Operation device

Abstract

To provide an operation device which displays a presentation with an operation for an operator himself / herself, and easily confirms an operation which is performed by himself / herself, while performing the operation, a control method for the operation device and a program.SOLUTION: In a DJ system comprising: a DJ controller which is a kind of DJ apparatuses; a personal computer connected to the DJ controller; a sound output device which is connected to the DJ controller and outputs sound; and a large-sized display device which is connected to the DJ controller and displays an image for audience in a venue, a DJ controller 2 includes: a plane display 11 which is disposed in an operation region corresponding to an entire area of a top face; a plurality of operators 12 disposed in the operation region and arranged on the plane display 11; and a first display control section 21 which displays an effect image set to each operator 12 on the plane display 11 in response to a manipulation of the operator.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an operation device used for DJ play and the like, and a control method and program for the operation device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a DJ (Disc Jockey) performance system is known that includes an operation device (DJ controller) that is an integrated controller of a deck and a mixer, a personal computer on which a DJ application is installed, an amplifier that acts as an amplifier, and a speaker that outputs sound (see Patent Document 1). This operation device has an operation area on the entire top surface, and various operators such as effect knobs, equalizer knobs, and channel faders for performing deck operations (player operations) and mixing operations are arranged in the operation area. In addition, the display screen of the personal computer displays the status of the various operators, and is configured so that a user can check the status of the various operators by looking at the display screen. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2012-129977 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, in this type of operating device, there is a demand to be able to display effects accompanying the DJ's play to the DJ in order to heighten the sense of exhilaration of the DJ who is operating the device (to make the DJ enjoy himself or herself). However, the conventional configuration only displays the status of various controls, and does not satisfy this need. Also, in the conventional configuration, it is necessary to visually check the display screen of a personal computer to check the operating status, which makes it cumbersome to check the operating status while performing DJ play (operating the operating device).

[0005] The present invention aims to provide an operating device, a control method for the operating device, and a program that can display the effects associated with an operation to the operator himself, and that can easily check the operations performed by the operator while operating the device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The operating device of the present invention is characterized by comprising a display unit, an operating unit arranged on the display unit, and a display control unit that displays a visual effect image set in the operating unit on the display unit in response to operation of the operating unit.

[0007] In this case, it is preferable that the display control unit displays a visual effect image according to the type of the operation unit and the manner in which the operation unit is operated.

[0008] Moreover, it is preferable that the display control unit displays a visual effect image according to the type of the operation unit and the operation state of the operation unit.

[0009] Furthermore, it is preferable that the display control unit displays a visual effect image in the vicinity of the operated operation unit.

[0010] On the other hand, it is preferable that the display device further comprises an external output unit which generates an image signal of a visual effect image for external output set in the operation unit in response to operation of the operation unit, and outputs the generated image signal to the outside.

[0011] The control method for an operating device of the present invention is a control method for an operating device having a display unit and an operating unit arranged on the display unit, and is characterized in that a visual effect image set in the operating unit is displayed on the display unit in response to operation of the operating unit.

[0012] The program of the present invention is characterized by causing a computer to execute the above-mentioned control method for an operating device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a system configuration diagram of a DJ system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a DJ controller. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a DJ controller. [Figure 4] FIG. 10A is a diagram showing an example of a display of a first type effect image set on a channel fader, and FIG. 10B is a diagram showing an example of a display of a first type effect image set on an equalizer knob. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display example of a second type effect image set on the cross fader. [Figure 6] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing examples of display of effect images for external output set on a channel fader. [Figure 7] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing examples of display of effect images for external output set on a cross fader. [Figure 8] 11 is a flowchart showing a display operation of a first type effect image, a second type effect image, and an effect image for external output by a DJ controller. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Hereinafter, an operation device, an operation device control method, and a program according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. In this embodiment, a DJ controller to which the operation device of the present invention is applied, and a DJ system including the same are exemplified. This DJ system is a system for a DJ to operate a DJ controller to perform a DJ performance (acoustic performance). In particular, this DJ system has a configuration that displays a performance associated with a DJ play to the DJ himself, who is the operator, and to the audience, in order to increase the sense of excitement of the DJ himself and the audience.

[0015] As shown in Figure 1, the DJ system 1 comprises a DJ controller 2, which is a type of DJ equipment, a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as "PC") 3 connected to the DJ controller 2, an audio output device 4 connected to the DJ controller 2 and which outputs audio, and a large display device 5 connected to the DJ controller 2 and which displays images for the audience in the venue.

[0016] PC3 is a general computer equipped with a display, input devices (mouse and keyboard), hard disk, control mechanism, etc., and a DJ application (not shown) is installed on PC3. The DJ application is software developed for DJs to perform DJ performances, and is designed to realize the functions of a DJ player and a DJ mixer when used in combination with DJ controller 2. In other words, DJ controller 2 is used as an interface for the DJ (user) to perform various operations, and audio control (mixing audio signals, adjusting volume, etc.) is mainly performed by the DJ application (PC3). The DJ application performs audio control according to operation signals sent from DJ controller 2, and sends audio signals to DJ controller 2.

[0017] The audio output device 4 is made up of an amplifier and a speaker that outputs audio, and outputs (emits) an audio signal output from the DJ application via the DJ controller 2 as sound (audible waves).

[0018] As shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the DJ controller 2 includes a flat display (display unit) 11 arranged over the entire upper surface (front surface), a plurality of operators (operation units) 12 that are physical operators arranged on the flat display 11, an operation detection unit 13 that detects the operation of each operator 12, and an operation signal transmission unit 14 that transmits the detected operation as an operation signal to the PC 3. The DJ controller 2 also includes an audio input / output unit 15 that controls the input and output of audio signals, an image output unit 16 that outputs an image signal to the outside, and a control unit 17 that controls each unit. The entire upper surface of the DJ controller 2 is an operation area A, and the flat display 11 is arranged in this operation area A, and a plurality of operators 12 are arranged therein. Therefore, the flat display 11 can display images around (near) each operator 12.

[0019] The multiple controls 12 are allocated to two partitioned deck areas A1, one on the left and one on the right, and a mixer area A2 in the center, which are partitioned in the operation area A. The two deck areas A1, one on the left and one on the right, correspond to the right and left channels, and in each deck area A1, controls 12 such as a jog dial 12a for controlling playback of each channel are arranged. Meanwhile, in the mixer area A2, controls 12 such as three equalizer knobs 12b for each channel, a channel fader 12c, and a crossfader 12d for controlling mixing are arranged.

[0020] The operation detection unit 13 detects the operation of each operator 12. Furthermore, for each operation, the operation detection unit 13 detects the type of the operated operator 12, the manner of operation (operation direction and operation speed), and the operation state after the operation.

[0021] The operation signal transmitting unit 14 transmits the operation detected by the operation detecting unit 13 to the PC 3 as an operation signal.

[0022] The audio input / output unit 15 receives an audio signal transmitted from the PC 3, and outputs the received audio signal to the audio output device 4. This causes the audio output device 4 to output audio.

[0023] The image output unit 16 outputs an image signal to the large-scale display device 5. This causes the large-scale display device 5 to display an image.

[0024] The control unit 17 includes a first display control unit (display control unit) 21 that controls the display of the flat display 11, and a second display control unit 22 that controls the display of the large-scale display device 5. The “external output unit” is composed of the image output unit 16 and the second display control unit 22.

[0025] The first display control unit 21 displays effect images (visual effect images) G1, G2 on the flat display 11 in response to the operation of each operator 12, thereby displaying the effects associated with the DJ play to the DJ himself. That is, the first display control unit 21 displays, in response to the operation of each operator 12 detected by the operation detection unit 13, the effect image set for each operator on the flat display 11.

[0026] Strictly speaking, the first display control unit 21 displays, as an effect image, a first type effect image G1 according to the type of the operated operator 12 (jog dial 12a, equalizer knob 12b, channel fader 12c, crossfader 12d) and the manner of operation of the operator 12 (operation direction and operation speed) in the vicinity of the operator 12. In addition, the first display control unit 21 displays a second type effect image G2 according to the type of the operated operator 12 and the operation state (operation result) of the operator 12 across the entire area of ​​the flat display 11. Here, display examples of the first type effect image G1 and the second type effect image G2 will be described with reference to Figs. 4 and 5.

[0027] FIG. 4(a) is a diagram showing a display example of a first type effect image G1 set for the channel fader 12c. As shown in FIG. 4(a), an effect image is set for the channel fader 12c as a first type effect image G1, in which sparks scatter (light spots or light rays are diffused) from the movable operator (operation part) of the channel fader 12c in the operation direction (movement direction of the movable operator) of the channel fader 12c when the channel fader 12c is operated. Also, as shown in the figure, the effect image displays the scattering distance and scattering speed of the sparks changed according to the operation speed of the channel fader 12c, that is, the movement speed of the movable operator of the channel fader 12c. Note that the same first type effect image G1 of FIG. 4(a) is also set for other slider operators (physical faders) including the crossfader 12d.

[0028] FIG. 4(b) is a diagram showing a display example of a first type effect image G1 set for the equalizer knob 12b. As shown in FIG. 4(b), an effect image is set for the equalizer knob 12b as the first type effect image G1, in which sparks fly from the movable operator of the equalizer knob 12b in the operation direction (rotation direction) of the equalizer knob 12b when the equalizer knob 12b is operated. Also, as shown in the figure, the effect image displays a distance and speed of the sparks flying that are changed according to the operation speed of the equalizer knob 12b, that is, the rotation speed of the movable operator of the equalizer knob 12b. Note that the same first type effect image G1 in FIG. 4(b) is also set for other rotary operators including the jog dial 12a.

[0029] In this way, the first display control unit 21 displays the first type effect image G1 near the operated operator 12 according to the type and manner of operation of the operator 12. This allows the DJ to confirm the manner of operation (particularly the operation speed) performed by him / herself from the effect image at hand.

[0030] 5 is a diagram showing a display example of a second type effect image G2 set in the crossfader 12d. As shown in FIG. 5, an effect image that adds light and dark to the entire flat display 11 according to the operation state of the crossfader 12d (the position of the movable operator of the crossfader 12d) is set in the crossfader 12d as the second type effect image G2. Specifically, as shown in the figure, when the movable operator of the crossfader 12d is moved to the left (to the left channel side), the left side of the flat display 11 is displayed bright and the right side is displayed dark. On the other hand, when the movable operator of the crossfader 12d is moved to the right (to the right channel side), the right side of the flat display 11 is displayed bright and the left side is displayed dark.

[0031] In this way, the first display control unit 21 displays the second type effect image G2 over the entire area of ​​the flat display 11 (the entire area of ​​the operation region A) according to the type and operation state of the operated operator 12. This allows the DJ to check the operation state of the operation he or she performed by looking at the effect image at hand.

[0032] The second display control unit 22 displays an effect image G3 for external output set for each operator 12 on the large display device 5 in response to the operation of each operator 12, thereby displaying the performance associated with the DJ play to the audience. That is, the second display control unit 22 generates an image signal of an effect image G3 for external output set for each operator 12 in response to the operation of each operator 12 detected by the operation detection unit 13, and outputs the generated image signal to the large display device 5 via the image output unit 16. In this way, the effect image G3 for external output is displayed on the large display device 5. Here, a display example of the effect image G3 for external output will be described with reference to Figs. 6 and 7.

[0033] 6 is a diagram showing a display example of an effect image G3 for external output set in the channel fader 12c. As shown in FIG. 6, an effect image that enlarges / reduces a predetermined image object according to the operation state of the channel fader 12c is set in the channel fader 12c as the effect image G3 for external output. Specifically, as shown in the figure, when the movable operator of the channel fader 12c is moving upward (upward), the predetermined image object is enlarged. On the other hand, when the movable operator of the channel fader 12c is moving downward (downward), the predetermined image object is reduced.

[0034] 7 is a diagram showing a display example of an effect image G3 for external output set in the crossfader 12d. As shown in FIG. 7, an effect image that deforms one of the left and right sides of a predetermined image object according to the operation state of the crossfader 12d is set in the crossfader 12d as the effect image G3 for external output. Specifically, as shown in the figure, when the movable operator of the crossfader 12d is moving to the right (to the right channel side), the right side of the predetermined image object is deformed. On the other hand, when the movable operator of the crossfader 12d is moving to the left (to the left channel side), the left side of the predetermined image object is deformed.

[0035] In this way, the second display control unit 22 displays an effect image G3 for external output on the large display device 5 according to the type and operating state of the operated operator 12. This makes it possible to convey to the audience the operating state of the operation performed by the DJ.

[0036] 8, a display operation of the first effect image G1, the second effect image G2, and the effect image G3 for external output by the DJ controller 2 will be described. This display operation is executed when the DJ (user) operates any of the controls 12 on the operation area A (deck area A1 or mixer area A2).

[0037] As shown in FIG. 8, when the DJ operates any of the operators 12 (S1: Yes), the operation detection unit 13 detects the type of the operator 12 operated, the manner of operation, and the operation state after the operation (S2).

[0038] Thereafter, it is determined whether or not a first type effect image G1 is set for the detected type of operator 12 (S3). If the first type effect image G1 is set for the detected type of operator 12 (S3: Yes), the first display control unit 21 displays the first type effect image G1 set for the operator 12 of the operation near the operator 12 based on the type and operation method of the detected operator 12 (S4). On the other hand, if the first type effect image G1 is not set for the detected type of operator 12 (S3: No), the display of the first type effect image G1 is canceled and the process proceeds to the next step.

[0039] Next, it is determined whether or not a second type effect image G2 is set for the detected type of operator 12 (S5). If the second type effect image G2 is set for the detected type of operator 12 (S5: Yes), the first display control unit 21 displays the second type effect image G2 set for the operator 12 of that operation across the entire area of ​​the flat display 11 based on the type of the detected operator 12 and the operational state after the operation (S6). On the other hand, if the second type effect image G2 is not set for the detected type of operator 12 (S5: No), the display of the second type effect image G2 is canceled and the process proceeds to the next step.

[0040] Thereafter, it is determined whether or not an effect image G3 for external output is set for the detected type of operator 12 (S7). If an effect image G3 for external output is set for the detected type of operator 12 (S7: Yes), the second display control unit 22 generates an image signal of the effect image G3 for external output set for the operator 12 of the operation based on the detected type of operator 12 and the operation state after the operation, and outputs the image signal to the large-sized display device 5 (S8). This causes the effect image G3 for external output to be displayed on the large-sized display device 5. This ends the operation. On the other hand, if an effect image G3 for external output is not set for the detected type of operator 12 (S6: No), the display of the effect image G3 for external output (output of image signal) is canceled, and the operation ends.

[0041] According to the above configuration, the first display control unit 21 displays the effect images G1, G2 (effect images) set for the operators 12 on the flat display 11 in response to the operation of the operators 12, so that the effects associated with the DJ play can be displayed to the DJ himself. This increases the DJ's sense of excitement (tension). In addition, since the effect images can be displayed in the operation area A in which the operators 12 are arranged, the DJ can visually confirm the effect images while performing operations. Therefore, the DJ can enjoy the effects while performing operations, and can easily check the operations he or she has performed while performing operations.

[0042] Also, by displaying an effect image (first type effect image G1) according to the type of operator 12 and the manner of operation of the operator 12, the DJ can visually check the effect image and confirm the manner of operation he or she performed. In particular, the operation speed, which is difficult to grasp objectively at the scene of a DJ performance, can be confirmed by the effect image, allowing the DJ to perform with precision.

[0043] Furthermore, by displaying an effect image (second type effect image G2) according to the type of operator 12 and the operation state of the operator 12, the DJ can visually check the effect image and thereby confirm the operation state of the operator 12. In particular, since the operation state of a slider operator or rotary operator, whose exact operation state (operation value) is difficult to grasp, can be easily confirmed, DJ play can be performed with greater precision.

[0044] Furthermore, by displaying an effect image (first type effect image G1) near the operated operator 12, the operator can more easily confirm the operation while operating the operator 12.

[0045] Furthermore, the second display control unit 22 can display an effect image (effect image G3 for external output) set for the operator 12 on the large display device 5 in response to the operation of the operator 12, thereby displaying the performance associated with the DJ play to the audience. In other words, the second display control unit 22 can automatically perform real-time video creation and video editing, which is normally performed by a VJ (Video Jockey). Furthermore, by displaying an effect image in response to the operation on the large display device 5, it is possible to convey to the audience what operation the DJ is performing. Therefore, the DJ's operation technique can be conveyed not only by sound but also by image (video), making it possible to better convey the DJ performance to the audience.

[0046] In the above embodiment, an effect image (first type effect image G1) according to the type of operator 12 and the manner of operation of the operator 12 is displayed near the operator 12, and an effect image (second type effect image G2) according to the type of operator 12 and the operation state of the operator 12 is displayed across the entire area of ​​the flat display 11, but the present invention is not limited to this as long as the effect images are displayed in the operation area A. In other words, an effect image according to the type of operator 12 and the manner of operation of the operator 12 may be displayed across the entire area of ​​the flat display 11, or an effect image according to the type of operator 12 and the operation state of the operator 12 may be displayed near the operator 12.

[0047] In addition, in the above embodiment, the operation direction and operation speed are detected as the method of operation, and the first type of effect image G1 is displayed in accordance with this. However, the operation method may also be configured to detect a specific operation pattern (operation technique), such as scratching, and display the first type of effect image G1 in accordance with the detected operation pattern.

[0048] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the effect images G1, G2, G3 are displayed according to the type of the operator 12 and the manner of operation of the operator 12, or according to the type of the operator 12 and the operation state of the operator 12, but this is not limiting. For example, the effect images may be displayed according to the type of the operator 12 and the amount of change in the operation of the operator.

[0049] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the operators 12 are arranged on the flat display 11, but the present invention is not limited to this as long as the flat display 11 is arranged in the operation area A in which the operators 12 are arranged. For example, the operators 12 may be arranged such that only the movable operators (operation parts) of the operators 12 are located on the front side (display side) of the flat display 11 and the other parts of the operators 12 are located on the back side of the flat display 11.

[0050] In the above embodiment, the effect image G3 for external output may be configured to display each of the operators 12 itself. In other words, the effect image G3 for external output may be configured to display an effect image that changes an image object representing each of the operators 12 in response to an actual operation.

[0051] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a display device having a semi-transparent display (transparent display) built into the partition glass of the DJ booth may be used as the large display device 5. In such a case, an effect image G3 for external output can be displayed on the partition glass. With such a configuration, the audience can recognize the DJ's operation from the effect image G3 for external output while watching the DJ. This makes it possible to better convey to the audience what the DJ is doing. Furthermore, if a semi-transparent display that can be viewed from both the front and back is used, the DJ himself can also check the effect image for the audience (effect image G3 for external output).

[0052] In the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to the DJ controller 2, but the present invention may be applied to other DJ devices. In other words, the present invention may be applied to a DJ player or a DJ mixer.

[0053] Moreover, each component of the DJ controller 2 shown in the above embodiment can be provided as a program. Moreover, the program can be provided by storing it on various recording media (CD-ROM, flash memory, etc.). [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] 2: DJ controller; 11: flat display; 12: control unit; 16: image output unit; 21: first display control unit; 22: second display control unit

Claims

[Claim 1] A display unit; An operation unit disposed on the display unit; An operating device comprising: a display control unit that displays a visual effect image set in the operating unit on the display unit in response to an operation of the operating unit.

Images