JPH01143511A - Sound volume adjusting method - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To reduce number of operating means and to relieve the load of space by decreasing the sound volume in the unit of volume when the operation consecutive time of a sound volume decrease means is within a prescribed time and causing the attenuation state when the time is over the prescribed time and releasing it in the operation of a sound volume increase means. CONSTITUTION:A sound volume decrease command switch 38 and a sound volume increase indication switch 40 are connected to a microcomputer 36 and the switch 38 is used in common with an attenuation ON switch and the switch 40 is used in common with an attenuation OFF switch. In case of the non-attenuation state, when the switch 38 is operated, the computer 36 uses a timer to count the operation consecutive time and when the operation is finished within the prescribed time, the electronic volume 30 is controlled to decrement the sound volume by one unit. When the operation consecution exceeds a prescribed time, the attenuation is decreased by the prescribed value to bring the state into the attenuation state. The user operates the switches above if a telephone call comes during the listening to a music. When the phone call is finished and the switch 40 is operated, the computer 36 controls the volume 30 to release the attenuation state.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a sound N adjustment method, and in particular, to an electronic volume adjustment device for audio equipment, etc., in which the volume is increased or decreased by a predetermined amount by key operation. This invention relates to a volume adjustment method that enables both attenuation on and off.

[Conventional technology]

Amplifiers with electronic sound adjustment devices used in audio equipment allow the user to increase or decrease the volume in one step by touching a key, or to reduce the volume to a predetermined amount and apply attenuation if necessary. It has become.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, this amplifier with an electronic volume adjustment device is provided with an electronic volume 10 that can vary the volume in steps of, for example, 2 dB, and controls the level of the input audio signal under the control of a microcomputer 16. The output power is varied and output to the power amplifier 12 connected to the output side. The audio signal is amplified by the power amplifier 12 and then output as sound from the speaker 14.

A volume decrease instruction switch 18, a volume increase instruction switch 20, and an attenuate switch 22 are provided on the input side of the microcomputer 16.

When the user presses the volume decrease instruction switch 18 or the volume increase instruction switch 20, the microcomputer 16 controls the electronic polyneme 10 to decrease or increase the volume by one step.

Apart from this, I received a phone call while listening to music,
When the user suddenly wants to reduce the volume, such as when it becomes necessary to have a conversation with another person, the user can turn the attenuator switch 22 on.
When you press , the microcomputer 16 stores the volume data up to that point, controls the electronic volume 10 to reduce the volume by a predetermined amount (for example, -12 dB), and then ends the telephone conversation, etc. When the attenuator switch 22 is pressed again, the microcomputer 16
performs attenuation release control and returns to the original volume.

A display driver 2 is installed on the output side of the microcomputer 16.
4 is connected, and the volume is graphically displayed on the display 26 under the control of the microcomputer 12.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, in the prior art, the volume reduction instruction switch 18 which performs normal volume increase/decrease operations. In addition to the volume increase instruction switch 20, an attenuation switch 22 for applying and canceling attenuation must be provided separately, which takes up space on the operation panel and increases cost. Since the switch 18 and the volume increase instruction switch 20 are installed in a different location, even if the user wants to suddenly decrease the volume, he or she must first find the location of the switch, which has the drawback of making it difficult for the user to use. .

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the drawbacks of the prior art, it is an object of the present invention to provide a volume adjustment method that can reduce the number of volume control means and make it easier to use.

(Means for Solving the Problems) According to the present invention, in a volume adjustment method in which the volume adjustment means is controlled and the volume is adjusted according to the operations of the volume reduction operation means and the volume increase operation means, the volume reduction means is in a non-attenuated state. If the operation is performed, the duration of the operation is measured, and if the operation ends before the first predetermined time elapses, the volume is decreased by one unit, and if the operation continues beyond the first predetermined time, the volume is decreased. , the volume is reduced by a predetermined attenuation amount greater than one unit to enter the attenuated state, and when the volume increasing means is operated in the attenuated state, the volume is increased by the predetermined attenuation amount to cancel the attenuated state. It is characterized by

- [Embodiment] One embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an amplifier with an electronic volume adjustment device, in which an input audio signal from a preamplifier in the previous stage is input to an electronic volume 30, the signal level is varied in 2 dB increments, and the power connected to the output side is input to an electronic volume 30. It is output to amplifier 32.

The audio signal is power amplified by the power amplifier 32 and then output to the speaker 34 for audio output.

The electronic volume 30 is connected to a microcomputer 36, and the volume is controlled by the control output (serial data control) of the microcomputer 36. The microcomputer 36 has
A volume decrease instruction switch 38 and a volume increase instruction switch 40, through which the user performs a volume adjustment operation and an attenuation on/off operation, are connected. Volume reduction instruction switch 38
also serves as an attenuate on switch, and the volume increase instruction switch 40 also serves as an attenuate off switch.

Further, a display driver 42 is connected to the output side of the microcomputer 36.
In response to the control output (serial data control), the display 44
The volume will be displayed.

As shown in FIG. 3, the display device 44 includes a plurality of display elements 46.
The display elements 46 are arranged in a line, and each display element 46 adjusts the volume in units of 4 dB, for example, 14 dB or more when it is less than O dB, 18 dB or more when less than -4 dB, and -12 dB or more when less than -8 dB.
...The variable range is divided into 4 dB increments.

This display 44 graphically displays the volume.

The microcomputer 36 has a CPU, ROM, and RAM connected to each other via a bus, and the volume reduction instruction switch 38 is activated by the user based on a predetermined program stored in the ROM.
．． Controls the volume of the electronic volume 30 and controls the display of the display driver 42 in response to the operation of the volume increase instruction switch 40.

For volume control, a volume reduction instruction switch 38. Increase or decrease the volume in the smallest unit (2 dB) in response to pressing the volume increase instruction switch 40 for 500 + ms or less, or continuously decrease the volume in response to the continuous press of the volume decrease instruction switch 38 for 18 or more times, 500m of volume increase instruction switch 40
Continuous increase in volume in response to a continuous press of 5 or more, attenuation on in response to a press of the volume decrease instruction switch 38 of 500 m5 or more and less than Is, or attenuation by pressing the volume increase instruction switch 40 in the attenuated state. Contains off etc.

On the other hand, the display control includes a graphic display of the current volume when in the non-attenuated state, a blinking display of the volume assuming no attenuation when in the attenuated state, and the like.

In the RAM of the microcomputer 36, in addition to the area for storing the volume control data P for the electronic volume 30 and the volume display control data Q for the display driver 42,
A flag A for managing attenuation on/off, a storage area for n data used when performing attenuation processing, and a volume reduction instruction switch 38. Volume increase instruction switch 4
A 500 m5 soft timer area and a 60 m5 soft timer area are also provided for timing the 0 press duration.

Here, P and Q change numerical values between -82 and OdB in 2 dB units, and the electronic volume 30 controlled by the microcomputer 36 based on P changes the volume level in the same <2 dB units, but Q Based on Q=-82, the display driver 42 controlled by the microcomputer 36
dB, all display elements 46 are turned off, Q=-80
When Q = -76 dB or more and less than -76 dB, one display element 46 on the left side is lit, and when Q = -76 dB or more and less than -72 dB, two display elements 46 on the left side and one on the right are lit, and Q
= -72 dB or more and less than -68 dB, the display is changed such that three consecutive display elements 46 from the left end are lit.

Further, the graphic display on the display 44 can also be displayed blinking under the control of the microcomputer 36 if necessary.

Next, the operation of the above embodiment will be explained with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

Initially, attenuation is canceled (A=0), and
Assume that the volume is 160 dB (P=Q=-
60 dB), at this time the display on the display 44 is as shown in Fig. 3 (1).
It looks like this, and the volume is displayed continuously.

First, to explain the case where the volume is increased or decreased one step at a time, the microcomputer 36 controls each volume increase instruction switch 40 when neither the volume decrease instruction switch 38 nor the volume increase instruction switch 40 is pressed and is in the OFF state.
．． Check the input from the volume reduction instruction switch 38,
It is repeatedly determined whether the switch 40.degree. 38 has been pressed (step 60.62).

Here, when the user presses the volume reduction instruction switch once to lower the volume, the microcomputer 36 determines YES in step 62, and then refers to flag A to confirm that it is not in an attenuated state. Afterwards (step 64), a 500ss timer is set to n-0 to start timing, and it is determined whether or not the volume reduction instruction switch 38 is continued to be pressed until the timer expires (steps 66 to 72).

In this case, since the volume reduction instruction switch 3B is pressed hard and the process ends in a short time, it is determined NO at step 70 before the time-up occurs, and at this time, the process moves to step 74 and it is confirmed that n-0. Also, decrease the volume control data P and volume display control data Q by 1 unit to -62 dB.
The electronic volume 30 and display driver 42 are controlled by these P and Q, and the volume and display are changed to -62 dB (see FIG. 3 (2)).

If the user further presses the volume reduction instruction switch 38 twice, the volume and display will change from -64 dB to -66 dB through the same process as described above (however, when it is -64 dB, the display will not change, -66dB).

Conversely, when the user presses the volume increase instruction switch 40 once to increase the volume, the microcomputer 36 determines YES in step 60, and then refers to flag A to confirm that the attenuated state is not present. After confirming (step 78), the volume control data P and the volume display control data Q are increased by one unit to -64 dB,
These P and Q control the electronic volume 30 and display driver 4.
2 to change the volume and display to -64 dB (step 80).

Next, a 500m5 timer is set to start counting, and it is determined whether or not the volume increase instruction switch 40 continues to be pressed until the timer expires (steps 82 to 86).

In this case, since the pressing of the volume increase instruction switch 40 is completed in a very short time, a negative determination is made in step 84 before the time-up occurs, and the process returns to step 62.

If the user further presses the volume increase instruction switch 40 three times, the volume and display will increase to 16 by the same process as described above.
The increase changes to 2 dB, -60 dB, and -58 dB (however, the display changes when it reaches -60 dB).

Next, the phone rings and the user changes the volume to v! When the volume reduction instruction switch 38 is continuously pressed for more than 500m5 to suddenly lower the volume, the microcomputer 36 determines YES in step 62, then checks flag A to confirm that attenuation is not on, and then sets n=0. , 50
(The llIls timer is set to start counting, and it is determined whether or not the volume reduction instruction switch 3B continues to be pressed until the timer expires (steps 66 to 72).

In the present case, since the pressing duration of the volume reduction instruction switch 3B is long, a time-out occurs before the pressing ends. At this time, the microcomputer 36 increments n (step 88), then sets flag A to l, and P=
P-12dB is decreased to -70dB, the electronic volume 30 is controlled by this P, the volume output level is changed by -12dB, and the volume graphic display is blinked to visually confirm to the user that attenuation has been turned on. By doing so, attenuation is applied (step 90).

Note that at this time, Q is not changed, and the volume display level remains at -58 dB, which is the same as before applying attenuation.

After confirming that n is 1 (step 9
1) Return to step 70, reset the 5QOw+s timer, measure the duration of pressing the volume reduction instruction switch 38, and determine whether the pressing of the switch 38 is released before the time is up (step 70). .72
).

-12d with attenuation on by the process of step 90
Listen to the volume that has been significantly reduced by B, and display the display 44.
If the user confirms that the attenuation has been applied by seeing the blinking of , and immediately releases the volume reduction instruction switch 38 (for example, the pressing duration is 0.83), the user can release the switch 38 before the reset timer times out. to detect that the pressure has been released (No determination in step 70),
In this case, the process moves to step 74, and after confirming that n=0 is not the case, the process returns to the beginning of the flow.

As a result, with a single touch, the volume can be reduced by 12 dB from the volume that was previously heard, making it possible to have a smooth conversation on the phone.

Further, it can be confirmed by the blinking display on the display 44 that attenuation is currently on, and the volume level when attenuation is not applied can be determined from the volume display level (see FIG. 3 (3)).

Furthermore, after attenuating as described above, when the user who wants to further increase the volume presses the volume reduction instruction switch 3B again, the microcomputer 36 determines whether or not the volume reduction instruction switch 38 has been pressed. If the judgment is YES (Step 62), then check the flag A to confirm that it is in the attenuated state (Step 64), and then decrease the volume control data P and the volume display control data Q by one unit each. 72dB and -60dB, and these P and Q control the electronic volume 30 and display driver 42.
is controlled to change the volume output level to -72 dB and change the display level to -60 dB (step 92).

At this time, since the attenuated state is maintained, the volume is displayed blinking.

Next, the microcomputer 36 sets a 500m5 timer to start counting, and determines whether or not the volume reduction instruction switch 38 continues to be pressed until the timer expires (steps 94 to 98).

Volume reduction instruction switch 38 when the user is in the attenuated state
If the volume is decreased by 1 unit by pressing , the pressure on the volume decrease instruction switch 38 is released before the timer times out, so the determination in step 98 is NO and the process returns to the beginning of the flow. .

Volume reduction instruction switch 38 when the user is in the attenuated state
When pressed for a little longer, the timer times up first, so the determination in step 98 is YES, and at this time, the microcomputer 36 proceeds to step 100 and further decreases the volume control data P and the volume display control data Q by one unit each. and -74 dB and -62 dB, and these P.

Control the electronic volume 30 and display driver 42 with Q,
The volume output level is changed to -74 dB, and the display level is changed to -62 dB.

Of course, the attenuated state remains unchanged.

Subsequently, the micro combiator 36 sets a 60m5 timer to start counting, and determines whether or not the volume reduction instruction switch 38 continues to be pressed until the timer expires (step 102.96.98).

When the user judges that the volume is still too high and continues to press the volume reduction instruction switch 3B, time-up occurs again before the pressure on the volume reduction instruction switch 38 is released, and the judgment in step 98 becomes YES, and the microcomputer 36 goes to step 100 and reduces the volume control data P and volume display control data Q by 1 unit each to -76 dB.
and -64dB, and set the electronic volume to 3 with these P and Q.
0 and the display driver 42 to change the volume to -76 dB and the display to -64 dB.

Then, the 60m5 timer is set again to start counting, and it is determined whether or not the volume reduction instruction switch 3B continues to be pressed until the timer reaches the time limit (step 102.9).
6.9B).

If the volume reduction instruction switch 38 is still pressed, the volume changes to 178 dB and the display changes to 166 dB when the 60m5 timer times up in the same way as described above (step 10'0).

Immediately after that, if the user decides that the volume has reached an appropriate level and releases the pressure on the volume reduction instruction switch 38, the pressure on the volume reduction instruction switch 38 continues until the timer elapses after the 60m5 timer is set. Step 102.96 is determined to be NO in the determination of whether or not there is a
．． 98), then returns to the beginning of the flow.

In this way, the user presses the volume reduction instruction switch 38 to 50.
After applying attenuation by operating for 01 to IS seconds, and further reducing the volume to -7 or 8 dB in the attenuated state, when the telephone conversation etc. is over, the blinking display on the display 44 indicates that the attenuate is on. The volume level after the attenuation is canceled can be determined from the displayed level.

When the user determines that canceling the attenuated state would bring the music to a more appropriate level of enjoyment and presses the volume increase instruction switch 40, the microcomputer 36 determines whether or not the volume increase instruction switch 40 has been pressed in step 60. After determining YES and then checking flag A and confirming that attenuation is on (
Step 78), set flag A to 1, P-P+1
By increasing the volume from 2 dB to -66 dB and using this P to control the electronic volume 30 and changing the volume by +12 dB, the graphic display of the volume stops blinking and lights up continuously so that the user can visually confirm that the attenuation has been turned off. , the attenuation is canceled (step 104).

At this time, Q is not changed and the volume display level is -66d.
B remains and matches the volume output level.

Subsequently, the microcomputer 36 sets a 50Q+ms timer to start measuring time, and determines whether or not the volume increase instruction switch 40 continues to be pressed until the timer expires (steps 82 to 86).

Volume increase instruction switch 40 when the user is in the attenuated state
If you try to cancel the attenuation by pressing the button, press the volume increase instruction switch 4 before the timer times up.
Since the pressure of 0 is released, the determination in step 84 is NO.
It is determined that this is the case and returns to the beginning of the flow.

This allows you to instantly raise the volume by +12 dB from what you were previously listening to with a single touch, allowing you to enjoy playing music at a louder volume.

Further, the TI can confirm that the attenuation is currently off by the continuous lighting display on the display 44.

If the user presses the volume increase instruction switch 40 for a longer period of time when the user is already in the attenuated state, instead of pressing the volume increase instruction switch 40, the volume will change when the attenuation is canceled in the process of step 104 as described above. When it is determined that the pressing of the switch 40 is still insufficient, the micro combinator 36 then performs steps 82 to 86.
In the process of 50 (1*s), the timer is set to start counting, and it is determined whether or not the volume increase instruction switch 40 continues to be pressed until the time is up. Since the timer expires before it is released, the judgment in step 86 is YES.
At this time, the microcomputer 36 proceeds to step 106 and increases the volume control data P and the volume display control data Q by one unit to -64 dB, and these P,
Control the electronic polyneme 30 and display driver 42 with Q,
Change the volume and display to -64dB. Of course, the attenuated off state remains unchanged.

Subsequently, the microcomputer 36 sets a 60m5 timer to start counting, and determines whether or not the volume increase instruction switch 40 continues to be pressed until the timer expires (step 108.84.86).

When the user continues to press the volume increase instruction switch 40 because the user determines that the volume is still insufficient, time-up occurs again before the volume increase instruction switch 40 is released, and the determination in step 86 becomes YES, and the micro The computer 36 proceeds to step 106, increases the volume control data P and the volume display control data Q by one unit to -62 dB, controls the electronic volume 30 and display driver 42 with these P and Q, and adjusts the volume and display to the same level. Change it to 62dB.

Then, the 60+ms timer is set again to start counting, and it is determined whether or not the volume increase instruction switch 40 is continued to be pressed until the timer reaches the time limit (step 108).
84.86).

If the volume increase instruction switch 40 is still pressed, the volume and display change to 160 dB when the 60m5 timer times up in the same way as described above (step 106).

Immediately after that, if the user determines that the volume has reached an appropriate level and releases the pressure on the volume increase instruction switch 40, the volume increase instruction switch 40 may continue to be pressed until the timer elapses after the 60w5 timer is set. If the determination is NO, then step 108.84.
86), return to the beginning of the flow.

Next, when the user wants to continuously lower the volume from -60 dB and presses the volume reduction instruction switch for a relatively long time, the microcomputer 36 returns Y at step 62.
Determine ES, then check flag A to confirm that attenuation is not on, set n = 0, set the 500m5 timer to start timing, and check if the volume reduction instruction switch 38 continues to be pressed until the time is up. It is determined whether or not (steps 66 to 72).

In the present case, since the pressing duration of the volume reduction instruction switch 3B is long, a time-out occurs before the pressing ends. At this time, the microcomputer 36 increments n (step 8B), sets flag A to 1, and sets P=
The electronic volume 30 and display driver 42 are controlled by this P, and the volume output level is changed by -12 dB (the display level of the volume is -72 dB).
B), and attenuation is applied by blinking the volume graphic display to let the user visually confirm that attenuation has been turned on (step 90).

After confirming that n is 1 (step 9
1) Return to step 70, reset the 500m5 timer, measure the duration of pressing the volume reduction instruction switch 38, and determine whether or not the switch 38 is released before the timer elapses (step 70). .72)
.

Here, if the user thinks the volume is appropriate, the attenuated state will be maintained by releasing the pressure on the volume reduction instruction switch 38 as described above.
This time, since the user has not yet determined that the volume reduction is appropriate and continues to press the volume reduction instruction switch 38, the reset timer times out before it is detected that the switch 38 is released. (Y in step 72)
In this case, the process proceeds to step 88, where n is incremented to n=2 (step 8B), and then it is determined whether n is 1 without changing the attenuation state (step 90.91).

Since it is n-2, the microcomputer 36 is at step 91.
When the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step 110, and the volume control data P is unchanged from the attenuated state, and the volume output level remains at -72 dB, and the volume display data Q is changed to Q=Q-12 dB--72 dB. The display driver 42 is controlled by this Q, and the display level is set to -72 dB to match the volume output level. Then, the attenuated state is canceled by clearing the flag A and stopping the blinking of the volume display to keep it lit continuously.

The user can see that attenuation has been avoided by switching from the blinking display to the continuous lighting display.

After the processing in step 110, the microcomputer 36
The program proceeds to step 100, in which the volume control data P and the volume display control data Q are each decreased by one unit to -74 dB, and these P and Q control the electronic volume 30 and display driver 42 to bring the volume and display to the same level. Change it to 74dB.

Of course, attenuation remains off.

Next, the microcomputer 36 sets a 60m5 timer to start counting, and determines whether or not the volume reduction instruction switch 38 continues to be pressed until the timer expires (step 102.96.98).

When the user determines that the volume is still too high and continues to press the volume reduction instruction switch 38, the time-up again occurs before the pressure on the volume reduction instruction switch 38 is released, and the determination in step 98 becomes YES, and the microcomputer 36 proceeds to step 100 and decreases the volume control data P and the volume display control data Q by one unit to -76 dB, controls the electronic volume 30 and display driver 42 with these P and Q, and adjusts the volume and display to -76 dB. change to

Then, the 6 (1+s) timer is set again to start counting, and it is determined whether or not the volume reduction instruction switch 3B continues to be pressed until the timer reaches the time limit (step 102.
96.9B).

If the volume reduction instruction switch 38 is still pressed, the volume and display change to 178 dB when the 60m5 timer times up in the same way as described above (step 100).

Immediately after that, if the user determines that the volume has reached an appropriate level and releases the pressure on the volume reduction instruction switch 38, the pressure on the volume reduction instruction switch 38 continues until the timer elapses after the 60-3 timer is set. In step 102.96.
98), then returns to the beginning of the flow.

In this way, by continuously pressing the volume reduction instruction switch 38, a significant volume reduction of -12 dB or more can be easily achieved.

On the contrary, when the user wants to increase the volume continuously from -60 dB and presses the volume increase instruction switch 40 for a relatively long time, the microcomputer 36 determines YES in step 60, and then flags A. After checking that the attenuation is not on (step 78),
The volume control data P and the volume display control data Q are increased by one unit to -58 dB, and these P and Q control the electronic volume 30 and display driver 42 to change the volume and display to -58 dB (step 80 ).

Next, a 500m5 timer is set to start counting, and it is determined whether or not the volume increase instruction switch 40 continues to be pressed until the timer expires (steps 82 to 86).

In this case, the volume increase command switch 40 is pressed for a long time (because the volume increase command switch 40 continues to be pressed, a time-up occurs before the volume increase command switch 40 is released), so the determination in step 86 is YES, and in this case, the process proceeds to step 106. The sound and electric control data P and the volume display control data Q are increased by one unit to -56 dB, and these P and Q set the electronic volume to 30 dB.
controls the display driver 42 and adjusts the volume and display to -56 dB.
change to

Subsequently, the microcomputer 36 sets the 60a+s timer to start counting, and determines whether or not the volume increase instruction switch 40 continues to be pressed until the timer expires (step 10B, 84.86).

When the user continues to press the volume increase instruction switch 40 because the user determines that the volume is still insufficient, time-up occurs again before the volume increase instruction switch 40 is released, and the determination in step 86 becomes YES, and the micro The computer 36 proceeds to step 106, increases the volume control data P and the volume display control data Q by one unit to -54 dB, controls the electronic volume 30 and display driver 42 with these P and Q, and adjusts the volume and display to the same level. Change it to 54dB.

Then, the 60s+s timer is set again to start counting, and it is determined whether or not the volume increase instruction switch 40 is continued to be pressed until the time is up (step 10B,
84.86).

If the volume increase instruction switch 40 is still pressed, the volume and display change to -52 dB when the 60m5 timer times up in the same way as described above (step 106).

Immediately after that, if the user determines that the volume has reached an appropriate level and releases the pressure on the volume increase instruction switch 40, the volume increase instruction switch 40 may continue to be pressed until the timer elapses after the 60m5 timer is set. If the determination is NO, then step 108.84.
86), return to the beginning of the flow.

In this way, by continuously pressing the volume increase instruction switch 40, it is easy to greatly increase the volume.

According to this embodiment, in the non-attenuated state, the volume reduction instruction switch 38. Volume increase instruction switch 40 is 5
When Chisso is pressed for a time less than 00m5, the microcomputer 36 increases or decreases the volume control data P and volume display data Q by 1 unit and outputs the control data to the electronic volume 30 and display driver 42, changing the volume and display by 1 unit. If the volume reduction instruction switch 38 is pressed by 5000 or more while in the non-attenuated state, the microcomputer 36 immediately lowers the volume output level by -12 dB after 500 m5 has passed, and the volume display level is attenuated. The attenuated state is temporarily set by flashing the display at a level assumed not to be present, and when the pressure on the volume reduction instruction switch 38 is released immediately after reaching the aranated state, the attenuated state is maintained as it is, and the volume is increased in the attenuated state. When the instruction switch 40 is pressed, the microcomputer 36 suddenly increases the volume output level by +12 dB, changes the blinking volume display to a continuous display, and cancels the attenuated state, so that the volume decrease instruction switch is activated. With only two switches, 38 and volume increase instruction switch 40, both the normal volume increase/decrease operation and the on/off operation of attenuation at a predetermined level can be performed, and the number of switches is reduced to reduce costs and save space on the operation panel. In addition, even if you suddenly want to attenuate, you can simply press the familiar volume reduction switch 38, eliminating the need to search for a special switch to attenuate. Attenuation is applied by releasing the switch 38 when the volume has dropped significantly and the display blinks, making the operation extremely easy.Furthermore, the user can visually check whether the volume display is currently attenuated or not depending on whether it is blinking or continuously lit. However, it is necessary to memorize the on/off status of attenuation, and since the blinking display is performed at the level assuming that attenuation is not applied, the volume after cancellation can be known in advance, so the volume after cancellation is not known. There is no risk of being surprised by a loud volume due to inadvertent release.

Furthermore, if the volume reduction instruction switch 38 is continued to be pressed even after the volume reduction instruction switch 38 has been pressed for 500 m5 or more and becomes attenuated, the volume reduction instruction switch 38 will be pressed for 1 minute from the start of the press.
After 8 lapses, the microcomputer 36 makes the display level match the volume output level while keeping the volume output level the same as in the attenuated state, changes the blinking display to a continuous display, cancels the attenuated state, and then releases the attenuated state. As time elapses, the volume decreases continuously at intervals of 60m5, and conversely, when the volume increase instruction switch 40 is pressed for 500m5 or more in a non-attenuated state, the volume increases continuously at intervals of 60+*s as the pressing time elapses. Even if the volume increase instruction switch 40 is pressed in the attenuated state to release the attenuated state, and the switch 40 continues to be pressed for 500 m5 or more, the volume will be increased continuously at 6 ONS intervals as the pressing time elapses. By doing so, the volume can be continuously changed by simply pressing and holding the switch regardless of whether or not the attenuated state has been established, which is convenient when making a large volume change.

Furthermore, when the volume reduction instruction switch 38 is pressed for a time less than 500111 seconds in the attenuated state, the microcomputer 36 further reduces the volume output level and the volume display level by 1 while maintaining the attenuated state.
unit, and when the volume reduction instruction switch 38 is pressed for 500m5 or more in the attenuated state, the volume output level and display level are continuously decreased while maintaining the attenuated state, and the volume decreases by 1 unit in the attenuated state. It is possible to decrease the volume every time or continuously decrease the volume,
The volume can be easily lowered when the initial attenuation alone is insufficient to lower the volume. Moreover, the volume can be easily returned to near the original volume by canceling the attenuation by pressing the volume increase instruction switch 4o.

In the above embodiment, the attenuated state was made visible by changing the volume display from a continuous lighting state to a blinking display state, but this may be done by other display changes such as changing the display color. The attenuation amount is not limited to -12 dB, but may be -10 dB, -15 dB, etc.
Of course, −20 dB or the like may be used.

Also, the volume reduction instruction switch 38. As the volume increase instruction switch 40, a push button switch, a touch key, or the like may be selected and used as appropriate.

〔Effect of the invention〕

According to this invention, when the volume reduction means is operated in a non-attenuated state, the duration of the operation is measured, and when the continuation of the operation ends before the first predetermined time elapses, the volume is reduced to 1.
unit, and when the continuation of the operation exceeds the first predetermined time, the volume is reduced by a predetermined attenuation amount greater than one unit to enter the attenuated state, and when the volume increasing means is operated in the attenuated state, By increasing the volume by the predetermined attenuation amount and canceling the attenuation state, it is possible to turn on/off the normal volume increase means and attenuation at a predetermined level using only two operating means, the volume reduction means and the volume increase means. By reducing the number of operating means, you can reduce costs and reduce the burden on the space on the operating panel, and even if you suddenly want to attenuate, you can simply operate the familiar volume reduction means. There is no need to search for a special operation means for performing attenuation, and the operation is easy.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an amplifier with an electronic volume control device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing the operation of the microcomputer in FIG. 1, and FIG.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a conventional amplifier with an electronic volume control device. 30: electronic volume, 36: microcomputer, 38: volume decrease instruction switch, 40: volume increase instruction switch, 42: display driver, 44: display. Figure 1 (1→ Figure 3

Claims (2)

[Claims] (1) In a volume adjustment method in which the volume adjustment means is controlled and the volume is adjusted according to the operation of the volume reduction operation means and the volume increase operation means, if the volume reduction means is operated in a non-attenuated state, the duration of operation is measured. , when the continuation of the operation ends before the first predetermined time elapses, the volume is decreased by one unit, and when the continuation of the operation exceeds the first predetermined time, the volume is decreased by a predetermined attenuation amount greater than one unit. If the volume increase means is operated in the attenuated state,
A volume adjustment method comprising: increasing the volume by the predetermined attenuation amount to release the attenuated state. (2) In a volume adjustment method in which the volume adjustment means is controlled and the volume is adjusted according to the operation of the volume reduction operation means and the volume increase operation means, if the volume reduction means is operated in a non-attenuated state, the duration of operation is measured. , when the continuation of the operation ends before the first predetermined time elapses, the volume is decreased by one unit, and when the continuation of the operation exceeds the first predetermined time, the volume is decreased by a predetermined attenuation amount greater than one unit. If the volume reduction means is operated in the attenuated state,
Decrease the volume by one unit while in the attenuated state, increase the volume by one unit if the volume increase means is operated in the non-attenuated state, and increase the volume by one unit if the volume increase means is operated in the attenuated state.
A volume adjustment method characterized in that the attenuation state is canceled by increasing the attenuation amount by the predetermined attenuation amount.