Digital mixer

Abstract

To provide a technique for enabling a plurality of functions to be set for an input from one external control terminal including an AFV function in a digital mixer and assisting a user in setting the plurality of functions.SOLUTION: When a setting mode of an external control terminal is set by an operator 18, a processor 20 of a digital mixer 10 displays a setting screen for setting a function and a parameter of the external control terminal on a display 24. When an AFV function setting mode is set by the operator 18, an AFV trigger source selection screen for selecting an AFV function ON / OFF for each channel and the external control terminal serving as a trigger source of the AFV function is displayed on the display 24. The setting screen displays all the functions already set to the external control terminal, and the AFV trigger source selection screen displays the functions already set to the external control terminal serving as a trigger source.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a digital mixer or a mixing console that mixes audio signals, and more particularly to setting an AFV (Audio Follow Video) function. [Background technology]

[0002] A digital mixer processes and outputs audio signals in response to signals from multiple input / output terminals and switches, but typically one function or operation is set and activated for input from one external control terminal. For example, one function (such as mute) is set for each of multiple GPIOs (General Purpose Input / Output).

[0003] On the other hand, it has also been proposed to equip digital mixers with an AFV function, which would enable automatic control of fader levels based on external tally input events, further improving the functionality and ease of use of digital mixers.

[0004] However, when the AFV function is installed, a situation may arise in which multiple functions or operations can be set in response to input from a single external control terminal.

[0005] Although not related to digital mixers, Patent Document 1 describes a print setting control program that enables easy recognition of setting changes made to resolve setting conflicts and enables appropriate execution of print processing. Specifically, the print setting control program runs on a device that instructs an image forming device to print, and causes the device to function as an information acquisition unit that acquires information on functions executable by the image forming device, a display control unit that causes a display unit to display a print setting screen for setting the functions executable by the image forming device based on the information, and a prohibition determination unit that determines whether an earlier setting made earlier and a later setting made later conflict using the print setting screen and, if there is a setting conflict, changes the earlier setting to a setting that does not conflict with the later setting, and the display control unit decorates the display of the setting locations for the earlier setting and the later setting when the earlier setting is changed due to a setting conflict. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

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

[0007] However, in the case of a digital mixer, when multiple functions or operations are set for input from a single external control terminal in order to incorporate an AFV function, it is more convenient from the perspective of improving operability to allow settings for both cases where the multiple functions or operations are compatible and cases where they are incompatible, and to leave the decision on whether to set them to the user's discretion.

[0008] The present invention aims to provide a technology that enables a digital mixer to set multiple functions or operations, including an AFV function, in response to input from a single external control terminal, thereby assisting users in setting multiple functions or operations. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The digital mixer of the present invention comprises an external control terminal, a processor, a display, and an operator, and the processor reads and executes a program such that, when the external control terminal setting mode is set by the operator, the processor displays on the display a setting screen for setting the functions and parameters of the external control terminal, and when the AFV function setting mode is set by the operator, the processor displays on the display an AFV trigger source selection screen for turning the AFV function on / off for each channel and for selecting the external control terminal that will be the trigger source for the AFV function, the setting screen displays all of the functions that have already been set for the external control terminal, and the AFV trigger source selection screen displays the functions that have already been set for the external control terminal that will be the trigger source.

[0010] As a result, when focusing on the functions set in the external control terminal, the functions that have already been set are displayed on the setting screen, and the functions that have already been set are also displayed on the AFV trigger source selection screen, so that the user can visually check the setting status of multiple functions, including the AFV function, on either screen.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, when the AFV function is set to the external control terminal, the processor displays on the setting screen a mark indicating the AFV function together with the already set functions, and when the AFV function is set to the external control terminal that will be the trigger source, the processor displays on the AFV trigger source selection screen a mark indicating the AFV function together with the already set functions.

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

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to set multiple functions or operations, including the AFV function, in response to input from a single external control terminal in a digital mixer, thereby assisting the user in setting multiple functions or operations. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a digital mixer according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 10 is a flowchart illustrating operation setting of an external control terminal according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] 10 is a setting flowchart of an AFV function according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] 10 is a first example of a screen according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 is a second example of a screen according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a third example of a screen according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a fourth example of a screen according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 is a fifth example of a screen according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] This is an example of a screen for selecting the trigger source for the AFV function. [Figure 10] 10 is a first example of a screen according to a modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 is a second example of a screen according to a modified example of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] <Overall structure> 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a digital mixer (or mixing console) 10 according to this embodiment. The digital mixer 10 performs various processes, such as routing, assignment, equalization, mixing, and effects, on various input audio signals and outputs the signals to the outside.

[0017] The external configuration of the digital mixer 10 is roughly as follows. The front of the digital mixer 10 is roughly divided into a channel section and a master section. The channel section is provided with a display for each channel module, which groups together multiple channels (e.g., eight channels), and displays the status of the channel module. Each channel of the channel module is provided with various channel operation buttons, such as MUTE, SOLO, and SEL, as well as an operation fader. The master section is provided with various operation keys, such as a home key, menu key, and master fader. The front is also provided with a headphone jack, headphone volume, and the like. The rear of the digital mixer 10 is provided with various input / 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.

[0018] The digital mixer 10 includes, as its constituent blocks, an input interface (I / F) 12, an output interface (I / F) 14, a switch 16, an operator 18, a processor 20, a memory 22, and a display 24.

[0019] The input I / F 12 includes an analog signal input terminal, a digital signal input terminal, and an ADC (analog-to-digital converter). Analog audio signals are converted into digital audio signals by the ADC and then input.

[0020] The output I / F 14 includes an analog output terminal, a digital output terminal, and a DAC (digital-to-analog converter), which converts the processed digital audio signal into an analog audio signal and outputs it.

[0021] The input I / F 12 and output I / F 14 can be classified more specifically into input ports, output ports, input / output ports, analog audio input / output, digital audio input / output, control input / output, other input / output, etc. Analog audio input / output includes MIC / LINE input, LINE input, insert input / output, talkback input, stereo input, LINE output, monitor output, headphone output, etc. Digital audio input / output includes USB audio, Dante, etc. Control input / output includes GPIO, foot switch, Ethernet, etc. The GPIO and foot switch function as external control terminals in this embodiment.

[0022] The switches 16 are various switches that are operated by the user.

[0023] The controls 18 are faders and buttons that the user operates to perform various processes on the input audio signal. The display 24 may be configured as a touch panel, and some or all of the controls 18 may be displayed on this touch panel for touch operation, or the controls may be physical switches, buttons, knobs, etc. The faders adjust the input and output levels of audio signals assigned to channel strips, and include linear faders and rotary faders. Here, a channel strip is a unit that collectively includes faders, knobs, switches, etc. for adjusting the audio signal of a certain channel.

[0024] The display 24 displays the setting screen of the digital mixer 10 and the status of each channel module in response to a control signal from the processor 20. The display 24 is configured with a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel.

[0025] The processor 20 is comprised of a CPU or the like, and performs various processes by reading and executing processing programs stored in the memory 22. That is, the processor 20 displays various screens on the display 24 in response to the operation of the faders and various buttons included in the controls 18, and also processes audio signals. Various functions and various parameter values ​​set by operating the controls 18 are stored in the memory 22, which is comprised of a flash memory or the like. Various signal processes performed by the digital mixer 10 are performed in accordance with the functions and parameters stored in the memory 22.

[0026] 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 tally linked function that automatically controls the fader level in response to an external tally input event. AFV is set for each channel, and the setting screen for setting the AFV function displays a screen for setting various AFV parameters. The various parameters include the AFV trigger source.

[0027] The processor 20 may include a CPU that controls the overall operation of the digital mixer 10 and a DSP (digital signal processor) that executes processing programs based on instructions from the CPU to perform input level adjustment, gate processing, equalization processing, compression processing, mixing processing, effect processing, etc. of audio signals.

[0028] The DSP connects input audio signals to input channels. The number of input channels can be any number, for example, 24 channels from channel (Ch) 1 to channel (Ch) 24. Each input channel performs level control, gating, equalization, compression, and other processing according to set parameter values. The audio signals from each input channel are selectively output to a mix (MIX) bus, which mixes the audio signals input from the input channels. The levels of the audio signals output from the input channels to the MIX bus can be adjusted individually. The mixed audio signals are output to output channels. The number of output channels can also be any number, for example, 10 channels from MIX 1 to MIX 10. Each output channel performs various output-side processing according to set parameter values. The output audio signals from the output channels are output to the output I / F 14.

[0029] When setting the operation of the digital mixer 10, the user operates the buttons of the controls 18, and the processor 20 displays a setting screen on the display 24 in response to this button operation for setting the function or operation of the external control terminal.

[0030] <External control terminal function settings> FIG. 2 shows a flowchart for setting the function or operation of an external control terminal (for example, a GPIO).

[0031] The processor 20 first displays a menu screen on the display 24, and if the user's operation on this menu screen is an external control terminal setting mode, then in response, displays an operation setting screen for the input (GPIO-IN) of the external control terminal (GPIO) (S101). If there are multiple GPIO-INs, these multiple GPIO-INs are displayed in a list.

[0032] The user selects the desired GPIO-IN terminal for which a function or operation is to be set from the displayed list (S102).

[0033] The processor 20 displays on the display 24 a setting screen for setting the function or operation to be set for the selected terminal and its parameters (S103). The function or operation is, for example, Insert, Send, Mute, etc. The parameters are the set values for each function or operation. For example, in the case of Mute, it is which channel module to set to Mute.

[0034] The user uses this setting screen to set the function or operation and its parameters for the desired GPIO-IN (S104). For example, setting Mute as the function or operation of the desired GPIO-IN and setting Mute Group1 as its parameter (see Fig. 5). Here, "Mute Group1" means that a plurality of channels, for example, three channels from channel 1 to channel 3, are grouped together and these channels are muted. The channels to be grouped into one group can be arbitrarily set by the user, and it is also possible to set a single channel.

[0035] The processor 20 stores in the memory 22 the function set for the GPIO-IN in association with the information (specifically, the number) for identifying the GPIO-IN.

[0036] Through the above processing, the user can set the function or operation of the desired external control terminal using the setting screen displayed on the display 24 by the processor 20.

[0037] On the other hand, when the user desires to set the AFV function for the digital mixer 10, after selecting a channel, the user sets the AFV function.

[0038] <L <Setting of AFV Function> FIG. 3 shows a flowchart for setting the AFV function.

[0039] The user presses a button on the control 18, for example, a select button on a channel module (S201). In response to this operation, the processor 20 displays an information screen for the corresponding channel on the display 24 (S202). This information screen displays the status indicating the signal processing content of the corresponding channel, and displays a switch for setting the AFV function.

[0040] When the user operates the switch for setting the AFV function, the AFV function setting mode is entered, and the user turns on the AFV function on this setting mode screen (S203). The user also sets various parameters for the AFV function. Specifically, the various parameters are: AFV trigger source The target value for the fader level after receiving an AFV ON event The target value for the fader level after receiving an AFV OFF event -Waiting time from receiving an AFV ON event to starting fade Fade time from when the AFV ON event is received until the fade level is reached -Hold time from receiving an AFV OFF event until fading begins etc.

[0041] The user selects the trigger source button of the AFV using the parameter setting screen displayed on the display 24 (S204).

[0042] In response to this operation, the processor 20 displays an AFV trigger source screen on the display 24 (S205). The trigger source screen displays a list of external control terminals (GPIO-IN) that can be trigger sources, and the user selects which external control terminal (GPIO-IN) to assign as the trigger source for the AFV of the corresponding channel (S206).

[0043] When the user selects an external control terminal (GPIO-IN) that will be the trigger source for the AFV, the processor 20 associates the function set for the GPIO-IN with information (specifically, a number) for identifying the GPIO-IN and stores it in the memory 22. For example, this is as shown in Table 1 below.

[0044] [Table 1] In this table, 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.

[0045] The processor 20 highlights the display (e.g., button display) of the selected external control terminal (GPIO-IN) to distinguish it from others, and references information relating GPIO-INs to their functions stored in memory 22 to display the function or operation already assigned to that external control terminal in association with the button of that external control terminal (S207). For example, if the mute function is already assigned to the external control terminal GPIO-IN1, "Mute" is displayed in association with that button. The user can easily visually recognize that another function or operation has already been assigned to the external control terminal to which the AFV function is to be assigned.

[0046] <Screen example> Next, the processing contents of the processor 20 in this embodiment will be described in more detail using specific screen examples.

[0047] 4 shows an example of a menu screen displayed on the display 24 by the processor 20. This screen is used to set the overall functions and operations of the digital mixer 10, and when the user selects and presses "GPIO-Input Setup," the processor 20 displays on the display 24 a screen for assigning functions to be performed when there is input from GPIO-IN.

[0048] Note that "Rear panel Setup" in Figure 4 refers to the settings for the various input / output ports located on the rear of the digital mixer mentioned above, and GPIO-IN corresponds to one of the external control terminals located on the rear.

[0049] FIG. 5 shows an example of a setting screen for assigning a function to be activated when there is an input from a GPIO-IN. A plurality of GPIO-INs are displayed in a list as 1, 2, 3, etc., and the functions already assigned to each GPIO-IN are displayed. That is, the processor 20 refers to 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, if GPIO-IN1 has already been assigned a function, AFV Mute If a function has been assigned, "AFV" and "Mute" will be displayed. If multiple functions have been assigned, all functions will be displayed. Needless to say, if no function has been assigned yet, nothing will be displayed.

[0050] When the user wants to newly set or change the function of a desired GPIO-IN, the user selects the desired GPIO-IN on this screen, for example, GPIO-IN1. The processor 20 displays on the display 24 the operation setting screen for the selected GPIO-IN in response to this operation.

[0051] Figure 6 shows an example of the operation settings screen for the selected GPIO-IN1. The functions and parameters that can be set for GPIO-IN1 are listed in multiple columns (four columns in the illustration). To disable the mute function for GPIO-IN1, press "Mute" in the function column to disable it. Note that the "CANCEL" and "APPLY" buttons are displayed in the bottom right of the example screen; the former is used to discard the changed settings, and the latter is used to confirm the changed settings.

[0052] 7 shows an example of a screen for setting the AFV function in the digital mixer 10. In response to a user's operation of the control 18, for example, pressing the select button of a channel module, the processor 20 displays an information screen (OVERVIEW) for the corresponding channel (for example, channel 1) on the display 24. This screen displays a jump button (labeled "AFV" in the figure) that transitions to a screen for setting the AFV function, and when the user operates this jump button, the processor 20 displays a screen for setting the AFV function on the display 24 in response to this operation.

[0053] Figure 8 shows an example screen for setting the AFV function. Various parameters for setting the AFV function are displayed. In the figure, "CH1 ON" in the upper left is a button for turning the AFV function for channel 1 on or off, and is highlighted when set to ON. "Trigger source" in the upper center of the screen is a switch for selecting the trigger source for the AFV function, i.e., GPIO-IN, which is the source for automatically controlling the fader level in response to a tally input event. If the trigger source has not been set, "No Assign" or similar is displayed, as shown in the figure, prompting the user to set it. When the user selects this switch, the processor 20 displays a screen on the display 24 for selecting the trigger source in response to this operation.

[0054] Figure 9 shows an example of the screen for selecting the trigger source for the AFV function. This screen allows you to select which GPIO-IN to assign to the AFV function of the channel selected in Figure 7. Multiple GPIO-INs are listed in parallel (1, 2, 3, etc.). Note that in the figure, foot switches are also displayed as selectable options. When the user selects one of the GPIO-INs to be used as the trigger source, the selected GPIO-IN is highlighted. The figure shows the case where the user selects GPIO-IN1. The function or operation already set for that GPIO-IN is displayed below each GPIO-IN button. For example, the word "Mute" is displayed below GPIO-IN1, indicating that the mute function is already set for GPIO-IN1. When selecting a GPIO-IN to be used as the trigger source for the AFV function, the user can see that another function is already set.

[0055] When the user selects GPIO-IN1 as the trigger source for the AFV function, "GPIO-IN1" will be displayed as the trigger source on the screen in Figure 8. Also, on the setting screen for setting the GPIO-IN function in Figure 5, "AFV" will be displayed for GPIO-IN1, indicating that the AFV function is set. In other words, on both the screens in Figures 5 and 8, the user can easily see what functions, including the AFV function, are set for GPIO-IN.

[0056] In this embodiment, when a function or operation is already set for a GPIO-IN and the AFV function trigger source is to be newly selected for that GPIO-IN, even if the previously set function and the AFV function are incompatible, the processor 20 leaves it up to the user to set the GPIO-IN without displaying or warning. The user can determine whether to set the newly set function as the AFV function trigger source by visually checking the previously set function displayed below the buttons. Note that an example of a function that can be used with the AFV function is when an internal sound source is played and input to the GPIO-IN using an internal player, while an example of a function that is incompatible with the AFV function is when a mute is released.

[0057] As described above, in this embodiment, the processor 20 improves usability for the user by displaying multiple functions or operations including the AFV function set in the external control terminal on the screen example of Fig. 5 and the screen example of Fig. 8. However, although it is easy to see which GPIO-IN, i.e., which trigger source, the AFV function is set to on the screen example of Fig. 5, it is not possible to see at a glance which channel module the trigger source is for. Therefore, as another form of the screen example of Fig. 5, (1) The AFV mark indicates which channel module is the trigger source. (2) If a channel is a trigger source for multiple channel modules, the channel module with the lowest number and ".." will be displayed. Clicking this mark will display a balloon nearby, displaying all the channel modules assigned to it. It is preferable to set it to the above.

[0058] Figure 10 shows an example of the screen for type (1). The channel number, such as "Channel 1," is displayed inside the "AFV" mark, making it easy to see which channel module is the trigger source.

[0059] Figure 11 shows an example of the screen for type (2). If GPIO-IN7 is the trigger source for multiple channel modules, the channel with the lowest number, channel 5, is displayed inside the "AFV" mark along with "."; clicking this displays a speech bubble with "Channel 6, Channel 7, Channel 8, Channel 9, Channel 10," displaying a list of all channel modules for which GPIO-IN7 is set as the trigger source for the AFV function. By checking the list display, the user can easily see which channel module is the trigger source. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 10 Digital mixer, 12 Input interface (I / F), 14 Output interface (I / F), 16 Switch, 18 Control, 20 Processor, 22 Memory, 24 Display.

Claims

1. An external control terminal; a processor; The display and an operator; The processor reads and executes the program, when a setting mode for the external control terminal is set by the operator, a setting screen for setting functions and parameters of the external control terminal is displayed on the display; When an AFV function setting mode is set by the operator, an AFV trigger source selection screen is displayed on the display for turning on / off the AFV function for each channel and for selecting the external control terminal that will be the trigger source for the AFV function; the setting screen displays all the functions already set to the external control terminal, and the AFV trigger source selection screen displays the functions already set to the external control terminal that will be the AFV trigger source; Digital mixer.

2. The processor: When the AFV function is set to the external control terminal, a mark indicating the AFV function is displayed on the setting screen together with the functions already set; When the AFV function is set to the external control terminal that is to be the trigger source, a mark indicating the AFV function is displayed on the AFV trigger source selection screen together with the functions that have already been set.

10. The digital mixer of claim 1.

3. The processor: a mark indicating which channel is the trigger source is further displayed in association with the mark indicating the AFV function on the setting screen; 3. The digital mixer of claim 2.

4. The processor: When the trigger source is a plurality of channels, the plurality of channels are further displayed in a list in response to a selection operation of the mark indicating the AFV function.

4. The digital mixer according to claim 3.

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