Operating device

Abstract

The system can display the visual effects associated with the operation to the operator, and allows them to easily review the actions they have performed while operating the system. [Solution] The system comprises a flat panel display 11 arranged in an operating area A corresponding to the entire top surface, a plurality of operators 12 arranged in the operating area A and positioned on the flat panel display 11, and a first display control unit 21 that displays effect images set for each operator 12 on the flat panel display 11 in accordance with the operation of each operator.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a DJ (Disc Jockey) performance system, there is known one including an operating device (DJ controller) which is an integrated controller of a deck and a mixer, a personal computer installed with a DJ application, an amplifier serving as an amplifier, and a speaker for outputting sound (see Patent Document 1). An operation area is provided on the entire upper surface of this operating device, and various operators such as effect knobs, equalizer knobs, channel faders, etc. for performing deck operations (player operations) and mixing operations are arranged in the operation area. Also, the state of various operators is displayed on the display screen of the personal computer, and the user is configured to be able to check the state of various operators by looking at the display screen.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in this type of operating device, there is a demand to display effects associated with DJ play to the DJ in order to enhance the sense of excitement of the DJ himself / herself who is operating (in order to make the DJ himself / herself enjoy). However, the conventional configuration described above only displays the status of various controls and therefore could not meet the requirements. Furthermore, with the conventional configuration, it was necessary to visually check the display screen of a personal computer to confirm the operating status, making it cumbersome to check the operating status while performing DJing (operating the control devices).

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

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

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

[0008] Furthermore, it is preferable that the display control unit displays a visual effect image corresponding to the type of operation unit and the operating status of that operation unit.

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

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

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

[0012] The program of the present invention is characterized by causing a computer to execute the control method for the above-described operating device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a system configuration diagram of a DJ system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a plan view showing a DJ controller. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a DJ controller. [Figure 4] (a) is a diagram showing an example of the display of a Type 1 effect image set on a channel fader, and (b) is a diagram showing an example of the display of a Type 1 effect image set on an equalizer knob. [Figure 5] This diagram shows an example of the display of a Type 2 effect image set on the crossfader. [Figure 6] This diagram shows an example of how effect images for external outputs are displayed on the channel faders. [Figure 7] This diagram shows an example of how effect images for external output are displayed on the crossfader. [Figure 8] This flowchart illustrates the display operation of Type 1 effect images, Type 2 effect images, and effect images for external output using a DJ controller. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] The following describes an operating device, a control method for the operating device, and a program according to one embodiment of the present invention, with reference to the attached drawings. In this embodiment, a DJ controller to which the operating device of the present invention is applied, and a DJ system equipped therewith are given as examples. This DJ system is a system for a DJ to perform a DJ performance (sound performance) by operating the DJ controller. In particular, this DJ system has a configuration that displays effects accompanying the DJ play to the DJ and the audience in order to enhance the sense of excitement for the DJ and the audience.

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

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

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

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

[0019] The plurality of operators 12 are assigned and arranged to two left and right deck areas A1 partitioned in the operation area A and a central mixer area A2. The two left and right deck areas A1 correspond to the right channel and the left channel, and in each deck area A1, operators 12 such as jog dials 12a for performing a playback operation of each channel are arranged. On the other hand, in the mixer area A2, operators 12 such as three equalizer knobs 12b for each channel, a channel fader 12c, and a cross fader 12d for performing a mixing operation are arranged.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0026] More precisely, the first display control unit 21 displays a first-type effect image G1 as an effect image near the operated control 12, corresponding to the type of control 12 operated (jog dial 12a, equalizer knob 12b, channel fader 12c, crossfader 12d) and the method of operation (direction and speed of operation) of the control 12. In addition, the first display control unit 21 displays a second-type effect image G2 across the entire flat display 11, corresponding to the type of control 12 operated and the operation state (operation result) of the control 12. Now, with reference to Figures 4 and 5, examples of the display of the first-type effect image G1 and the second-type effect image G2 will be described.

[0027] Figure 4(a) shows an example of the display of the first type effect image G1 set on the channel fader 12c. As shown in Figure 4(a), the channel fader 12c is set with a first type effect image G1 that, when the channel fader 12c is operated, causes sparks to fly (light spots or rays to diffuse) from the movable control part (operating part) of the channel fader 12c in the direction of operation of the channel fader 12c (direction of movement of the movable control part). Furthermore, as shown in the same figure, the effect image displays the distance and speed of the sparks to scatter according to the operating speed of the channel fader 12c, that is, the movement speed of the movable control part of the channel fader 12c. Note that the same first type effect image G1 shown in Figure 4(a) is also set on other slider controls (physical faders), including the crossfader 12d.

[0028] Figure 4(b) shows an example of the display of the first type effect image G1 set on the equalizer knob 12b. As shown in Figure 4(b), the equalizer knob 12b is set with the first type effect image G1, which is an effect image in which sparks fly from the movable control element of the equalizer knob 12b in accordance with the direction of operation (rotation direction) of the equalizer knob 12b when the equalizer knob 12b is operated. Furthermore, as shown in the same figure, this effect image displays the distance and speed of the sparks flying according to the operating speed of the equalizer knob 12b, that is, the rotation speed of the movable control element of the equalizer knob 12b. Note that the same first type effect image G1 in Figure 4(b) is set on other rotating controls, including the jog dial 12a.

[0029] In this way, the first display control unit 21 displays a first type effect image G1 near the operated control element 12, depending on the type and method of operation of the operated control element 12. This allows the DJ to confirm the method of operation (especially the speed of operation) they performed by looking at the effect image in front of them.

[0030] Figure 5 shows an example of the display of the second type effect image G2 set on the crossfader 12d. As shown in Figure 5, the crossfader 12d is set with a second type effect image G2 that adjusts the brightness of the entire flat display 11 according to the operating state of the crossfader 12d (the position of the movable control of the crossfader 12d). Specifically, as shown in the figure, when the movable control of the crossfader 12d is moved to the left (left channel side), the left side of the flat display 11 is displayed brightly and the right side is displayed darkly. On the other hand, when the movable control of the crossfader 12d is moved to the right (right channel side), the right side of the flat display 11 is displayed brightly and the left side is displayed darkly.

[0031] In this way, the first display control unit 21 displays the second type effect image G2 across the entire flat display 11 (the entire area of ​​operation area A) according to the type and operation status of the operated control 12. This allows the DJ to confirm the operation status of the operation they have performed by looking at the effect image in front of them.

[0032] The second display control unit 22 displays effect images on the large display device 5 in response to the operation of each control element 12, thereby displaying the effects associated with the DJ performance to the audience. Specifically, the second display control unit 22 generates an image signal of the effect image G3 for external output set for each control element 12 in response to the operation of each control element 12 detected by the operation detection unit 13, and outputs the generated image signal to the large display device 5 via the image output unit 16. This causes the large display device 5 to display the effect image G3 for external output. Now, with reference to Figures 6 and 7, an example of the display of the effect image G3 for external output will be described.

[0033] Figure 6 shows an example of the display of the effect image G3 for external output set on the channel fader 12c. As shown in Figure 6, the channel fader 12c is set as an effect image G3 for external output, which enlarges / reduces a predetermined image object depending on the operation state of the channel fader 12c. Specifically, as shown in the figure, when the movable control of the channel fader 12c is moved upward (upward), the predetermined image object is enlarged. On the other hand, when the movable control of the channel fader 12c is moved downward (downward), the predetermined image object is reduced in size.

[0034] Figure 7 shows an example of the display of the effect image G3 for external output set on the crossfader 12d. As shown in Figure 7, the crossfader 12d is set as an effect image G3 for external output, which deforms one side of a predetermined image object depending on the operation state of the crossfader 12d. Specifically, as shown in the figure, when the movable control of the crossfader 12d is moved to the right (right channel side), the right side of the predetermined image object is deformed. On the other hand, when the movable control of the crossfader 12d is moved to the left (left channel side), the left side of the predetermined image object is deformed.

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

[0036] Next, referring to Figure 8, the display operation of the first type effect image G1, the second type effect image G2, and the effect image G3 for external output by the DJ controller 2 will be explained. This display operation is performed when the DJ (user) operates one of the control elements 12 on the operation area A (deck area A1 or mixer area A2).

[0037] As shown in Figure 8, when any of the operators 12 are operated by the DJ (S1: Yes), the operation detection unit 13 detects the type of operator 12 that was operated, the method of operation, and the operation state after the operation (S2).

[0038] Subsequently, it is determined whether or not a Type 1 effect image G1 is set for the detected type of operator 12 (S3). If a Type 1 effect image G1 is set for the detected type of operator 12 (S3: Yes), the first display control unit 21 displays the Type 1 effect image G1 set for the operator 12 of the detected operator 12 near the operator 12, based on the type of operator 12 and the method of operation (S4). On the other hand, if a Type 1 effect image G1 is not set for the detected type of operator 12 (S3: No), the display of the Type 1 effect image G1 is canceled and the process moves to the next step.

[0039] Next, it is determined whether a Type 2 effect image G2 is set for the detected type of operator 12 (S5). If a Type 2 effect image G2 is set for the detected type of operator 12 (S5: Yes), the first display control unit 21 displays the Type 2 effect image G2 set for the operator 12 of the operation on the entire flat display 11, based on the type of the detected operator 12 and the operation state after the operation (S6). On the other hand, if a Type 2 effect image G2 is not set for the detected type of operator 12 (S5: No), the display of the Type 2 effect image G2 is canceled and the process moves to the next step.

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

[0041] With the above configuration, the first display control unit 21 displays the effect images G1 and G2 (performance images) set on the operator 12 on the flat display 11 in response to the operation of the operator 12, thereby displaying the performance associated with the DJ play to the DJ themselves. This can increase the DJ's sense of excitement (tension). In addition, since the effect images can be displayed in the operation area A where the operator 12 is located, the DJ can see the effect images while performing the operation. Therefore, the DJ can enjoy the performance while operating and can easily confirm the operations they have performed while operating.

[0042] Furthermore, by displaying effect images (Type 1 effect image G1) corresponding to the type of control 12 and how the control 12 is operated, the DJ can confirm the operation they performed by visually checking the effect image. In particular, the operation speed, which is difficult to objectively grasp in a DJ performance setting, can be confirmed by the effect image, allowing for more precise DJing.

[0043] Furthermore, by displaying effect images (Type 2 effect image G2) corresponding to the type of control 12 and the operating state of the control 12, the DJ can confirm the operating state of the control 12 by visually checking the effect image. In particular, the operating state of slider and rotation controls, which are difficult to grasp precisely, can be easily confirmed, allowing for more precise DJ performances.

[0044] Furthermore, by displaying an effect image (Type 1 effect image G1) near the operated control element 12, it becomes easier to confirm the operation while operating the control element 12.

[0045] Furthermore, the second display control unit 22 displays the effect image (external output effect image G3) set on the operator 12 on the large display device 5 in response to the operation of the operator 12, thereby displaying the effects associated with the DJ performance to the audience. In other words, the second display control unit 22 can automatically perform real-time video creation and editing, which would normally be done by a VJ (Video Jockey). In addition, by displaying the effect image corresponding to the operation on the large display device 5, the audience can be informed of what operations the DJ is performing. Therefore, the DJ's operational techniques can be conveyed not only through sound but also through images (video), making the DJ performance more effectively communicated to the audience.

[0046] In the above embodiment, an effect image (first type effect image G1) corresponding to the type of operator 12 and how the operator 12 is operated is displayed near the operator 12, and an effect image (second type effect image G2) corresponding to the type of operator 12 and the operating state of the operator 12 is displayed across the entire flat display 11. However, the system is not limited to this, as long as the effect images are displayed on the operation area A. That is, the system may be configured to display the effect image corresponding to the type of operator 12 and how the operator 12 is operated across the entire flat display 11, or it may be configured to display the effect image corresponding to the type of operator 12 and the operating state of the operator 12 near the operator 12.

[0047] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the operation method involved detecting the direction and speed of operation and displaying a first-type effect image G1 corresponding thereto. However, the operation method may also involve detecting a specific operation pattern (operation technique) such as scratching and displaying a first-type effect image G1 corresponding to the detected operation pattern.

[0048] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the system was configured to display effect images G1, G2, and G3 according to the type of operator 12 and how the operator 12 is operated, or the type of operator 12 and the operating state of the operator 12, but it is not limited to this. For example, the system may be configured to display effect images according to the type of operator 12 and the amount of change in the operation of the operator.

[0049] Furthermore, although the above embodiment involved arranging each operator 12 on the flat-panel display 11, the configuration is not limited to this, as long as the flat-panel display 11 is arranged in the operating area A where each operator 12 is arranged. For example, the operator 12 may be arranged such that only the movable operator (operating part) of each operator 12 is located on the front side (display side) of the flat-panel display 11, and the rest of each operator 12 is located on the back side of the flat-panel display 11.

[0050] In the above embodiment, the effect image G3 for external output may be configured to display each operator 12 itself. That is, the effect image G3 for external output may be configured to display an effect image in which an image object representing each operator 12 changes according to the actual operation.

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

[0052] In the above embodiment, the present invention was applied to a DJ controller 2, but it may also be applied to other DJ equipment. That is, the present invention may also be applied to a DJ player or a DJ mixer.

[0053] Furthermore, each component of the DJ controller 2 shown in the above embodiment can be provided as a program. It is also possible to provide this program stored on various recording media (CD-ROM, flash memory, etc.). [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] 2: DJ controller, 11: Flat panel display, 12: Controls, 16: Image output unit, 21: First display control unit, 22: Second display control unit

Claims

[Claim 1] Display unit and An operating unit is located on the display unit, An operating device characterized by comprising: a display control unit that displays a visual effect image set on the operating unit on the display unit in response to an operation of the operating unit.

Images