Digital audio mixer

Abstract

The invention provides a digital audio mixer, which can set a plurality of functions or actions for input from an external control terminal including an AFV function in the digital audio mixer, and can support a user to set the plurality of functions or actions. A processor (20) of a digital audio mixer (10) displays a setting screen for setting a function and a parameter of an external control terminal on a display (24) when the setting mode of the external control terminal is set by an operation member (18). When the setting mode of the AFV function is set by the operation member, an AFV trigger source selection screen for selecting the ON / OFF of the AFV function for each channel and an external control terminal serving as a trigger source of the AFV function is displayed on the display. All functions set on the external control terminal are displayed on the setting screen, and functions set on the external control terminal serving as a trigger source are displayed on the AFV trigger source selection screen.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a digital mixer or a mixing console for mixing audio signals, and in particular to the setting of an AFV (Audio Follow Video) function. Background Art

[0002] Digital mixers process and output audio signals based on signals from multiple input / output terminals or switches. Typically, a single function or action is set for input from a single external control terminal. For example, multiple GPIOs (General Purpose Input / Output) are each assigned a single function (e.g., mute).

[0003] On the other hand, it has been proposed to incorporate an AFV function into a digital mixer. By incorporating the AFV function, the fader level can be automatically controlled based on external tag input events, thereby further improving the functionality and usability of the digital mixer.

[0004] However, when the AFV function is installed, a plurality of functions or operations may be set for input from one external control terminal.

[0005] While Patent Document 1 does not involve a digital mixer, it does describe a print setting control program that can easily identify setting changes made to resolve setting conflicts, thereby enabling appropriate execution of printing. Specifically, the program operates in a device that instructs an image forming device to print, and causes the device to function as the following components: an information acquisition component that acquires information about functions executable in the image forming device; a display control component that, based on the information, causes the display component to display a print setting screen for setting the functions executable in the image forming device; and a prohibition determination component that determines whether a first setting made using the print setting screen conflicts with a second setting made later. If a setting conflict occurs, the program changes the first setting to a setting that does not conflict with the second setting. If the first setting is changed due to a setting conflict, the display control component decorates the display of the setting portions of the first and second settings. Prior art literature Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-206827. Summary of the Invention Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] However, in a digital mixer, when multiple functions or actions are set for input from one external control terminal in order to carry the AFV function, it is possible to set the multiple functions or actions to coexist with each other or not, and it is convenient from the perspective of improving operability to leave it to the user's judgment whether to set them.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a technology that enables setting of multiple functions or actions including an AFV function for input from one external control terminal in a digital mixer, and supports user setting of the multiple functions or actions. Means for solving problems

[0009] The digital mixer of the present invention includes: an external control terminal, a processor, a display, and an operating element. The processor is configured to read and execute a program, and when the operating element is set to a setting mode for the external control terminal, display a setting screen for setting functions and parameters of the external control terminal on the display; when the operating element is set to a setting mode for the AFV function, display an AFV trigger source selection screen for turning on / off the AFV function of each channel and selecting the external control terminal to serve as a trigger source for the AFV function on the display; display all functions that have been set for the external control terminal on the setting screen, and display the function of the external control terminal that has been set to serve as the trigger source on the AFV trigger source selection screen.

[0010] Therefore, when focusing on the function that has been set in the external control terminal, the set function is displayed in the setting screen, and the set function is also displayed in the AFV trigger source selection screen, so the user can visually recognize the setting status of multiple functions including the AFV function in any screen.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, the processor is configured to display, on the setting screen, a mark indicating the AFV function together with the set function when the AFV function is set for the external control terminal; and to display, on the AFV trigger source selection screen, a mark indicating the AFV function together with the set function when the AFV function is set for the external control terminal serving as the trigger source.

[0012] In another embodiment of the present invention, the processor further displays a mark indicating which channel is the trigger source in association with a mark indicating the AFV function on the setting screen.

[0013] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, when the processor is a trigger source for a plurality of channels, the processor further displays a list of the plurality of channels in response to a selection operation of a mark representing the AFV function. Effects of the Invention

[0014] According to the present invention, a plurality of functions or actions including the AFV function can be set for input from one external control terminal in a digital mixer, and the user can be supported in setting the plurality of functions or actions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a configuration of a digital mixer according to an embodiment;

[0016] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of the operation setting of the external control terminal in the embodiment.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a setting flow chart of the AFV function in the embodiment.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a screen example (part 1) of an embodiment.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a screen example of the implementation method (part 2).

[0020] Figure 6 This is an example of a screen of the implementation method (part 3).

[0021] Figure 7 This is a screen example of the implementation method (Part 4).

[0022] Figure 8 This is an example of a screen of the implementation method (Part 5).

[0023] Figure 9 This is an example of a screen for selecting the trigger source for the AFV function.

[0024] Figure 10 This is a screen example (Part 1) of a modified example of the embodiment.

[0025] Figure 11 This is a screen example (Part 2) of a modified example of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION <Overall Structure>

[0026] Figure 1 1 is a block diagram of the structure of a digital audio mixer (or mixing console) 10 in this embodiment. The digital audio mixer 10 performs processing such as routing, distribution, equalization, mixing, and effects on various input audio signals and outputs the processed signals to the outside.

[0027] The external configuration of the digital mixer 10 is roughly as follows. Specifically, the front surface of the digital mixer 10 is roughly divided into a channel section and a main section. In the channel section, a display is provided for each channel module, which aggregates multiple channels, such as eight channels, to show the status of the channel module. Each channel of the channel module is provided with various channel operation buttons, such as MUTE, SOLO, SEL, and other operation buttons, as well as an operation fader. Furthermore, the main section is provided with various operation keys, such as a home button, menu button, and master fader. A headphone jack and headphone volume are also provided on the front. Furthermore, the back of the digital mixer 10 is provided with various input and output ports, such as a MIC / LINE input port, a LINE-IN input port, an analog output port, a USB connector, an Ethernet connector, and a GPIO port.

[0028] The digital mixer 10 includes, as structural blocks, an input interface (I / F) 12 , an output interface (I / F) 14 , a switch 16 , an operating element 18 , a processor 20 , a memory 22 , and a display 24 .

[0029] The input I / F 12 includes an analog signal input terminal, a digital signal input terminal, and an ADC (analog-to-digital converter). The ADC converts the analog audio signal into a digital audio signal and inputs the digital audio signal.

[0030] The output I / F 14 includes an analog output terminal, a digital output terminal, and a DAC (digital-to-analog converter). The processed digital audio signal is converted into an analog audio signal by the DAC and output.

[0031] More specifically, the input I / F 12 and output I / F 14 can be categorized as input ports, output ports, input / output ports, analog audio input / output, digital audio input / output, control input / output, and other input / output. Analog audio input / output includes MIC / LINE input, LINE input, insert input / output, talkback input, stereo input, LINE output, monitor output, and headphone output. Digital audio input / output includes USB audio and Dante. Control input / output includes GPIO, foot switches, and Ethernet. GPIO and foot switches function as external control terminals in this embodiment.

[0032] The switches 16 are various switches operated by the user.

[0033] The operating elements 18 are a group of faders and buttons operated by the user to perform various processing on the input audio signal. The display 24 can be a touch panel displaying some or all of the operating elements 18 for touch operation, or physical switches, buttons, knobs, etc. can be used. Faders adjust the input and output levels of the audio signals assigned to the channel strip and include linear and rotary faders. A channel strip is a collection of faders, knobs, switches, and other devices used to adjust the audio signals of a single channel.

[0034] The display 24 displays a setting screen of the digital mixer 10 and the status of each channel module in accordance with a control signal from the processor 20. The display 24 is composed of a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel.

[0035] The processor 20, comprised of a CPU or the like, performs various processes by reading and executing processing programs stored in the memory 22. Specifically, the processor 20 displays various screens on the display 24 in response to the operation of the faders and various buttons included in the operating element 18, and also processes audio signals. The various functions and parameter values ​​set by operating the operating element 18 are stored in the memory 22, comprised of flash memory or the like. The various signal processes executed by the digital mixer 10 are performed based on the functions and parameters stored in the memory 22.

[0036] In this embodiment, the processor 20 displays a setting screen for setting the AFV function on the display 24. "AFV" refers to a so-called tag-linked function that automatically controls the attenuator level based on an external tag input event. AFV is set for each channel, and the setting screen for setting various AFV parameters is displayed on the AFV setting screen. These parameters include the AFV trigger source.

[0037] The processor 20 may include a CPU and a DSP (digital signal processor). The CPU controls the overall operation of the digital mixer 10 , and the DSP performs input level adjustment, threshold processing, equalization processing, compression processing, mixing processing, effect processing, etc. of the audio signal by executing a processing program based on the instructions of the CPU.

[0038] The DSP connects the input audio signal to the input channel. The number of input channels is arbitrary, for example, it can be 24 channels, such as Channel 1 to Channel 24. Level control, threshold processing, equalization processing, compression processing, etc. are performed on each input channel according to the set parameter values. The audio signal from each input channel is selectively output to the MIX bus, where the audio signals input from the input channels are mixed. The level of the audio signal output from the input channel to the MIX bus can be adjusted individually. The mixed audio signal is output to the output channel. The number of output channels is also arbitrary, for example, it can be 10 channels, such as MIX1 to MIX10. Various output-side processing is performed on the output channel according to the set parameter values. The output audio signal from the output channel is output to output I / F 14.

[0039] When the user sets the operation of the digital mixer 10 , the user operates a button of the operating member 18 , and the processor 20 displays a setting screen for setting the function or operation of the external control terminal on the display 24 in response to the button operation. <Function setting of external control terminal>

[0040] Figure 2 This is a flowchart showing the functions and operations for setting external control terminals (such as GPIO).

[0041] Processor 20 first displays a menu screen on display 24. If the user selects the external control terminal setting mode on this menu screen, a corresponding screen for setting the operation of the external control terminal (GPIO) input (GPIO-IN) is displayed (S101). If there are multiple GPIO-INs, these multiple GPIO-INs are displayed as a list.

[0042] The user selects a desired GPIO-IN terminal for setting a function or action from the displayed list ( S102 ).

[0043] Processor 20 displays a setting screen on display 24 for configuring the function or action to be set for the selected terminal and its parameters (S103). Functions or actions include, for example, Insert, Send, and Mute. Parameters are the set values ​​for each function or action, such as which channel module should be muted when muting.

[0044] The user uses this setting screen to set the function or action and its parameters for the desired GPIO-IN (S104). Set Mute as the function or action of the desired GPIO-IN, and set Mute Group 1 as its parameter (see Figure 5). Here, "Mute Group1" means that multiple channels, for example, three channels from channel 1 to channel 3, are grouped as one group, and these channels are muted. The channels in a group can be arbitrarily set by the user, or a single channel can be set.

[0045] The processor 20 stores the function set for GPIO-IN in association with the information (specifically, the number) for determining GPIO-IN in the memory 22.

[0046] Through the above processing, the user can use the setting screen displayed on the display 24 through the processor 20 to set the functions or actions of the desired external control terminals.

[0047] On the other hand, when the user wishes to set the AFV function in the digital mixer 10, the user sets the AFV function after selecting a channel. <Setting of AFV Function>

[0048] Figure 3 It is a flowchart for setting the AFV function.

[0049] The user presses the button of the operating member 18, for example, the Select button (S201) of the channel module. The processor 20 displays the information screen of the corresponding channel on the display 24 according to this operation (S202). This information screen displays the state indicating the signal processing content of the corresponding channel and displays the switch for setting the AFV function.

[0050] When the user operates the switch for setting the AFV function, it becomes the AFV function setting mode, and the user turns on the AFV function on the screen of this setting mode (S203). In addition, the user sets various parameters of the AFV function. The various parameters are specifically · Trigger source of AFV · Target value of the attenuation of the attenuator level after receiving the AFV on event · Target value of the attenuation of the attenuator level after receiving the AFV off event · Waiting time from receiving the AFV on event to starting attenuation · Attenuation time from the start of attenuation at the time of receiving the AFV on event to reaching the on level · Holding time from receiving the AFV off event to starting attenuation, etc.

[0051] The user uses the parameter setting screen displayed on the display 24 to select the trigger source button of AFV (S204). [[ID=​In response to this operation, processor 20 displays an AFV trigger source screen on display 24 ( S205 ). The trigger source screen lists a list of external control terminals (GPIO-INs) that can serve as trigger sources, allowing the user to select which external control terminal (GPIO-IN) to assign as the trigger source for the AFV of the corresponding channel ( S206 ).

[0053] When the user selects an external control terminal (GPIO-IN) as the trigger source for AFV, processor 20 associates the function set for the GPIO-IN with information identifying the GPIO-IN (specifically, the number) and stores it in memory 22. For example, this is shown in Table 1 below.

[0054] This table shows that the AFV function and Mute are assigned to GPIO-IN1, only Mute is assigned to GPIO-IN2, and only Talkback is assigned to GPIO-IN3.

[0055] To distinguish the display (e.g., button display) of the selected external control terminal (GPIO-IN) from other displays, the processor 20 highlights the display (e.g., button display) and, referring to the information associating GPIO-INs with their functions stored in the memory 22, displays the function or action already assigned to the external control terminal in association with the button of the external control terminal (S207). For example, if the mute function is already assigned to the external control terminal GPIO-IN1, the button is displayed as "Mute" in association with it. This allows the user to easily recognize that another function or action has already been assigned to the external control terminal to which the AFV function is assigned. <Screen example>

[0056] Next, the processing contents of the processor 20 in this embodiment will be described in more detail using specific screen examples.

[0057] Figure 4 The following shows an example of a menu screen displayed by processor 20 on display 24. This screen is used to set the overall functions and operations of digital mixer 10. When the user selects and presses "GPIO-Input Setup," processor 20 displays on display 24 a screen for assigning functions to be performed when input is received from GPIO-IN.

[0058] Figure 4 The "Rear panel Setup" in FIG. 1 represents the settings of various input and output ports provided on the rear side of the digital mixer, and GPIO-IN corresponds to one of the external control terminals provided on the rear side.

[0059] Figure 5An example of a setting screen for assigning functions to be executed when input is received from a GPIO-IN is shown. A plurality of GPIO-INs are listed as 1, 2, 3, ..., and the functions assigned to each GPIO-IN are displayed. That is, the processor 20 refers to the information stored in the memory 22 that associates the GPIO-IN with its function and displays the function assigned to each GPIO-IN. For example, GPIO-IN 1 has AFV Mute If , "AFV" and "Mute" are displayed. If multiple functions are assigned, all functions are displayed. If no function is assigned, of course, it is not displayed.

[0060] When the user wants to reset or change the function of a desired GPIO-IN, the user selects the desired GPIO-IN, for example, GPIO-IN 1, on this screen. The processor 20 displays the operation setting screen of the GPIO-IN selected in response to this operation on the display 24.

[0061] Figure 6 This example shows the action settings screen for GPIO-IN1. The functions and parameters that can be set for GPIO-IN1 are listed in multiple columns (four in the image). To disable the mute function for GPIO-IN1, press "Mute" in the function column. Also displayed in the lower right corner of the example screen are "CANCEL" and "APPLY" buttons. The former is used to cancel the changed settings, and the latter is used to confirm the changed settings.

[0062] Figure 7 An example of a screen for setting the AFV function in digital mixer 10 is shown. In response to a user operation on operating element 18, such as pressing a channel module selection button, processor 20 displays an information screen (OVERVIEW) for the corresponding channel (e.g., channel 1) on display 24. A jump button (indicated as "AFV" in the figure) is displayed on this screen for jumping to a screen for setting the AFV function. When the user presses this jump button, processor 20 displays the screen for setting the AFV function on display 24 in response to the user's operation.

[0063] Figure 8An example of a screen for setting the AFV function is shown. Various parameters for setting the AFV function are displayed. In the figure, "CH1 ON" in the upper left is a button for setting the AFV function of channel 1 on / off, and is highlighted when set to ON. The "trigger source" in the upper center of the screen is the trigger source of the AFV function, that is, the switch for selecting the GPIO-IN, which becomes the cause for automatically controlling the attenuator level according to the label input event. If the trigger source is not set, "No Assign" or the like is displayed as shown in the figure, urging the user to set it. If the user selects the switch, the processor 20 will display the screen for selecting the trigger source on the display 24 according to the operation.

[0064] Figure 9 The following is an example of a screen for selecting the trigger source for the AFV function. Figure 7 This is a screen showing which GPIO-IN the AFV function of the selected channel is assigned to. Multiple GPIO-INs are listed in parallel as 1, 2, 3, ... In addition, the foot switch (Foot SW) is also displayed in a selectable manner in the figure. If the user selects any of the GPIO-INs that become the trigger source, the selected GPIO-IN is highlighted. The figure shows the case where the user has selected GPIO-IN1. In addition, the functions or actions that have been set for the GPIO-IN are displayed in the lower section of each GPIO-IN button. For example, "Mute" is displayed below GPIO-IN1, indicating that the mute function has been set for GPIO-IN1. When the user selects the GPIO-IN that becomes the trigger source of the AFV function, he can confirm that other functions have been set.

[0065] When the user selects GPIO-IN1 as the trigger source of the AFV function, Figure 8 The screen shows "GPIO-IN1" as the trigger source. Figure 5 In the setting screen for setting the GPIO-IN function, "AFV" is also displayed on GPIO-IN1, indicating that the AFV function is set. Figure 5 and Figure 8 In any screen, the user can easily visually recognize which function including the AFV function is set for the GPIO-IN.

[0066] In this embodiment, if a function or action has already been set for a GPIO-IN, when a new trigger source for the AFV function is selected for that GPIO-IN, the processor 20 does not display or warn the user, leaving the selection to the user. The user can visually identify the set function displayed below the button to determine whether to re-set the trigger source for the AFV function. Functions that can coexist with the AFV function include playing and inputting built-in audio sources to the GPIO-IN through a built-in player. Functions that do not coexist with the AFV function include unmuting the audio.

[0067] As described above, in this embodiment, the processor 20 Figure 5 Screen examples and Figure 8 The screen example shows multiple functions or actions including AFV function set for external control terminals, which improves user convenience. Figure 5 In the example of the screen, although it is easy to visually identify which GPIO-IN, that is, which trigger source, the AFV function is set, it is not possible to visually identify which channel module is the trigger source. Figure 5 Other forms of screen examples are preferably set to (1) Indicates which channel module is the trigger source in the AFV mark (2) When a trigger source is used for multiple channel modules, the channel module with the latest number and "..." are displayed. When this mark is clicked, a dialog box is displayed near it, showing all the channel modules assigned to it.

[0068] Figure 10 This is a screen example showing the method (1). The channel number, for example, "Channel 1," is displayed in the "AFV" mark, making it easy to visually identify which channel module is the trigger source.

[0069] Figure 11 This screen example shows the method (2). When GPIO-IN7 becomes the trigger source for multiple channel modules, the channel 5 with the latest number is displayed in the "AFV" mark, and "..." is displayed. When this mark is clicked, a dialog box displays "Channel 6, Channel 7, Channel 8, Channel 9, Channel 10," and a list of all channel modules for which GPIO-IN7 is set as the trigger source for the AFV function is displayed. By confirming the list display, the user can easily visually identify which channel module is the trigger source. Description of Reference Numerals

[0070] 10 digital mixers, 12 input interfaces (I / F), 14 output interfaces (I / F), 16 switches, 18 operating elements, 20 processors, 22 memories, and 24 displays.

Claims

1. A digital mixer comprising: an external control terminal, a processor, a display, and an operating element. The processor is configured to read out and execute a program, and when the operating element is set to a setting mode for the external control terminal, display a setting screen for setting the functions and parameters of the external control terminal on the display; when the operating element is set to a setting mode for the AFV function, display an AFV trigger source selection screen for selecting on / off of the AFV function of each channel and the external control terminal that serves as the trigger source of the AFV function on the display; display all functions that have been set to the external control terminal on the setting screen, and display the function of the external control terminal that has been set to serve as the AFV trigger source on the AFV trigger source selection screen.

2. The digital mixer according to claim 1, wherein The processor is configured to display, on the setting screen, a mark indicating the AFV function together with the set function when the AFV function is set for the external control terminal; and to display, on the AFV trigger source selection screen, a mark indicating the AFV function together with the set function when the AFV function is set for the external control terminal serving as the trigger source.

3. The digital audio mixer according to claim 2, wherein: The processor further displays a mark indicating which channel is the trigger source in association with a mark indicating the AFV function on the setting screen.

4. The digital audio mixer according to claim 3, wherein: When the processor is a trigger source for a plurality of channels, the processor further displays a list of the plurality of channels in response to a selection operation of a mark representing the AFV function.

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