JP2014086965A - Electronic apparatus having volume control function, electronic apparatus system, and volume control method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic apparatus having a volume control function capable of controlling to a volume level more comfortable for a user.SOLUTION: A BD recorder 2 (electronic apparatus having the volume control function) includes a BD side amplifier 24 capable of controlling a volume value of a TV 1, and a control section 28 for, if the volume value of the TV 1 is changed from a first volume value to a second volume value and then, within a predetermined time, changed from the second volume value to the first volume value, controlling the BD side amplifier 24 such that the volume value is sized between the first volume value and the second volume value.

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic device having a volume adjustment function, an electronic device system, and a volume adjustment method, and in particular, an electronic device having a volume adjustment function including a volume adjustment unit capable of adjusting a volume value of an externally connected device, and an electronic device system And a volume adjustment method.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an electronic device having a volume adjustment function including a volume adjustment unit that can adjust a volume value of an externally connected device is known (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  In Patent Document 1, an operation switch for setting a volume value output from a speaker of a display (external connection device), and STB side control for performing control for storing the volume value set by the operation switch in a first memory. A set-top box (electronic device having a volume adjustment function) is disclosed. In addition, the display as an external connection device is provided with a second memory for storing the volume value set on the set top box side. In this set-top box, the volume value stored in the first memory and the volume stored in the second memory on the display side when the connection with the display is made again after the connection with the display is released. The value is compared, and the volume value on the smaller side is reset to the display. Note that the volume value set for the display from the set-top box is considered to be configured to change stepwise with a preset equal interval increase / decrease width (fixed value).

JP 2003-347869 A

  However, in the set top box described in Patent Document 1, it is considered that the volume value set for the display changes stepwise with a predetermined equal increase / decrease width (fixed value). Even if the current volume is increased (or decreased) by one step, it is fully conceivable that the user feels that the volume after the change is slightly over (or under) for the user. In such a case, there is a problem that the user cannot adjust the volume level for more comfort.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and one object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device having a volume adjustment function that allows a user to adjust the volume level for greater comfort. An apparatus, an electronic device system, and a volume control method are provided.

  An electronic device having a volume adjustment function according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a volume adjustment unit capable of adjusting a volume value of an externally connected device, and a volume value of the externally connected device changed from a first volume value to a second volume value. The volume control unit adjusts the volume value between the first volume value and the second volume value when the second volume value is changed to the first volume value within a predetermined time after And a control unit for controlling.

  In the electronic device having the volume adjustment function according to the first aspect of the present invention, as described above, the volume value of the externally connected device is changed within the predetermined time after the volume value of the externally connected device is changed from the first volume value to the second volume value. By providing a control unit that controls the volume adjustment unit so that the volume value becomes a magnitude between the first volume value and the second volume value when the 2 volume value is changed to the first volume value, The volume output from the external device can be set not only to the first volume value and the second volume value, but also to a magnitude between the first volume value and the second volume value. Thus, even when the volume during output (trial listening) is too low for the user at the first volume value and too high at the second volume value, the user can adjust (fine adjustment) to a size between them. Since the user can listen to the sound with the sound volume set, the sound volume level can be adjusted to a level (desired to be desired by the user). In addition, when the user goes back and forth between the first volume value and the second volume value to determine the optimum volume value (volume setting value), the first volume value and the second volume value Since the user's intention based on device operation from the electronic device side can be accurately reflected on the externally connected device, the volume level can be adjusted so that the user needs more comfort. can do.

  In the electronic apparatus having the volume adjustment function according to the first aspect, preferably, the control unit controls the volume adjustment unit so that the volume value becomes a substantially intermediate value between the first volume value and the second volume value. It is configured. If comprised in this way, since the intermediate | middle (average) value of a 1st volume value and a 2nd volume value is applied to the volume value of an external connection apparatus, it is comparatively quick to the volume level for which a user asks for more comfort. Can be approached.

  In the electronic device having the volume adjustment function according to the first aspect, preferably, the volume adjustment unit is externally connected with an adjustment amount smaller than the adjustment amount of the volume value of the external connection device volume adjustment unit included in the external connection device. The volume value of the device is configured to be adjustable, and the control unit adjusts the volume value of the externally connected device to the first volume value and the second volume by an adjustment amount smaller than the difference between the first volume value and the second volume value. The volume adjusting unit is configured to be changed to a third volume value between the values. If comprised in this way, the volume output from an external connection apparatus can be easily fine-tuned to the 3rd volume value between a 1st volume value and a 2nd volume value.

  In this case, preferably, the control unit changes the first volume value from the first volume value to the third volume value after the volume value of the external device is changed from the third volume value to the first volume value. The volume value of the externally connected device is changed to a fourth volume value having a magnitude between the first volume value and the third volume value using an adjustment amount smaller than the difference between the volume value and the third volume value. Or when the volume value of the externally connected device is changed from the third volume value to the second volume value and then changed from the second volume value to the third volume value. The volume value of the externally connected device is changed to a fifth volume value having a magnitude between the third volume value and the second volume value using an adjustment amount smaller than the difference between the second volume value and the third volume value. In this way, the sound volume adjustment unit is controlled. With this configuration, the volume of the externally connected device is not only the third volume value between the first volume value and the second volume value, but also the magnitude between the first volume value and the third volume value. Is further fine-tuned toward the fourth sound volume value or the fifth sound volume value between the second sound volume value and the third sound volume value, so that the user can make an external connection using this electronic device. The comfort related to the volume level when listening to the sound from the device can be further enhanced.

  The electronic device having the volume adjustment function according to the first aspect preferably further includes a storage unit capable of storing a volume setting state with respect to the external connection device, and the control unit is configured to release the connection with the external connection device. When it is determined that the externally connected device is connected again, the volume value is set between the first volume value and the second volume value based on the volume setting state stored in the storage unit. The sound volume adjusting unit is configured to be controlled. According to this configuration, after the connection with the external connection device is released, the volume setting state for the external connection device stored in the storage unit is restored even when the external connection device is connected to the electronic device again. Based on this, it is possible to easily and quickly adjust the volume of the externally connected device to the volume level at which the user desires more comfort.

  In the electronic device having the volume adjustment function according to the first aspect, preferably, the control unit is configured to connect the externally connected device in a state where the volume value is adjusted to a size between the first volume value and the second volume value. When the volume value is changed a plurality of times in one direction from the first volume value side to the second volume value side, the volume value is adjusted to a size between the first volume value and the second volume value. The volume control unit is configured to cancel the adjustment control. With this configuration, when a different user uses an external connection device, the volume value (volume level) is increased or decreased in one direction, and the volume value output from the external connection device is to be significantly changed. Since the above-described fine adjustment control for adjusting the volume value to the magnitude between the first volume value and the second volume value can be quickly canceled, the operability of the electronic device is finely adjusted. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the deterioration due to the excessive specialization.

  In the electronic device having the volume adjustment function according to the first aspect, preferably, the external connection device and the electronic device further include an HDMI communication unit capable of performing communication based on the HDMI standard, and the control unit includes the HDMI The externally connected device is configured to control the volume value of the externally connected device between the first volume value and the second volume value via the HDMI communication unit in accordance with the signal format based on the standard. Has been. If comprised in this way, control which adjusts (fine-tunes) the volume value of an external connection apparatus to the volume value between 1st volume value and 2nd volume value by the signal format based on HDMI specification to an external connection apparatus. It can be done easily.

  An electronic device system according to a second aspect of the present invention includes an externally connected device and an electronic device having a volume adjusting function, and the electronic device having a volume adjusting function is capable of adjusting a volume value of the externally connected device. And when the volume value of the externally connected device is changed from the second volume value to the first volume value within a predetermined time after the volume value is changed from the first volume value to the second volume value. And a control unit that controls the volume adjusting unit so as to be between the first volume value and the second volume value.

  In the electronic device system according to the second aspect of the present invention, as described above, from the second volume value within a predetermined time after the volume value of the externally connected device is changed from the first volume value to the second volume value. When the sound volume value is changed to the first sound volume value, the sound volume output from the external device is controlled by controlling the sound volume adjusting unit so that the sound volume value is between the first sound volume value and the second sound volume value. Can be set not only for the first volume value and the second volume value, but also for the magnitude between the first volume value and the second volume value. Thus, even when the volume during output (trial listening) is too low for the user at the first volume value and too high at the second volume value, the user can adjust (fine adjustment) to a size between them. Since the user can listen to the sound with the sound volume set, the sound volume can be adjusted to a level at which the user desires more comfort. In addition, when the user goes back and forth between the first volume value and the second volume value to determine the optimum volume value (volume setting value), the first volume value and the second volume value Since the user's intention based on device operation from the electronic device side can be accurately reflected on the externally connected device, the volume level can be adjusted so that the user needs more comfort. can do.

  The volume adjustment method according to the third aspect of the present invention includes a step of detecting a volume value of an externally connected device, and within a predetermined time after the volume value of the externally connected device is changed from the first volume value to the second volume value. And detecting the change from the second volume value to the first volume value, and adjusting the volume value of the externally connected device so that the volume is between the first volume value and the second volume value. Steps.

  In the volume adjustment method according to the third aspect of the present invention, after the volume value of the externally connected device is changed from the first volume value to the second volume value, the second volume value is changed to the first volume value within a predetermined time. When the volume is changed, the volume output from the external connection device is adjusted to the first volume by adjusting the volume value of the external connection device so that the volume is between the first volume value and the second volume value. Not only the value and the second volume value, but also the magnitude between the first volume value and the second volume value can be set. As a result, even when the output volume is too low at the first volume value and too high at the second volume value for the user, the user can adjust the volume adjusted between them (fine adjustment). Since the user can listen to the sound in a state, it can be adjusted to a volume level at which the user desires more comfort. In addition, when the user goes back and forth between the first volume value and the second volume value to determine the optimum volume value (volume setting value), the first volume value and the second volume value Since the user's intention based on device operation from the electronic device side can be accurately reflected on the externally connected device, the volume level can be adjusted so that the user needs more comfort. can do.

  According to the present invention, as described above, it is possible to adjust the volume level to which the user is more comfortable.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a video system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is the figure which showed the adjustment state of the volume value output from TV (external connection apparatus) which comprises the video system by 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the fine adjustment control at the time of increasing the volume value output from TV (external connection apparatus) which comprises the video system by 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the fine adjustment control at the time of reducing the volume value output from TV (external connection apparatus) which comprises the video system by 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the volume value adjustment process in the video system by 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the adjustment amount change process in the video system by 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the structure content of the adjustment history information used in the video system by 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the state fine-tuned when the volume value of the video system by the modification of 1st Embodiment of this invention is raised. It is a figure for demonstrating the state finely adjusted when the volume value of the video system by the modification of 1st Embodiment of this invention is lowered | hung.

(First embodiment)
First, the configuration of the video system 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The video system 100 is an example of the “electronic device system” in the present invention.

  A video system 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a TV (television) 1 and a BD (Blu-ray disc) recorder 2 as shown in FIG. The TV 1 and the BD recorder 2 are connected via an HDMI (registered trademark) (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) cable 3 and configured to be capable of bidirectional communication. The TV 1 is an example of the “external connection device” in the present invention. The BD recorder 2 is an example of the “electronic device having a volume adjustment function” in the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the TV 1 includes an HDMI connection unit 11, a video DAC (Digital to Analog converter) 12, a display unit 13, an audio DAC 14, a remote control sensor 15, a TV side amplifier 16, and a control unit 17. Including. The TV-side amplifier 16 is an example of the “externally connected device volume adjusting unit” in the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the HDMI connection unit 11 is configured to be connected to one end of the HDMI cable 3. The HDMI cable 3 is configured to transmit a CEC signal that can be bidirectionally communicated between devices based on the HDMI standard, a TMDS signal related to video and audio, and a Hot Plug signal related to connection between devices.

  The video DAC 12 (see FIG. 1) is configured to convert the video transmitted from the BD recorder 2 from a digital system to an analog system. The display unit 13 (see FIG. 1) is configured to display video based on data transmitted from the video DAC 12. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the display unit 13 can visually display the adjustment state of the volume values of the TV 1 and the BD recorder 2 by using an OSD (On Screen Display) function. It is configured.

  The audio DAC 14 (see FIG. 1) is configured to convert the audio transmitted from the BD recorder 2 from a digital system to an analog system.

  The remote control sensor 15 (see FIG. 1) is configured to be able to receive a signal from a remote control (not shown). Further, the TV 1 is configured so that the volume value of the sound output from the TV 1 can be adjusted to a desired volume value when the user operates the remote controller. The TV-side amplifier 16 (see FIG. 1) is configured to amplify the sound based on the volume value adjusted by the user operation received by the remote control sensor 15. As shown in FIG. 2, the TV 1 is configured to be able to adjust the volume value by a predetermined adjustment amount (for example, every 1 dB). The volume value “1” of the TV 1 corresponds to a size of 1 dB. The volume value information adjusted by the user operation received by the remote control sensor 15 is transmitted to the BD recorder 2 via the HDMI cable 3 (see FIG. 1) as a CEC signal.

  The control unit 17 (see FIG. 1) is configured to control the entire TV 1. The control unit 17 is configured to control the TV-side amplifier 16 and adjust the volume value based on the signal received by the remote control sensor 15.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the BD recorder 2 includes a decoder 21, a tuner 22 a, a BD drive 22 b, an HDD (hard disk drive) 22 c, and a digital video output unit 23. The BD recorder 2 further includes a BD side amplifier 24, a digital audio output unit 25, an HDMI connection unit 26, a storage unit 27, and a control unit 28. The BD-side amplifier 24 is an example of the “volume adjusting unit” in the present invention. The HDMI connection unit 26 is an example of the “HDMI communication unit” in the present invention.

  The decoder 21 (see FIG. 1) is configured to be able to decode the broadcast wave received by the tuner 22a (see FIG. 1). The decoder 21 is configured to be able to decode BD data inserted into the BD drive 22b (see FIG. 1). The decoder 21 is configured to be able to decode data stored in the HDD 22c (see FIG. 1).

  The digital video output unit 23 (see FIG. 1) is configured to transmit the data decoded by the decoder 21 to the HDMI connection unit 26.

  Here, in the first embodiment, the BD-side amplifier 24 (see FIG. 1) is configured to amplify the data (audio data) decoded by the decoder 21. Further, the BD-side amplifier 24 is configured to be able to adjust the volume value of the TV 1 by changing the volume value of the sound output from the BD recorder 2 and transmitting it by the TMDS signal. In this case, the BD amplifier 24 is configured to be able to adjust the volume value by a predetermined adjustment amount (for example, every 1 dB). The BD-side amplifier 24 is configured to be able to change the adjustment amount for adjusting the volume value (for example, from 1 dB increments to 0.5 dB increments). In order to make the following description easy to understand, 1 dB as the adjustment amount of the BD-side amplifier 24 is set to “1” (one scale) which is the minimum unit of the adjustment amount of the volume value set by default in the TV 1. Assume that the state is compatible. The BD-side amplifier 24 is configured to be adjustable to a volume value adjustment amount that is smaller than the volume value adjustment amount (one scale increment) of the TV-side amplifier 14 provided in the TV 1. Further, the BD-side amplifier 24 is configured to change the volume value only in the positive direction (increase the volume value).

  The digital audio output unit 25 (see FIG. 1) is configured to transmit the data amplified by the BD-side amplifier 24 to the HDMI connection unit 26.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the HDMI connection unit 26 is configured to be connected to the other end of the HDMI cable 3. Therefore, the HDMI connection unit 26 allows the BD recorder 2 and the TV 1 to perform communication based on the HDMI standard. The storage unit 27 (see FIG. 1) is configured to be able to store an adjustment amount of the volume value of the BD drive 22b.

  Here, in the first embodiment, when the control unit 28 (see FIG. 1) receives the change of the volume value of the TV 1 via the HDMI cable 3, it changes the volume value of the sound output to the TV 1. It is configured to perform control. At this time, in this embodiment, the control unit 28 controls the TV 1 to set the volume value to a volume value between the first volume value and the second volume value via the HDMI connection unit 11 by the CEC signal. It is comprised so that it may carry out with respect to. In addition, the control unit 28 sets the volume value to be adjusted when the volume value of the TV 1 is changed from the first volume value to the second volume value and then changed from the second volume value to the first volume value. Control is performed to adjust the BD-side amplifier 24 so that the adjustment amount is smaller than the adjustment amount between the first sound volume value and the second sound volume value.

  In the first embodiment, the control unit 28 changes the second volume value from the second volume value within a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds) after the volume value of the TV 1 is changed from the first volume value to the second volume value. When the sound volume value is changed to the 1 sound volume value, the BD side amplifier 24 is controlled so that the sound volume value becomes a sound volume value between the first sound volume value and the second sound volume value.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, after the volume value of TV 1 is increased from the first volume value (for example, volume value 20) to the second volume value (for example, volume value 21), the control unit 28 When the second volume value is lowered to the first volume value, the third volume value as an intermediate value between the first volume value and the second volume value (for example, a size corresponding to the volume value 20.5) Thus, the control for adjusting the BD side amplifier 24 is performed. That is, after the volume value of the TV 1 is increased from the first volume value (volume value 20) to the second volume value (volume value 21), the control unit 28 again determines that the CEC has been lowered to the first volume value. When the signal is received via the HDMI cable 3, the volume value adjustment amount in the BD side amplifier 24 is controlled to be changed from 1 dB to 0.5 dB. And it outputs to TV1 in the state which added only 0.5 dB to the volume value (for example, volume value 20 (20 dB)) corresponding to a 1st volume value. Thereby, the audio | voice with a volume value of 20.5 is output from TV1. This state can be confirmed on the screen (see FIG. 2) displayed on the display unit 13 by the OSD function of the TV 1.

  In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the volume value of the TV 1 is 1 with the volume value adjustment amount in the BD-side amplifier 24 changed (for example, in 0.5 dB increments) as described above. When the CEC signal that is raised (for example, the change from the current volume value 20.5 to the volume value 21.5) is received via the HDMI cable 3, the volume after the volume value is increased by 1. The output is temporarily output to the TV 1 in a state where 0.5 dB is added to the volume value (volume value 21.5) corresponding to the value. The control unit 28 is configured to immediately transmit a CEC signal indicating that the volume value of the TV-side amplifier 16 is decreased by 1 to the control unit 17 of the TV 1 via the HDMI cable 3. As a result, the sound having the volume value 21 is output from the TV 1.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 28 performs the second operation after the volume value of the TV 1 is lowered from the first volume value (for example, the volume value 20) to the second volume value (for example, the volume value 19). When the volume value is raised to the first volume value, control is performed to adjust the BD-side amplifier 24 so that the third volume value (for example, the volume value 19.5) is obtained. At this time, the control unit 28 lowers the volume value of the TV 1 from the first volume value (for example, the volume value 20) to the second volume value (for example, the volume value 19), and then increases it again to the first volume value. When the received CEC signal is received via the HDMI cable 3, control is performed to change the adjustment amount of the volume value in the BD amplifier 24 from 1 dB to 0.5 dB. In this case, the output is temporarily output to the TV 1 in a state where 0.5 dB is added to the volume value corresponding to the first volume value (for example, the volume value 20 (20 dB)). The control unit 28 is configured to immediately transmit a CEC signal indicating that the volume value of the TV-side amplifier 16 is decreased by 1 to the control unit 17 of the TV 1 via the HDMI cable 3. As a result, the sound of the volume value 19.5 is actually output from the TV 1.

  In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the volume value of the TV 1 is 1 with the volume value adjustment amount in the BD-side amplifier 24 changed (for example, in 0.5 dB increments) as described above. When the CEC signal that has been lowered (for example, the change from the current volume value 19.5 to the volume value 18.5) is received via the HDMI cable 3, the volume after the volume value is lowered by 1 The value is output to the TV 1 in a state where 0.5 dB is added to the volume value corresponding to the value (volume value 18.5). As a result, the TV 1 outputs sound as the volume value 19.

  The control unit 28 (see FIG. 1) is configured to be able to store the volume adjustment state for the TV 1 in the storage unit 27. Specifically, the control unit 28 includes information for specifying the TV 1 connected to the BD recorder 2, information on the adjustment amount (for example, 0.5 dB) of the volume value of the BD-side amplifier 24, and the first volume value. The information about the volume value (second volume value (for example, volume 21)) once changed from the first and the information of the finally adjusted volume value (for example, volume value 20.5) are stored in the storage unit 27. It is configured to perform control for storing. The control unit 28 is configured to be able to store the volume adjustment state for the TV 1 in the storage unit 27. Specifically, the control unit 28 includes information for specifying the TV 1 connected to the BD recorder 2, information on the adjustment amount (for example, 0.5 dB) of the volume value of the BD-side amplifier 24, and the second volume value. For example, the storage unit 27 is configured to perform control for storing information on the volume value 19 (for example, volume value 19 (for example, volume value 19.5)) on the TV 1.

  In the first embodiment, the control unit 28 (see FIG. 1) adjusts the volume stored in the storage unit 27 when it is determined that the externally connected device is connected again after the TV 1 is disconnected. Based on the state, the volume control unit is configured to control the volume value between the first volume value and the second volume value. Specifically, after the connection between the TV 1 and the BD recorder 2 is released, the control unit 28 stores the volume stored in the storage unit 27 when the connection (the Hot Plug signal is transmitted) is performed again. Based on the adjustment state, the BD-side amplifier 24 is configured to control the volume value between the first volume value and the second volume value (for example, the volume value 20.5). .

  In the first embodiment, the control unit 28 (see FIG. 1) sets the volume value of the TV 1 to the first level in a state where the volume value is adjusted to a size between the first volume value and the second volume value. When the volume value is changed a plurality of times (for example, three times) in the same direction from the volume value side toward the second volume value side, the volume value is adjusted to a size between the first volume value and the second volume value. The control of the BD-side amplifier 24 is released.

  Next, a volume value adjustment process flow executed by the control unit 28 of the video system 100 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, as shown in FIG. 5, it is determined in step S1 whether or not a signal for shifting to the volume value adjustment mode has been received. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the BD recorder 2 has been shifted to the volume value adjustment mode by operating the OSD (not shown) of the TV 1. If it is not determined in step S1 that a signal for shifting to the volume value adjustment mode has been received, the volume value adjustment process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that a signal for shifting to the volume value adjustment mode has been received, the process proceeds to step S2.

  In step S2, it is determined whether or not a CEC signal changed from the first volume value to the second volume value has been received. If it is not determined that the CEC signal changed from the first volume value to the second volume value has been received, the volume value adjustment process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S2 that the CEC signal changed from the first volume value to the second volume value has been received, the process proceeds to step S3.

  In step S3, after the CEC signal changed from the first volume value to the second volume value is received, the CEC changed from the second volume value to the first volume value within a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds). It is determined whether a signal has been received. If it is not determined that the CEC signal changed from the second volume value to the first volume value has been received within the predetermined time, the volume value adjustment process is terminated. If it is determined in step S3 that the CEC signal changed from the second volume value to the first volume value is received within a predetermined time, the process proceeds to step S4, and the volume value adjustment amount is changed. When the adjustment amount of the volume value is changed in step S4, the process proceeds to step S5. Next, in step S5, the volume adjustment state is stored in the storage unit 27, and the volume value adjustment process is terminated.

  Next, the adjustment amount changing process in step S4 in the volume value adjusting process of FIG. 5 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in step S11, it is determined whether or not the first volume value is smaller than the second volume value. If it is determined that the first volume value is smaller than the second volume value, the process proceeds to step S12. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the first volume value is smaller than the second volume value, the process proceeds to step S13.

  In step S12, the volume value adjustment amount of the BD amplifier 24 (see FIG. 1) is changed to an intermediate value of the volume value adjustment amount of the TV 1 (see FIG. 1), and the volume corresponding to the first volume value is changed. The value is adjusted and output to TV1. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 3, the volume value adjustment amount in the BD-side amplifier 24 is changed from 1 dB to 0.5 dB, and the volume value corresponding to the first volume value (for example, the volume value 20 (20 dB)) is 0. .5 dB added and output to TV1. As a result, sound with a volume value of 20.5 is output from the TV 1. Thereafter, the adjustment amount changing process is terminated.

  In step S13, the volume value adjustment amount of the BD amplifier 24 is changed to an intermediate value of the TV1 volume value adjustment amount, and the volume value corresponding to the first volume value is adjusted and output to the TV1. . For example, in the example shown in FIG. 4, the volume value adjustment amount in the BD-side amplifier 24 is changed from 1 dB to 0.5 dB, and the volume value corresponding to the first volume value (for example, the volume value 20 (20 dB)) is 0. Output to TV1 with 5 dB added.

  Next, in step S14, a CEC signal for reducing the volume value of the TV-side amplifier 16 by 1 is transmitted to the TV1. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 28 decreases the volume value of the TV-side amplifier 16 so that the BD-side amplifier 24 decreases the volume value by 1 from the sound (volume value 20.5) output to the TV 1. A CEC signal indicating that the value is lowered by 1 is transmitted to the control unit 17 of the TV 1. As a result, sound having a volume value of 19.5 is output from the TV 1. Thereafter, the adjustment amount changing process is terminated.

  In the first embodiment, as described above, after the volume value of the TV 1 is changed from the first volume value to the second volume value, the second volume value is changed to the first volume within a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds). By providing a control unit 28 that controls the BD-side amplifier 24 so that the volume value is between the first volume value and the second volume value when the value is changed to a value, The output volume can be set not only to the first volume value and the second volume value but also to a magnitude between the first volume value and the second volume value. Thus, even when the volume during output (trial listening) is too low for the user at the first volume value and too high at the second volume value, the user can adjust (fine adjustment) to a size between them. Since the user can listen to the sound with the sound volume set, the sound volume level can be adjusted to a level (desired to be desired by the user). In addition, when the user goes back and forth between the first volume value and the second volume value to determine the optimum volume value (volume setting value), the first volume value and the second volume value Therefore, the user's intention based on the device operation can be accurately reflected on the TV 1 and adjusted to a volume level at which the user desires more comfort.

  In the first embodiment, as described above, the control unit 28 is configured to control the BD-side amplifier 24 so that the volume value becomes a substantially intermediate value between the first volume value and the second volume value. As a result, an approximately intermediate (average) value between the first sound volume value and the second sound volume value is applied to the sound volume value of the TV 1, so that the user can approach the sound volume level for which the user wants more comfort relatively quickly.

  In the first embodiment, as described above, the BD-side amplifier 24 is configured so that the volume value of the TV 1 can be adjusted with an adjustment amount smaller than the adjustment amount of the volume value of the TV-side amplifier 16 included in the TV 1. The BD-side amplifier 24 is controlled so that the volume value of the TV 1 is changed to a third volume value between the first volume value and the second volume value by an adjustment amount smaller than the difference between the volume value and the second volume value. Thus, the control unit 28 is configured. Thereby, the volume output from the TV 1 can be easily finely adjusted to the third volume value between the first volume value and the second volume value.

  In the first embodiment, as described above, the storage unit 27 capable of storing the volume setting state for the TV 1 is provided, and when it is determined that the TV 1 is connected again after the connection with the TV 1 is released, the storage is performed. Based on the volume setting state stored in the unit 27, the control unit 28 is configured to control the BD-side amplifier 24 so that the volume value is between the first volume value and the second volume value. . Thus, even when the TV 1 is connected to the BD recorder 2 again after the connection with the TV 1 is released, the volume of the TV 1 is set based on the volume setting state for the TV 1 stored in the storage unit 27. Can be easily and quickly adjusted to the volume level for more comfort.

  In the first embodiment, as described above, in a state where the volume value is adjusted to a size between the first volume value and the second volume value, the volume value of the TV 1 is changed from the first volume value side to the second volume level. Adjustment control of the BD-side amplifier 24 that adjusts the volume value to a magnitude between the first volume value and the second volume value when the value is changed a plurality of times (for example, three times) in one direction toward the value side. The control unit 28 is configured to cancel. Thus, when a different user uses the TV 1, when the volume value output from the TV 1 is greatly changed by increasing or decreasing the volume value (volume level) in one direction, the first volume value up to that point Since the above-described fine adjustment control for adjusting the volume value to a size between that and the second volume value can be quickly released, the operability of this BD recorder 2 is reduced only by the fine adjustment control. Can be suppressed.

  In the first embodiment, as described above, the TV 1 and the BD recorder 2 further include the HDMI connection unit 26 capable of performing communication based on the HDMI standard, and the HDMI connection by the CEC signal based on the HDMI standard. The control unit 28 is configured to control the TV 1 to set the volume value of the TV 1 between the first volume value and the second volume value via the unit 26. Thereby, control for adjusting (finely adjusting) the volume value of the TV 1 to a volume value between the first volume value and the second volume value can be easily performed on the TV 1 by the CEC signal format.

(Second Embodiment)
Hereinafter, the configuration of the video system 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 5, FIG. 7, and FIG. The video system 200 is an example of the “electronic device system” in the present invention.

  In the second embodiment, after the volume value of the TV 1 described in the first embodiment is changed from the first volume value to the second volume value, the second volume value is changed to the first volume value. In addition to the configuration for controlling the BD-side amplifier 24 so that the volume value is a volume value between the first volume value and the second volume value, the BD is also based on the adjustment history information of the volume value adjusted by the user. The video system 200 that controls the side amplifier 24 will be described.

  Here, in the second embodiment, the storage unit 27 (see FIG. 1) is configured to store the volume value of the TV 1 adjusted by the user as the adjustment history information 210 (see FIG. 7). The adjustment history information 210 includes a volume value and the number of adjustments adjusted to the volume value. For example, the example shown in FIG. 7 indicates that the number of times the user has adjusted the volume value 20 is 12. The adjustment history information 210 also includes information regarding the date and time when the volume value was adjusted. For example, the date and time when the volume value 20 is adjusted for the third time is 23:15 on June 1, 2012.

  Thereby, in 2nd Embodiment, the control part 28 (refer FIG. 1) adjusts the volume value of TV1, and when adjustment of a volume value is not performed for a predetermined time (for example, 1 minute) after adjustment. Is configured to perform control to increase the number of adjustments of the volume value by one. In addition, when the volume value is not adjusted after the TV 1 is turned on, the control unit 28 is configured to perform control to increase the number of adjustments of the volume value when the power is turned on by one.

  In the second embodiment, in the example illustrated in FIG. 7, the control unit 28 determines the volume value 20 having the largest number of adjustments as the most frequently adjusted volume value based on the adjustment history information 210, and the most frequently adjusted volume. The volume value 21 that is the volume value with the larger number of adjustments among the volume values before and after the value is determined as the most frequently adjusted adjacent volume value. Then, the control unit 28 adjusts the volume value of the TV 1 to an adjustment amount (for example, 0.25 dB) smaller than the volume difference between the volume value 20 (the most frequently adjusted volume value) and the volume value 21 (the most frequently adjusted adjacent volume value). In this way, the BD side amplifier 24 is controlled.

  In the second embodiment, when the volume is adjusted to the volume value newly provided between the volume value 20 and the volume value 21, the control unit 28 stores the volume value stored as the adjustment history information 210. Is stored as the number of adjustments of the volume value rounded to the first decimal place. For example, when the volume value is adjusted to the volume value 20.25, control is performed to increase the number of adjustments of the volume value 20 by one. Further, when the volume value is adjusted to the volume value 20.5 or the volume value 20.75, control is performed to increase the number of adjustments of the volume value 21 by one.

  In addition, when the adjustment amount between the changed volume values is not used for a predetermined period (for example, one month), the control unit 28 performs control to return the adjustment amount between the changed volume values to the initial state. Configured to do. That is, the control unit 28 sets the volume value 20 when the volume value 20, the volume value 20.25, the volume value 20.5, the volume value 20.75, and the volume value 21 are not used for a predetermined period. The control of the BD-side amplifier 24 is canceled so that the adjustment amount is smaller than the volume difference between the (maximum adjustment volume value) and the volume value 21 (maximum adjustment adjacent volume value).

  In addition, the control unit 28 adjusts the adjustment history in order from the longest elapsed time after the volume value adjustment history is stored based on the stored adjustment history information 210 having passed a predetermined period (for example, 6 months). The information is deleted, and the BD side is adjusted so that the adjustment amount is smaller than the volume difference between the volume value 20 (maximum adjustment volume value) and the volume value 21 (maximum adjustment adjacent volume value) based on the adjustment history information 210 after the deletion. The amplifier 24 is controlled. For example, the control unit 6 determines that the adjustment history information 210 (see FIG. 2) set for the third time for the volume value 20 is December 2012 after 23:15 on June 1, 2012 that has been set. It is configured to perform the deletion control at 23:15 a day.

  The control unit 28 is configured to perform control to turn on the power with the volume value 20 set when the power is turned on again after the power is turned off. When the control unit 28 is turned on again after the power is turned off, the control unit 28 sets the maximum adjustment volume value (for example, volume value 20) and the maximum adjustment adjacent volume value (for example, volume value 21). The BD-side amplifier 24 is controlled so that the adjustment amount (for example, 0.25 dB) is smaller than the volume difference.

  In the second embodiment, the control unit 28 performs control for adjusting the BD-side amplifier 24 based on the above-described volume value adjustment history information, and the volume value is the most frequently adjusted volume value (for example, the volume value 20). This is carried out when it is changed between the adjusted adjacent volume value (for example, the volume value 21) (see FIG. 7).

  In the second embodiment, the control unit 28 determines a volume value other than the volume value between the most frequently set volume value (for example, the volume value 20) and the most frequently set adjacent volume value (for example, the volume value 21) (see FIG. 7), the sound volume adjustment process (see FIG. 5) of the first embodiment is performed.

  In addition, the other structure of 2nd Embodiment is the same as that of the said 1st Embodiment.

  In the second embodiment, as described above, after the volume value of the TV 1 is changed from the first volume value to the second volume value, the BD-side amplifier 24 is changed from the second volume value to the first volume value. In this case, the volume value is controlled so as to be a size between the first volume value and the second volume value (for example, 0.5 dB), and the most frequently adjusted volume value and the most frequently adjusted adjacent volume are based on the adjustment history information. The sound volume value is controlled to be adjusted to an adjustment amount (for example, 0.25 dB) smaller than the sound volume difference (for example, 1 dB) from the sound volume value. As a result, the volume value can be adjusted with a smaller adjustment amount between the most frequently adjusted volume value and the most frequently adjusted adjacent volume value that are likely to be normally adjusted by the user, and the volume value is not normally adjusted by the user. In this case, the volume value can be adjusted to a level between the first volume value and the second volume value, so that the user seeks more comfort even in the usage state where the volume values are different ( Can be easily adjusted to the volume level (which is truly desired).

  The remaining effects of the second embodiment are similar to those of the aforementioned first embodiment.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description of the embodiments but by the scope of claims for patent, and further includes all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims for patent.

  For example, in the first and second embodiments, the example in which the present invention is applied to the BD recorder 2 (electronic device having a volume adjustment function) has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, for example, the present invention may be applied to an electronic apparatus having a volume adjustment function other than the BD recorder, such as an STB (Set Top Box).

  In the first and second embodiments described above, the TV 1 (with the adjustment amount of 0.5 dB smaller than the difference between the first volume value (volume value 20) and the second volume value (volume value 21) according to the present invention. Although the example of adjusting the volume value of the externally connected device has been shown, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, as long as the adjustment amount is smaller than the difference between the first sound volume value and the second sound volume value, the sound volume value of the external device may be adjusted using an adjustment amount other than 0.5 dB.

  In the first and second embodiments, when the volume value of the TV 1 (externally connected device) is changed three times in the same direction from the first volume value side to the second volume value side, the volume value is changed. Although an example in which the control of the BD side amplifier 24 (volume adjusting unit) to be adjusted is released is shown, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, when the volume value of the TV 1 is changed twice or four times or more in the same direction from the first volume value side to the second volume value side, the control of the volume adjustment unit that adjusts the volume value is released. You may comprise. In the present invention, the volume value of the TV 1 is changed from the first volume value to the second volume value, and after the second volume value is changed to the first volume value, a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds), When there is no operation of the volume value of the externally connected device, the control of the volume adjustment unit that adjusts the volume value may be released.

  In the first and second embodiments, after the volume value of the TV 1 (external connection device) is increased from the first volume value (for example, volume value 20) to the second volume value (for example, volume value 21). When the sound volume is lowered from the second sound volume value to the first sound volume value, the BD is set to a third sound volume value (for example, a sound volume value 20.5) as an intermediate value between the first sound volume value and the second sound volume value. Although the example which adjusts the side amplifier 24 was shown, this invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, when the third volume value between the first volume value and the second volume value is changed to the second volume value, and when the second volume value is changed to the third volume value, the second volume value is changed. The volume adjustment unit is controlled so that the volume value becomes a fifth volume value between the first volume value and the third volume value using an adjustment amount smaller than the difference between the volume value and the third volume value. May be. Specifically, as in the modification shown in FIG. 8, the volume value of the TV 1 is increased by 1 (for example, when the volume value adjustment amount in the BD-side amplifier 24 is changed (for example, 0.5 dB) (for example, After the third volume value (volume value 20.5) to the second volume value (volume value 21)), when the second volume value is lowered to the third volume value, the second volume value and the third volume value are set. The volume adjustment unit may be controlled so as to be a fifth volume value (for example, a volume value 20.75) having a size between and. In this case, the adjustment amount of the volume adjustment unit is changed to 0.25 dB.

  In addition, when the volume value of the externally connected device is changed from the third volume value to the first volume value, and is changed from the first volume value to the third volume value, the first volume value and the third volume value are The volume adjustment unit may be controlled so that the volume value becomes a fourth volume value having a magnitude between the third volume value and the first volume value using an adjustment amount smaller than the difference between the first and second volume values. Specifically, as in the modification shown in FIG. 9, the volume value of the TV 1 is lowered by 1 (for example, when the volume value adjustment amount in the BD-side amplifier 24 is changed (for example, 0.5 dB)) (for example, When the third volume value (volume value 20.5) is increased to the third volume value after the first volume value (volume value 20)), the first volume value and the third volume value are set. The volume adjustment unit may be controlled so as to be a fourth volume value (for example, a volume value 20.25) having a size between and. In this case, the adjustment amount of the volume adjustment unit is adjusted to 0.25 dB. Accordingly, the volume of the externally connected device is not only the third volume value between the first volume value and the second volume value, but also the fourth volume value having a magnitude between the first volume value and the third volume value. Alternatively, the sound volume is further finely adjusted toward the fifth sound volume value between the second sound volume value and the third sound volume value. Therefore, the sound volume when the user listens to the sound from the external device using this electronic device. The level of comfort can be further increased.

  In the first and second embodiments, the BD recorder 2 (an electronic device having a volume adjustment function) changes the second volume value after the volume value of the TV 1 is changed from the first volume value to the second volume value. Although the example in which the change to the first volume value is detected by the CEC signal based on the HDMI standard has been shown, the present invention is not limited to this. According to the present invention, an electronic device having a volume adjustment function is able to change the volume value of the TV 1 from the first volume value to the second volume by using a signal other than the CEC signal based on the HDMI standard as long as the signal can be bidirectionally communicated between the devices. After changing to the value, it may be detected that the second volume value has been changed to the first volume value.

  In the first and second embodiments, the decoder 21 is configured to be able to decode the broadcast wave received by the tuner 22a, the BD data inserted into the BD drive 22b, or the data stored in the HDD. Although shown, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, an SD slot or USB port may be provided in an electronic device having a volume adjustment function, and the decoder may be configured so that data stored in the SD card or data stored in the USB memory can be decoded. In addition, a terminal corresponding to a LAN (Local Area Network) or WAN (Wide Area Network) may be provided in an electronic device having a volume adjustment function, and the decoder may be configured to be able to decode data acquired from the LAN or WAN. . Further, an analog terminal or a digital terminal (for example, an HDMI terminal, an optical terminal, or a coaxial terminal) may be provided in an electronic device having a volume adjustment function, and an input signal input from these terminals may be decoded.

  In the first and second embodiments, for convenience of explanation, the processing of the control unit of the present invention has been described using a flow-driven flowchart that performs processing in order along the processing flow. Not limited to. In the present invention, the processing operation of the control unit may be performed by event-driven (event-driven) processing that executes processing for each event. In this case, it may be performed by a complete event drive type or a combination of event drive and flow drive.

1 TV (external connection equipment)
2 BD recorder (electronic equipment with volume control function)
16 TV amplifier (external device volume setting)
24 BD side amplifier (volume control unit)
26 HDMI connection part (HDMI communication part)
27 Storage Unit 28 Control Unit 100, 200 Electronic Device System

Claims (9)

A volume adjustment unit that can adjust the volume value of the external device,
If the volume value of the externally connected device is changed from the second volume value to the first volume value within a predetermined time after the volume value is changed from the first volume value to the second volume value, the volume value is An electronic apparatus having a volume adjustment function, comprising: a control unit that controls the volume adjustment unit so as to have a magnitude between the first volume value and the second volume value.   2. The volume according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to control the volume adjustment unit so that the volume value becomes a substantially intermediate value between the first volume value and the second volume value. Electronic equipment with adjustment function. The volume adjustment unit is configured to be able to adjust the volume value of the external connection device with an adjustment amount smaller than the adjustment amount of the volume value of the external connection device volume adjustment unit included in the external connection device,
The control unit is configured such that the volume value of the external device is a third volume between the first volume value and the second volume value by an adjustment amount smaller than the difference between the first volume value and the second volume value. The electronic device having a volume adjustment function according to claim 1, wherein the volume adjustment unit is controlled to be changed to a value.   When the volume value of the externally connected device is changed from the third volume value to the first volume value and then changed from the first volume value to the third volume value, the control unit A fourth volume value whose volume value of the externally connected device is between the first volume value and the third volume value using an adjustment amount smaller than the difference between the first volume value and the third volume value. The volume adjustment unit is controlled so as to be changed to or after the volume value of the externally connected device is changed from the third volume value to the second volume value, from the second volume value to the second volume value. When the sound volume value is changed to 3 volume value, the volume value of the external device is adjusted using the adjustment amount smaller than the difference between the second sound volume value and the third sound volume value. Configured to control the volume adjusting unit to be changed to a fifth volume value having a magnitude between the values. That an electronic apparatus having a volume control according to claim 3. A storage unit capable of storing a volume adjustment state for the external device;
When the control unit determines that the externally connected device is connected again after the connection with the externally connected device is released, the control unit determines the volume based on the volume adjustment state stored in the storage unit. 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sound volume adjustment unit is configured to control a value so that a value is between the first sound volume value and the second sound volume value. 6. Electronic equipment with volume control function.   In the state where the volume value is adjusted to a size between the first volume value and the second volume value, the control unit sets the volume value of the external connection device from the first volume value side to the first volume value. When the sound volume value is changed a plurality of times in one direction toward the sound volume value side, the sound volume adjustment unit adjusts the sound volume value to a size between the first sound volume value and the second sound volume value. The electronic device which has a volume adjustment function of any one of Claims 1-5 comprised so that it may cancel | release. The external connection device and the electronic device further include an HDMI communication unit capable of performing communication based on the HDMI standard,
The control unit performs control to set the volume value of the externally connected device between the first volume value and the second volume value via the HDMI communication unit according to a signal format based on the HDMI standard. The electronic device having a volume adjustment function according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is configured to be performed on the externally connected device. An external device,
An electronic device having a volume adjustment function,
The electronic device having the volume adjustment function includes: a volume adjustment unit capable of adjusting a volume value of the externally connected device; and a predetermined volume after the volume value of the externally connected device is changed from the first volume value to the second volume value. When the volume level is changed from the second volume level to the first volume level within the time, the volume level is adjusted so that the volume level is between the first volume level and the second volume level. An electronic device system including a control unit that controls the unit. Detecting the volume value of the external device;
Detecting that the volume value of the external device is changed from the second volume value to the first volume value within a predetermined time after the volume value is changed from the first volume value to the second volume value;
Adjusting the volume value of the externally connected device so that the volume is between the first volume value and the second volume value.

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