Audio equipment placement system, configuration apparatus, method and computer program product

Abstract

An audio device arrangement system (4) for sound diffusion technology, the audio device arrangement system having an audio signal processing device (5) and a configuration device (6), wherein the audio signal processing device (5) has a first number of multiple audio signal input terminals (10), a second number of multiple signal output terminals (11) and a third number of multiple signal paths (9), wherein the signal paths (9) connect the audio signal input terminals (10) with the signal output terminals (11), wherein the audio signal input terminals (10) are designed to receive a provided audio signal, wherein the configuration device (6) is designed to control, regulate and / or configure the audio signal processing device (5), characterized in that the configuration device (6) is designed to close, in particular, unused and / or undesired signal paths (9).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] An audio device arrangement for sound diffusion technology is proposed, wherein the audio device arrangement comprises a configuration device and an audio signal processing device, wherein the audio signal processing device comprises a plurality of audio signal inputs and / or audio signal outputs. Background Art

[0002] Environmental awareness and, in particular, energy conservation are becoming increasingly important in all areas of our daily lives. Energy conservation has also reached the field of audio technology. In particular, professional audio technology requires a large amount of energy, as sound diffusion technology is used to diffuse sound into the surroundings, especially into larger surroundings. In this case, not only is current supplied to the actual sound output units, such as loudspeakers, but the actual operation of the loudspeakers and the mixing of the audio signals also consume energy. The sound diffusion of the loudspeakers is carried out, for example, with the aid of an audio device arrangement system. For example, such an audio device arrangement system is a mixing console comprising an audio signal processor and / or a system controller. The audio device arrangement system comprises an audio signal input and an audio signal output connected via a signal path. The signal applied to the audio signal input can be processed by an audio processor (e.g., a digital mixer) and output accordingly at the audio signal output. This arrangement is very energy-intensive because it is permanently fully powered.

[0003] Document DE 10 2017 209 067 A1, which may constitute the closest prior art, describes a method for operating a Class D amplifier. The method provides for detecting an applied audio signal at a measuring point upstream in the signal path and, based on this, determining the voltage requirement of the output stage. Here, a limit is selected, starting from which, for example, regulation is made from a first voltage requirement to a higher voltage requirement. This configuration is based on the idea that the voltage requirement is adjusted upward when a higher gain is required, while below the limit, the amplifier is operated at a medium and / or lower voltage requirement. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide an audio system arrangement that enables professional sound diffusion in sound diffusion technology in a particularly energy-efficient manner. In particular, it is provided that an audio system arrangement having multiple audio signal inputs is operated in such a way that it operates in an energy-efficient manner.

[0005] A system for arranging audio devices is provided. Also provided are a configuration device, a method for configuring an audio signal processing device, a computer program, and a machine-readable storage medium containing the computer program. Preferred and / or advantageous embodiments of the present invention are apparent from the description and the accompanying figures.

[0006] The present invention relates to an audio device arrangement system for sound diffusion technology. The audio device arrangement system is used, for example, to control loudspeakers or loudspeaker devices. The audio device arrangement system can in particular form a mixing console or an amplifier. In particular, the audio device arrangement system is constructed to connect an audio signal source to a loudspeaker or loudspeaker device. The audio device arrangement system can in particular be controlled, initialized and / or adjusted by means of a computer and / or a computing unit. Sound diffusion technology is understood, for example, as the supply of sound and / or audio signals to an ambient area, for example by means of loudspeaker devices. The surrounding environment to which the sound is to be diffused can be, for example, a building, a department store, an airport or other public buildings. In addition, the sound diffusion technology can be used for sound diffusion in open spaces, for example, concert venues, parks or long streets.

[0007] The audio device arrangement system includes a configuration device and an audio signal processing device. In particular, the audio signal processing device and the configuration device can be arranged in a common component, such as a common housing. The configuration device and the audio signal processing device are connected to each other, in particular temporarily, or in particular permanently, via signal technology.

[0008] The audio signal processing device has a first number of audio signal inputs, a second number of multiple signal outputs, and a third number of multiple signal paths. The first number is, in particular, a number greater than five and, in particular, a number greater than ten. The second number is, in particular, a number greater than five and, in particular, a number greater than ten. In particular, it can be provided that the first number corresponds to the second number. The third number is, in particular, a number greater than five and, in particular, a number greater than ten. In particular, the third number can correspond to the second number and / or the first number. The audio signal input is, in particular, configured as an interface, for example, as a jack plug, a socket interface, an AUX input, and / or a radio interface. The audio signal input can, for example, be connected to a sound and / or audio signal generator. The signal output is configured to output a data signal. For example, the data signal that can be output by the signal output is a digital or analog signal. In particular, the data signal that can be output by the signal output is an audio signal. In particular, different data signals are output at different signal outputs.

[0009] The signal path is particularly designed as an electronic signal path, for example, as a wired path or as a printed conductor. For example, the signal path is designed as an electrical circuit and / or includes an electrical circuit. Along the signal path and / or with the aid of the signal path, the audio signal can be forwarded from the audio signal input to the signal output. The signal path is designed to connect at least one audio signal input to at least one signal output. In particular, the signal path can also forward multiple audio signal inputs to a common signal output and / or connect them. The signal path can also be designed as a branching signal path. The signal path can particularly include elements for signal processing (signal processing / order bearing), for example, so that signals from different audio signal inputs can be mixed into a common signal.

[0010] The audio signal output is configured to receive a provided audio signal. The provided audio signal is, in particular, an externally provided audio signal. The audio signal can be in the form of a digital or analog signal. In particular, the audio signal output can be configured to convert an analog audio signal into a digital audio signal or to convert a digital audio signal into an analog audio signal.

[0011] The configuration device is designed to control, adjust, and / or configure the audio signal processing device. For example, the configuration device includes and / or is designed as a computing device or computer device. For example, the configuration device may include a software module and, in particular, a GUI (Graphical User Interface). For example, a user can use it to control, adjust, initialize, and / or configure the audio signal processing device, wherein user interaction is performed, in particular, by means of the GUI. In particular, the configuration device can be used to control, adjust, and / or configure individual signal paths, individual audio signal inputs, and / or individual signal outputs. For example, the configuration device can be designed as a digital mixing console and / or a virtual mixing console. For example, the configuration device can be used to adjust, control, and / or configure control parameters and / or adjustment parameters of the audio signal processing device and / or the audio device arrangement system.

[0012] The configuration device is configured to shut down, in particular, unused and / or undesired signal paths, in particular selectively and / or individually. For example, an unused and / or undesired signal path is a path that connects an audio signal input to a signal output, wherein no audio signal is applied to and / or provided at the audio signal input in question. For example, only a portion of a first number of multiple audio signal inputs is supplied with an audio signal and / or connected to an audio source, wherein the remaining portion of the first number is unconnected. Such audio signal inputs without a provided audio signal particularly result in unused and / or undesired signal paths. Furthermore, it can be provided that an unused signal path is a signal path that is not used and / or utilized in the current and / or planned sound diffusion because its output signal and / or audio signal should not be output. Closing a signal path should, for example, be understood to mean transferring the signal path to an unpowered state. For example, the signal path is disconnected from the energy supply, separated from the voltage source, and / or de-energized. This shut-down can be performed or controlled manually or automatically.

[0013] The present invention is based on the following consideration: In an audio device arrangement system, all signal paths are rarely used at the same time. However, in audio device arrangements to date, all signal paths are continuously supplied with current and / or voltage, so that these signal paths consume energy unnecessarily when idling. By shutting down corresponding unused signal paths, the energy requirement of the audio device arrangement system can be improved. In particular, during control, regulation and / or configuration, the configuration device knows which signal paths are used and / or which audio signal inputs and / or signal outputs are active. Therefore, the configuration device can also control the shutting down of unused signal paths and / or determine which signal paths should be understood as unused and / or undesirable signal paths.

[0014] One embodiment of the present invention provides that the configuration device is designed to close the signal path after the configuration device, the audio device arrangement, and / or the audio signal processing device are started. This can particularly be done during the initialization of the configuration device, the audio signal processing device, and / or the audio device arrangement. A particular embodiment of the present invention provides that the signal path is closed in the event of a configuration change (e.g., a change in the configuration of the audio processing device, the configuration device, and / or the audio device arrangement). This embodiment is based on the consideration that an optimal degree of closing of the signal path is always present during operational changes, configuration changes, and / or when restarting operation.

[0015] Optionally, the configuration device is designed to activate and / or reactivate a previously deactivated signal path, in particular a desired and / or required previously deactivated signal path, in particular selectively and / or individually. For example, the configuration device can be designed to activate a previously deactivated signal path, for example by supplying it with voltage and / or current again, so that the signal path can then be actively engaged. This may be necessary, for example, if another signal path is required, for example, because an audio signal input is being re-supplied with an audio signal, and thus the audio signal input is newly added and its signal path must be taken into account.

[0016] Particularly preferably, the configuration device includes an input unit. The input unit can, for example, be in the form of a keyboard or a touchpad with a graphical user interface. The input unit allows the user to set and / or select a configuration profile. For example, the user can freely set a configuration profile and / or create a new one. Furthermore, it can be provided that a configuration profile can be selected from a list, wherein these configuration profiles have default settings and are particularly adaptable. The configuration profile includes information regarding signal paths that are used, not used, to be shut down, already shut down, and / or activated. Furthermore, the configuration profile can include information regarding utilized audio signal inputs and / or signal outputs, such as which audio signal inputs and / or signal outputs are currently supplied with audio signals and / or are externally connected. Furthermore, the configuration profile can include information regarding signal paths, such as which signal paths connect which audio signal inputs to which signal outputs, and / or which components or circuit elements are arranged within the signal paths. The configuration device is particularly configured to deactivate and / or activate signal paths based on the configuration profile. For example, the configuration device is configured to activate signal paths that are used in the configuration profile and / or deactivate signal paths that are not used. For example, it can be provided that, due to a change from a first profile to a second profile, no longer used signal paths are deactivated, and new and / or added, previously deactivated signal paths are reactivated. For example, the profiles can be configured and / or stored as user profiles. The profiles can also include and / or describe, for example, sound diffusion conditions.

[0017] Particularly preferably, at least one of the profiles is designed as a time-dependent profile. A time-dependent profile is understood to mean, in particular, that signal paths that are not used and / or to be deactivated are activated and / or remain active over time and / or at a specific time. Furthermore, it can be understood, for example, that an activated signal path is to be deactivated at a later time, for example, after a specific time interval and / or at a settable time. For example, a profile can take into account an event in which an audio signal is emitted by a first audio signal source until a certain time, wherein the first audio signal source is connected to a portion of the plurality of audio signal inputs, and at a later time, an audio signal is provided by a second audio signal source that is connected to another portion of the audio signal inputs.

[0018] Particularly preferably, the configuration device is a computer unit. For example, the computer unit is a personal computer, tablet computer, and / or laptop computer. The computer unit is particularly connectable to the audio signal processing device, particularly via data technology, such as a cable or radio connection. The configuration and / or management, setting, and / or selection of the configuration files can be implemented and / or realized in software.

[0019] Optionally, the signal path and / or at least one signal path includes current-operated circuit components. Current-operated circuit components are, for example, microprocessors, audio signal processors, digital-to-analog converters, analog-to-digital converters, operational amplifiers, and / or signal processing elements. Closing a signal path means, for example, that in this state, the current-operated circuit components are voltage-free and / or current-free, for example, disconnected and / or disconnected from the voltage and / or current supply.

[0020] Particularly preferably, the audio device arrangement system comprises a mixing console. For example, the mixing console is configured as an audio signal processing device and / or the mixing console comprises an audio signal processing device. For example, the mixing console can have an amplifier and / or a sound conversion element.

[0021] Particularly preferably, the signal path, the audio signal input, and / or the signal output comprise a measuring unit. The measuring unit is configured to detect whether an audio signal is being applied. For example, the measuring unit can be configured as a current and / or voltage detection unit. Furthermore, the measuring unit is configured to provide a measurement signal to the configuration device, in particular when an audio signal is detected. The configuration device is configured, for example, to control the deactivation and / or activation of the signal path based on the measurement signal. For example, the configuration device can interpret the measurement signal as indicating that the relevant signal path is required and, for example, should be activated and / or energized.

[0022] Another subject matter of the present invention is a configuration device for an audio device arrangement system. The configuration device is configured, for example, as a computer unit. The configuration device can also be configured as a software module. The configuration device is configured to become connected to an audio signal processing device via data technology and / or via control technology. The configuration device is configured to deactivate unnecessary and / or unused signal paths, in particular individually and / or selectively. In addition, the configuration device can be configured to reactivate signal paths that have been deactivated but are now in use. The configuration device forms, for example, an energy management system for an audio device arrangement system and / or for an audio signal processing device. In particular, the configuration device is configured to determine the signal path to be closed and / or to close it based on an audio signal input, a signal output and / or a configuration file supplied with an audio signal.

[0023] The present invention also relates to a method for configuring an audio signal processing device. This method is performed, for example, using a configuration device as described above. The method provides for deactivating and / or shutting down signal paths of the audio device arrangement, and in particular signal paths of the audio signal processing device, when the audio device arrangement, in particular the audio signal processing device, is not needed and / or in use. The signal paths are deactivated and, if necessary, switched on and / or activated, in particular based on a configuration file.

[0024] Another subject matter of the present invention is a computer program for implementation on a computer and / or on a configuration device. A computer is understood in particular to be a computer unit as described above. During implementation, the computer program is designed to carry out the method described above and / or to control an audio signal processing device based on the method described above, activating and / or deactivating signal paths.

[0025] Another subject matter of the present invention is a machine-readable storage medium, in particular a non-volatile machine-readable storage medium. The machine-readable storage medium is, for example, a memory stick, a USB flash drive, a floppy disk, a hard drive, a flash memory, and / or a CD. The machine-readable storage medium includes a computer program as described above, wherein the computer program is stored on the machine-readable storage medium. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Further advantages, effects and configurations can be seen from the attached figures and their description. They are shown here:

[0027] Figure 1 Schematically illustrates the structure of a sound diffusion technique with an exemplary audio device arrangement system;

[0028] Figure 2 An audio device arrangement system is shown as an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Figure 1The schematic diagram shows the structure of a sound diffusion technology for a sound diffusion environment 1. The sound diffusion environment 1 is, for example, an interior space, such as a concert hall. An alternative sound diffusion environment can also be an open area, such as an open-air event, or a public place for sound diffusion for broadcasting announcements. Sound is diffused into the sound diffusion environment 1 by means of a plurality of loudspeakers 2. The loudspeakers 2 are spatially distributed, in particular for producing spatial effects and / or realistically reproducing audio signals. The loudspeakers 2 together form a loudspeaker system. Furthermore, light effect sources 3, such as lighting, strobe lights, and / or other light effects, are arranged in the sound diffusion environment. The light effect sources 3 provide visual support or contrast to the audio signals reproduced by the loudspeakers 2. The loudspeakers 2 and / or light effect sources 3 are adjusted and / or controlled, in particular, by means of an audio equipment arrangement system 4. The audio equipment arrangement system 4 can be arranged within the sound diffusion environment 1, for example as a mixing console on site. Alternatively, the audio equipment arrangement system 4 can be arranged externally, for example in a central location or in another area. The audio device arrangement 4 is connected to the loudspeaker 2 and / or the light effect source 3 via signal technology, for example by radio and / or wire.

[0030] In this illustration, an audio device arrangement system 4 is arranged, for example, on a table and comprises an audio signal processing device 5, a configuration device 6, and an audio source 7. The audio source 7 and the configuration device 6 are connected to the audio signal processing device 5, in particular via data technology, for example, via a cable connection. This connection can be temporary, for example, for setup purposes, or permanent, for example, if the audio signal processing device 5 needs to be readjusted and / or further configured with the aid of the configuration device 6. The configuration device 6 is used to configure, set up, and / or operate the audio signal processing device 5. The audio signal processing device 5 can be designed as a mixing console, and the configuration device 6 can be designed as a computing unit, for example, a tablet computer, a notebook, or a central computing device. Furthermore, the configuration device 6 can be designed as a smartphone. The audio source 7 can be designed as a CD player and / or a DVD player, an MP3 player, or a lifestyle audio source.

[0031] Figure 2 The audio device arrangement system 4 is schematically shown. The audio device arrangement system 4 comprises an audio signal processing device 5 and a configuration device 6.

[0032] The audio signal processing device 5 is configured as a mixing console. The audio signal processing device 5 includes a plurality of lines 8a to 8f. Each line 8 includes and / or defines one or more signal paths 9. Lines 8a to 8f each include at least one audio signal input 10 and at least one signal output 11, wherein at least one signal path 9 extends from the audio signal input 10 to the signal output 11. One or more circuit components 12 may be arranged along the signal paths 9. Circuit components 12 may be analog circuit components, such as resistors, regulators, operational amplifiers, transistors, or switches, or digital circuit components, such as signal processors, analog-to-digital converters, or digital-to-analog converters. During operation, the signal paths 9 are energized and / or activated, supplying the necessary operating voltage or energy to the circuit components 12. Audio signals applied to the audio signal inputs 10, or different audio signals applied to different audio signal inputs 10, can be processed, mixed, and / or converted by the circuit components 12 along the signal paths. The signal output at the signal output 11 may represent an audio signal, but alternatively it may be a data signal of another kind, for example for controlling the light effect source 3 .

[0033] The audio signal input 10 can be connected to audio signal sources 7a, 7b, and 7c, for example, via a cable or radio connection. Audio signal source 7a is, for example, a digital audio signal source, such as a CD player, computer, or MP3 player. Audio signal source 7b is, for example, a microphone for transmitting moderation and / or announcements. Furthermore, a musical instrument can serve as an audio signal source, such as a guitar as audio signal source 7c. The audio signals provided by audio signal sources 7a to 7c can be received by the audio signal input 10 as analog or digital signals. These audio signals are then forwarded, either converted or unconverted, via a signal path 9 to a signal output 11. From the signal output 11, these signals can be output to loudspeakers 2 or to light effect sources via a cable or radio connection, or can be intercepted therefrom. In most applications, the mixing console and / or audio signal processing device 5 is equipped with a plurality of lines 8, audio signal inputs 10, and / or signal outputs 11. In most cases, the full potential is not utilized and / or fully utilized during operation, for example, because only a portion of the audio signal input 10 or the line 8 is needed or utilized. For example, it can be provided or implemented that the audio signal source 7a is connected to the line 8a, the audio signal source 7b is connected to the line 8b, and the audio signal source 7c is connected to the line 8c. In this embodiment, the lines 8d, 8e, and 8f are not utilized. Previously, the prior art operated all lines with current, so that in principle all components were available. However, since the lines 8d to 8f are not utilized and / or used, a configuration device 6 is provided that shuts down the unused lines 8 or their signal paths 9. Here, 8d, 8e, and 8f are shut down. The lines 8a, 8b, and 8c or their signal paths 9 and / or circuit components 12 continue to be considered active and / or operational by the configuration device 6.

[0034] The configuration device 6 is designed as a computing unit. It includes a display unit 13 and an input unit 14. The display unit 13 and input unit 14 can also be combined, for example, in the form of a tablet and / or touchscreen. A GUI (Graphical User Interface) 15 can be displayed on the display unit 13, for example. Using the GUI 15, a user can select, set, and / or recreate a configuration file. Furthermore, the GUI can include, for example, a graphical representation of the audio signal processing device 5. For example, the user can use the input unit 14 to select the actively used inputs 10 and / or lines 8 on this representation 16. Furthermore, the user can specify, for example, which signal outputs 11 are to be used and / or utilized. The user can store this selection as a configuration file, which can be later recalled. For example, a configuration file can be specified for an event type, such as a performance of a specific band with a specific lineup. The configuration device 6 is designed to deactivate lines 8d through 8f and / or their signal paths 9 based on the configuration file if these lines and / or their signal paths are not stored as being used and / or utilized in the configuration file. The profile can also be formed as a time-dependent or dynamic profile, for example, starting from the start time after 90 minutes, different combinations of lines 8, audio signal inputs 10 and / or signal outputs 11 are utilized and / or used, so that, for example, previously deactivated signal paths 9 are activated and no longer used signal paths 9 are deactivated. The configuration device 6 can be understood as a control device for the audio signal processing device 5.

Claims

1. An audio device arrangement system (4) for sound diffusion technology, comprising an audio signal processing device (5) and a configuration device (6), in, The audio signal processing device (5) has a first number of multiple audio signal input terminals (10), a second number of multiple signal output terminals (11), and a third number of multiple signal paths (9), wherein the signal paths (9) connect the audio signal input terminals (10) and the signal output terminals (11). The audio signal input terminal (10) is configured to receive a provided audio signal. wherein the configuration device (6) is designed to control, regulate and / or configure the audio signal processing device (5), wherein the configuration device (6) is designed to close unused and / or undesired signal paths (9), At least one of the signal paths (9), at least one of the audio signal input ends and / or at least one of the signal output ends has a measuring unit, wherein the measuring unit is configured to detect whether an audio signal is applied and to provide it as a measurement signal to the configuration device (6), wherein the configuration device (6) is configured to control the deactivation and / or activation of the signal path (9) based on the measurement signal.

2. The audio device arrangement system (4) according to claim 1, characterized in that The configuration device (6) is designed to close the signal path (9) after starting the configuration device (6), initializing the configuration device (6), and / or changing the configuration.

3. The audio device arrangement system (4) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The configuration device (6) is designed to activate a desired and / or required closed signal path (9).

4. The audio device arrangement system (4) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The configuration device (6) has an input unit (14) for setting and / or selecting a configuration file, wherein the configuration file includes information about signal paths (9) that are used, not used, to be closed, closed, and / or activated, wherein the configuration device (6) is designed to close and / or activate the signal paths (9) based on the configuration file.

5. The audio device arrangement system (4) according to claim 4, characterized in that At least one profile is designed to be time-dependent, wherein the signal paths (9) stored and / or specified as used and / or unused in the time-dependent profile are designed to be time-dependent.

6. The audio device arrangement system (4) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The configuration device (6) forms a computer unit.

7. The audio device arrangement system (4) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The signal path (9) has a current-operated circuit component (12), wherein the current-operated circuit component (12) is voltage-free and / or current-free in a closed signal path (9).

8. The audio device arrangement system (4) according to claim 7, characterized in that At least one of the circuit components (12) forms a microcontroller or an audio signal processor.

9. The audio equipment arrangement system (4) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the audio signal processing device (5) forms a mixing console, an audio matrix, or a multi-channel loudspeaker processor.

10. A configuration device (6) for the audio device arrangement system (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The configuration device (6) is designed to deactivate unnecessary and / or unused signal paths (9).

11. A method for configuring an audio device arrangement system (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that Unnecessary and / or unused signal paths (9) between a first number of audio signal inputs (10) and a second number of signal outputs (11) of the audio signal processing device (5) are deactivated.

12. A computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method according to claim 11.

13. A machine-readable storage medium, characterized in that Instructions are stored on the machine-readable storage medium. When the instructions are executed by a computer, the instructions cause the computer to perform the method according to claim 11 .

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