

 (2-1) Overall configuration of switcher device in second embodiment

As shown in FIG. 6, in the switch device 100 according to the second embodiment, the remote control unit 6 (FIG. 1) is used instead of the remote control unit 6 (FIG. 1). The configuration is the same as that of the switch device 1 in the first embodiment except that a switch 106 (106A and 106B) is newly provided. Port—The control unit 6 and the remote control unit 106 shown in FIG. 7 have the same circuit configuration except for the processing contents. Is Ministry Abbreviate.

 (2-2) Switching of input / output line of routing switcher

 As shown in FIG. 8, the routing switcher 3 is, for example, among the 512 input lines provided on the input (IN) side, actually, IN1 to IN64, INI01 to IN1664, and IN1. In addition to using the input lines 201 to IN264, the input lines IN1 to IN64, IN101 to IN166, and IN201 to IN264 are also used. OUTl to OUT64, 0UT10l to OUTl64, and OUT20l to OUT264 are used as output lines.

 Here, in the control section 2 (Fig. 6), the input / output line matrices as shown in Fig. 9 are used by using the control terminal 2A setting screen. Range setting data D10 representing the range of use of the remote controller by key input from the control unit 2B, and to the remote control units 106A and 106B via the S bus 7. Send out. The remote control units 106 A and 106 B store the received range setting data D 10 in the flash ROM 14.

 Here, the range setting data D 10 is data indicating a range of an output line displayed on a character display portion of a control panel described later and an input line that can be switched with respect to the output line. Yes, each range can be used for the desired output line range by setting the line start number (TOP) and line end number (END) of the output line and input line. The range of possible input colors is associated.

In other words, the output lines OUT1 (TOP) to OUT64 (END) set as the output line range are the range that can be used for the input lines INI (TOP) to IN64 (END). The output lines OUT 1 0 1 (TOP) to 0 UT 1 64 (END) are powerful and can be used for input lines INI 0 1 (TOP) to IN 16 4 (END). The output lines OUT201 (TOP) to OUT264 (END) are powerful, and the input lines IN201 (TOP) to IΝ264 ( ED) as a usable range. Therefore, in the remote control unit 106, the range setting data D10 sent from the control unit 1 terminal 2 is stored in the flash ROM 14 and then the RAMI. The CPU 12 reads out the data and develops it so that the CPU 12 can determine the range of input lines that can be used for the desired output line selected based on the range setting data D 10.

 In practice, in the remote control unit 106, the input color available for the desired output line selected from the multiple output colors of the routing switch 3 is set. To set a connection, the user first selects and presses the selection button 17 corresponding to the desired output line on the control panel 20 as shown in Fig. 10, or presses the rotor. By turning the selector knob 21 of the rear encoder, the desired output line name (0 UT 110 in this case) is displayed on the character display section 18 of the liquid crystal display configuration.

 At this time, in the remote control 106, the name of the currently selected output line (〇UT110) is displayed in the character display section 18, and the output line is displayed on both sides of the output line. The range of input lines that can be switched for the line is indicated by its name (in this case, IN 101 to IN 120).

 In other words, the CPU 12 of the remote control unit 106 sets the desired output from a plurality of output lines by the user on the character display section 18 of the control panel 20. When a line is selected, the range setting data D10 stored in the flash ROM 14 is read out to RAMI3, and the range of use of the selected output line is checked based on this. .

 Then, the CPU 12 determines the use range of the input line corresponding to the selected output line based on the range setting data D10, and switches the input line that can be switched to the selected output line. The output line range (IN101-I120) on both sides of the output line name (〇UT110).

At this time, the CPU 12 changes the input line to be switched according to the operation of the selection button 17 or the selector knob 21 by the user based on the range setting data D10. If the judgment result shows that the input line is not within the usable range, the display in the character display section 18 is not changed, and if the input line to be switched is within the usable range, for example, the selector knob 2 The name of the input line selected by 1 is displayed on the character display section 18.

 The user selects and specifies a desired input color from the input colors displayed in this way, and presses a take button 22 to change a desired input line to a desired output color. Set in association. This allows the user to freely switch the input line displayed in the character display section 18 within the range of use for the desired output line of the routing switcher 3. .

 As described above, in the remote control unit 106, the range of the input line that can be selected and specified for the desired output line displayed on the character display section 18 is set to the range setting data D1. By restricting based on 0, only the names of the input colors that can be used for the desired output color displayed on the character display section 18 are displayed. The input and output lines can be set quickly by minimizing the data displayed on the character display section 18 and erroneous operations can be prevented by not displaying the names of unusable input lines. I have.

 Also, the remote control unit 106 sets the matrix of the available input and output lines set by the range setting data D10 to the actual routing switcher 3. By matching the matrix arrangement of the input and output lines, it is possible to easily and quickly execute the input / output line switching setting.

Further, the remote control unit 106 is configured to control each remote control unit 10 based on the range setting data D10 in which the use range of the input / output line is set. The input / output line switching range can be set arbitrarily on the control panel 20 of 6 A and 106 B, so that the input and output lines available for the desired output line can be set. Power lines can be restricted and the range of input / output line selection can be increased. In addition, the remote control unit 106 sets the configurable output lines and the available input lines for that output line to the respective output line ranges and inputs. By making the ranges of lines correspond to each other, the display range can be restricted and the range setting data can be limited, compared to the case where the input colors that can be used for each output color are set each time. The data amount and data setting amount of D 10 can be significantly reduced.

 (2-3) Operation and effect in the second embodiment

 In the above configuration, the switcher device 100 uses the control panel 20 of the remote control unit 106 to allow the user to select a desired output line from a plurality of output lines. Is selected by the selection button 17 or the selector knob 21, the CPU 12 sets the CPU 12 based on the range setting data D 10 read out from the flash R 0 M 14 onto the RAMI 3. Investigate the range of use for the selected output color.

 Further, the CPU 12 determines the usable range of the input line corresponding to the output color selected and specified based on the range setting data D10, and the name of the input line in the usable range. Is displayed on both sides of the output line in the character display section 18. That is, for example, when the output line 0 UT 1 is selected and specified by the user, the CPU 12 changes the range of the output line OUT 1 based on the range setting data D 10 to the output line 0 UT 1 (TOP ) To OUT64 (END) (Fig. 9).

Then, the CPU 12 determines that the input color to be set for the output line OUT 1 is within the usable range within the input lines IN 1 (T 0 P) to IN 64 (END) (Fig. 9). When the input line does not exist, the display in the character display section 18 is not changed, and the input line to be switched is set within the usable range of the input lines IN 1 (TOP) to IN 64 (END). If it exists, the name of the input line switched by the selection button 17 or the selector knob 21 is displayed on the character display section 18. In this way, the CPU 12 uses the selected output line by checking the usable range of the input line with the range setting data D 10 for the selected output line. Only possible input lines can be displayed on the character display section 18.

 In short, the remote control unit 106 can quickly set input / output lines by minimizing the data displayed on the character display section 18 and cannot be used. By not displaying the name of the input line, erroneous operation can be prevented.

 According to the above configuration, the switcher device 100 restricts the useable range of the plurality of output lines provided in the routing switcher 3 and the range of the usable output lines. The usable range of the input line is set as the range setting data D10 by the control terminal 2A of the control unit 2 so that the switcher can be used. The device 100 uses the CPU 12 based on the range setting data D 10 when the remote control unit 106 sets the input / output line switching for the routing switch 3. Only the available output lines can be displayed on the character display section 18 by the control, and only the available input lines can be displayed on the output lines in association with each other.

In addition, the switcher device 100 can use a settable output line and a usable output line for the output line as compared with a case where the input line that can be used for each output line is set. By limiting the display range by associating the input lines with the output line range and the input line range, respectively, the data amount of the range setting data D10 and the data setting amount are markedly increased. It can be reduced. In this way, the switcher device 100 displays only the available input / output lines, thereby quickly switching the input / output lines of the routing switcher 3 and setting the input / output routes. In addition, incorrect setting of the input line for the selected output line can be prevented. (3) Third embodiment

 (3-1) Overall configuration of the switch device in the third embodiment

 As shown in FIG. 11, in the switcher device 200 according to the third embodiment, a remote control unit 6 (FIG. 1) is used instead of the remote control unit 6 (FIG. 1). The addition of Lunit 206 (206 A and 206 B), and a routing switch with a different matrix configuration in place of Luting switcher 3 (Fig. 1) The configuration is the same as that of the switcher device 1 in the first embodiment except that switchers 203 (203A and 203B) are newly provided. The roll unit 6 and the remote control unit-unit 206 shown in FIG. 12 have the same circuit configuration except for the processing content. Is omitted.

 (3-2) Extended input of routing switcher

 Next, a specific method for expanding the input color of the routing switch 203 will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in Fig. 13, the routing switch 203 is composed of a matrix-shaped main body switching switch 204A and a matrix-shaped extended routing switch 204B. Have been.

 The main unit's routing switch 204 A has input lines Ι Ν 100 〜 to Ι 0 108 and extended input line I Ν 100, and these input lines IN 101 to Ι Ν Outputs input signals from 1 08 and extended input line I Ν 1 0 0 to output line ◦ U U 1

The output is made from 00 to a predetermined destination in destination 5 (FIG. 11).

 In the main body routing switcher 204, the extended input line IN100 is connected to the output line UOT01 of the extended routing switcher 204B by the output signal line OUTL1. The extended routing switch 204B has input lines IN001 to IN08 on one side of the matrix, and the input lines

1 N 0 0 1 to INO 0 8 Input signal from output line OUT 0 0 1 Output signal line 0 Routing switcher of the main unit via UTL 1 2 4 4 A Extended input line I of A It is sent to N100.

 The main unit switching switch 204A and the extended routing switcher 204B can be used to switch to the input line and output line arbitrarily specified by the remote control unit 206. Thus, the input / output route of the signal can be set to any combination.

 Next, as shown in Fig. 14, the remote control unit 206 corresponds to the input lines IN001 to IN08 of the extended switching switch 204B, respectively. Control button 1 Ί A and control switch 2 5 5 た 本体 本体 本体 カ ラ 本体 本体 本体 本体 本体 本体 選 択 選 択 選 択 選 択 選 択When the selection button 17. (17 A and 17 B) on the control panel 25 is selected and pressed by the user, the output line 0 UT 100 (FIG. 13) ) Can be set to a desired input color.

 In this case, in the control terminal 2A (FIG. 11) of the control unit 2, FIGS. 15 to 17 are displayed on the setting screen of the monitor (not shown). Various data for setting the input / output route as shown in the following are displayed on the screen, and the input / output route by the main unit switching switch 204A and the extended routing switcher 204B is displayed on the screen. Root setting data D 20 for setting is generated by key input.

 That is, the control terminal 2A is connected to the input lines IN101 to IN108 of the main unit routing switcher 204A and the extended routing switcher 20 based on the route setting data D20. 4 Set the B input lines IN001 to IN08 as input lines to the main unit's routing switcher 204A output line OUT100.

In this control terminal 2A, first, screen data for input / output route setting as shown in FIG. 15A is read, and input lines IN101 to IN108 and IN0 are read. 0 1 to IN 0 08 Specify the output destination of the input signal input to output line OUT 100. Fig. 15 Eighth “≤ £ PAELTABLE (SOURCE ) CONTROLDESTINATI 0 N = 0 UT 1 0 0 '' indicates that all output destinations of the input line specified by this setting screen data are set to the output line OUT 100 .

 In this case, on the setting screen of the control terminal 2A, the 16 selection buttons provided on the control panel 25, such as "KEY = input line number", are displayed. For each “Κ Ε Υ” data of data numbers 01 to 16 corresponding to each of the input 17 (FIG. 14), the signal type “I Ν” and the line number unique to each input color ( 0 0 1 to 0 8, 10 1 to 10 8) to specify the input line for each selection button 17 Ι Ν 0 0 1 to Ι Ν 0 0 8, INI 0 Set 1 to IN 108

As a result, the input lines IN001 to IN08 and IN101 to IN108 are set for the output line OUT100 of the main unit routing switcher 204A.

 In addition, as shown in Fig. 16, in the control π-terminal 2A (Fig. 11), each input of the extended routing switcher 204B displayed on the monitor setting screen is displayed. By specifying the lines IN 0 0 1 to IN 0 8 by the user, each input line IN 0 0 is connected to the output line OUT 0 1 of the extended routing switcher 204 B. Make settings so that 1 to IN08 can be switched. (In the figure, "IN line number: displayed as OUT001, IN line number.")

 In addition, as shown in Fig. 17, in the control terminal 2A, the extended route setting, such as "0 UT 0 01: OUT 1 0 0 <IN 1 0 0", is performed. By inputting the route setting data D20 on the setting screen of the monitor by the user, the output line 0UT100 of the main unit's routing switcher 204A is extended to the input line IN1. Route 0 is specified, and the input lines IN001 to IN08 of the extended routing switcher 204B can be selected as extended inputs from the output line OUT100. ing.

Therefore, the control part 2 is the same as the one set in the control port terminal 2A. -When the route setting is switched based on the port setting data D 0, if the output line OUT 0 0 1 is included in the switching request data S 1, the output line OUT 1 0 0 and A request to switch to input line IN 100 is also made at the same time.

 When the remote control unit 206 displays the input / output line selection status of the switched input / output route, the extended input line is connected to the output line OUT100. When IN100 is selected, the output line ◦ UT001 selects which input line IN001 to IN008 is selected as the route setting in Fig. 17 Search and display based on data D 20.

 This allows the remote control unit 206 to input / output to / from the routing switch 203 by selecting the control panel selection button 17 by the user. When setting the route switching, it is as if the extended routing switcher 204 connected to the extended input line IN100 and the input lines INO01 to INO08 of the B and the main unit switching switch 204 were connected. The input / output routes can be switched in such a way that the input lines IN101 to IN108 of A are connected in parallel to one output line OUT100. It has been done.

 This remote control unit 206 has one output signal line according to the input line display procedure RT3 as shown in Fig. 18 ◦ The main unit router switch 204 via UTL1 The name of the extension input switch of extension routing switcher 204B that is extended by connecting A to extension routing switcher 204B is displayed.

 That is, in the input line display procedure RT3, the remote control unit 206 is activated when the desired selection button 17 is selected and designated by the user on the control port panel 25. Move on to step SP 21.

First, in step SP1, when the user presses a desired selection button 17 by the user, the CPU 12 of the remote control unit 206 enters the input / output line corresponding to the selection button 17. To the control section 2 You.

 As a result, the control unit 2 generates the route setting data D1 based on the switching request data S1, and supplies this to the routing switcher 203. As a result, the routing switcher 203 switches the input / output route based on the route setting data D1.

 The routing switcher 203 sets each remote control unit 20 as the route switching result data D2 by using the setting data when the input / output route is switched. Send to 6. Upon receiving the note switching result data D 2, each remote control unit luit 206 examines the input line connected to the output line OUT 100 by CPU 12.

 Next, in step SP 22, the CPU 12 expands the route setting data D 20 read from the flash R 0 M 14 on the RAM 13, and checks it in step SP 21. It checks whether or not the combination of the input line and the output line has been set using the extended input line IN100 based on the route setting data D20.

 Then, in the next step SP 23, the CPU 12 determines whether or not there is a combination of input / output lines corresponding to the data set in the note setting data D 20 (FIG. 15A). To determine whether the combination of the input line and the output line is set using the extended input line IN100, and if a positive result is obtained, Proceed to step SP24, and if a negative result is obtained, proceed to step SP25.

 Here, in step SP24, the CPU 12 outputs the output connected to the extended input line IN100 based on the route setting data D20 (Fig. 15A) developed on the RAM I3. Inspect the input lines (IN001 to IN008) connected to the output line UT001 based on the route setting data D20 (Fig. 16). ).

Then, in step SP25, the CPU 12 determines the line number of the Displayed by illuminating the select button 17 on the control panel 25 corresponding to the signal. In this way, the CPU 12 immediately sends the input line (or the output line) corresponding to the crosspoint set in the notifying switch 203 to the control port panel 25. It can be displayed by illuminating the selection buttons 17 of.

 In the case of the routing switch 203, the extended routing switch 204B is not connected to the cascade connection but to the main unit routing switch 204A via the output signal line OUTL1, which is a single connection bus. When the input lines (IN001 to IN08) are expanded by connecting them, it is especially necessary to check the input / output routes of the extended routing switcher 204B based on the route setting data D20. As a result, it is possible to search the input cursors IN 001 to IN 008 which are actually selected and designated. In addition, the CPU 12 of the remote control unit 206 receives the control corresponding to the input line whose input / output route has been switched according to the route setting data D20. By illuminating the selection button 17 on the mouth panel 25, the user can reliably determine the line number of the selected and designated extended input line. In the case, the CPU 12 of the remote control unit 206 selects and displays the input line of the extended routing switcher 204B corresponding to the input / output line switching result data S2. When the input / output route is switched to the input line of the main unit's routing switcher 204 A while the switch is on, the display of the input line of the extended routing switch 204 B is displayed on the main unit's routing switcher 20. Update to 4 A input line To have been made to display.

The input line switching process in each routing switch 203 is executed according to the input switching procedure RT4 as shown in FIG. That is, in the input switching procedure RT4, the remote control unit 206 sets the desired selection button 17 on the control panel 25 by the user at step SP3. Move to 1. First, in step SP31, the CPU 12 of the remote control unit 206 generates the switching request data S1 according to the output level of the designated selection button 17 and generates the switching request data S1. Based on the route setting data D20 read out to the cache ROM 14, it is checked whether or not the switching request data S1 includes a switching instruction for the extended input color.

 In the next step SP32, CPU12 moves to the next step SP33 when the determination result that the switching request data S1 includes the switching instruction for the extended input line is obtained. In step SP33, the CPU 12 converts the switching instruction data for selecting the extended input line to the route setting data based on the route setting data D20 stored in the flash memory R0M14. A switching request profile S 1 is generated in addition to D 20.

 In the next step SP34, the CPU 12 sends the switching request data S1 representing the cross-point of the input / output route to which the switching instruction data has been added, via the S bus 7 to the control π-rule. Send to Part 2.

 On the other hand, in step SP32, the CPU 12 immediately proceeds to step SP34 when it is determined that the switching request data S1 does not include the switching instruction data for selecting the extension color. Then, it generates switching request data S 1 for selecting only the input line of the main body switching switch 204 A, and sends it to the control unit 2 via the S bus 7.

 In step SP35, the CPU 12 completes the extended input line switching procedure by selecting and selecting the selection button 17 and ends the input line switching process.

Thus, when the remote control unit 206 requests the switching setting of the input / output route to the routing switcher 203, the remote control unit 206 has an extended input to the switching request data S1 for switching. When a switching command for the input side of the extended routing switcher 204B is included, the switching request data S generated by adding the switching command data to the route setting data D20. 1 to request the extended input line side to switch the cross point. ing.

 Thus, the remote control unit 206 is not a cascade connection (direct connection), but an extended routing switch that extends the main body switching switch 204A through the output signal line 0 UTL1. The switching setting of the expansion input for the expansion input color of 204 B can be easily performed.

 (3 — 3) Operation and effect in the third embodiment

 In the above configuration, the switcher device 200 is connected to the extension routing switcher 204B from the extension input line IN100 of the main unit routing switcher 204A via the output signal line UTL1. I do.

 As a result, when the switcher device 200 switches the input line of the routing switcher 203 by the remote control unit 206, the extended routing switch is switched to the input line to be switched. When the extended input line of the switch 204B is specified, the switching instruction data is routed to switch the output line OUT100 and the input line IN100 simultaneously. The switching request data S 1 is generated in addition to the switch setting data D 20, and is transmitted to the routing switch 203.

 Thus, the routing switch 203 requests the switching setting for the extended input line of the extended routing switch 204 B obtained by extending the main body switching switch 204 A via the output signal line OUTL 1. It can be easily executed based on the data S1.

In addition, when the desired input line is selected and switched for the desired output line, the switcher device 200 sets the route switching result data by the remote control unit 206. By checking the setting status of the input / output route of the routing switcher 203 based on D 2, the selected desired input line is determined by the main unit switching switch 204 A or the extended routing switcher 204. 4 It is determined whether the input line is any one of B, and the selection button 17 on the control panel 25 corresponding to the determined input line is lit. Thus, in the switcher device 200, the output line and the desired input line switched to the output line are selected by pressing the selection button 17 on the control port panel 25. By illuminating and displaying, the user can easily recognize the set combination of the input and output routes.

 At this time, the switcher device 200 is provided with the main unit switching switch 204A and the extended routing switcher 200 on the control panel 25 of the remote control unit 206. The selection buttons 17 corresponding to all the input lines in 4B can be displayed, so that the input color of the extended routing switch 204B is changed from the state in which the input color is selected. When switching to the input line of the routing switch 204 A, the lighting display can be immediately switched to the selection button 17 corresponding to the switched input line.

 According to the above configuration, the switcher device 200 is connected to the extended routing switcher 204B from the extended input line IN100 of the main unit routing switcher 204A via the output signal line OUTL1. Connect the input line that is connected and switched to the UT100 under the control of the remote control unit 206. The input line is not limited to the main unit switch. The extension routing switcher 204B can be freely switched and set by extending it, so that the input / output routes of the main unit routing switcher 204A and the extension routing switcher 204B can be set. Switching control can be easily executed.

(4) Other embodiments

Note that, in the first embodiment described above, the case where the switcher device 1 uses the routing switcher 3 configured by 4 × 4 input / output lines has been described. The present invention is not limited to this, and a routing switcher composed of 8 × 8 input / output lines may be used according to the number of devices used for editing work, the type of signal, and the like. In this case, if the normal control level is set to the matrix range A consisting of IN1, IN2 and 0UT1, 0UT2, then IN3 , IN 4 and 0 UT 3 and OUT 4 Matrix range B, IN 5, IN 6 and OUT 5 and 0 UT 6 matrix range (:, IN 7 IN 8 and OUT The matrix range D consisting of 7, 0 UT 8 can be set as an extension level, and thus the extension level can be increased in any way depending on the setting of the matrix range And

 In the first embodiment, the offset data “IN 3, OUT 3” and the offset data “IN 3” are stored in advance in the flash ROM 14 as storage means. , OUT 3 '' and the selected matrix range information indicating the desired input line and output line selected from the area of the matrix range B after However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a recording medium such as an optical disc on which the offset data “IN 3, 0 UT 3” and the selected matrix range information are recorded is externally read by a computer or the like. The extension level is set by reading through the device and developing on the RAM I 3 by the CPU 12 as a control means of each remote control π-unit 7. May be. As a result, even in the existing switcher device 1, it is possible to easily set the extension level only by reading data from a predetermined recording medium. In this case as well, the same as in the first embodiment described above. The effect of can be obtained.

 Further, in the above-described second embodiment, the case where the names of the input line and the output line are represented by the type (IN or OUT) and the line number has been described. For example, when the output destination is a VTR, an input source name such as VTR may be included in the name type and displayed.

Further, in the above-described second embodiment, the case where the range setting data D10 is stored in advance in the flash ROM 14 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. However, the range setting data D10 is stored in a storage medium such as an optical disk, and is read via an external reading device such as a computer, and the remote control unit n-106 The use range of the input / output lines is set by developing on the RAM I3 by the CPU 12 as the input / output range setting section of the The CPU 12 and the display unit 10B may display the input color whose use is restricted for the output color, and may switch to the input line whose use is restricted for the predetermined output line. good. As a result, even in the existing switcher apparatus 100, the use range of the input / output line can be set appropriately only by reading the data from the predetermined storage medium. The same effect can be obtained.

 Further, in the third embodiment described above, the main body switching switch 204A as the main body switcher is connected to the expansion switch via the S bus 7 as the connection bus. The case where the input line is extended by connecting it to the extended routing switcher 204 B described above has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention is not limited to this. It may be applied when extending the output line. In this case, the output color can be set for a predetermined input line by the route setting data as shown in FIG. 15B.

 Further, in the third embodiment described above, the input / output route of the signal is provided by the main body switching switch 204A composed of the matrix-like switcher and the extended routing switcher 204B. Although the description has been given of the case in which the signal is switched, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the input / output route of the signal may be switched by using a ring-shaped main body switching switch and an extended routing switch. .

Further, in the third embodiment described above, the case where the route setting data D 20 is stored in the flash R 0 M 14 has been described. The route setting data D 20 is stored in a storage medium such as an optical disk, and is read through an external reading device such as a computer, and the setting of each remote control unit 6 is performed. The expansion input may be set to the routing switch 3 by expanding the data on the RAMI 3 by the CPU 12 serving as a unit and a switching control unit. As a result, even in the existing switch device 200, only by reading data from a predetermined storage medium, the data can be transmitted to the routing switch 203. The setting of the extended input line can be easily performed, and the same effect as in the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

 Further, in the third embodiment described above, the case where the extended routing switch 204B is connected to the main unit routing switch 204A in one stage has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of stages of extended routing switchers may be connected to the main unit routing switcher. Industrial applicability

 The switcher device and the input / output switching method of the present invention are applied to, for example, a routing switcher that switches an input / output path of a signal output from a predetermined signal source in a broadcasting station and sends the signal to a desired output destination. You.

Claims

The scope of the claims

1. A set of multiple cross points where multiple input lines and multiple output lines intersect, and a predetermined input line and output line of the multiple input lines and output lines are set. A matrix-like switcher for switching the input / output path of the signal by switching the connection of the cross points in a predetermined matrix range composed of

 Unused matrix range information indicating unused input and output lines excluding the predetermined matrix range from the plurality of input lines and the plurality of output lines, and Storage means for storing selected matrix range information indicating an input line and an output color selected from the unused matrix range;

 A control means for setting a new matrix range from the unused matrix ranges based on the unused matrix range information and the selected matrix range information;

 A switcher device comprising:

2. When the cross point is specified in the predetermined matrix range, the control means switches the input / output path of the signal based on the address of the specified cross point. In conjunction with the switching control in the predetermined matrix range, the type of the signal is changed by switching the connection of the cross point in the new matrix range corresponding to the address of the cross point. Switch the input / output path of a new signal different from

 The switcher device according to claim 1, wherein:

3. After switching the input / output path of the new signal in the new matrix range, the control means checks the type of the new signal input to the switched input line, The type of the signal is specified in the above specified matrix range. 3. The switcher device according to claim 2, wherein the display device displays the input color number connected to the π point and the input color number on display means.

4. Among the above-mentioned plurality of input lines and output lines in a matrix-like switcher comprising a set of a plurality of α-points where a plurality of input lines and a plurality of output lines intersect. An input / output switching method for switching a signal input / output path by switching a cross point connection in a predetermined matrix range including a predetermined input line and a predetermined output line,

 Unused matrix range information indicating unused input and output lines excluding the predetermined matrix range from the plurality of input lines and the plurality of output lines. A first step of reading from the storage means selected matrix range information indicating an input line and an output line selected from the unused matrix range; and A second step of setting a new matrix range from the unused matrix ranges based on the matrix range information and the selected matrix range information described above;

 An input / output switching method, comprising:

5. Following the second step, when the cross point is specified in the predetermined matrix range, the input of the signal is performed based on the address of the specified cross point. In addition to switching the output path, in conjunction with the switching control in the predetermined matrix range, the connection of the cross point in the new matrix range corresponding to the address of the cross point is switched. 3rd step of switching the input / output path of a new signal different from the above signal type

 The input / output switching method according to claim 4, comprising:

6. Following the third step, after switching the input / output path of the new signal in the new matrix range, the signal is input to the switched input line. The type of the new signal is checked, and the type of the signal is displayed on the display means together with the number of the input line connected to the specified cross point in the predetermined matrix range. Step 4

 6. The input / output switching method according to claim 5, comprising:

7. In a switcher device that switches a signal path of a signal input from one or more input lines to a desired output line from one or more output lines, respectively.

 An input / output range setting section for setting the use range of the output line, and setting the use range of the input line whose use is restricted with respect to the use range of the output line; and The input lines whose use is restricted for the output line are displayed based on the use range of the input line for the use range of the input line, and the input line whose use is restricted for the predetermined output line A switcher device comprising: a signal path setting unit for switching to a line.

8. The input / output range setting section

 The above-mentioned use range of the above-mentioned input line and the above-mentioned use range of the above-mentioned output line are set by the start number and the end number of the line numbers attached to the names of the above-mentioned input line and the above-mentioned output line, respectively.

 The switcher device according to claim 7, characterized in that:

9. In a switching device for switching a signal path of a signal input from one or more input lines to a desired output line from one or more output lines,

 A body switch having one or more input lines and one or more output lines;

To extend the above-mentioned color and / or the above-mentioned output color on the main body switcher An extension switch having one or more input colors and one or more output colors of

 A connection bus for connecting the extension switch to the main body switcher, and a setting unit for setting a connection state of the extension switcher to the main body switch.

 A switching control unit that switches the signal paths of the main body switch and the extension switch according to the connection state;

 A switcher device comprising:

10. The extension switcher is connected to the main body switcher by the connection bus via an extension line provided in the main body switcher,

 10. The setting unit according to claim 9, wherein the setting unit sets the connection state of the extension switcher to the input line or the output line with respect to the extension line of the main body switcher. Switcher device.

1 1. The switching control unit

 10. The switcher device according to claim 9, further comprising a display unit for displaying a connection state between the main body switcher and the extension switcher.

12. The above display section

 A button that has a selection button corresponding to the input color and / or the output color.

 The switcher device according to claim 11, comprising:

13. The above selection button

 Lights up according to the connection status

 13. The switcher device according to claim 12, wherein: