Processor

Abstract

To provide an audio-video processor and a processor that achieve compactness and cost reduction while ensuring usability.SOLUTION: A processor includes: a touch panel 2 having a display surface 2a1 for displaying icons 501 and 502 related to a processing parameter to detect a change in capacitance; a first physical operator 3 arranged on the display surface 2a1 to change the capacitance detected by the touch panel 2 through an operation performed by a user; a control unit for changing the processing parameter in accordance with the change in the capacitance based on an operation of the first physical operator 3; and a function selection unit for selecting the type of the processing parameter and icons 501 and 502 corresponding to the processing parameter in response to input to the touch panel 2 that accompanies the change in the capacitance via an operation on the first physical operator 3. The first physical operator 3 receives a user operation corresponding to the processing parameter selected by the function selection unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an audio / video processing device and a processing device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a digital mixer equipped with multiple physical operators (e.g., push switches, encoders, faders, etc.). In a digital mixer with physical operators, a user can grasp where their fingers are touching the physical operators without looking at the digital mixer by touching them with their fingers. In other words, a digital mixer with physical operators ensures usability (ease of use). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-069028 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in conventional processing devices such as the digital mixer of Patent Document 1, each physical operator has only one type of function. For example, if the physical operator is a push switch, it only has the function of pushing the push switch. This results in a large number of physical operators in the processing device, which in turn limits the compactness and cost reduction of the processing device.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and aims to provide an audio / video processing device and processing device that can be made compact and inexpensive while ensuring usability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A first aspect of the present invention is an audio / video processing device comprising: a channel to which a signal related to at least one of audio and video is input; a control unit that changes a processing parameter corresponding to the signal input to the channel; a touch panel having a display surface that displays an icon related to the processing parameter corresponding to the channel and that detects a change in capacitance due to a user's operation; a physical operator that is arranged on the display surface and that changes the capacitance detected on the touch panel when operated by the user; and a function selection unit that selects the type of the processing parameter and the icon corresponding to the processing parameter via an operation on the physical operator in accordance with an input to the touch panel that changes the capacitance, wherein the control unit changes the processing parameter in accordance with the change in capacitance based on the operation of the physical operator, and the physical operator accepts a user's operation corresponding to the processing parameter selected by the function selection unit.

[0007] A second aspect of the present invention is a processing device comprising: a touch panel having a display surface that displays icons related to processing parameters and that detects changes in capacitance; a physical operator that is arranged on the display surface and that changes the capacitance detected on the touch panel when operated by a user; a control unit that changes the processing parameter in accordance with the change in capacitance based on operation of the physical operator; and a function selection unit that selects the type of processing parameter and the icon corresponding to the processing parameter in accordance with input to the touch panel that involves a change in capacitance via operation of the physical operator, wherein the physical operator accepts user operation corresponding to the processing parameter selected by the function selection unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to make the audio / video processing device and the processing device more compact and less expensive while ensuring the usability of the audio / video processing device and the processing device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view showing a processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the push switch of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the first encoder of FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the processing device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of signal processing executed in the DSP of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of the input channel in FIG. 5 in more detail. [Figure 7] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of the output channel of FIG. 5 in more detail. [Figure 8] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing in more detail the configuration of the queue output channel shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 9] 2 is a diagram showing a first display example on the display screen of the processing device of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 10] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a second display example on the display screen of the processing device of FIG. [Figure 11] 3 is a diagram illustrating changes in icon display corresponding to the operation of the push switch in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. [Figure 12] 3 is a diagram illustrating changes in icon display corresponding to the operation of the push switch in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. [Figure 13] 3 is a diagram illustrating changes in icon display corresponding to the operation of the push switch in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. [Figure 14] 3 is a diagram illustrating changes in icon display corresponding to the operation of the push switch in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. [Figure 15] 3 is a diagram illustrating changes in icon display corresponding to the operation of the push switch in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a front view showing a main part of a fader provided in a processing device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVII-XVII in FIG. 16. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The processing device of this embodiment is a sound processing device that performs signal processing on an input acoustic signal (a signal related to sound) and then outputs the signal to the outside. As shown in Fig. 1, the processing device 1 includes a touch panel 2 and a plurality of physical operators 3 and 4.

[0011] The touch panel 2 has a display surface 2a that displays various types of information. The touch panel 2 detects changes in capacitance associated with user operations. The capacitance detected by the touch panel 2 is the capacitance between the display surface 2a of the touch panel 2 and the user's fingers. When the user brings his / her fingers close to the display surface 2a, the relative positional relationship between the display surface 2a and the user's fingers changes, and the detected capacitance changes accordingly.

[0012] The display surface 2a of the touch panel 2 has a first area 2a1 where a first physical operator 3 (described later) is arranged, and a second area 2a2 where the first physical operator 3 is not arranged. The mechanism by which the touch panel 2 detects capacitance is the same in the first area 2a1 and the second area 2a2. However, the sensitivity for detecting capacitance in the first area 2a1 is higher than the sensitivity for detecting capacitance in the second area 2a2. The second area 2a2 mainly detects contact of a user's finger with the second area 2a2 through a change in capacitance. In first region 2a1, the capacitance is detected in multiple stages. That is, in first region 2a1, not only is it detected whether or not the user's finger is in contact with display surface 2a, but the distance between display unit 117 and the user's finger is also detected in multiple stages.

[0013] The physical operators 3 and 4 are physical operators operated by the user. The physical operators 3 and 4 include a first physical operator 3 arranged on the display surface 2a and a second physical operator 4 provided outside the display surface 2a.

[0014] When operated by a user, the first physical operator 3 changes the capacitance detected on the touch panel 2. The first physical operator 3 includes a push switch 10 that can be pressed down, and an encoder 20 (hereinafter referred to as the first encoder 20) that can be rotated.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2, the push switch 10 includes a keytop 11, a support portion 12 placed on the display surface 2a, and a connecting portion 13 connecting the keytop 11 and the support portion 12. The connecting portion 13 holds the keytop 11 so that the keytop 11 is spaced apart from the display surface 2a when the support portion 12 is placed on the display surface 2a. The connecting portion 13 elastically deforms when the keytop 11 is pressed by a user's finger and moves toward the display surface 2a. A user presses the push switch 10 by pressing the keytop 11 toward the display surface 2a with the user's finger. When the user releases the pressure on the keytop 11, the keytop 11 returns to its original position due to the elastic force of the connecting portion 13.

[0016] When the user presses the push switch 10 with his / her finger, the user's finger touches the top surface 11a of the key top 11 facing the same side as the display surface 2a (upward in FIG. 2). The top surface 11a of the key top 11 is recessed. Note that the top surface 11a of the key top 11 may be, for example, convex or flat.

[0017] The first area 2a1 of the touch panel 2 described above detects contact of the user's finger with the top surface 11a of the push switch 10 and depression of the push switch 10 through a change in capacitance. For example, when the user's finger touches the top surface 11a of the keytop 11, the capacitance detected in the first area 2a1 changes. Furthermore, when the user's finger touches the top surface 11a of the keytop 11 and then presses the keytop 11 toward the display surface 2a, the finger moves closer to the display surface 2a, causing a further change in the capacitance detected in the first area 2a1. In other words, the first area 2a1 of the touch panel 2 distinguishes between a state in which the user's finger is in contact with the keytop 11 and a state in which the keytop 11 is pressed. Note that the first area 2a1 of the touch panel 2 may distinguish between a position in which the keytop 11 is half-pressed and a position in which the keytop 11 is fully pressed, for example. That is, the first area 2a1 of the touch panel 2 may detect a change in the amount of depression of the key top 11 in multiple stages.

[0018] In the push switch 10 of this embodiment, the key top 11 is configured as a light-transmitting portion that transmits light. The key top 11 functioning as a light-transmitting portion transmits light without scattering it. Therefore, information such as letters, symbols, designs, and images displayed on the display surface 2a (for example, icons 501 and 502 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10) can be seen through the key top 11. In this embodiment, the support portion 12 and the connecting portion 13 of the push switch 10 are formed to be opaque so that light cannot be transmitted through them. Note that the support portion 12 and the connecting portion 13 may transmit light while scattering it, for example, or may transmit light without scattering it, similar to the key top 11.

[0019] As shown in Fig. 3, the first encoder 20 includes a fixed portion 21 fixed on the display surface 2a of the touch panel 2, a rotary operation portion 22 that can be rotated with respect to the fixed portion 21 by a user's finger, and a bearing 23 provided between the fixed portion 21 and the rotary operation portion 22. The bearing 23 is interposed between the fixed portion 21 and the rotary operation portion 22, so that the rotary operation portion 22 can be smoothly rotated with respect to the fixed portion 21. The rotary operation portion 22 is disposed at a distance from the display surface 2a. It is preferable that the distance between the rotary operation portion 22 and the display surface 2a is small. The rotary operation portion 22 may be in contact with the display surface 2a, for example.

[0020] In the first encoder 20 of this embodiment, the rotary operation unit 22 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The first encoder 20 further includes a push operation unit 25 (inner portion) disposed inside the rotary operation unit 22. The push operation unit 25 is pushed by a user's finger, similar to the push switch 10 described above. That is, the push operation unit 25 includes a keytop 26 and a connecting portion 27 connecting the keytop 26 to the rotary operation unit 22. The connecting portion 27 holds the keytop 26 so that the keytop 26 is spaced apart from the display surface 2a. The connecting portion 27 elastically deforms when the keytop 26 is pushed by the user's finger and moves toward the display surface 2a. The user pushes the push operation unit 25 by pushing the keytop 26 toward the display surface 2a with the user's finger. When the user releases the push on the keytop 26, the keytop 26 returns to its original position due to the elastic force of the connecting portion 27.

[0021] The first region 2a1 of the touch panel 2, in which the first encoder 20 is arranged, detects, through a change in capacitance, a rotation operation of the first encoder 20 by a user. For example, when the user rotates the rotation operation unit 22 with his or her fingers in contact with the rotation operation unit 22, the position of the user's fingers touching the rotation operation unit 22 moves, and the capacitance detected in the first region 2a1 changes. The first region 2a1 also detects, by a change in capacitance, contact of the user's finger with the first encoder 20. Specifically, when the user's finger contacts the rotation operation unit 22 or the push operation unit 25 of the first encoder 20, the capacitance detected in the first region 2a1 changes.

[0022] Furthermore, first region 2a1 detects a press of pressing operation unit 25 by a user's finger through a change in capacitance. Specifically, when the user's finger presses keytop 26 toward display surface 2a, the finger approaches display surface 2a, and the capacitance detected in first region 2a1 changes. The above three types of capacitance change modes are different from one another in the first encoder 20. Therefore, the first area 2a1 of the touch panel 2 distinguishes between and detects the rotation operation of the rotation operation unit 22, contact of the user's finger with the first encoder 20, and the pressing operation of the pressing operation unit 25. Note that the first area 2a1 of the touch panel 2 may detect the change in the pressing amount of the key top 26 of the pressing operation unit 25 in multiple stages.

[0023] In the first encoder 20 of this embodiment, the key tops 26 of the push operation unit 25 are configured as light-transmitting units that transmit light. The key tops 26 functioning as light-transmitting units transmit light without scattering it. Therefore, not only the colors and lights displayed on the display surface 2a but also information such as characters, symbols, designs, and images displayed on the display surface 2a (for example, icons 501 and 502 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10) can be viewed through the key tops 26. In this embodiment, the rotary operation unit 22 and the fixed unit 21 of the first encoder 20 are formed to be opaque so as not to transmit light. Note that the rotary operation unit 22 may transmit light while scattering it, or may transmit light without scattering it, similar to the key tops 26.

[0024] As shown in Fig. 1, the processing device 1 of this embodiment includes a plurality of the above-described push switches 10 (16 in Fig. 1). These push switches 10 are connected together. Specifically, a plurality of key tops 11 are connected together by support parts 12 (see Fig. 2).

[0025] 1 to 3, the processing device 1 of this embodiment further includes a support 5. The support 5 is formed in the shape of a plate that is disposed so as to overlap the first region 2a1 of the display surface 2a. The support body 5 integrally supports the plurality of first physical operators 3 (plurality of push switches 10, first encoder 20). Specifically, the support body 5 is fixed to a surface of a support portion 12 that connects the key tops 11 of the plurality of push switches 10, the surface facing the opposite side to the display surface 2a. The support body 5 is also formed integrally with a fixing portion 21 of the first encoder 20.

[0026] The support body 5 is formed with a plurality of first through holes 51 and second through holes 52 that penetrate through the support body 5 in the thickness direction. A key top 11 of the push switch 10 is inserted into each first through hole 51. A rotation operation portion 22 and a push operation portion 25 of the first encoder 20 are inserted into the second through holes 52. The support body 5 is formed to be opaque so that light does not pass through it, and therefore, various pieces of information displayed in the first area 2a1 of the display surface 2a can only be seen through the first and second through-holes 51, 52 of the support body 5, and the key top 11 of the push switch 10 and the key top 26 of the push operation unit 25 inserted therein.

[0027] The support body 5 is fixed to the touch panel 2 in a state where it is disposed over the first region 2a1 of the display surface 2a. The support body 5 is detachable from the touch panel 2. This allows the first physical operator 3 to be detachable from the display surface 2a of the touch panel 2.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 1, the second physical operator 4 of this embodiment includes an encoder 41 (hereinafter referred to as the second encoder 41) that can be rotated, and a fader 42 that can be moved linearly.

[0029] In the processing device 1, the lower part of the processing device 1 in Fig. 1 is located closer to the user, and the upper part of the processing device 1 is located farther from the user. That is, the up-down direction in Fig. 1 corresponds to the up-down direction as seen from the user. Also, the left-right direction in Fig. 1 corresponds to the left-right direction as seen from the user. The arrangement of the first and second physical operators 3 and 4 will be explained below using the up-down direction and left-right direction in Fig. 1.

[0030] A plurality of press switches 10 and one first encoder 20 are arranged on the first area 2a1 of the touch panel 2, which is located adjacent to the lower side of the second area 2a2 of the touch panel 2. A plurality of press switches 10 (eight in FIG. 1) are lined up in the left-right direction along the lower edge of the second area 2a2 of the touch panel 2. The number of press switches 10 lined up in the left-right direction corresponds to a predetermined number of channels (for example, the number of input channels 1120 and output channels 1140, which will be described later). Furthermore, two sets of eight press switches 10 lined up in the left-right direction are lined up in the up-down direction. One first encoder 20 is arranged to the right of the eight press switches 10.

[0031] The plurality of second encoders 41 and the plurality of faders 42 are arranged below the first area 2a1 of the touch panel 2, specifically below the plurality of push switches 10 described above. Similar to the push switches 10, the plurality of second encoders 41 and the plurality of faders 42 are arranged in plural numbers (eight in FIG. 1) at intervals in the left-right direction. The number of second encoders 41 and faders 42 arranged in the left-right direction corresponds to the predetermined number of channels. Each fader 42 is located below the second encoder 41 and arranged so that it can be moved linearly in the up-down direction.

[0032] Two push switches 10, one second encoder 41, and one fader 42 arranged in order from top to bottom constitute one channel strip. In the processing device 1, eight channel strips are arranged in the left-right direction. The push switches 10 of the first physical operators 3 function as individual corresponding operators corresponding to each channel. On the other hand, the first encoder 20 of the first physical operator 3 functions as a comprehensive corresponding operator corresponding to multiple channels.

[0033] 4, the processing device 1 is a digital mixer and includes a CPU 111, a ROM 112, a RAM 113, a display I / F 114, a detection I / F 115, a communication I / F 116, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) 120, and an effector 121, which are connected to each other via a communication bus 125. A display unit 117 is connected to the display I / F 114, an operator 118 is connected to the detection I / F 115, and a communication input / output unit (I / O) 119 is connected to the communication I / F 116. The processing device 1 further includes an AD conversion unit 122, a DA conversion unit 123, and a DD conversion unit 124, which are connected to the DSP 120 and the effector 121 via an audio bus 126.

[0034] The CPU 111 performs overall control of the operation of the processing device 1. By executing a predetermined program stored in the ROM 112, the CPU 111 performs processes such as controlling the display on the display unit 117 via the I / Fs 114 to 116, detecting operations on the controls 118, and communication via the communication I / O 119, as well as controlling signal processing in the DSP 120. The ROM 112 is a rewritable nonvolatile storage means that stores control programs and the like executed by the CPU 111. The ROM 112 can be a flash memory or the like.

[0035] The RAM 113 is a storage means for storing parameter values ​​to be reflected in signal processing in the DSP 120 and for use as a work memory for the CPU 111 . The display I / F 114 is an interface for connecting the display unit 117 to the communication bus 125 and controlling the display content thereof in accordance with instructions from the CPU 111. The display unit 117 displays a screen showing the current state of the processing device 1, a screen for referring to, changing, saving, etc., parameters used in signal processing, etc. The display unit 117 corresponds to the function of displaying various types of information on the display surface 2a of the touch panel 2 described above.

[0036] The detection I / F 115 is an interface for connecting the operator 118 to the communication bus 125 and detecting the operation content in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 111. The operator 118 is an operator 118 that allows the user to directly operate the processing device 1 to edit parameters, etc. The operator 118 corresponds to the above-mentioned first physical operator 3 (push switch 10, first encoder 20), second physical operator 4 (second encoder 41, fader 42), and a function of detecting a change in capacitance among the touch panel 2.

[0037] The communication I / F 116 is an interface for connecting the communication I / O 119 to the communication bus 125 and controlling data transmission and reception through the communication I / O 119 in accordance with instructions from the CPU 111. The communication I / O 119 can communicate with external devices via a network or by peer-to-peer communication.

[0038] The DSP 120 is a signal processing means that includes a signal processing circuit and performs signal processing on the input audio signal in accordance with parameter values ​​that are set to be reflected in the signal processing. The effector 121 has the function of applying various effects, such as reverb and chorus, to the input audio signal and outputting it.

[0039] The AD conversion unit 122 has a function of converting analog audio signals input from multiple input terminals into digital waveform data and supplying the data to the audio bus 126. The DA conversion unit 123 has a function of converting digital waveform data of multiple channels acquired from the audio bus 126 into analog audio signals and outputting the signals from output terminals associated with the waveform data. The DD conversion unit 124 has a function of performing format conversion required for inputting and outputting digital waveform data between the audio bus 126 and a terminal.

[0040] The audio bus 126 can transmit digital waveform data over multiple channels in a time-division manner, and each channel functions as a signal transmission path that transmits signals from the output of any processor (including the effector 121) or conversion unit connected to the audio bus 126 to the input of another processor or conversion unit.

[0041] Next, the configuration of the signal processing executed in the DSP 120 shown in FIG. 4 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 5, the signal processing in the DSP 120 includes an input patch 1110, an input ch (channel) 1120, a mixing bus 1130, an output ch 1140, a cue bus 1150, a cue output ch 1160, and an output patch 1170.

[0042] In the DSP 120, the input patch 1110 can patch (wire) one of the input ports prepared to correspond to the input terminal of the AD conversion unit 122 or the DD conversion unit 124 to each of the N input channels 1120, from the first (1120-1) to the Nth (1120-N).

[0043] 6, each input channel 1120 has a signal processing section that performs signal processing on an audio signal input from an input port patched by the input patch 1110. The input channel 1120 shown in Fig. 6 has, as signal processing sections, a head amplifier (HA) 1121, a high-pass filter (HPF) 1122, an equalizer (EQ) 1123, a dynamics 1124, and a level adjustment section 1125, which are connected in this order from the input patch 1110 side. Note that the input channel 1120 may also have other signal processing sections such as an attenuator, a noise gate (GATE), a compressor (COMP), a delay (DELAY), a fader (LEVEL), and a pan (PAN). After signal processing is performed by each signal processing unit in each input channel 1120, the processed signal is sent to any one of the M mixing buses 1130. The output level and on / off status from each channel in the input channels 1120 to each bus in the mixing bus 1130 can be set individually.

[0044] Furthermore, the input channel 1120 can send an acoustic signal extracted from one of multiple extraction positions P1 to P3 (three positions in FIG. 6) to the cue bus 1150 as a listening signal. A cue selector switch 1126 switches between these extraction positions P1 to P3. The cue selector switch 1126 is controlled by the CPU 111 to select which of the extraction positions P1 to P3 to connect to. Furthermore, only the input channel 1120 selected by the user as the target for listening sends a signal to the cue bus 1150. For the input channels 1120 that are not selected, the cue selector switch 1126 selects a contact that is not connected to any of the pick-up positions P1 to P3.

[0045] As shown in Figure 5, the mixing bus 1130 of each system mixes the signals input from each input channel 1120, and outputs the mixed signals to M output channels 1140, from the first (1140-1) to the Mth (1140-M), corresponding to each system. As shown in Fig. 7, each output channel 1140 has a signal processing section that performs signal processing on an audio signal input from the corresponding mixing bus 1130. The output channel 1140 shown in Fig. 7 has an equalizer 1143, a dynamics 1144, and a level adjustment section 1145 as signal processing sections, which are connected in this order from the mixing bus 1130 side. Note that the output channel 1140 may also have other signal processing sections such as a compressor (COMP), a fader (LEVEL), a balance (BAL), a delay (DELAY), an attenuator, etc.

[0046] 7, the output channel 1140 can send an acoustic signal picked up from one of a plurality of pick-up positions P4 to P6 (three positions in FIG. 7) to the cue bus 1150 as a listening signal. The cue selector switch 1146 is a switch that switches between these pick-up positions P4 to P6 and corresponds to the cue selector switch 1126. Only the output channel 1140 selected by the user as the target for listening sends a signal to the cue bus 1150. For the unselected output channel 1140, the cue selector switch 1146 selects a contact that is not connected to any of the pick-up positions P4 to P6. The processing device 1 has the function of allowing simultaneous selection of the input channel 1120 and the output channel 1140 as targets for previewing. However, it is generally assumed that only one of the input channel 1120 and the output channel 1140 will be selected as the target for previewing.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 5, the cue bus 1150 mixes the signals input from the input channels 1120 and the output channels 1140 , and outputs the mixed signal to the cue output channel 1160 . As shown in FIG. 8, in the cue output channel 1160, the audio signal input from the cue bus 1150 is subjected to signal processing by the signal processing units of an attenuator 1161, an equalizer 1163, a dynamics 1164, and a level adjustment unit 1165.

[0048] The output patch 1170 patches each output channel 1140 and cue output channel 1160 to an output port prepared so as to correspond to an output terminal provided in the DA conversion unit 123 or the DD conversion unit 124, and supplies the signals processed by each output channel 1140 and cue output channel 1160 to the patched output port and outputs them from that output port. Note that the patch destination of the cue output channel 1160 is a fixed output port for monitor output.

[0049] The signal processing by each of these units (input channel 1120, output channel 1140, queue output channel 1160, etc.) included in the DSP 120 can be controlled by setting the values ​​of predetermined parameters stored in memory. Furthermore, the functions of each of these units included in the DSP 120 may be realized by software or hardware.

[0050] The processing device 1 of this embodiment includes a control unit that changes and adjusts processing parameters in response to a change in capacitance on the touch panel 2 based on the operation of the first physical operator 3. Furthermore, in the processing device 1 of this embodiment, the control unit changes and adjusts some of the processing parameters based on the operation of the second physical operator 4. The "processing parameters" include those equivalent to various signal processing units (such as equalizers, noise gates, and compressors) in the input channel 1120, output channel 1140, and cue output channel 1160 of the DSP 120. The "processing parameters" may also include the output level of signals output from the channels 1120, 1140, and 1160 to the downstream buses 1130 and 1150 or the output patch 1170, switching on and off the output of the signals, and switching various display information displayed on the display surface 2a. The control unit changes and adjusts, for each channel, the processing parameters corresponding to the audio signal input to the channel. The control unit may be a program executed by the CPU 111 (see FIG. 4) described above.

[0051] The operations of the first physical operator 3 that change the capacitance include touching and pressing the push switch 10 with the user's finger, rotating the rotary operation unit 22 of the first encoder 20 with the user's finger, and touching and pressing the push operation unit 25. The operations of the first physical operator 3 that change the capacitance also include sliding the user's finger so that it sequentially touches the multiple first physical operators 3. For example, in the processing device 1 shown in Fig. 1 , the user slides their finger so that it sequentially touches the multiple push switches 10 lined up in the left-right direction. The control unit determines whether a slide operation has been performed, for example, as follows. For example, if a user's finger is touching the leftmost press switch 10 among multiple press switches 10 lined up in the left-right direction, and the press switches 10 touched by the finger move sequentially to the right within a predetermined time, and the finger finally touches the rightmost press switch 10, the control unit determines that a slide operation from left to right has been performed. Similarly, the control unit determines whether a slide operation from right to left has been performed. The control unit may determine whether a slide operation has been performed when the press switch 10 is pressed.

[0052] In this embodiment, the control unit changes the processing parameters in response to the slide operation. The change in processing parameters due to the slide operation may be, for example, switching the display on the display surface 2a, changing the volume of input / output signals, switching the channel displayed on the display surface 2a, switching the function layer, or switching the application of effects. Here, a channel layer is an example of a function layer. A channel layer refers to a group into which at least one channel out of all channels is initially divided, or a group arbitrarily divided by the user. By switching the channel layer, the channel whose processing parameters are changed or adjusted by the first physical operator 3 and the second physical operator 4 can be changed. The control unit may change the processing parameters in response to the slide operation differently for a left-to-right slide operation and a right-to-left slide operation. For example, the control unit may switch to a function layer with a larger number (e.g., channel number) for a left-to-right slide operation and switch to a function layer with a smaller number (e.g., channel number) for a right-to-left slide operation.

[0053] In the processing device 1 of this embodiment, various icons related to the above-mentioned processing parameters (for example, icons 501 and 502 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10) are displayed on the display surface 2a of the touch panel 2. The icons displayed on the display surface 2a may be characters, symbols, designs, colors, images (still images), videos (moving images), etc. The icons are displayed, for example, in an area overlapping the first physical operator 3, so that they are visible through the key tops 11 and 26 (light-transmitting portions) of the first physical operator 3. The display surface 2a displays icons related to the processing parameters for each channel. In other words, multiple icons may be displayed on the display surface 2a. Furthermore, on the display surface 2a of the touch panel 2, information relating to a channel selected from among the multiple channels is displayed in response to an input to the touch panel 2 that involves a change in capacitance.

[0054] Furthermore, the processing device 1 of this embodiment includes a function selection unit. The function selection unit selects or changes the type of processing parameter and an icon corresponding to the processing parameter in response to an input to the touch panel 2 that involves a change in capacitance. The input to the touch panel 2 that involves a change in capacitance may be via an operation on the first physical operator 3, or may be a direct input to the touch panel 2 (for example, by a user's finger touching or approaching the display surface 2a). The selection of an icon by the function selection unit may be a change in text, symbol, design, color, image (still image), or video (moving image), or may include a change in the display mode of the icon, such as brightness.

[0055] Furthermore, the function selection unit of this embodiment selects or changes an icon in accordance with the change in capacitance at each stage, as the first area 2a1 of the touch panel 2 detects a change in capacitance at each stage. For example, as the capacitance detected in the first area 2a1 changes when the user's finger touches the keytop 11 of the push switch 10, the function selection unit changes the icon visible through the keytop 11 (for example, to the characters "SEL"). Furthermore, as the user's finger presses the keytop 11 toward the display surface 2a from the state in which it is in contact with the keytop 11, the capacitance detected in the first area 2a1 further changes, and the function selection unit further changes the icon visible through the keytop 11 (for example, to the characters "ON"). The function selection unit may be a program executed by the above-mentioned CPU 111 (see FIG. 4).

[0056] The first physical operator 3 accepts a user operation corresponding to the type of processing parameter selected in the function selection section.

[0057] Next, the operation of the processing device 1 of this embodiment configured as above will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG.

[0058] Fig. 9 shows a first display example of the display surface 2a in the processing device 1 of this embodiment. In the first display example of Fig. 9, a plurality of ch names 504 (channel names 504) and information 505 of the signal processing unit for a selected ch name 504 are displayed in the second area 2a2 of the display surface 2a.

[0059] The plurality of channel names 504 are aligned in the horizontal direction at the bottom end of the second area 2a2, and correspond to the plurality of channel strips aligned in the horizontal direction. The number of channel names 504 displayed in the second area 2a2 corresponds to the number of channel strips, and is eight. 9 are the first (CH. 1) to eighth (CH. 8) of the plurality of input channels 1120 (see FIG. 5), but the display of other channel names 504 may be switched by the user performing a predetermined operation on the processing device 1. For example, if the number of input channels 1120 in the processing device 1 is 16, the channel names 504 of the plurality of input channels 1120 displayed in the second area 2a2 may be switched between the first to eighth input channels 1120 (CH. 1 to 8) and the ninth to sixteenth input channels 1120 (CH. 9 to 16) by the user performing a predetermined operation on the processing device 1. The display of the channel names 504 may be switched by, for example, the user sliding his / her finger so as to sequentially touch the plurality of press switches 10 arranged in the left-right direction. The plurality of channel names 504 displayed at the bottom of the second area 2a2 may be, for example, an output channel 1140 and a queue output channel 1160.

[0060] The signal processing unit information 505 is displayed above the channel names 504 in the second area 2a2. The signal processing unit information 505 is the signal processing unit information 505 of one input channel 1120 (CH.1 in FIG. 9) selected from the multiple input channels 1120 displayed in the channel names 504. In the channel names 504, the selected input channel 1120 (CH.1) is displayed in a different manner (a different color in FIG. 9) from the other input channels 1120 (CH.2 to CH.8). The input channel 1120 may be selected, for example, by the user touching a specific input channel 1120 (e.g., CH.1) from the multiple input channels 1120 displayed in the second area 2a2 with their finger.

[0061] In FIG. 9, the signal processing unit information 505 displays three pieces of information: an equalizer (EQ) 505-1, a noise gate (GATE) 505-2, and a compressor (COMP) 505-3 for the selected input channel 1120 (CH.1). The equalizer 505-1 is an equalizer that adjusts the frequency characteristics of an input audio signal. The equalizer 505-1 is configured to be able to change and adjust the frequency characteristics of four frequency bands, for example, "HI," "MID HI," "LOW MID," and "LOW."

[0062] The noise gate 505-2 is a noise gate that blocks noise, and when the level of the audio signal input thereto falls below a reference value, it blocks the noise by suddenly reducing the gain of the input audio signal. The noise gate 505-2 is designed to be able to change and adjust the reference value. The compressor 505-3 narrows the dynamic range of the audio signal input thereto to prevent the input audio signal from becoming saturated. The compressor 505-3 is capable of changing and adjusting the dynamic range. The information 505 of the signal processing section of the input channel 1120 displayed in the second area 2a2 is not limited to the above, but may be, for example, a head amplifier, a high-pass filter, a dynamics section, a level adjustment section, or the like.

[0063] The above-mentioned parameters (equalizer 505-1, noise gate 505-2, compressor 505-3, etc.) may be changed or adjusted by the user directly touching the graph of each parameter displayed in the second area 2a2, or by the user operating the second encoder 41 or fader 42 (see FIG. 1) of the corresponding channel strip. Also, the parameters may be changed or adjusted by the user operating the first encoder 20, for example.

[0064] When the first encoder 20 is used, the user may rotate the rotary operation unit 22 to change or adjust the parameter. When the first encoder 20 is used, for example, the user may rotate the rotary operation unit 22 when the user's finger is not pressing or touching the press operation unit 25 to roughly change or adjust the parameter. Alternatively, the user may rotate the rotary operation unit 22 when the user's finger is pressing or touching the press operation unit 25 to finely change or adjust the parameter. When the user's finger is pressing or touching the press operation unit 25, for example, an icon indicating fine change or adjustment of the parameter may be visible through the key top 26 of the press operation unit 25.

[0065] 9, icons 501, 502 corresponding to the plurality of push switches 10 are displayed in a first area 2a1 of the display surface 2a in which the push switches 10 and the first encoder 20 are arranged. Of two push switches 10 aligned vertically, the icon 501 corresponding to the lower push switch 10 includes the characters "ON" and is visible through the key top 11 of the lower push switch 10. In addition, the icon 502 corresponding to the upper push switch 10 includes the characters "CUE" and is visible through the key top 11 of the upper push switch 10.

[0066] Pressing the lower press switch 10 corresponding to the icon 501 containing "ON" switches on / off the transmission of a signal from a predetermined input channel 1120 (e.g., CH. 1) displayed in the channel name 504 to the mixing bus 1130 (see FIG. 5). A predetermined lower press switch 10 and its corresponding predetermined input channel 1120 are arranged vertically. In this embodiment, pressing the lower press switch 10 from the off state turns it on, and even if the lower press switch 10 is subsequently released, the on state is maintained. Also, pressing the lower press switch 10 again from the on state turns it off, and even if the lower press switch 10 is subsequently released, the off state is maintained.

[0067] The upper press switch 10 corresponding to the icon 502 containing "CUE" is assigned to the cue selector switch 1126 (see FIG. 6) for a specific input channel 1120 (e.g., CH. 1) displayed in the channel name 504. A specific upper press switch 10 and its corresponding specific input channel 1120 are aligned vertically. Pressing the upper press switch 10 switches on and off the transmission of a signal to the cue bus 1150 (see FIG. 5). In this embodiment, pressing the upper press switch 10 from the off state turns it on, and even if the upper press switch 10 is subsequently released, the on state is maintained. Furthermore, pressing the upper press switch 10 again from the on state turns it off, and even if the upper press switch 10 is subsequently released, the off state is maintained.

[0068] Note that signal extraction positions P1 to P3 (see FIG. 6) for input channel 1120 may be determined, for example, by an option setting displayed in second area 2a2 of display surface 2a. Signal extraction positions P1 to P3 for input channel 1120 may also be determined, for example, by utilizing the detection of a change in the amount of depression of push switch 10 at multiple stages. Specifically, signal extraction position P1 may be determined when the user's finger is only touching push switch 10 but is not fully depressed, and signal extraction position P2 may be determined when the user's finger has half-depressed push switch 10. Signal extraction position P3 may also be determined when the user's finger has fully depressed push switch 10.

[0069] FIG. 10 shows a second display example on the display surface 2a of the processing device 1 of this embodiment. In the second display example of FIG. 10, a plurality of mixing bus names 511 and output level information 512 of a plurality of input channels 1120 corresponding to each mixing bus 1130 are displayed in the second area 2a2 of the display surface 2a.

[0070] The multiple mixing bus names 511 are aligned in the horizontal direction at the bottom of the second area 2a2, and correspond to the multiple channel strips aligned in the horizontal direction. The number of mixing bus names 511 displayed in the second area 2a2 corresponds to the number of channel strips, and is eight. 10 are the first (Mix1) to eighth (Mix8) of the plurality of mixing buses 1130 (see FIG. 5), but the display of other mixing bus names 511 may be switched by the user performing a predetermined operation on the processing device 1. For example, if the number of mixing buses 1130 in the processing device 1 is 16, the plurality of mixing bus names 511 displayed in the second area 2a2 may be switched between the first to eighth mixing buses 1130 (Mix1 to 8) and the ninth to sixteenth mixing buses 1130 (Mix9 to 16) by the user performing a predetermined operation on the processing device 1. The display of the mixing bus names 511 may be switched by, for example, the user sliding his / her finger so as to sequentially touch the plurality of push switches 10 arranged in the left-right direction.

[0071] Output level information 512 for multiple input channels 1120 corresponding to each mixing bus 1130 is arranged above each mixing bus name 511. In the output level information 512, the output level 513 for each input channel 1120 is indicated by a gauge extending in the horizontal direction. The number of input channels 1120 corresponding to each mixing bus 1130 is the number (N) shown in FIG. 5.

[0072] The change or adjustment of each output level 513 may be performed, for example, by the user directly touching each output level 513 displayed in the second area 2a2. Alternatively, the change or adjustment of each output level 513 may be performed, for example, by the user operating the first encoder 20.

[0073] When the first encoder 20 is used, the output level 513 may be changed or adjusted by the user rotating the rotary operation unit 22. When the first encoder 20 is used, for example, the output level 513 may be roughly changed or adjusted by the user rotating the rotary operation unit 22 when the user's finger is not pressing or touching the press operation unit 25. Alternatively, the output level 513 may be finely changed or adjusted by the user rotating the rotary operation unit 22 when the user's finger is pressing or touching the press operation unit 25. When the user's finger is pressing or touching the press operation unit 25, for example, an icon indicating fine changes or adjustments of the output level 513 may be visible through the key top 26 of the press operation unit 25.

[0074] 10, similar to the first display example of Fig. 9, icons 501, 502 corresponding to the plurality of push switches 10 are displayed in the first area 2a1. Of two push switches 10 aligned vertically, the icon 501 including "ON" corresponds to the lower push switch 10, and the icon 502 including "CUE" corresponds to the upper push switch 10.

[0075] Pressing the lower push switch 10 corresponding to the icon 501 containing "ON" switches on / off the transmission of a signal from a specific mixing bus 1130 (e.g., Mix1) displayed in the mixing bus name 511 to the output patch 1170. A specific lower push switch 10 and the specific corresponding mixing bus 1130 are aligned vertically.

[0076] The upper push switch 10 corresponding to the icon 502 containing "CUE" is assigned to a cue selector switch 1146 (see FIG. 7) in an output channel 1140 connected downstream of a specific mixing bus 1130 (e.g., Mix1) displayed in the mixing bus name 511. A specific upper push switch 10 and its corresponding specific mixing bus 1130 are aligned vertically. Pressing the upper push switch 10 switches on / off the transmission of a signal from the mixing bus 1130 to the cue bus 1150 (see FIG. 5).

[0077] Next, with reference to FIGS. 11 to 15, an example of the relationship between the operation of the push switch 10 by the user's finger F and the change in the display mode of the icon 501 corresponding to the push switch 10 will be described.

[0078] For example, as shown in FIG. 11 , when the user's finger F touches the top surface 11 a of the press switch 10, the display mode of the icon 501 changes according to a change in the capacitance between the display surface 2 a and the finger F. In the example shown in FIG. 11 , the text and color of the icon 501 are changed. Specifically, the icon 501 corresponding to the press switch 10 that is not being touched by the user's finger F and is in the off state is displayed in white with the text “OFF,” while the icon 501 corresponding to the press switch 10 that is in the off state and is being touched by the user's finger F is displayed with the text “SEL” and in light gray. This difference in the display mode of the icon 501 allows the user to recognize that the finger F is touching the press switch 10 that is in the off state. The text “SEL” indicates that the finger F has touched the press switch 10 and selected the press switch 10, and that the channel corresponding to the channel strip to which the press switch 10 belongs has been selected. At this time, the parameters of the channel selected by the finger F touching the push switch 10 (for example, the information 505 of the signal processing unit exemplified in FIG. 9) are displayed in the second area 2a2 of the display surface 2a.

[0079] When the user's finger F touches the top surface 11a of the push switch 10 and then presses the push switch 10 toward the display surface 2a as shown in FIG. 12 , the push switch 10 is turned on in response to a change in the capacitance between the display surface 2a and the finger F, and the display mode of the icon 501 is further changed. Specifically, the icon 501 corresponding to the push switch 10 changes from the letters "SEL" to "ON," and the color of the icon 501 changes from light gray to dark gray. The letter "ON" and the icon 501 displayed in dark gray indicate that the push switch 10 is in the on state. This change in the display mode of the icon 501 allows the user to recognize that the push switch 10 has switched from the off state to the on state. In this embodiment, even if the push switch 10 is released after being pressed to switch it to the on state, the on state of the push switch 10 is maintained. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 13, even if the capacitance between the display surface 2a and the finger F changes when the push switch 10 in the on state is released by the finger F, the display mode of the icon 501 does not change, the text remains "ON", and the color remains dark gray. Furthermore, even if the finger F is released from the push switch 10, the on state of the push switch 10 is maintained, and the display mode of the icon 501 also remains "ON", and the color remains dark gray.

[0080] 14, when the press switch 10 in the ON state is pressed toward the display surface 2a by the user's finger F, the press switch 10 remains in the ON state. Therefore, even if the capacitance changes as the user's finger F presses the press switch 10, the display mode of the icon 501 does not change, the text remains "ON," and the color remains dark gray. 15, when the push of the push switch 10 by the finger F is released, the push switch 10 enters the OFF state in accordance with a change in the capacitance between the display surface 2a and the finger F, and the display mode of the icon 501 changes. Specifically, the icon 501 corresponding to the push switch 10 changes from "ON" to "SEL," and the color of the icon 501 changes from dark gray to light gray. Furthermore, when the finger F is removed from the top surface 11a of the push switch 10, the icon 501 changes from "SEL" to "OFF," and the color of the icon 501 changes from light gray to white. This change in the display mode of the icon 501 allows the user to recognize that the push switch 10 has switched from the ON state to the OFF state.

[0081] In the examples shown in Figures 11 to 15, the three colors of the icon 501 indicating the state of the push switch 10 are white, light gray, and dark gray, but any color combination may be used, such as blue, yellow, and red.

[0082] The relationship between the operation of the push switch 10 by the user's finger F and the change in the display mode of the icon 501 corresponding to the push switch 10 is not limited to the above. For example, when the user's finger F is removed from the push switch 10 that is in the off state and the corresponding icon 501 is displayed with the letters "SEL" because the user's finger F is touching the switch, the icon 501 may be changed from "SEL" to the letters "OFF." Also, for example, when the user's finger F touches the push switch 10 that is in the on state and whose corresponding icon 501 is displayed with the letters "ON," the icon 501 may change from "ON" to the letters "SEL." After that, when the finger F is released from the push switch 10, the icon 501 may change from "SEL" to "ON."

[0083] As described above, according to the processing device 1 of this embodiment, the touch panel 2 detects a change in capacitance accompanying the operation of the first physical operator 3. Therefore, the touch panel 2 can detect different changes in capacitance depending on the type of operation of the first physical operator 3 by the user (for example, an operation of touching the first physical operator 3, an operation of moving the first physical operator 3). In other words, one first physical operator 3 can be given multiple functions. This makes it possible to reduce the number of first physical operators 3 provided in the processing device 1. Therefore, the processing device 1 can be made more compact. Furthermore, by reducing the number of first physical operators 3, it is also possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of the processing device 1.

[0084] Furthermore, the user can grasp where his / her fingers are touching the first physical operator 3 by touching the first physical operator 3 with his / her fingers without looking at the processing device 1. For example, while touching the first physical operator 3 with his / her fingers, the user can operate the first physical operator 3 at the right timing while looking at another location. Therefore, the usability (ease of use) of the processing device 1 can be ensured.

[0085] Furthermore, in the processing device 1 of this embodiment, the key tops 11 and 26 of the push switch 10 and the first encoder 20 are light-transmitting sections that transmit light. This allows the user to easily understand the functions of the push switch 10 and the first encoder 20 by visually checking the icons displayed on the display surface 2a through the key tops 11 and 26 of the push switch 10 and the first encoder 20.

[0086] Furthermore, in the processing device 1 of this embodiment, the mechanism for detecting changes in capacitance in the first region 2a1 and the second region 2a2 is the same in the touch panel 2. This simplifies the structure of the touch panel 2 compared to when the mechanisms for detecting changes in capacitance are different between the first and second regions 2a1, 2a2.

[0087] Furthermore, in the processing device 1 of this embodiment, in the first region 2a1 where the first physical operator 3 is arranged, the distance between the display surface 2a and the user's finger operating the first physical operator 3 is larger than the distance between the display surface 2a and the user's finger in the second region 2a2 where the first physical operator 3 is not arranged. Therefore, in the first region 2a1, the capacitance generated between the display surface 2a and the user's finger is smaller than that in the second region 2a2. In response to this, by making the sensitivity for detecting changes in capacitance higher in the first region 2a1 than in the second region 2a2, the touch panel 2 can correctly detect changes in capacitance based on the operation of the first physical operator 3 by the user's finger. For example, when the first physical operator 3 is a push switch 10 that can be pressed, even if the change in the amount of pressing of the push switch 10 by the user's finger, i.e., the change in the distance between the user's finger touching the top surface 11a of the push switch 10 and the touch panel 2, is small, the touch panel 2 can correctly detect the change in distance.

[0088] Furthermore, in the processing device 1 of this embodiment, in the first region 2a1 where the push switch 10 is arranged, the capacitance is detected in multiple stages. This allows the touch panel 2 to detect changes in the amount of depression of the push switch 10 by the user's finger in multiple stages. For example, the touch panel 2 can detect three stages: a first stage where the user's finger touches the push switch 10, a second stage where the push switch 10 is halfway depressed, and a third stage where the push switch 10 is fully depressed.

[0089] Furthermore, in the processing device 1 of this embodiment, the multiple first physical operators 3 are integrally supported by the support body 5. Therefore, the relative positions of the multiple first physical operators 3 are fixed, and the multiple first physical operators 3 can be treated as a single operator module. This makes it possible to simultaneously and easily arrange the multiple first physical operators 3 on the display surface 2a.

[0090] Furthermore, in the processing device 1 of this embodiment, multiple push switches 10 are linked together. Therefore, the relative positions of the multiple push switches 10 are fixed, and the multiple push switches 10 can be treated as a single module. This allows multiple push switches 10 to be easily arranged on the display surface 2a at the same time.

[0091] Furthermore, in the processing device 1 of this embodiment, the multiple first physical operators 3 are detachable from the display surface 2a. This allows the first physical operators 3 to be arranged at positions on the display surface 2a that are easy for the user to use. Note that the first region 2a1 on the display surface 2a where capacitance sensitivity is high may be appropriately set according to the position where the first physical operators 3 are arranged.

[0092] Furthermore, in the processing device 1 of this embodiment, the control unit changes processing parameters by sliding the user's finger so that it touches the multiple push switches 10 in order. Using the multiple push switches 10 arranged on the display surface 2a of the touch panel 2, the processing parameters can be changed through an intuitive operation of touching these multiple push switches 10 in order. Furthermore, by adding a new operation method (function) of touching the multiple push switches 10 in order, the number of push switches 10 provided in the processing device 1 can be further reduced, thereby making the processing device 1 more compact and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0093] Furthermore, in the processing device 1 of this embodiment, the touch panel 2 detects the touch and depression of the push switch 10 by the user's finger through a change in capacitance. This allows one push switch 10 to have at least two functions (a touch function and a depression function). Note that in this embodiment, multiple push switches 10 can also have the new function (slide function) described above.

[0094] Furthermore, in the processing device 1 of this embodiment, the top surface 11a of the key top 11 of the push switch 10 that is touched by the user's finger is recessed. Therefore, compared to when the top surface 11a is not recessed, the user's finger that touches the top surface 11a can be brought closer to the display surface 2a of the touch panel 2. As a result, even if the sensitivity of the touch panel 2 for detecting changes in capacitance is low, it is possible to more reliably detect that the user's finger has touched the push switch 10 from the change in capacitance.

[0095] Furthermore, in the processing device 1 of this embodiment, the touch panel 2 detects both a touch of the user's finger on the first encoder 20 and a rotation operation of the first encoder 20 by a change in capacitance. This allows one first encoder 20 to have two functions (a touch function and a rotation function).

[0096] Furthermore, in the processing device 1 of this embodiment, the first encoder 20 has a cylindrical rotation operation unit 22 that is rotated by the user's finger, and a push operation unit 25 that is pressed by the user's finger. This allows one first encoder 20 to have one more function (push function). Furthermore, since one first encoder 20 has both a rotation function and a push function, various operations can be performed. For example, a new operation can be performed by rotating the rotation operation unit 22 while pressing the push operation unit 25. Furthermore, an operation can be performed in which a function or process is selected by rotating the rotation operation unit 22, and the function or process is confirmed by pressing the push operation unit 25.

[0097] Furthermore, in the processing device 1 of this embodiment, the first encoder 20 has a fixed part 21 fixed to the touch panel 2, a rotation operation part 22 that can be rotated relative to the fixed part 21, and a bearing 23 provided between the fixed part 21 and the rotation operation part 22. This allows the rotation operation part 22 to be smoothly rotated by the bearing 23.

[0098] Furthermore, in the processing device 1 of this embodiment, the function selection unit changes the icon in response to a change in processing parameters based on the operation of the first physical operator 3. For example, the color of the icon changes in response to a change in parameters based on the contact operation and depression operation of the push switch 10. In this way, the icon visible through the first physical operator 3 changes in response to the operation of the first physical operator 3, allowing the user to easily grasp the state of the processing parameters due to the operation of the first physical operator 3.

[0099] Although the present invention has been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0100] In the present invention, the push switch 10 may have, for example, a switch body and a conductive layer coated on the surface of the switch body. The switch body may be the key top 11 of the above embodiment. The conductive layer coated on the surface of the switch body (key top 11) means that the area of ​​the switch body that is touched by a finger and the area facing the display surface 2a are electrically connected by the conductive layer. This allows the touch panel 2 to correctly detect changes in capacitance due to the touch and depression of the push switch 10 by a finger, even if the sensitivity of the touch panel 2 to detect changes in capacitance is low or even if the distance between the user's finger touching the switch body and the display surface 2a is large. The configuration in which a conductive layer is coated is not limited to the push switch 10, but may be applied to the push operation portion 25 of the first encoder 20, for example.

[0101] In the present invention, the push switch 10 is not limited to being used as an "ON" switch (ON / OFF switch) or a "CUE" switch, but may also be used as, for example, a "SEL" switch or a user-defined key. The "SEL" switch may be a switch (select switch) for selecting a channel whose processing parameters are changed or adjusted by a physical operator.

[0102] In the present invention, the push switch 10 used as the "ON" switch is not limited to functioning as a simple ON / OFF switch, but may also function as a "SEL" (select) switch when the push switch 10 is touched by a finger, and as an ON / OFF switch when the push switch 10 is pressed.

[0103] In the present invention, the display mode (for example, color) of the icon may be changed in multiple stages according to, for example, the change in the amount of depression of the push switch 10.

[0104] In the present invention, the first encoder 20 may be operable only by rotation, for example, without having the push operation unit 25. Even in the first encoder 20 configured in this way, it may have a light transmitting unit that transmits light.

[0105] In the present invention, the first encoder 20 may have no limit on the range of rotation, or may have a limit on the range of rotation. Furthermore, the value of the processing parameter that changes in accordance with the rotation of the first encoder 20 may have an upper limit and a lower limit, or may not have these upper limit and lower limit values.

[0106] In the present invention, the first physical operator 3 arranged in the first area 2a1 of the display surface 2a may be a fader 30 that can be operated to move linearly along the display surface 2a, as shown in, for example, Figures 16 and 17. In this case, the touch panel 2 detects the operation of moving the fader 30 linearly based on a change in capacitance.

[0107] The fader 30 includes a knob 31 and a cover 32. The knob 31 is a portion that is operated by the user's fingers. The cover 32 is disposed on the display surface 2a. The cover 32 includes a guide groove 34. The guide groove 34 is formed as a groove that extends linearly, and guides the knob 31 in a linear direction (up and down in FIG. 16). The cover 32 may be formed integrally with the support 5 (see FIGS. 1 to 3) of the above embodiment, for example.

[0108] Specifically, the knob 31 is disposed on the upper surface 32a of the cover 32. The knob 31 is integrally formed with an insertion portion 33 that is inserted into a guide groove 34 of the cover 32. The tip of the insertion portion 33 extending from the knob 31 may contact the display surface 2a as illustrated in FIG. 17, but it does not have to, for example. By inserting the insertion portion 33 into the guide groove 34, the knob 31 can be guided along the longitudinal direction of the guide groove 34 (the up-and-down direction in FIG. 16). An elastically deformable elastic body 35 is disposed between the knob 31 and the upper surface 32a of the cover 32. This allows the fader 30 to perform a pressing operation in which the knob 31 is pressed toward the display surface 2a. The touch panel 2 detects the pressing of the knob 31 by the user's finger through a change in capacitance.

[0109] 16 and 17, a portion 321 of the cover portion 32 adjacent to the guide groove 34 in the width direction (the left-right direction in FIGS. 16 and 17) is formed as a light-transmitting portion that can transmit light. An icon related to a processing parameter is displayed in an area of ​​the display surface 2a that overlaps with the guide groove 34 or the portion 321 of the cover portion 32 formed as a light-transmitting portion. The icon may be, for example, a gauge that indicates the gain value of a processing parameter (e.g., output audio) output from the input channel 1120 or the output channel 1140. The gauge may extend in the longitudinal direction of the guide groove 34. The icon may also be, for example, a scale 521 of the processing parameter, as shown in FIG. 16.

[0110] In addition, in the fader 30 shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the knob portion 31 is formed as a light-transmitting portion that can transmit light.

[0111] 16 and 17, the gain value of a processing parameter (for example, output sound) that is changed based on the operation of the knob 31 can be displayed in an area of ​​the display surface 2a that corresponds to the guide groove 34 or the portion 321 of the cover 32 adjacent to the guide groove 34. This makes it possible to reduce the dimension of the fader 30 in the width direction of the guide groove 34. In other words, the fader 30 can be configured compactly.

[0112] 16 and 17, the knob 31 is formed as a light-transmitting portion, and an icon indicating the function of the fader 30 is displayed in the area of ​​the display surface 2a corresponding to the position of the knob 31, making it easy to understand the function assigned to the fader 30. Furthermore, even if the function assigned to the fader 30 changes, the information indicating the function of the fader 30 can be easily changed simply by changing the icon displayed on the display surface 2a.

[0113] In the fader 30 illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17 , the touch panel 2 detects the touch of the knob 31 by the user's finger, the depression of the knob 31, and the linear movement of the knob 31 through changes in capacitance. This allows one fader 30 to have multiple functions. For example, by moving the knob 31 linearly while touching it, the user can adjust the volume of the sound being listened to through headphones, etc. Furthermore, by moving the knob 31 linearly while pressing it, the volume of the output sound can be adjusted. Furthermore, for example, by moving the knob 31 linearly while touching it, the volume can be roughly adjusted, and by moving the knob 31 linearly while pressing it, the volume can be finely adjusted.

[0114] In the present invention, the push switch 10 and the first encoder 20 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, and the fader 30 illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17 may be provided in the same processing device.

[0115] In the present invention, for example, the plurality of first physical operators 3 may be individually arranged on the display surface 2a of the touch panel 2. Furthermore, the plurality of first physical operators 3 may be individually detachable from the display surface 2a of the touch panel 2.

[0116] The processing device of the present invention may be applied to, for example, a video processing device that performs signal processing on an input video signal (a signal related to a video) and then outputs the signal to an external device. In this case, the icon displayed on the display surface 2a and related to the processing parameters may be, for example, a moving image. In this case, by displaying the icon as a sample moving image (thumbnail moving image) after processing in the video processing device, the user can easily compare the video with and without processing.

[0117] Furthermore, the processing device of the present invention may be applied to, for example, an electronic musical instrument that outputs sound. For example, when the processing device of the present invention is applied to a synthesizer, a type of electronic musical instrument, various waveforms (such as sawtooth waves, square waves, or recorded sound signals) are input to channels as signals, and effectors for applying appropriate acoustic effects to the waveforms are used as processing parameters. Simple images of the effectors are displayed as icons, transparent to the physical controls. This allows effects to be turned on and off for the waveforms in response to user manipulation of the physical controls. Furthermore, by setting the capacitance to be detected in multiple or continuous steps, the level of the effect can be adjusted, for example, according to the degree of depression of a push switch (the position of a finger relative to the display surface of a touch panel). Furthermore, by applying special effects (e.g., increasing harmonics or applying extremely deep reverb to the input waveform) that are only activated when multiple physical controls are operated by sliding, visual performance effects can be achieved through performance.

[0118] Furthermore, when the processing device of the present invention is applied to a sampler, which is a type of electronic musical instrument, it is conceivable that a sampled sound source is linked to each physical operator, and when the physical operator is operated, the sound source is input to a channel to produce sound (in this case, the channel corresponds to an output channel). Furthermore, a parameter that determines whether or not to send the sampled sound source to a channel is used as a processing parameter. In this case, if the physical operator accepts multiple levels of finger positions, the volume of the sound source may be determined, for example, by the amount of depression of a push switch (the position of the finger relative to the display surface of the touch panel). Furthermore, for slide operations, special effects may be predefined, as in the case of a synthesizer.

[0119] <Additional Notes> (Section 1) a channel to which a signal related to at least one of audio and video is input; a control unit that changes a processing parameter corresponding to the signal input to the channel; a touch panel having a display surface for displaying icons relating to the processing parameters in correspondence with the channels, the touch panel detecting a change in capacitance caused by a user's operation; a physical operator that is disposed on the display surface and that changes the capacitance detected by the touch panel when operated by a user; a function selection unit that selects the type of the processing parameter and the icon corresponding to the processing parameter in response to an input to the touch panel that involves a change in the capacitance via an operation on the physical operator, the control unit changes the processing parameter in response to a change in the capacitance based on an operation of the physical operator; The physical operator accepts a user's operation corresponding to a processing parameter selected by the function selection unit.

[0120] (Section 2) A plurality of the channels are provided, 2. The audio / video processing device according to claim 1, wherein the physical operators include a comprehensive operator corresponding to a plurality of the channels.

[0121] (Section 3) the display surface has a first region in which the physical operator is arranged and a second region in which the physical operator is not arranged, 3. The audio / video processing device according to claim 2, wherein information about the channel selected in response to an input to the touch panel is displayed in the second area.

[0122] (Section 4) a touch panel having a display surface for displaying icons related to processing parameters and for detecting changes in capacitance; a physical operator that is disposed on the display surface and that changes the capacitance detected by the touch panel when operated by a user; a control unit that changes the processing parameters in response to a change in the capacitance based on an operation of the physical operator; a function selection unit that selects the type of the processing parameter and the icon corresponding to the processing parameter in response to an input to the touch panel that involves a change in the capacitance via an operation on the physical operator, The physical operator is a processing device that accepts a user's operation corresponding to the processing parameter selected by the function selection unit.

[0123] (Section 5) the physical operator has a light transmitting portion that transmits light; 5. The processing device according to claim 4, wherein the icon displayed in the area overlapping with the physical operator is visible through the light transmitting portion.

[0124] (Section 6) 6. The processing device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the display surface has a first area where the physical operator is arranged and a second area where the physical operator is not arranged.

[0125] (Section 7) the physical operator is one of a push switch that can be pressed, an encoder that can be rotated, and a fader that can be moved linearly; When the physical operator is the push switch, the first area detects a contact with the push switch by a user's finger and a depression of the push switch based on a change in capacitance; When the physical operator is the encoder, the first area detects a rotation operation of the encoder based on a change in capacitance; When the physical operator is the fader, the first area detects a linear movement operation of the fader based on a change in capacitance; 7. The processing device according to claim 6, wherein the second area detects contact of a user's finger with the second area by a change in capacitance.

[0126] (Section 8) 8. The processing device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the mechanism for detecting a change in capacitance is the same in the first area and the second area.

[0127] (Section 9) 9. The processing device according to any one of items 6 to 8, wherein the sensitivity for detecting a change in capacitance in the first region is higher than the sensitivity for detecting a change in capacitance in the second region.

[0128] (Section 10) 10. The processing device according to any one of items 6 to 9, wherein in the first region, capacitance is detected in a plurality of stages.

[0129] (Section 11) 11. The processing device according to any one of items 4 to 10, further comprising a support that integrally supports the plurality of physical operators.

[0130] (Section 12) 12. The processing device according to any one of claims 4 to 11, wherein a plurality of the physical operators are connected to one another.

[0131] (Section 13) 13. The processing device according to any one of claims 4 to 12, wherein the physical operator is detachable from the display surface.

[0132] (Section 14) 14. The processing device according to any one of claims 4 to 13, wherein the control unit changes the processing parameters by sliding a user's finger so as to contact the physical operators in order.

[0133] (Section 15) the physical operator is a push switch that can be pressed, 15. The processing device according to any one of items 4 to 14, wherein the touch panel detects contact with the push switch by a user's finger and depression of the push switch based on a change in capacitance.

[0134] (Section 16) the push switch includes a key top, a support portion placed on the display surface, and a connecting portion connecting the key top and the support portion; the connecting portion holds the keytop so that the keytop is disposed at a distance from the display surface, and elastically deforms when the keytop is pressed by a user's finger and moves toward the display surface; 16. The processing device according to item 15, wherein the top surface of the keytop that is touched by the user's fingers is recessed.

[0135] (Section 17) 17. The processing device according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the push switch has a switch body and a conductive layer coated on the surface of the switch body.

[0136] (Section 18) the physical operator is an encoder that can be rotated, 15. The processing device according to any one of items 4 to 14, wherein the touch panel detects the rotation operation of the encoder based on a change in capacitance.

[0137] (Section 19) 19. The processing device according to claim 18, wherein the touch panel detects both a touch of a user's finger on the encoder and a rotation operation of the encoder by a change in capacitance.

[0138] (Section 20) The processing device described in item 18 or 19, wherein the encoder has a cylindrical rotation operation unit that is rotated by a user's finger, and a push operation unit that is arranged inside the rotation operation unit and is pressed by the user's finger.

[0139] (Section 21) The processing device described in any one of items 18 to 20, wherein the encoder has a fixed portion fixed to the touch panel, a rotary operation portion that can be rotated relative to the fixed portion, and a bearing provided between the fixed portion and the rotary operation portion.

[0140] (Section 22) the physical operator is a fader that can be operated to move linearly, 15. The processing device according to any one of claims 4 to 14, wherein the touch panel detects the operation of linearly moving the fader by a change in capacitance.

[0141] (Section 23) The fader is a knob that is operated by a user's fingers; 23. The processing device according to item 22, further comprising: a cover portion disposed on the display surface and including a guide groove formed as a linearly extending groove for guiding the knob portion in a linear direction.

[0142] (Section 24) The fader has a knob that can be gripped by a user's fingers and moved linearly, 24. The processing device according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the touch panel detects contact of the knob with a user's finger, pressing of the knob, and linear movement of the knob by changes in capacitance.

[0143] (Section 25) the physical operator is configured to be visible through the icon displayed on the display surface, 25. The processing device according to any one of items 4 to 24, wherein the function selection unit changes the icon in accordance with a change in the processing parameter based on the operation of the physical operator.

[0144] (Section 26) the physical operator is either a push switch that can be pressed down or an encoder that can be rotated, When the physical operator is the push switch, the push switch is configured to be visible through the icon displayed on the display surface, 26. The processing device according to claim 25, wherein when the physical operator is the encoder, the encoder comprises a cylindrical rotary operation unit that is rotated by the user's fingers, and an inner unit that is placed inside the rotary operation unit, and the inner unit is configured so that the icon displayed on the display surface can be seen through the inner unit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0145] 1...processing device, 2...touch panel, 2a...display surface, 2a1...first area, 2a2...second area, 3...first physical operator, 5...support, 10...push switch, 11...key top (light-transmitting portion), 11a...top surface, 12...support portion, 13...connecting portion, 20...first encoder, 21...fixing portion, 22...rotation operation portion, 23...bearing, 25...push operation portion, 26...key top (light-transmitting portion), 30...fader, 31...knob portion, 32...cover portion, 34...guide groove, 111...CPU (control portion, function selection portion), 501, 502...icon, 521...scale (icon), 1120...input channel, 1140...output channel, 1160...cue output channel, F...finger

Claims

1. a channel to which a signal related to at least one of audio and video is input; a control unit that changes a processing parameter corresponding to the signal input to the channel; a touch panel having a display surface for displaying icons relating to the processing parameters in correspondence with the channels, the touch panel detecting a change in capacitance caused by a user's operation; a physical operator that is disposed on the display surface and that changes the capacitance detected by the touch panel when operated by a user; a function selection unit that selects the type of the processing parameter and the icon corresponding to the processing parameter in response to an input to the touch panel that involves a change in the capacitance via an operation on the physical operator, the control unit changes the processing parameter in response to a change in the capacitance based on an operation of the physical operator; The physical operator is an audio / video processing device that accepts a user operation corresponding to a processing parameter selected by the function selection unit.

2. a touch panel having a display surface for displaying icons related to processing parameters and for detecting changes in capacitance; a physical operator that is disposed on the display surface and that changes the capacitance detected by the touch panel when operated by a user; a control unit that changes the processing parameters in response to a change in the capacitance based on an operation of the physical operator; a function selection unit that selects the type of the processing parameter and the icon corresponding to the processing parameter in response to an input to the touch panel that involves a change in the capacitance via an operation on the physical operator, The physical operator is a processing device that accepts a user's operation corresponding to the processing parameter selected by the function selection unit.

Images