JP2009044502A - Signal processor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a signal processor that allows flexible setting of parameters. <P>SOLUTION: In an AV amplifier, when setting states of various parameters are stored in a system memory, only the selected parameters (for example, parameters related to "Audio") can be stored in a template. When parameters are read out from the template, only the parameters selected from among the parameters stored in the template are read out and set into the AV amplifier. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a signal processing apparatus.

  As is well known, an AV (Audio Visual) amplifier amplifies an audio signal and a video signal from a connected audio device (source), performs various processes, and supplies them to an output device such as a speaker or a monitor. In order to optimize the performance of the AV amplifier, parameters set in the AV amplifier are adjusted in accordance with the connection relationship of the connected audio equipment, the acoustic characteristics of the viewing space, and the like. As a method therefor, a method for automatically setting various parameters in addition to a method for manually setting various parameters has been proposed (see Patent Document 1).

At that time, since there are a wide variety of parameter types set in the AV amplifier, a technique has been proposed in which optimized parameters are stored in a memory for each use condition, and the stored contents are read and used as appropriate (Patent Literature). 2).
JP 2002-151975 A JP 2002-142278 A

  In the technique described in Patent Document 2, a predetermined combination of parameters is stored in a memory. For this reason, for example, when the usage condition of the AV amplifier is changed, for example, when a speaker is replaced, when the memory is read and used, parameter values that are not desired to be updated are also updated at the same time. This is because it was not possible to read out and reset only some of the parameters stored in the system memory.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a signal processing apparatus capable of setting parameters flexibly.

In the signal processing apparatus according to the present invention, a parameter receiving unit that receives values of various parameters input by operating the operation unit, and a temporary area in which the various parameters received by the parameter receiving unit are stored in real time are set. A plurality of setting parameter group storage areas for continuously storing a plurality of parameters as a set, a signal receiving unit for receiving a signal from an external device, and a signal received by the signal receiving unit A signal processing unit that performs signal processing based on a parameter stored in the temporary area, a signal output unit that outputs a signal subjected to signal processing by the signal processing unit, and a temporary set in the storage unit Specify any one or more parameters from among the parameters included in the area, and Write designation means for designating one of a plurality of setting parameter group storage areas set in the storage means, and the write designation means from the temporary area to the setting parameter group storage area designated by the write designation means By transferring the parameter specified in the above, the update means for updating the value of the corresponding parameter in the setting parameter group storage area and one of the setting parameter group storage areas set in the storage means are specified. Read setting means, and setting means for reading a parameter from the set parameter group storage area specified by the read specifying means and updating the value of the corresponding parameter in the temporary area.
Note that, in the above configuration, the storage unit stores a table that associates each of the parameters stored in the temporary area with any one or a plurality of groups provided, and the writing designation unit includes: One or more groups are designated from among the plurality of groups provided, and the updating means stores the setting parameter group storage for parameters associated with the groups designated by the writing designation means in the table. The value of the corresponding parameter in the area may be updated.

The signal processing apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention includes a parameter receiving unit that receives values of various parameters input by operating the operation unit, and a temporary that stores the various parameters received by the parameter receiving unit in real time. Storage means for setting a plurality of setting parameter group storage areas for continuously storing a set of a plurality of parameters as a set, a signal receiving unit for receiving a signal from an external device, and the signal receiving unit A signal processing unit that performs signal processing on the received signal based on parameters stored in the temporary area, a signal output unit that outputs a signal subjected to signal processing by the signal processing unit, and the storage Specify one of a plurality of setting parameter group storage areas set in the means, and specify the specified setting parameter group description. Read designation means for designating any one or a plurality of parameters from among the parameters stored in the area, and the parameters designated by the read designation means are read out from the set parameter group storage area and corresponding in the temporary area. And setting means for updating the value of the parameter.
In the above-described configuration, the storage unit stores a table that associates each of the parameters stored in the temporary area with any one or a plurality of groups provided, and the reading designation unit includes the table One or a plurality of groups are designated from among a plurality of groups, and the setting means, for the parameters associated with the group designated by the read designation means in the table, the parameters corresponding to the temporary area The value of may be updated.

  In the above configuration, the signal processing unit may include a process of amplifying a signal received from the external device.

  According to the signal processing device of the present invention, parameters can be set flexibly.

Before describing embodiments of the present invention, terms used in the following description will be described.
“Sound field” refers to the sound of the unique sound of the viewing space. In addition to the direct sound that reaches the listener's ears directly through the air, the sound that is produced by the sound source in the viewing space can be heard after being reflected once on the floor, wall, ceiling, etc. Furthermore, a “rear reverberation sound” that gradually attenuates while repeating reflection is generated. Depending on the shape and size of the viewing space, the type of interior material, etc., the structure of the initial reflected sound and the rear reverberation sound differs, so a sound specific to the viewing space is created, and this is called the “sound field”.

Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
(A: Configuration)
The configuration of the AV amplifier 1 according to the present invention will be described.

(A-1: Configuration of AV amplifier 1 main body)
First, the configuration of the AV amplifier 1 body will be described with reference to FIG.
The control unit 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11A, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 11B, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 11C. The CPU 11A controls each part of the AV amplifier 1 by using the RAM 11C as a working area and executing a control program stored in the ROM 11B.

The UI (User interface) unit 12 includes a display unit 12A, an operation unit 12B, and a remote control signal receiving unit 12C. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a front surface of the AV amplifier 1 main body.
The display unit 12 </ b> A is a liquid crystal panel, and displays the setting state and operation state of the AV amplifier 1 under the control of the control unit 11.
The operation unit 12 </ b> B is various operators for operating the AV amplifier 1. The controls include a STANDBY / ON switch for switching on / standby (standby) the power of the AV amplifier 1, a Program Selector switch for selecting a sound field program to be described later, and an Input Selector for selecting an input source to be reproduced. Includes switches and volume knobs.
The remote control signal receiving unit 12C receives operation signals (infrared signals) transmitted from a plurality of remote controls described later.

Returning to FIG. 1 again, the power supply unit 13 supplies power to each unit of the AV amplifier 1.
The tuner 14 receives radio waves such as AM broadcasts and FM broadcasts, converts the received radio waves into audio signals, and outputs them to the input switching unit 22.
The analog audio signal processing unit 15 includes an analog audio signal input terminal 21, an input switching unit 22, and a volume adjustment unit 23, and an A / D (Analog / Digital) converter 24 between the digital audio signal processing unit 17. A D / A converter 25 is provided. The input switching unit 22 outputs the input signals from the analog audio signal input terminal 21 and the tuner 14 to the volume adjusting unit 23 or the A / D converter 24.
The volume adjusting unit 23 adjusts the volume of each of the audio signals of each system of a plurality of channels (2ch to multi-channel) and outputs the volume to the power amplifier 26. The power amplifier 26 is provided in parallel corresponding to the multi-channel signal, and supplies the amplified audio signal to the speaker 5 corresponding to each channel.

The digital audio signal processing unit 17 includes a digital audio input terminal 29, a DIR (Digital-Audio Interface Receiver) 30, a decoder 31, and a DSP unit 32.
The audio signal input to the digital audio input terminal 29 is supplied to the decoder 31 via the DIR 30.
The decoder 31 decodes the multi-channel signal input from the A / D converter 24, the DIR 30, and the HDMI repeater 35, and outputs it to a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) unit 32.
The DSP unit 32 performs various kinds of acoustic processing (addition of a sound field effect, adjustment between speakers, environmental correction, etc.) on the audio signal received from the decoder 31. The audio signal output from the DSP unit 32 is converted into an analog signal by the D / A converter 25 and output to the volume adjustment unit 23.

The digital interface unit 18 includes an HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) terminal 33, an input selection unit 34, an HDMI repeater 35, and a transmitter 36.
A signal input from the HDMI terminal 33 is input to the HDMI repeater 35 via the input selection unit 34. The digital audio signal is input to the decoder 31 and the video signal is output to the external device via the transmitter 36 and the HDMI terminal 33.

The digital video signal processing unit 19 includes a digital video processing / GUI processing unit 37, a video encoder 38, and a video decoder 39.
The digital video processing and GUI processing unit 37 is connected to the HDMI repeater 35, the transmitter 36, the video encoder 38, and the video decoder 39, and performs predetermined processing on the input signal from the HDMI repeater 35 or the video decoder 39. , Output to the HDMI repeater 35, the transmitter 36 or the video encoder 38.

  The analog video signal processing unit 20 includes an analog video input / output terminal 40, an input switching unit 41, a buffer amplifier 42, and a buffer amplifier 43. The video signal input from the input terminal of the analog video input / output terminal 40 is input to the video decoder 39 via the input switching unit 41 and the buffer amplifier 42. The output of the video encoder 38 is output from the output terminal of the analog video input / output terminal 40 to the external device via the buffer amplifier 43.

(A-2: Configuration of peripheral devices)
Next, peripheral devices of the AV amplifier 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, a monitor 2, a playback device 3, an optimizer microphone 4, and a speaker 5 are connected to the AV amplifier 1 with a predetermined cable. In addition, a remote controller 6 and a GUI remote controller 7 are provided.

  The remote controller 6 has various kinds of operation elements, and transmits an operation signal indicating the operation contents by the user to the main body. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the key arrangement of the remote controller 6. The remote controller 6 includes a POWER key for turning on the AV amplifier 1, an input selection key for selecting an input source (DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) player, game, etc.), and a plurality of sound field programs for selecting a sound field program. Sound field program selection keys, operation keys (arrow keys, PLAY, SKIP, etc.) for operating the playback device 3 connected to the AV amplifier 1, numeric keys for designating the song number to be played back, various types described later An effect key or the like for setting effects (pure direct mode, direct mode, straight decode mode, night listening mode, etc.) is arranged. The infrared transmission / reception unit transmits the operation signal to the remote control signal reception unit 12C of the AV amplifier 1 body by infrared.

The GUI remote controller 7 has an operator for operating the AV amplifier 1 in accordance with the GUI screen displayed on the monitor 2, and transmits an operation signal indicating the operation contents of the user to the AV amplifier 1 main body.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the key arrangement of the GUI remote controller 7. The GUI remote controller 7 has a POWER key for turning on the AV amplifier 1, a STANDBY key for putting the AV amplifier 1 in a standby state (standby), a cursor key for operating a cursor on the GUI screen, and a volume. A VOL key for adjustment, an ENTER key for entering a setting of an item selected on the GUI screen and determining a setting value, an EXIT key for exiting from the GUI menu, and the like are arranged. The infrared transmitter transmits the operation signal to the remote control signal receiver 12C of the AV amplifier 1 body by infrared.

The monitor 2 is an image signal output device. In this embodiment, two monitors (hereinafter referred to as monitors 2A and 2B when distinguished) are connected to the HDMI terminal 33 in FIG.
The playback device 3 is a device that outputs a signal to the AV amplifier 1 and includes a DVD player 53 and a game machine 56 in the present embodiment. The DVD player 53 is a device that reads a signal from a recording medium such as a DVD, and is connected to the AV amplifier 1 via the analog audio signal input terminal 21 and the HDMI terminal 33 in FIG. The game machine 56 is a device that outputs an audio signal and a video signal representing the content of the game, and is connected to the digital audio input terminal 29 and the analog video input / output terminal 40 shown in FIG.
The optimizer microphone 4 generates a signal representing the collected sound. The generated signal is input to the analog audio signal input terminal 21 in FIG.
The speaker 5 includes a plurality of speakers. Each speaker emits sound based on the supplied audio signal.

(A-3: Arrangement of speakers)
Here, an arrangement mode of the speaker 5 connected to the AV amplifier 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 6, the AV amplifier 1 includes a front L / R speaker, a center speaker, a surround L / R speaker, a surround back L / R speaker, a presence L / R speaker, and a subwoofer. , A total of 10 speakers (one subwoofer counts as 1) are connected and arranged in the illustrated position in the viewing space R. The user (L in the figure) listens to the sound at the illustrated position, and this position is hereinafter referred to as a listening position.
The speaker arrangement shown in FIG. 6 is a speaker arrangement in which the AV amplifier 1 can exhibit the most performance, and corresponds to the ITU-R reference arrangement. The ITU-R reference arrangement is an international reference arrangement adopted in a multi-channel audio mixing studio.

(A-4: Viewing space optimization function)
Here, the “viewing space optimization function (hereinafter referred to as YPAO)” of the AV amplifier 1 will be described. YPAO is a function that automatically and finely and easily obtains settings optimized for the acoustic characteristics of any room.
When the optimizer microphone 4 is installed at the listening point and YPAO processing is started, a preset sound (test tone) is output from the speaker 5 in various modes. The test tone is reflected by the wall surface of the viewing space R, and then collected by the optimizer microphone 4 connected to the AV amplifier 1 body, and the collected test tone is analyzed.
The AV amplifier 1 analyzes the following five items for the collected test tone and calculates the optimum parameters.

(1) Confirmation of speaker wiring The connection and phase of each speaker and the phase of the subwoofer are detected, and incorrect wiring is confirmed.
(2) Speaker size determination Each speaker size of a front speaker, a center speaker, a surround speaker, a surround back speaker, and a presence speaker is measured. The size is determined by measuring the low-frequency reproduction ability of the speaker, and the crossover frequency of each speaker is automatically set so as to be optimally connected to the subwoofer.
(3) Correction of speaker distance The distance from the listening position to each speaker is measured, and the delay time of the signal emitted from each speaker is corrected. At that time, the delay time is adjusted so that each speaker has an equal distance in the same circumference as the viewing point.
(4) Correction of frequency characteristics The frequency characteristics of each speaker when used in the viewing space R are measured, and equalization processing is performed to unify the timbre among the speakers.
(5) Adjustment of channel-to-channel level The sound pressure level for each channel (speaker) using the test tone is measured and set so that the sound pressure level between the speakers is in an optimal balance.

The results measured in this way can be confirmed by displaying them on the monitor 2. For automatically set parameters, the set parameter values can be read and confirmed.
For example, since the shape of the viewing space R and the material of the members forming the viewing space R cannot be easily changed, it may be difficult to install a speaker with the recommended arrangement of ITU-R. Sound is reproduced as if the speakers 5 are arranged in the ITU-R recommended arrangement.

(A-5: Sound field program)
Next, the “sound field program” function of the AV amplifier 1 will be described. The sound field program is a program that gives an effect as if it is being emitted in another viewing space such as a concert hall by giving various sound effects to the reproduced sound.
The characteristics that characterize the sound field, such as the direction, intensity, bandwidth characteristics, and delay time of the reflected sound, are actually measured in various viewing spaces, and the parameters for realizing the sound field correspond to the above viewing spaces. In addition, it is stored in the ROM 11B.

The sound field program can be selected from a number of preset programs. Here, four sound field programs suitable mainly for listening to music will be described.
(1) Concert Hall In this sound field program, parameters for reproducing the sound field of the concert hall are set. The sound effect is given as if the viewing space is wide and deep.
(2) Church In this sound field program, parameters for reproducing the sound field of the church with a moderate reverberation are set.
(3) Jazz Club In this sound field program, parameters for reproducing the sound field of a specific existing jazz club are set.
(4) Rock Concert Parameters for reproducing the vast arena sound field in a rock concert are set in this sound field program.

  In order to realize the above various sound fields, DSP processing is performed based on parameters that differ between sound field programs. Hereinafter, a part of the parameters used in each DSP process will be described.

The following various effect levels are controlled by the “effect amount” parameter.
The “delay” controls the time (delay time) from the direct sound until the initial reflected sound starts. Since the delay of the initial reflected sound is determined by the distance between the sound source and the reflecting surface, if the delay time is shortened, the sound source feels closer to the wall surface. Conversely, if the delay time is increased, the sound source feels away from the wall surface. . Therefore, by adjusting the delay, the sense of distance from the original sound of the source to the surrounding walls, the sense of size of the space, the form of the sound image, and the like are controlled.
The sense of space expansion is controlled by the size of the viewing space. When the sound repeats reflection, the larger the hole between the walls, the longer the time interval between the reflected sound and the reflected sound. Therefore, an impression that a larger space (room) is increased as the value is increased and a narrow space is decreased as the value is decreased.
The attenuation characteristic of the early reflection sound is controlled by the “resonance intensity”. Increasing this value results in a “live” sound field with more reverberation, and decreasing the value results in a “dead” sound field with less reverberation. The sense of live / dead feeling in an actual hall is determined by the sound absorption characteristics of the reflecting surface, and feels dead when the decay of the reflected sound is early and live when it is late.
“Reverberation time” controls the time over which the rear reverberation sound decays. By adjusting the reverberation time, it is possible to generate a natural reverberation sound by setting a long reverberation time in a dead viewing space or conversely setting a short reverberation time in a live viewing space.
The time until the rear reverberation starts to be generated is controlled by the “delay of reverberation”. As this value is increased, the rear reverberant sound is generated later than the first initial reflected sound. Even if the reverberation time is the same, if the delay of the reverberant sound is increased, the reverberation of a large space is produced.
“Reverberation intensity” controls the level of the rear reverberation. As this value is increased, the level of the rear reverberant sound increases and the reverberation is felt strongly.
In addition to the above, there are provided an output level setting for each speaker, a parameter for designating a decoder for decoding a 2-channel source, and the like.

(A-6: Playback mode)
The AV amplifier 1 is provided with the following playback modes in addition to the sound field program. When a specific mode is selected by the user, a parameter corresponding to the selected mode is automatically set.
The pure direct mode is a mode in which a multi-channel source such as a super audio CD (Compact Disk) or DVD audio or a two-channel source such as a CD can be listened to with high sound quality when the analog audio is listened to as it is.
The direct mode is a mode for reproducing an analog signal, a PCM signal (2 channels / multichannel), and a DSD (Direct Stream Digital) signal (2 channels / multichannel) with high-quality stereo sound faithful to the original sound.
The straight decode mode is a mode for reproducing an input signal without applying a sound field effect.
The night listening mode is a mode in which speech is clearly reproduced and a large sound effect is suppressed. For this reason, it is a mode that can be played back without worrying about the volume even at night.
Each of the above playback modes is set to ON / OFF by operating an effect key provided on the remote controller 6.

(A-7: Manual setting)
The sound field program and the playback mode described above are functions in which parameters are preset in advance so that the user can easily set the sound field / sound effect. In addition to this function, a “manual setting” function is provided in order to realize a sound effect that corresponds finely to each user. In the manual setting, a plurality of parameters described below can be set for each parameter.
This is set by selecting “manual setting” on the GUI screen with the GUI remote controller 7 and selecting one of the options representing the mode of each parameter.

Examples of basic settings include the following setting items.
In the THX setting, parameters for the THX surround mode are set. Specifically, the optimum THX surround mode conditions are set by adjusting the low-frequency output of the subwoofer and the distance between the surround back L / R speakers.
In the speaker setting, the size and presence of each speaker connected to the AV amplifier 1 are set. In the volume setting, the output level from each speaker is individually set so that the volume level from each speaker is in an optimal balance. In the distance setting, the timing at which the sound reaches the listening position from each speaker is set. In the subwoofer setting, the number and arrangement of subwoofers connected to the AV amplifier 1 are set.

As settings relating to sound, for example, there are the following setting items.
In setting the LFE level, the playback level of LFE (low-frequency sound effect used in explosion scenes) included in Dolby Digital, DTS (Digital Theater Systems) and AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) signals is adjusted.
In setting the dynamic range, the dynamic range during Dolby Digital, DTS and AAC playback is adjusted.
In the equalizing setting, the tone colors of the front L / center / front R channel, surround L / R channel, surround back L / R channel, and presence L / R channel are individually adjusted using a graphic equalizer.
In the tone control setting, the low frequency range and high frequency range of the sound output from the speaker or headphones are adjusted.
In other audio settings, settings relating to so-called lip sync for correcting the difference between audio and video are made.

Examples of video settings include the following setting items.
In the setting of digital video processing, processing for switching ON / OFF of the digital video processing circuit is performed.
In setting the video mode, a process for adjusting the image quality of the output video is performed. Selection of image quality pattern (cinema, standard, dynamic), edge enhancement, noise removal, brightness, contrast, color density, etc. are set.
In setting the resolution, processing for setting the resolution of the video to be output is performed.
In the aspect setting, the aspect ratio of the video to be output is set. The setting is selected from options such as automatic and 16: 9 which do not convert the setting.
In the setting of the cross color, ON / OFF of the cross color (color flicker occurring in a fine pattern or the like) removal function is switched.
(A-8; System memory)

  The user performs a number of settings on the AV amplifier 1 such as the type of external device (type of playback device 3, combination of speakers 5, etc.), sound field program setting, adjustment by YPAO, and setting of various parameters by manual setting. . In order to save the labor of resetting them each time they are used, the AV amplifier 1 is equipped with a “system memory function”. The system memory function is a function for storing various settings of the AV amplifier 1 in a storage means (system memory 10) and reading and setting the stored conditions at a timing designated by the user.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the system memory 10 includes a nonvolatile storage area (ROM unit 10A) and a volatile storage area (RAM unit 10B). That is, the storage area of the ROM unit 10A is secured in the ROM 11B shown in FIG. 1, and the storage area of the RAM unit 10B is secured in the RAM 11C.

  First, the RAM unit 10B will be described. The RAM unit 10B is a storage area in which various settings set in the AV amplifier 1 at that time are written, and the contents are updated in real time. The control unit 11 operates based on various parameter values written in the RAM unit 10B.

Here, grouping of various parameters written in the RAM unit 10B will be described. Parameters set in the AV amplifier 1 are grouped into a plurality of groups (6 in this embodiment). The table shown in FIG. 8 shows the assigned groups for the main parameters.
As shown in the figure, various parameters set in the AV amplifier 1 are grouped into 6 groups: Input / HDMI Out, Audio, Volume, SP Config / YPAO, Video, and Option. In the figure, each parameter is assigned to a group marked with a circle in the corresponding column.
In the table, each parameter is assigned to one group, but some parameters may be assigned to a plurality of groups. Hereinafter, each group will be described.

“Input / HDMI Out” includes parameters regarding the current input source, input mode (AUTO, HDMI, analog, digital), decoder mode, HDMI output method, and the like.
“Audio” includes a sound field program, playback mode (night mode, pure direct mode, etc.) and settings related to various effects, tone control, LFE level, dynamic range parameters, and the like.
“Volume” includes a parameter indicating the default volume of each speaker.
“SP Config / YPAO” mainly includes parameters related to the speaker. The parameters include all parameters set by YPAO. In addition, the measurement value of YPAO executed last time is also included.
“Video” includes parameters related to video. Various parameters described in the manual setting are associated with each other.
“Option” includes parameters relating to lip sync settings (settings for correcting the deviation between video and audio), and the like.

Next, the ROM unit 10A will be described. The ROM unit 10A is provided with a plurality of storage areas (hereinafter, templates T1 to Tn). FIG. 7 conceptually shows storage areas of the templates T1 to Tn. Hereinafter, when it is not necessary to distinguish the templates T1 to Tn from each other, they are collectively referred to as “template T”.
As shown in FIG. 7, values of various parameters are stored for each group in the templates T1 to Tn in the ROM unit 10A according to the table of FIG. In each of the templates T1 to Tn, a flag is written in each of the plurality of groups. This flag indicates whether or not writing and reading are permitted for each of the six groups. In the reference diagram, ○ represents permission and × represents disapproval.

  The flags of the templates T1 to Tn are set to permit / deny by default. As shown in FIG. 7, the input / HDMI Out is not permitted (x), the audio is permitted (O), and the volume is not permitted. In the permission (×), SP Config / YPAO, Video, and Option are set to permission (◯). In Volume, disapproval (x) is set by default because it is not preferable in terms of safety management that the default volume of each speaker can be easily changed. However, the types of flags set as defaults are not limited to the types shown above, and no flags may be set as defaults.

(B: Operation)
Next, the operation of the AV amplifier 1 having the above configuration will be described. In this operation example, a case where video and audio are reproduced by a DVD will be described.
First, the user connects various devices to the AV amplifier 1. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, a playback device 3 such as a monitor 2 (monitors 2A and 2B), a DVD player, an optimizer microphone 4, and a speaker 5 are connected to an AV amplifier 1. Then, turn on the AV amplifier 1 body.

(B-1: General operation as an AV amplifier)
When setup such as connection of each device is completed, YPAO is first executed. When the execution of YPAO is instructed, a test tone is emitted from the speaker 5, the test tone is collected by the optimizer microphone 4, and the predetermined processing described above is performed.

With YPAO, a plurality of parameters are updated from default values to values optimized by YPAO.
Next, the user presses an input selection key on the remote controller or an input selector switch on the main body of the AV amplifier 1 to select the playback device 3 that supplies a signal to the AV amplifier 1. Here, the following description will be continued assuming that the DVD player 53 is selected as the reproducing apparatus 3. The name of the selected playback device (for example, “DVD”) is displayed on the display unit 12A of the AV amplifier 1 main body. In addition, the user selects which of a plurality of connected monitors 2A and 2B is used.

  When the input of signals (audio signal and video signal) from the DVD player 53 to the AV amplifier 1 is started, video is displayed on the monitor 2 and sound is emitted from the speaker according to the input signal.

  The user can select the sound field program by operating the sound field program selection key of the remote controller 6 or the Program selector switch of the operation unit 12B while confirming the audio and video of the DVD that has been started to be reproduced. For example, when watching a powerful movie on the DVD, the sound field of “Movie Theater” is selected. It should be noted that the selection of the sound field program is not necessarily performed, and “straight decoding” can be set when the sound field effect is not given.

In addition, when the above-mentioned DVD is viewed at night, it is possible to set the “night listening mode”.
In addition, when a signal representing a high-quality sound such as a DVD audio is reproduced, the pure direct mode can be set.
When the input signal is an analog signal, a PCM (Pulse-Code Modulation) signal, a DSD signal, or the like, if the “direct” function is set, high-quality stereo sound faithful to the original sound is reproduced.
As described above, when a DVD is played using the AV amplifier 1, processing for connecting various peripheral devices and setting various parameters to optimum values is performed. The various setting states are written and stored in the RAM unit 10B of the system memory 10 each time.

(B-2; writing to the system memory 10)
Here, a method for writing the various settings to the system memory 10 will be described.
As described above, default values of parameters are written in the templates T1 to Tn of the ROM unit 10A in the initial state. In addition, permission (◯) or non-permission (×) is written by default in the flags associated with the six groups.

The writing process is performed as follows. A specific template T is selected by the user, and in the selected template T, a flag is set to be permitted (◯) or not allowed (×) for each group. Then, when the “system memory write button” for instructing writing to the selected template T is selected on the GUI screen, the parameters written in the RAM unit 10B at that time are transferred to the selected template T. Written. At that time, the contents of the RAM unit 10B are transferred only for the parameters associated with the group for which the flag is permitted (O), and the parameters associated with the other groups for which the flag is not permitted (X). Will not be posted. Even after the writing to the ROM unit 10A is performed, the set flag is saved without being updated.
In addition, on the GUI screen, a display prompting input of the name of the template T is made. The user can easily identify each template T by inputting a name by which the stored contents of the template can be determined.

(B-3; Reading from template T)
Next, a method for reading parameters from the template T will be described. As described above, parameters representing the settings of the AV amplifier 1 at that time are written in the RAM unit 10B. The parameters written in the RAM unit 10B can be updated with the parameters written in the template T of the ROM unit 10A.

As described above, various parameter values are written in the template T. In other words, the updated parameter value is written for the group that has been written to the template, and the default value is written for the parameter that has not been updated.
The user selects a template T to be read with reference to the name given to each template T, selects a group to be set in the RAM unit 10B in the template T, and sets the flag to “permitted (◯)”. To do. When the “system memory read button” is selected on the GUI screen, the parameter data associated with the selected group of the selected template T is read and written to the RAM unit 10B.

  When reading the template T, a function for displaying parameters associated with each group according to an operation may be provided so that the user can confirm the parameters associated with each group.

(B-4: Specific operation example regarding system memory function)
In the following, two operation examples will be described while showing the storage status of data in the system memory 10.

(B-4-1; operation example 1)
In this operation example, the user performs automatic parameter setting by YPAO multiple times (twice in this operation example), which setting result is preferred, and the setting of YPAO executed under different conditions A description will be given of how to hear and compare how sounds are heard differently.

  First, parameters set in the AV amplifier 1 at the start of this operation (initial state) are written in the RAM unit 10B of the system memory 10 (see FIG. 7). The initial state may be set in any way, but here, it is assumed that default parameter values are written.

  Here, YPAO is executed by the user. As a result, the parameter corresponding to “SP Config / YPAO” is updated in the RAM unit 10B (see FIG. 9). Various parameters included in “Input / HDMI Out”, “Audio”, and “Video” are set by manual setting, and the RAM unit 10B is updated (see FIG. 9).

Here, a process of writing parameters corresponding to “SP Config / YPAO” in the initial state to the template T1 is performed (see FIG. 10). First, the template T1 is selected. In the following reference diagrams, the template T surrounded by a thick frame indicates that it is selected by the user. Next, the flag of each group is changed so that only the flag corresponding to “SP Config / YPAO” is permitted (O). When the “system memory write button” is selected on the GUI screen, only the parameters associated with SP Config / YPAO are written in the template T1 from the parameters written in the RAM unit 10B. Then, the user inputs the name according to the GUI screen that prompts the user to input the name of each template T. Here, it is assumed that “YPAO1” is input.
In the following reference diagrams, a short arrow indicates that the corresponding part has been changed, and a long arrow indicates that data has been transferred between storage areas.

  Here, it is assumed that the user has changed viewing conditions. As the viewing conditions change, it becomes necessary to manually change the video settings, and it is assumed that the changes have actually been made. Here, since the DVD player model and the DVD to be played are changed, it is assumed that some of the settings relating to HDMI and THX are changed. That is, as shown in FIG. 11, the parameters associated with the groups “Input / HDMI Out”, “Volume”, and “Video” are changed. The RAM unit 10B is updated according to the change.

Now, in order to set the optimal sound field for the viewing space R under the conditions changed in this way, the user executes YPAO again. With this YPAO, the parameters related to YPAO written in the RAM unit 10B are updated to new optimum values (see FIG. 11).
Now, the user is trying to hear and compare how the optimized YPAO settings make a difference in sound before and after changing the viewing space R. Therefore, in accordance with the user's instruction, the parameter value written in the RAM unit 10B after the setting change is transferred to the template T.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, the template T2 is selected, and in the selected template T2, the flag of each group is set so that only the flag of “SP Config / YPAO” is “permitted”. The Thereafter, when the “system memory write button” is selected on the GUI screen, only the parameter associated with “SP Config / YPAO” is selectively written to the template T2 from the parameters written to the RAM unit 10B. It is. Then, the user inputs “YPOA2” as the name of the template T2.

  Now, in order to read the contents of the template T1 into the RAM unit 10B again, the user does the following (see FIG. 13). The user selects the template T1 and confirms that only the “SP Config / YPAO” flag is permitted, and then selects the “system memory read button”. As a result, a parameter associated with the flag for which “permitted” is set (in this case, a parameter associated with “SP Config / YPAO”) is selectively read out from the various parameters written in the template T1. And written in the RAM unit 10B.

  As described above, the process of selectively reading out the parameters for each group from the already created templates T1 to Tn and writing them in the RAM unit 10B can be repeatedly executed, and is included in “YPAO1” and “YPAO2”. A desired group of parameters can be set alternately in the AV amplifier 1 and the resulting sound field can be easily heard and compared.

In the above processing, a desired group can be selectively written in the processing for writing the parameters representing the settings of the AV amplifier 1 at that time into the templates T1 to Tn. Further, when reading parameters from the templates T1 to Tn, only desired parameters (groups) can be selectively read and set in the RAM unit 10B.
This makes it possible to read out the minimum necessary parameters, and other parameters that have been changed in the middle are not unnecessarily changed. Moreover, since it can change only to a desired parameter, the effect derived from this parameter can be confirmed purely. Further, when the template T is read, the name is associated with each template T and stored, so that the parameter can be read accurately and easily.

(B-4-2; operation example 2)
In this operation example, a case where two connected monitors 2A and 2B are switched and used will be described. The operation example 2 is executed after the operation of the operation example 1 is performed. That is, it is assumed that the above-described data is already written in the templates T1 and T2 of the ROM unit 10A. However, in the drawings to be referred to, templates 1 and 2 are shown as necessary.
It is assumed that the monitor 2A is selected as an output device at the start of this operation.

  Parameters set in the AV amplifier 1 at the start of this operation (initial state) are written in the RAM unit 10B of the system memory 10 (see FIG. 7).

  First, the setting in the initial state where the monitor 2A is connected is written in the template T3 (see FIG. 14). That is, the template T3 is selected, and here, only the flags corresponding to “Input / HDMI Out” and “Video” are set to be permitted (O). When the “system memory write button” is selected on the GUI screen, only the parameters associated with “Input / HDMI Out” and “Video” among the parameters written in the RAM unit 10B are used as the template T3. Is written to. Then, the user inputs “monitor 2A” as the name of the template T3.

  Next, the user performs various settings to optimize the connected monitor 2A (see FIG. 15). For example, it is assumed that a part of the setting related to “Audio” is changed. In that case, the parameter associated with “Audio” is changed, and the changed parameter is written to the RAM unit 10B.

  Further, in order to set an optimal sound field in the viewing space R under the changed conditions as described above, the user can read and use the setting previously stored as the template T in the ROM unit 10A. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, the template T1 generated in the above operation example 1 is selected, the “SP Config / YPAO” flag of the template T1 is set to “permitted” (◯), and “system memory” is selected. When the “read button” is selected on the GUI screen, the parameters related to YPAO written in the RAM unit 10B are updated to the parameters written in “YPAO1”. As described above, when there is no change in the acoustic characteristics of the viewing space R, it is convenient to read and use the previously stored settings.

  Now, in this operation example, it is assumed that the user switches between the monitor 2A and the monitor 2B. At this stage, the output destination of the AV amplifier 1 is changed from the monitor 2A to the monitor 2B.

  The user sets “Input / HDMI Out” and “Video” in accordance with the monitor 2B newly selected as the output destination. The setting change is written in the RAM unit 10B (see FIG. 17).

  Here, the setting optimized for the newly set monitor 2B is written in the template T4 (see FIG. 18). That is, the template T4 is selected, and only the flags corresponding to “Input / HDMI Out” and “Video” are set to be permitted (O). When the “system memory write button” is selected on the GUI screen, only the parameters associated with “Input / HDMI Out” and “Video” among the parameters written in the RAM unit 10B are stored in the template T4. Written. Then, the user inputs “monitor 2B” as the name of the template T4.

As described above, once “Input / HDMI Out” and “Video” are set for each monitor, switching between the monitor 2A and the monitor 2B is easily performed as follows. That is, when the output destination is switched again from the monitor 2B to the monitor 2A, the parameters associated with these groups are read by reading the “Input / HDMI Out” and “Video” flags as “permitted” in the template T3. And the parameters can be selectively set in the RAM unit 10B (see FIG. 19).
Further, in this case, when only the setting of “Input / HDMI Out” is to be read, as shown in FIG. 20, “Video” is set so that only the “Input / HDMI Out” flag is “permitted”. The corresponding flag may be changed to “not permitted (×)” and the system memory may be read (see FIG. 20).

  The lip sync setting, video adjustment, and the like of the HDMI device differ depending on the output device. Conventionally, when switching between HDMI devices, the complicated setting must be performed each time. However, as described above, when the usage method of the AV amplifier 1 is switched, the optimized settings before and after the switching are stored in the ROM unit 10A and read out appropriately, so that the AV amplifier 1 Various settings can be switched easily.

(B-5; Summary of operation)
In the conventional AV amplifier, it is necessary to optimize and use various parameters according to the use conditions (viewing space, used peripheral devices, etc.). Conventionally, the system memory is configured by combining the parameters for each use condition. And the parameters are read and set. However, since the parameters are stored in the system memory in a predetermined combination, when the system memory is read out, all the parameters are read out and are optimal for the use conditions at that time. Parameters that have been changed and do not want to be changed have been updated.

However, according to the AV amplifier 1 of the present invention, only desired parameters can be stored in the system memory 10 for each use condition, and further, when reading parameters from the system memory 10, the desired parameters are stored. Can be selectively read and set.
Further, since the parameters related to each other are grouped in association with each other, the user can easily select the parameter for writing / reading only by selecting the group.

(C: Modification)
As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention can be implemented with a various aspect as follows. Note that various embodiments described below can be implemented in appropriate combination.

(1) In the above embodiment, the case where the speaker 5 is provided in one viewing space R has been described. However, the speaker 5 may be provided across a plurality of zones (rooms), and the AV amplifier 1 may have a function capable of outputting the same source to the plurality of zones. May be applied. An outline of the embodiment in that case will be described below.
When a signal reproduced in the main zone (main zone) is reproduced also in other zones (sub-zones), the signal to be reproduced is supplied to each speaker provided in the main zone. At the same time, the signal (that is, the signal for the main zone) is downmixed so that the number of channels matches the number of output terminals assigned to each subzone, and the signal subjected to the downmixing process is , And supplied to a speaker provided in the subzone.
In such a case, it is desirable that various settings in the main zone and sub-zone are set for each zone. The various settings include, for example, the volume of each speaker in each zone, tone control settings (adjustment values for adjusting the tone scale of the image), various acoustic settings (sound field program, various effects), and the like. These parameters are set for each zone and stored in the system memory, and when necessary, the system memory is read and set for each zone. At this time, as described in the above embodiment, it is only necessary to enable writing / reading of parameter values for each zone and for each parameter. By doing so, as described in the above embodiment, the parameters in each zone are stored in a desired combination, and also read out in the desired combination and the desired parameter is updated in each zone. Is done.

(2) In the above embodiment, the parameters are stored and read in the combinations as shown in FIG. 8, but the following may be used.
(A) Recovery Function In the embodiment described above, all the setting items described above may be stored in one specific template T. For example, a person who performs maintenance when the AV amplifier 1 is initialized may read and use the template T. In order to prevent the user from easily changing parameters stored in the template T, writing and reading operations cannot be performed from the GUI remote controller, and control can be performed only from a special menu screen (Advanced Setup).
(B) Volume memory function (initial volume)
The volume memory function is a function for storing only the volume value of the speaker provided in each zone in the template T. In the system memory 10, it is preferable to be able to write the volume values of all the ten speakers shown in FIG.

(3) In the above embodiment, the case where the grouping of various parameters is performed according to the table of FIG. 8 has been described. However, the grouping is merely an example, and it goes without saying that the grouping may be different. Further, writing to the system memory 10 and reading from the system memory 10 may be individually controlled for each parameter without performing grouping. That is, as shown in the above embodiment, a flag may be provided for each parameter, and “permitted” or “not permitted” may be set for each of the flags.

(4) In the above embodiment, the case where parameters are set in the AV amplifier 1 by various methods such as YPAO, sound field program, playback mode, and manual setting has been described. However, the method for making various settings in the AV amplifier 1 may be any of the methods described above, or may be combined with other methods.

(5) In the above embodiment, the case where the control program for realizing the characteristic function of the AV amplifier 1 according to the present invention is written in the ROM 11B in advance has been described. However, the magnetic tape, the magnetic disk, and the flexible disk are described. The program may be recorded and distributed on a computer-readable recording medium such as an optical recording medium, a magneto-optical recording medium, a RAM, or a ROM, and the program is distributed by downloading via an electric communication line such as the Internet network. You may do it.

(6) In the above embodiment, when writing a parameter to the template T, the writing process is limited to the parameter whose flag is set to “permitted”, and when the parameter is read from the template T, the flag is A process of reading only the parameters set to “permitted” and an AV amplifier in which both processes are executed have been described. However, only one of these two processes may be performed. In such a case, if the parameters are selectively written in the template T in advance, only a part of the parameters are set in the RAM unit 10B even if all the written parameters are read when the template is read. It will be. Further, even if all parameters are written to the template T, if only specific parameters are read when reading parameters from the template T, only some parameters are set in the RAM unit 10B. Become.

1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an AV amplifier 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an external appearance (front surface) of the AV amplifier 1 main body. 2 is a diagram showing peripheral devices of the AV amplifier 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows key arrangement | positioning of the remote control 6. FIG. It is a figure which shows key arrangement | positioning of the GUI remote control. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the arrangement of speakers 5 in a viewing space R. 2 is a diagram showing the contents of a system memory 10. FIG. It is the figure which showed grouping of various parameters. 2 is a diagram showing the contents of a system memory 10. FIG. (Operation example 1) 2 is a diagram showing the contents of a system memory 10. FIG. (Operation example 1) 2 is a diagram showing the contents of a system memory 10. FIG. (Operation example 1) 2 is a diagram showing the contents of a system memory 10. FIG. (Operation example 1) 2 is a diagram showing the contents of a system memory 10. FIG. (Operation example 1) 2 is a diagram showing the contents of a system memory 10. FIG. (Operation example 2) 2 is a diagram showing the contents of a system memory 10. FIG. (Operation example 2) 2 is a diagram showing the contents of a system memory 10. FIG. (Operation example 2) 2 is a diagram showing the contents of a system memory 10. FIG. (Operation example 2) 2 is a diagram showing the contents of a system memory 10. FIG. (Operation example 2) 2 is a diagram showing the contents of a system memory 10. FIG. (Operation example 2) 2 is a diagram showing the contents of a system memory 10. FIG. (Operation example 2)

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... AV amplifier, 2 ... Monitor, 3 ... Playback apparatus, 4 ... Optimizer microphone, 5 ... Speaker, 6 ... Remote control, 7 ... GUI remote control, 10 ... System memory, 11 ... Control part, 12 ... UI part, 13 ... Power supply unit, 14 ... tuner, 15 ... analog audio signal processing unit, 17 ... digital audio signal processing unit, 18 ... digital interface unit, 19 ... digital video signal processing unit, 20 ... analog video signal processing unit, 21 ... analog audio signal Input terminal, 22 ... input switching unit, 23 ... volume adjustment unit, 24 ... A / D converter, 25 ... D / A converter, 26 ... power amplifier, 29 ... digital audio input terminal, 30 ... DIR, 31 ... decoder, 32 ... DSP unit, 33 ... HDMI terminal, 34 ... input selection unit, 35 ... HDMI repeater, 36 ... transmitter, 37 ... digital Rubideo processing and GUI processing unit, 38 ... video encoder, 39 ... video decoder, 40 ... analog video input and output terminals, 41 ... input switching unit, 42 ... buffer amplifier, 43 ... buffer amplifier, 53 ... DVD player, 56 ... Game Machine

Claims (5)

Parameter accepting means for accepting values of various parameters input by operating the operation unit;
A storage means for setting a temporary area in which various parameters received by the parameter receiving means are stored in real time, and a plurality of setting parameter group storage areas for continuously storing a plurality of parameters as a set;
A signal receiver for receiving a signal from an external device;
A signal processing unit that performs signal processing on a signal received by the signal receiving unit based on a parameter stored in the temporary area;
A signal output unit that outputs a signal subjected to signal processing by the signal processing unit;
Writing that specifies any one or a plurality of parameters from among the parameters included in the temporary area set in the storage means and any one of the set parameter group storage areas set in the storage means Designation means;
By transferring the parameter designated by the write designation means from the temporary area to the setting parameter group storage area designated by the write designation means, the value of the corresponding parameter in the setting parameter group storage area Updating means for updating
Read designation means for designating any of a plurality of setting parameter group storage areas set in the storage means;
A signal processing apparatus comprising: setting means for reading a parameter from a setting parameter group storage area designated by the reading designation means and updating a value of a corresponding parameter in the temporary area. Parameter accepting means for accepting values of various parameters input by operating the operation unit;
A storage means for setting a temporary area in which various parameters received by the parameter receiving means are stored in real time, and a plurality of setting parameter group storage areas for continuously storing a plurality of parameters as a set;
A signal receiver for receiving a signal from an external device;
A signal processing unit that performs signal processing on a signal received by the signal receiving unit based on a parameter stored in the temporary area;
A signal output unit that outputs a signal subjected to signal processing by the signal processing unit;
Designating one of a plurality of setting parameter group storage areas set in the storage means, and specifying one or a plurality of parameters from among the parameters stored in the designated setting parameter group storage area Means,
A signal processing apparatus comprising: setting means for reading a parameter designated by the reading designation means from the set parameter group storage area and updating a value of a corresponding parameter in the temporary area. Table storage means for storing a table that associates each of the parameters stored in the temporary area with any one or a plurality of groups provided;
The writing designation means designates one or a plurality of groups from the plurality of groups provided;
The update means updates the value of the corresponding parameter in the setting parameter group storage area for the parameter associated with the group designated by the write designation means in the table. 2. The signal processing apparatus according to 1. Table storage means for storing a table that associates each of the parameters stored in the temporary area with any one or a plurality of groups provided;
The reading designation means designates one or a plurality of groups from the plurality of groups provided,
3. The signal according to claim 2, wherein the setting unit updates a value of a parameter corresponding to the temporary area for a parameter associated with the group designated by the read designation unit in the table. Processing equipment.   The signal processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the signal processing unit includes a process of amplifying a signal received from the external device.