Audio signal adjusting apparatus

An audio signal adjusting apparatus for adjusting raw audio signals to produce adjusted audio signals, comprises an audio signal adjusting unit for adjusting the raw audio signals and operably connected with loudspeakers for producing audio sounds that collectively originated from an imaginary sound source. The imaginary sound source is imagined to produce the audio sounds at a location spaced apart from each of the loudspeakers. A controlling unit allows each of the raw audio signals to be adjusted in response to a location control signal indicative of the location of the imaginary sound source. A pointer image producing unit produces a pointer image indicative of the location of the imaginary sound source. A superimposing unit is designed to superimpose the pointer image on a portion of a screen image after receiving a video signal from a video signal producing unit in response to the location control signal.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an audio signal adjusting apparatus, and more particularly to an audio signal adjusting apparatus for adjusting a plurality of raw audio signals to produce a plurality of adjusted audio signals, and operably connected with a plurality of loudspeakers for respectively producing a plurality of audio sounds indicative of the adjusted audio signals in a specific sound space, the audio sounds being collectively originated from at least one imaginary sound source.

2. Description of the Related Art

Up until now, there have been provided a wide variety of audio signal adjusting apparatus of this type one typical example of which is shown inFIG. 24. The conventional audio signal adjusting apparatus of this type is disclosed in the Publication of Japanese Patent No. 2906539. and shown inFIG. 24. The conventional audio signal adjusting apparatus10is shown inFIG. 24as comprising a receiving means11for receiving a plurality of raw audio signals, audio signals adjusting means12for adjusting the raw audio signals received by the receiving means11to produce a plurality of adjusted audio signals, a plurality of loudspeakers13aand13bfor respectively producing a plurality of audio sounds indicative of the adjusted audio signals adjusted by the audio signals adjusting means12in a specific sound space, the audio sounds being collectively originated from at least one imaginary sound source, the imaginary sound source appearing to produce the audio sounds at the predetermined location, and controlling means14for controlling the audio signals adjusting means12to allow each of the raw audio signals to be adjusted by the audio signals adjusting means12.

When the conventional audio signal adjusting apparatus10is operated by an operator to adjust the raw audio signals in association with a screen image displayed by a first display unit on a first screen, the operator must judge whether or not the imaginary sound source appears to produce the audio sounds at the predetermined location requested by the operator.

The conventional audio signal adjusting apparatus10may further comprise a second display unit having a second screen to display an screen image indicative of the predetermined location of the imaginary sound source on the second screen. The operator, therefore, may judge whether or not the imaginary sound source appears to produce the audio sounds at the predetermined location requested by the operator based on the screen image displayed by the second display unit on the second screen. The conventional audio signal adjusting apparatus10requires at least two different operations consisting of judging and watching operations by an operator. The operator must judge whether or not the imaginary sound source appears to produce the audio sounds at the location requested by the operator under the condition that the raw audio sounds are respectively produced by the previously mentioned conventional audio signal adjusting apparatus in the judging operation.

The operator is required to watch both the first and second screens on the former of which the screen image in association with the audio sounds is displayed by the first display unit and on the latter of which the location of the imaginary sound source is displayed by the second display unit in the watching operation. Furthermore, the operator finds it difficult to judge whether or not the imaginary sound source produces the audio sounds at the location requested by the operator under the condition that the raw audio sounds are respectively produced by the previously mentioned conventional audio signal adjusting apparatus while watching the first and second screens.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide an audio signal adjusting apparatus which can easily adjust the audio signals at a relatively high quality.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an audio signal adjusting apparatus for respectively adjusting a plurality of raw audio signals each having a raw signal level to produce a plurality of adjusted audio signals each having an adjusted signal level, comprising: audio signal adjusting means for respectively adjusting the raw audio signals to produce the adjusted audio signals, and to be operably connected with a plurality of loudspeakers for respectively producing a plurality of audio sounds in a specific sound space, the audio sounds being respectively indicative of the adjusted audio signals, and collectively originated from at least one imaginary sound source having a width, the imaginary sound source being imagined to produce the audio sounds at a location spaced apart from each of the loudspeakers; location control signal producing means for producing a location control signal indicative of the location of the imaginary sound source; controlling means for controlling the audio signal adjusting means to allow each of the raw audio signals to be adjusted by the audio signal adjusting means in response to the location control signal produced by the location control signal producing means; pointer image producing means for producing a pointer image indicative of the location of the imaginary sound source; and superimposing means to be operably connected with video signal producing means for producing a video signal having a screen image having a portion in association with the location of the imaginary sound source, designed to superimpose the pointer image produced by the pointer image producing means on the portion of the screen image after receiving the video signal from the video signal producing means in response to the location control signal produced by the location control signal producing means, and to be operably connected with display means having a screen to display the screen image on the screen after receiving the video signal from the superimposing means.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an audio signal adjusting apparatus for respectively adjusting a plurality of raw audio signals each having a raw signal level to produce a plurality of adjusted audio signals each having an adjusted signal level, comprising: a plurality of loudspeakers for respectively producing a plurality of audio sounds in a specific sound space, the audio sounds being respectively indicative of the adjusted audio signals, and collectively originated from at least one imaginary sound source having a width, the imaginary sound source being imagined to produce the audio sounds at a location spaced apart from each of the loudspeakers; location control signal producing means for producing a location control signal indicative of the location of the imaginary sound source; audio signal adjusting means for respectively adjusting the raw audio signals to produce the adjusted audio signal to be outputted to each of the loudspeakers; controlling means for controlling the audio signal adjusting means to allow each of the raw audio signals to be adjusted by the audio signal adjusting means in response to the location control signal produced by the location control signal producing means; a video signal input terminal having a video signal in association with each of the raw audio signals inputted therein, the video signal having a screen image, the screen image having a portion in association with the location of the imaginary sound source; display means having a screen to display the screen image on the screen after receiving the video signal from the video signal input terminal; pointer image producing means for producing a pointer image indicative of the location of the imaginary sound source; and superimposing means for superimposing the pointer image produced by the pointer image producing means on the portion of the screen image to be displayed by the display means on the screen in response to the location control signal produced by the location control signal producing means.

The audio signal adjusting apparatus may further comprise width control signal producing means for producing a width control signal indicative of the width of the imaginary sound source, the controlling means being operative to control the audio signal adjusting means to allow each of the raw audio signals to be adjusted by the audio signal adjusting means in response to each of the location control signal produced by the location control signal producing means and the width control signal produced by the width control signal producing means.

The audio signal adjusting apparatus may further comprise deciding means for deciding whether or not the pointer image produced by the pointer image producing means is superimposed by the superimposing means on the portion of the screen image to be displayed by the display means on the screen, the superimposing means being operative to superimpose the pointer image produced by the pointer image producing means on the portion of the screen image to be displayed by the display means on the screen based on results decided by the deciding means.

The audio signal adjusting apparatus may further comprise audio signal recording means operably connected with video signal recording means having an operation timing to record the video signal received through the video signal input terminal, and designed to record the adjusted audio signals adjusted by the audio signal adjusting means in synchronization with the operation timing of the video signal recording means.

The controlling means may include a control signal converting unit for respectively converting the location control signal produced by the location control signal producing means and the width control signal produced by the width control signal producing means to location information indicative of the location of the imaginary sound source and width information indicative of the width of the imaginary sound source, a signal level ratio producing unit for producing a signal level ratio of each of the adjusted signal levels of the adjusted audio signals to each of the raw signal levels of the raw audio signals based on the location information and the width information converted by the control signal converting unit, and a delay time information producing unit for producing delay time information with respect to a delay time for each of the raw audio signals based on the location information and the width information received from the control signal converting unit; and the audio signal adjusting means including a plurality of signal level adjusting unit for respectively adjusting the raw signal levels of the raw audio signals based on the signal level ratio of each of the adjusted signal levels of the adjusted audio signals to each of the raw signal levels of the raw audio signals produced by the signal level ratio producing unit, and a plurality of delay unit for respectively delaying the raw audio signals along a time axis in response to the delay time information produced by the delay time information producing unit.

The audio signal adjusting apparatus may further comprise a chart image producing means for producing a chart image indicative of the specific sound space having a predetermined central location and a first distance between the predetermined central location and the location of the imaginary sound source, the chart image having two different points consisting of first and second points, the first point being indicative of the predetermined central location of the specific sound space, the second point being indicative of the location of the imaginary sound source, and a second distance between the first point and the second point, the aid screen image to be displayed by the display means on the screen having a predetermined portion, the superimposing means being operative to superimpose the chart image produced by the chart image producing means on the predetermined portion of the screen image to be displayed by the display means on the screen in response to the location control signal produced by the location control signal producing means.

The chart image producing means may be operative to produce the chart image having a marker indicative of the imaginary sound source, the marker having a shape indicative of the width of the imaginary sound source.

The pointer image producing means may include a pointer image producing unit for producing the pointer image having a shape indicative of the width of the imaginary sound source and a pointer image modifying unit for modifying the shape of the pointer image produced by the pointer image producing unit in response to each of the location control signal produced by the location control signal producing means and the width control signal produced by the width control signal producing means; and the superimposing means being operative to superimpose the pointer image modified by the pointer image modifying unit on the portion of the screen image to be displayed by the display means on the screen.

The pointer image producing unit may be operative to produce the pointer image having a color in association with the location of the imaginary sound source; the pointer image modifying unit being operative to modify the color of the pointer image produced by the pointer image producing unit in response to the location control signal produced by the location control signal producing means; and the superimposing means being operative to superimpose the pointer image modified by the pointer image modifying unit on the portion of the screen image to be displayed by the display means on the screen.

The audio signal adjusting apparatus may further comprise first scale information producing means for producing a first scale information about an adjustment for the location control signal; storing means for storing the first scale information produced by the first scale information producing means; and judging means for judging whether or not the first scale information produced by the first scale information producing means are stored by the storing means, and the storing means being operative to store the first scale information produced by the first scale information producing means based on results judged by the judging means.

The audio signal adjusting apparatus may further comprise second scale information producing means for producing a second scale information about an adjustment for the width control signal; the storing means being store each of the first scale information produced by the first scale information producing means and the second scale information produced by the second scale information producing means, the judging means being operative to judge whether or not each of the first scale information produced by the first scale information producing means and the second scale information produced by the second scale information producing means is stored by the storing means; and the storing means being operative to store each of the first scale information produced by the first scale information producing means and the second scale information produced by the second scale information producing means based on results judged by the judging means.

The signal level ratio producing unit may be operative to produce the signal level ratio of each of the adjusted signal levels of the adjusted audio signals to each of the raw signal levels of the raw audio signals based on the location information and the width information received from the control signal converting unit; and the delay time information producing unit being operative to produce the delay time information with respect to the delay time for each of the raw audio signals based on the location information and the width information received from the control signal converting unit.

The pointer image producing unit may be operative to produce the pointer image based on the location information converted by the control signal converting unit, the width information converted by the control signal converting unit, and each of the first scale information and the second scale information stored by the storing means; and the chart image producing means being operative to produce the chart image based on the location information converted by the control signal converting unit, the width information converted by the control signal converting unit, and each of the first scale information and the second scale information stored by the storing means.

The first scale information producing means may be constituted by a first joystick unit having a joystick and an operation surface, the joystick having a central axis and a central point located on the central axis, and the joystick being pivotable around the central axis at a variable inclination angle between the central axis and the operation surface in association with first scale information, and the first joystick unit being operative to produce the first scale information in response to the inclination angle; the location control signal producing means being constituted by a second joystick unit having a joystick and an operation surface, the joystick having a central axis and a central point located on the central axis, and the joystick being pivotable around the central axis at a variable inclination angle between the central axis and the operation surface in association with the location of the imaginary sound source, and the first joystick unit being operative to produce the location control signal in response to the inclination angle; the pointer image producing means being operative to produce the pointer image through steps of producing the pointer image in response to the location control signal produced by the first joystick unit, and adjusting the pointer image in response to the first scale information produced by the joystick unit when the first scale information is produced by the first joystick unit under the condition that the joystick of the second joystick unit is disposed at a predetermined inclination angle; and the audio signal adjusting means being operative to adjust each of the raw audio signals to produce the adjusted audio signal to be outputted to each of the loudspeakers in response to each of the first scale information produced by the first joystick unit and the location control signal produced by the second joystick unit when the first scale information is produced by the first joystick unit under the condition that the joystick of the second joystick unit is disposed at a predetermined inclination angle.

The width control signal producing means may be constituted by a first potentiometer having a rotatable central axis, the first potentiometer being operative to produce the width control signal varied in response to a rotation angle of the central axis; the second scale information producing means being constituted by a second potentiometer having a rotatable central axis, the second potentiometer being operative to produce the second scale information varied in response to a rotation angle of the central axis; the pointer image producing means being operative to produce the pointer image through steps of producing the pointer image in response to the width control signal produced by the first potentiometer, and adjusting the pointer image in response to the second scale information produced by the second potentiometer when the second scale information is produced by the second potentiometer under the condition that the central axis of the first potentiometer is disposed at a predetermined rotation angle; and the audio signal adjusting means being operative to adjust each of the raw audio signals to produce the adjusted audio signal to be outputted to each of the loudspeakers in response to the second scale information produced by the second potentiometer when the second scale information is produced by the second potentiometer under the condition that the central axis of the first potentiometer is disposed at a predetermined rotation angle.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description will be directed to a preferred embodiment of the audio signal adjusting apparatus according to the present invention.

The preferred embodiment of the audio signal adjusting apparatus according to the present invention will now be described with reference toFIGS. 1 to 23.

The construction of the audio signal adjusting apparatus according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention will firstly be described.

Referring toFIG. 1, there is shown an audio signal adjusting apparatus100for respectively adjusting a plurality of raw audio signals to produce a plurality of adjusted audio signals, each of the raw audio signals having an raw phase angle and an raw signal level, and each of the adjusted audio signals having an adjusted phase angle and an adjusted signal level.

The sound signal adjusting apparatus100is shown inFIG. 1as comprising audio signal producing means101for producing a plurality of raw audio signals; a plurality of loudspeakers111,112, . . . , and113for respectively producing a plurality of audio sounds in a specific sound space, the audio sounds being respectively indicative of the adjusted audio signals, and collectively originated from at least one imaginary sound source having a width, the imaginary sound source being imagined to produce the audio sounds at a location spaced apart from each of the loudspeakers111,112, . . . , and113; location control signal producing means151for producing a location control signal indicative of the location of the imaginary sound source; audio signal adjusting means120for adjusting each of the raw audio signals to produce the adjusted audio signal to be outputted to each of the loudspeakers; controlling means170for controlling the audio signal adjusting means120to allow each of the raw audio signals to be adjusted by the audio signal adjusting means120in response to the location control signal produced by the location control signal producing means151; a video signal input terminal103having a video signal in association with each of the raw audio signals, the video signal having a screen image, the screen image having a portion in association with the location of the imaginary sound source; display means142having a screen210to display the screen image on the screen210after receiving the video signal from the video signal input terminal103; pointer image producing means130for producing a pointer image indicative of the location of the imaginary sound source; and superimposing means141for superimposing the pointer image produced by the pointer image producing means130on the portion of the screen image to be displayed by the display means142on the screen in response to the location control signal produced by the location control signal producing means151, audio signal recording means191operably connected with video signal recording means192having an operation timing to record the video signal produced by the video signal producing means102, and designed to record the adjusted audio signals adjusted by the audio signal adjusting means120in synchronization with the operation timing of the video signal recording means192.

The loudspeakers111,112, . . . , and113, as shown inFIG. 2, are respectively disposed on a circumferential line of a predetermined circle having a central location201in the specific sound space.

The image screen210has a predetermined location spaced apart from the central location201. The display means142is constituted by a video projector to display the video image on the image screen210.

The audio signal adjusting apparatus100further comprise width control signal producing means161for producing a width control signal indicative of the width of the imaginary sound source, the controlling means170being operative to control the audio signal adjusting means120to allow each of the raw audio signals to be adjusted by the audio signal adjusting means120in response to each of the location control signal produced by the location control signal producing means151and the width control signal produced by the width control signal producing means161.

The audio signal adjusting means120, as shown inFIG. 3, is operative to respectively adjust the raw audio signals to produce the adjusted audio signals, each of the raw audio signals having a raw phase angle and a raw signal level, each of the adjusted audio signals having an adjusted phase angle and an adjusted signal level; the controlling means170including an control signal converting unit171for respectively converting the location control signal produced by the location control signal producing means151and the width control signal produced by the width control signal producing means152to location information indicative of the location of the imaginary sound source and width information indicative of the width of the imaginary sound source, a signal level ratio producing unit172for producing a signal level ratio of each of the adjusted signal levels of the adjusted audio signals to each of the raw signal levels of the raw audio signals based on the location information and the width information converted by the control signal converting unit171, and a delay time information producing unit173for producing delay time information with respect to a delay time for each of the raw audio signals based on the location information and the width information received from the control signal converting unit170.

The control signal converting unit171is operative to respectively convert the location control signal produced by the location control signal producing means151and the width control signal produced by the width control signal producing means152to the location information (d, θ) indicative of the location of the imaginary sound source and the width information “w” indicative of the width of the imaginary sound source, the legend “d”, as shown inFIG. 5, being indicative of a distance between the central location201of the specific sound space and the location of the imaginary sound source500. The legend “θ” being indicative of a direction angle between first and second straight lines, the first straight line connecting the central location201of the specific sound space and the location of the imaginary sound source500, the second straight line being indicative of a predetermined base line, for example, “x” axis.

The signal level ratio producing unit172is operative to produce the signal level ratio of each of the adjusted signal levels of the adjusted audio signals to each of the raw signal levels of the raw audio signals based on the location information (d, θ) converted by the control signal converting unit171and the width information “w” converted by the control signal converting unit171.

The delay time information producing unit173is operative to produce delay time information with respect to a delay time for each of the raw audio signals based on the location information (d, θ) converted by the control signal converting unit171and the width information “w” converted by the control signal converting unit171.

The audio signal adjusting means120, as shown inFIG. 2, includes a plurality of signal level adjusting unit121for respectively adjusting the raw signal levels of the raw audio signals based on the signal level ratio of each of the adjusted signal levels of the adjusted audio signals to each of the raw signal levels of the raw audio signals produced by the signal level ratio producing unit172, and a plurality of delay unit122for respectively delaying the raw audio signals along a time axis in response to the delay time information produced by the delay time information producing unit173.

The audio signal adjusting apparatus100further comprises width control signal producing means152for producing a width control signal indicative of the width of the imaginary sound source and deciding means153for deciding whether or not the pointer image produced by the pointer image producing means130is superimposed by the superimposing means141on the portion of the screen image to be displayed by the display means142on the screen, the controlling means170being operative to control the audio signal adjusting means120to allow each of the raw audio signals to be adjusted by the audio signal adjusting means120in response to each of the location control signal produced by the location control signal producing means151and the width control signal produced by the width control signal producing means152, and the superimposing means141being operative to superimpose the pointer image produced by the pointer image producing means130on the portion of the screen image to be displayed by the display means142on the screen based on results decided by the deciding means153.

The audio signal adjusting apparatus100further comprises first scale information producing means161for producing a first scale information about an adjustment of the location control signal; second scale information producing means162for producing a second scale information about an adjustment of the width control signal; storing means180for storing each of the first scale information produced by the first scale information producing means161and the second scale information produced by the second scale information producing means162; and judging means163for judging whether or not the first scale information produced by the first scale information producing means161are stored by the storing means180, the storing means180being operative to store the first scale information produced by the first scale information producing means161based on results judged by the judging means163.

The first scale information producing means161is constituted by a first joystick unit161having a joystick and an operation surface, the joystick having a central axis and a central point located on the central axis, and the joystick being pivotable around the central axis at a variable inclination angle between the central axis and the operation surface in association with first scale information, and the first joystick unit being operative to produce the first scale information in response to the inclination angle; the location control signal producing means151being constituted by a second joystick unit151having a joystick and an operation surface, the joystick having a central axis and a central point located on the central axis, and the joystick being pivotable around the central axis at a variable inclination angle between the central axis and the operation surface in association with the location of the imaginary sound source, and the first joystick unit151being operative to produce the location control signal in response to the inclination angle; the pointer image producing means130being operative to produce the pointer image through steps of producing the pointer image in response to the location control signal produced by the first joystick unit151, and adjusting the pointer image in response to the first scale information produced by the first joystick unit161when the first scale information is produced by the first joystick unit161under the condition that the joystick of the second joystick unit151is disposed at a predetermined inclination angle; and the audio signal adjusting means120being operative to adjust each of the raw audio signals to produce the adjusted audio signal to be outputted to each of the loudspeakers111,112, and113in response to each of the first scale information produced by the first joystick unit161and the location control signal produced by the second joystick unit151when the first scale information is produced by the first joystick unit161under the condition that the joystick of the second joystick unit151is disposed at a predetermined inclination angle.

The width control signal producing means152is constituted by a first potentiometer152having a rotatable central axis, the first potentiometer152being operative to produce the width control signal varied in response to a rotation angle of the central axis; the second scale information producing means162being constituted by a second potentiometer162having a rotatable central axis, the second potentiometer162being operative to produce the second scale information varied in response to a rotation angle of the central axis; the pointer image producing means130being operative to produce the pointer image through steps of producing the pointer image in response to the width control signal produced by the first potentiometer152, and adjusting the pointer image in response to the second scale information produced by the second potentiometer162when the second scale information is produced by the second potentiometer162under the condition that the central axis of the first potentiometer152is disposed at a predetermined rotation angle; and the audio signal adjusting means120being operative to adjust each of the raw audio signals to produce the adjusted audio signal to be outputted to each of the loudspeakers111,112, and113in response to the second scale information produced by the second potentiometer162when the second scale information is produced by the second potentiometer162under the condition that the central axis of the first potentiometer152is disposed at a predetermined rotation angle.

The location control signal producing means151, the width control signal producing means152, and deciding means153are respectively constituted by the first joystick unit151, the second potentiometer152, and a first switch153. The first joystick unit151, the second potentiometer152, and the first switch153, as shown inFIG. 4, are collectively constitute a first inputting means150.

The first scale information producing means161, the second scale information producing means162, and the judging means163are respectively constituted by the second joystick unit161, the first potentiometer162, and a second switch163. The second joystick unit161, the first potentiometer162, and the second switch163, as shown inFIG. 4, are collectively constitute a second inputting means160. The first joystick unit151forming part of the first inputting means150is the same as the second joystick unit161forming part of second inputting means160. The first controller152forming part of the first inputting means150is the same as the second controller162forming part of second inputting means160.

FIG. 6shows the screen image displayed on the screen by the display means142forming part of the audio signals adjusting means100according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The display means142, as shown inFIG. 6, is operative to display the screen image on the screen after receiving the video signal having the screen image from the video signal producing means102through the video signal input terminal103.

The audio signal adjusting apparatus100further comprises a chart image producing means140for producing a chart image indicative of the specific sound space having a predetermined central location and a first distance between the predetermined central location and the location of the imaginary sound source, the chart image having two different points consisting of first and second points, the first point being indicative of the predetermined central location of the specific sound space, the second point being indicative of the location of the imaginary sound source, and a second distance between the first point and the second point, the screen image to be displayed by the display means142on the screen having a predetermined portion, the superimposing means141being operative to superimpose the chart image produced by the chart image producing means140on the predetermined portion of the screen image to be displayed by the display means142on the screen in response to the location control signal produced by the location control signal producing means151.

FIG. 8is a schematic diagram showing the screen image on which the pointer image is superimposed by the superimposing means forming part of the audio signal adjusting apparatus according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

The pointer image producing means130includes a pointer image producing unit131for producing the pointer image having a shape indicative of the width of the imaginary sound source and a pointer image modifying unit132for modifying the shape of the pointer image produced by the pointer image producing unit131in response to each of the location control signal produced by the location control signal producing means151and the width control signal produced by the width control signal producing means152; and the superimposing means141, as shown inFIG. 8, being operative to superimpose the pointer image modified by the pointer image modifying unit132on the portion of the screen image to be displayed by the display means142on the screen210.

The pointer image producing unit131is operative to produce the pointer image having a color in association with the location of the imaginary sound source; the pointer image modifying unit132being operative to modify the color of the pointer image produced by the pointer image producing unit131in response to the location control signal produced by the location control signal producing means151; and the superimposing means141being operative to superimpose the pointer image modified by the pointer image modifying unit132on the portion of the screen image to be displayed by the display means142on the screen210.

The pointer image producing unit131is operative to produce the pointer image based on the location information (d, θ) converted by the control signal converting unit171, the width information “w” converted by the control signal converting unit171, and each of the first scale information and the second scale information stored by the storing means180; the chart image producing means140being operative to produce the chart image based on the location information converted by the control signal converting unit171, the width information converted by the control signal converting unit171, and each of the first scale information and the second scale information stored by the storing means180.

FIG. 7shows the screen image on which each of the pointer image711and the chart image720is superimposed by the superimposing means141. The chart image720, as shown inFIG. 7, has a radar chart indicative of the specific sound space, the radar chart having a circumferential line on which each of the loudspeakers111,112, . . . , and113is disposed, a plurality of concentric circles collectively having a common central point indicative of the predetermined central location of the specific sound space, a plurality of straight lines each extending to pass through the common central point of the concentric circles, and a marker indicative of the imaginary sound source, the marker having a source shape indicative of the width of the imaginary sound source, a source point indicative of the location of the imaginary sound source.

The following description will be directed to a process performed by the audio signal adjusting apparatus100according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention with reference toFIG. 23.

The location control signal indicative of the location of the imaginary sound source and the width control signal indicative of the width of the imaginary sound source are firstly respectively produced by the location control signal producing means151and the width control signal producing means152in the step S001.

The location control signal produced by the location control signal producing means151and the width control signal produced by the width control signal producing means152are then respectively converted by the control signal converting unit171to location information (d, θ) indicative of the location of the imaginary sound source and width information “w” indicative of the width of the imaginary sound source in the step S002.

The signal level ratio of the adjusted signal level of each of the adjusted audio signals to the raw signal level of each of the raw audio signals (hereinafter referred to simply as “signal coefficients”) and the delay time information for each of the raw audio signals are then respectively produced by the signal level ratio producing unit172and the delay time information producing unit173based on the location information and the width information converted by the control signal converting unit171in the step S003.

The raw signal levels of the raw audio signals are then respectively adjusted by each of the signal level adjusting units121and the delay unit122to produce the adjusted signal levels of the adjusted audio signals based on the signal coefficients produced by the signal level ratio producing unit172and delay time information for each of the raw audio signals delay time information producing unit173while the adjusted audio signals adjusted by the audio signal adjusting means120are respectively recorded by the audio signal recording means191in synchronization with the operation timing of the video signal recording means192in the step S004.

The audio sounds are then respectively produced by the loudspeakers111,112, . . . , and113in response to the adjusted audio signals adjusted by the audio signal adjusting means120in the step S005.

The pointer image indicative of the imaginary sound source is then produced by the pointer image producing unit131in response to each of the location information (d, θ) and width information “w” converted by the control signal converting unit171, the color and the shape of the pointer image produced by the pointer image producing unit131being then respectively modified by the pointer image modifying unit132in response to each of the location information (d, θ) and width information “w” converted by the control signal converting unit171. The chart image indicative of the specific sound space is then produced by the chart image producing means140in response to the location information (d, θ) converted by the control signal converting unit171, the width information “w” converted by the control signal converting unit171, and each of the first scale information and the second scale information stored by the storing means180in the step S006.

The decision is then made by the deciding unit133whether or not each of the pointer image produced by the pointer image producing unit131and the chart image produced by the chart image producing means140is superimposed by the superimposing means141on the predetermined portion of the screen image to be displayed by the display means142on the screen in the step S007. When the answer in the step S007is the affirmative “YES”, i.e., each of the pointer image produced by the pointer image producing unit131and the chart image produced by the chart image producing means140is superimposed by the superimposing means141on the predetermined portion of the screen image to be displayed by the display means142on the screen, the step S007proceeds the step S008. When the answer in the step S007, on the other hand, is the negative “NO”, i.e., each of the pointer image produced by the pointer image producing unit131and the chart image produced by the chart image producing means140is not superimposed by the superimposing means141on the predetermined portion of the screen image to be displayed by the display means142on the screen, the step S007goes to the step S001.

The pointer image produced by the pointer image producing unit131and the chart image produced by the chart image producing means140are then respectively superimposed by the superimposing means141the screen image to be displayed by the display means142on the screen based on results decided by the deciding unit133in the step S008.

The following description will be directed to the step S003performed by the audio signal adjusting apparatus100according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

The baseline902extending to pass through the central location900, as shown inFIG. 9, is firstly obtained by the signal level ratio producing unit (172) in response to the location information (d, θ) converted by the control signal converting unit (171).

The loudspeakers911,912,913,922,923,931,932,933,941,942, . . . , and943is then divided into two different groups consisting of first and second groups based on the baseline obtained by the signal level ratio producing unit (172), the first group including loudspeakers911,912,913,941,942, . . . , and943, the second group including loudspeakers921,922,923,931,932, . . . , and933.

The combination of the loudspeakers (Sa[1], Sb[1]), (Sa[2], Sb[2]), . . . , and (Sa[i], Sb[i]) are then respectively obtained by the signal level ratio producing unit (172) based on the first group and the second group. Similarly, the combination of the loudspeakers (Sc[1], Sd[1]), (Sc[2], Sd[2]), . . . , and (Sc[i], Sd[i]) are then respectively obtained by the signal level ratio producing unit (172) based on the first group and the second group.

The direction angle between the baseline902and the straight line connecting the central location900and the location of each of the loudspeakers911,912,913,922,923,931,932,933,941,942, . . . , and943is then obtained by the signal level ratio producing unit (172).

The first signal coefficients (Pa[1], Pb[1]), (Pa[2], Pb[2]), . . . and (Pa[i], Pb[i]) are, as shown inFIG. 10, then respectively obtained by the signal level ratio producing unit (172) based on the direction angles (θa[1], θb[1]), (θa[2], θb[2]), . . . and (θa[i], θb[i]) and the predetermined normal distribution function. Similarly, the second signal coefficients (Pc[1], Pd[1]), (Pc[2], Pd[2]), . . . and (Pc[i], Pd[i]) are then respectively obtained by the signal level ratio producing unit (172) based on the direction angles (θc[1], θd[1]), (θc[2], θd[2]), . . . and (θc[i], θd [i]) and the predetermined normal distribution function.

The first total amount “Pab” of the first signal coefficients (Pa[1], Pb[1]), (Pa[2], Pb[2]), . . . and (Pa[i], Pb[i]) and the second total amount “Pcd” of the second signal coefficients (Pc[1], Pd[1]), (Pc[2], Pd[2]), . . . and (Pc[i], Pd[i]) are then respectively obtained by the signal level ratio producing unit (172), each of the first signal coefficients (Pa[1], Pb[1]), (Pa[2], Pb[2]), . . . and (Pa[i], Pb[i]) and each of the second signal coefficients (Pc[1], Pd[1]), (Pc[2], Pd[2]), . . . and (Pc[i], Pd[i]) are respectively adjusted by the signal level ratio producing unit (172) based on the equation 1 and the ratio of the first total amount “Pab” to the second total amount “Pcd”.
Pab: Pcd=1: (rmax−d)/rmax(equation 1)
Here, the legend “rmax” is indicative of the maximum value of the distance between the central location900and the location of each of the loudspeakers911,912,913,922,923,931,932,933,941,942, . . . , and943, i.e., rmax=r under the condition that the loudspeakers911,912,913,922,923,931,932,933,941,942, . . . , and943are disposed on the circumferential line of the predetermined circle having the radius “r”.

The signal coefficients are finally produced by the signal level ratio producing unit (172) under the condition that the total amount vout[decibel] of the power values of the adjusted audio signals is equal to the total amount Vin[decibel] of the power values of the raw audio signals, i.e., the following equation 2.

Vin=∑j=1M⁢10^(vout⁡[j]/10)(equation 2)
Here, the legend “M” is equal to the total number of the loudspeakers911,912,913,922,923,931,932,933,941,942, . . . , and943.

If the loudspeaker1100, as shown inFIG. 11, can not be disposed on the circumferential line of the predetermined circle having the radius “r”, the delay time t[j] is obtained by the delay time information producing unit173by using the following equation 3 under the condition that the loudspeakers are respectively disposed on the circumferential line of the circle having the radius “rmax”.
t[j]=(rmax−r[j])/v0(equation 3)
Here, the legend “r[j]” is indicative of the distance between the central location1100and the location of the loudspeaker1110, and the legend “v0” is indicative of the sound velocity.

The following description will be directed to the step S006performed by the audio signal adjusting apparatus100according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

The portion of the screen image on which the pointer image is superimposed the superimposing means141is shown inFIG. 12. It is assumed that the screen210having a width “sw” is disposed at the location spaced apart from the central location200of the specific sound space.

The position1201in association with the location of the imaginary sound source is firstly calculated by the superimposing means141based on the location information (d, θ), the pointer image is then superimposed by the superimposing means141on the portion of the screen image to be displayed by the display means142based on the position1201.

The width of the pointer image, as shown inFIG. 13, is obtained by the pointer image producing means130by multiplying the ratio of the distance “d” between the central location201and the location of the imaginary sound source to the distance between the central location201and the position1201by the width “w” of the imaginary sound source.

The following description will be directed to the first scale information produced by the first scale information producing means161forming part of the audio signal adjusting apparatus100according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention with no flowchart.

FIG. 14is a schematic diagram showing the database with respect to the location information stored by the storing means forming part of the audio signal adjusting apparatus according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15is a schematic diagram showing the specific sound space in which the audio sounds are respectively produced by the loudspeakers each forming part of the audio signal adjusting apparatus according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

The location control signal indicative of the location (d0, θ0)=(Rmax, 0) of the imaginary sound source is firstly produced by the location control signal producing means151, the legend “Rmax” being indicative of the remotest distance between the center position and the location “d0” of the imaginary sound signal. The location control signal produced by the location control signal producing means151is then converted by the control signal converting unit171to the location information (d0, θ0)=(Rmax, 0). The signal coefficients are then produced by the signal level ratio producing unit172in response to the location information (d0, θ0)=(Rmax, 0), the phase differences being produced by the delay time information producing unit173in response to the location information (d0, θ0)=(Rmax, 0).

The signal levels of the raw audio sounds are then respectively adjusted by the signal level adjusting unit121based on the signal coefficients produced by the signal level ratio producing unit172, the raw phase angles of the raw audio sounds being respectively adjusted by the delay unit122based on the phase differences produced by the delay time information producing unit173.

The pointer image is produced by the pointer image producing means131based on the location information (Rmax, 0) converted by the control signal converting unit171, and superimposed by the superimposing means130on the screen image.

The first scale information is then produced by the first scale information producing means161. The location control signal is then converted by the control signal converting unit171to the location information (d1, θ1) in response to the first scale information produced by the first scale information producing means161.

The signal coefficients are then respectively produced by the signal level ratio producing unit172in response to the location information (d1, θ1), the phase differences being respectively produced by the delay time information producing unit173in response to the location information (d1, θ1).

The raw signal levels of the raw audio sounds are then respectively adjusted by the signal level adjusting unit121based on the signal coefficients produced by the signal level ratio producing unit172, the phase angles of the raw audio sounds being respectively adjusted by the delay unit121based on the phase differences produced by the delay time information producing unit173.

The first scale information is then produced by the first scale information producing means161. The location control signal is then converted by the control signal converting unit171to the location information (d2, θ2) in response to the first scale information produced by the first scale information producing means161.

The pointer image is then produced by the pointer image producing unit131in response to the location information (d2, θ2) converted by the control signal converting unit171, and superimposed by the superimposing means130on the screen image to be displayed on the screen210.

When the judgment is made by the judging means163that the location information (d0, θ0), (d1, θ1), and (d2, θ2) is respectively stored by the storing means180, the location information (d0, θ0), (d1, θ1), and (d2, θ2) being finally stored by the storing means180, the location information (d0, θ0), (d1, θ1), and (d2, θ2) stored by the storing means180, as shown inFIGS. 14 and 15, collectively constituting a database1400with respect to the location information (d0, θ0), (d1, θ1), and (d2, θ2).

The location control signal is, practically, firstly produced by the location control signal producing means151while the location control signal is converted by the control signal converting unit171to the location information (dx, θx), the location information (d0, θ0) being selected by the control signal converting unit171from the database with respect to the location information (d0, θ0), (d1, θ1), and (d2, θ2) in response to the location information (dx, θx). The signal coefficients are then respectively produced by the signal level ratio producing unit172based on the location information (d1, θ1) selected by the first scale information producing mean161, the phase differences being respectively produced by the delay time information producing unit173based on the location information (d1, θ1) selected by first scale information producing mean171.

FIG. 17is a schematic diagram showing the database1700with respect to the location information stored by the storing means forming part of the audio signal adjusting apparatus according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

The location information (d1, θ1) is ,as shown inFIG. 18, calculated by the control signal converting means171from the location information (d1A, θ1A), (d1B, θ1B), (d1C, θ1C), and (d1D, θ1D) stored by the storing means180, the location information (d2, θ2) being calculated by based on the location information (d2A, θ2A), (d2B, θ2B), (d2C, θ2C), and (d2D, θ2D) stored by the storing means180.

The signal coefficients are finally respectively produced by the signal level ratio producing unit172based on the location information (d1, θ1) calculated by the control signal converting means171, the phase differences being respectively produced by the delay time information producing unit173based on the location information (d1, θ1) calculated by the control signal converting means171, the pointer image is produced by the pointer image producing unit131based on the location information (d1, θ1).

The following description will be directed to the second scale information produced by the second scale information producing means162forming part of the audio signal adjusting apparatus100according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention with no flowchart.

The width control signal indicative of the width “w”=“wmax” of the imaginary sound source is firstly produced by the width control signal producing means152, the legend “wmax” being indicative of the maximum width of the imaginary sound source. The width control signal produced by the width control signal producing means152is then converted by the control signal converting unit171to the location information “w”=“wmax”. The signal coefficients are then respectively produced by the signal level ratio producing unit172in response to the width information “w”=“wmax”, the phase differences being respectively produced by the delay time information producing unit173in response to the width information “W”=“wmax”.

The raw signal levels of the raw audio sounds are then respectively adjusted by the signal level adjusting unit121based on the signal coefficients produced by the signal level ratio producing unit172, the raw phase angles of the raw audio sounds being respectively adjusted by the delay unit122based on the phase differences produced by the delay time information producing unit173.

The pointer image is produced by the pointer image producing means131based on the width information “w”=“wmax” converted by the control signal converting unit171, and superimposed by the superimposing means130on the screen image.

The second scale information is then produced by the second scale information producing means162. The width control signal is then converted by the control signal converting unit171to the width information “w”=“w1” in response to the second scale information produced by the second scale information producing means162.

The signal coefficients are then respectively produced by the signal level ratio producing unit172in response to the width information “w”=“w1”, the phase differences being respectively produced by the delay time information producing unit173in response to the width information “w”=“w1”.

The raw signal levels of the raw audio sounds are then respectively adjusted by the signal level adjusting unit121based on the signal coefficients produced by the signal level ratio producing unit172, the phase angles of the raw audio sounds being respectively adjusted by the delay unit121based on the phase differences produced by the delay time information producing unit173.

The second scale information is then produced by the second scale information producing means162. The width control signal is then converted by the control signal converting unit171to the width information “w2” in response to the second scale information produced by the second scale information producing means162.

The pointer image is then produced by the pointer image producing unit131in response to the width information “w2” converted by the control signal converting unit171, and superimposed by the superimposing means130on the screen image to be displayed on the screen210.

When the judgment is made by the judging means163that the width information “w0”, “w1”, and “w2” is respectively stored by the storing means180, the width information “w0”, “w1”, and “w2” being finally stored by the storing means180, the location information “w0”, “w1”, and “w2” stored by the storing means180, as shown inFIGS. 19 and 20, collectively constituting a database1400with respect to the location information “w0”, “w1”, and “w2”.

The width control signal is firstly produced by the width control signal producing means152while the width control signal is converted by the control signal converting unit171to the width information “wx”, the width information “w0” being selected by the control signal converting unit171from the database with respect to the width information “w0”, “w1”, and “w2” in response to the width information “wx”. The signal coefficients are then respectively produced by the signal level ratio producing unit172based on the width information “w1” selected by the second scale information producing mean172, the phase differences being respectively produced by the delay time information producing unit173based on the width information “w1” selected by the second scale information producing mean172.

As shown inFIG. 21, practically, four locations “A”, “B”, “C”, and “D” are respectively selected by the control signal converting means171from among the locations “A”, “B”, “C”, “D”, . . . , and “F” in association with the width information “wA”, “wB”, “wC”, “wD”, . . . , and “wF” stored by the storing means180.

FIG. 17is a schematic diagram showing the database1700with respect to the width information stored by the storing means forming part of the audio signal adjusting apparatus according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

The width information “w1” is, as shown inFIG. 22, calculated by the control signal converting means171from the width information “wA”, “wB”, “wC”, and “wD” stored by the storing means180, the width information “w2” being calculated by based on the width information “wA”, “wB”, “wC”, and “wD” stored by the storing means180.

The signal coefficients are finally respectively produced by the signal level ratio producing unit172based on the width information “w1” calculated by the control signal converting means171, the phase differences being respectively produced by the delay time information producing unit173based on the width information “w1” calculated by the control signal converting means171, the pointer image is produced by the pointer image producing unit131based on the width information “w2”.

From the above detail description, it will be understood that the audio signal adjusting apparatus according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention can easily adjust the raw audio signals at a relatively high quality in response to the location control signal by the reason that the audio signal adjusting apparatus100comprises location control signal producing means151for producing the location control signal indicative of the location of the imaginary sound source; audio signal adjusting means120for adjusting each of the raw audio signals to produce the adjusted audio signal to be outputted to each of the loudspeakers; controlling means170for controlling the audio signal adjusting means120to allow each of the raw audio signals to be adjusted by the audio signal adjusting means120in response to the location control signal produced by the location control signal producing means151, pointer image producing means130for producing a pointer image indicative of the location of the imaginary sound source; and superimposing means141for superimposing the pointer image produced by the pointer image producing means130on the portion of the screen image to be displayed by the display means142on the screen in response to the location control signal produced by the location control signal producing means151. This leads to the fact that the audio sounds respectively produced by the loudspeakers are collectively originated from at least one imaginary sound source, the imaginary sound source being imagined to produce the audio sounds at a location requested by the operator.

The audio signal adjusting apparatus according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention can easily adjust the raw audio signals at a relatively high quality in response to the width control signal by the reason that the audio signal adjusting apparatus100further comprises width control signal producing means152for producing the width control signal indicative of the location of the imaginary sound source, the controlling means170being operative to control the audio signal adjusting means120to allow each of the raw audio signals to be adjusted by the audio signal adjusting means120in response to each of the location control signal produced by the location control signal producing means151and the width control signal produced by the width control signal producing means152, pointer image producing means being operative to produce the pointer image having a shape indicative of the width of the imaginary sound source, the superimposing means141being operative to superimpose the pointer image produced by the pointer image producing means130on the portion of the screen image to be displayed by the display means142on the screen. This leads to the fact that the audio sounds respectively produced by the loudspeakers are collectively originated from at least one imaginary sound source, the imaginary sound source being imagined to produce the audio sounds at a location requested by the operator.

The audio signal adjusting apparatus according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention can easily adjust the raw audio signals at a relatively high quality in response to each of the location control signal and the width control signal by the reason that the audio signal adjusting apparatus100further comprises deciding means153for deciding whether or not the pointer image produced by the pointer image producing means130is superimposed by the superimposing means141on the portion of the screen image to be displayed by the display means142on the screen, the superimposing means141being operative to superimpose the pointer image produced by the pointer image producing means130on the portion of the screen image to be displayed by the display means142on the screen based on results decided by the deciding means153. This leads to the fact that the audio sounds respectively produced by the loudspeakers are collectively originated from at least one imaginary sound source, the imaginary sound source being imagined to produce the audio sounds at a location requested by the operator.

The audio signal adjusting apparatus according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention can easily adjust the raw audio signals at a relatively high quality in response to each of the location control signal and the width control signal by the reason that the audio signal adjusting apparatus100further comprises audio signal recording means191operably connected with video signal recording means192having an operation timing to record the video signal produced by the video signal producing means102, and designed to record the adjusted audio signals adjusted by the audio signal adjusting means120in synchronization with the operation timing of the video signal recording means192.

The audio signal adjusting apparatus according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention can easily adjust the raw audio signals at a relatively high quality in response to each of the location control signal and the width control signal by the reason that the controlling means170includes an control signal converting unit171for respectively converting the location control signal produced by the location control signal producing means151and the width control signal produced by the width control signal producing means152to location information indicative of the location of the imaginary sound source and width information indicative of the width of the imaginary sound source, a signal level ratio producing unit172for producing a signal level ratio of each of the adjusted signal levels of the adjusted audio signals to each of the raw signal levels of the raw audio signals based on the location information and the width information converted by the control signal converting unit171, and a delay time information producing unit173for producing a phase difference between each of the raw phase angles of the raw audio signals and each of the adjusted phase angles of the adjusted audio signals based on the location information and the width information converted by the control signal converting unit171; and the audio signal adjusting means120includes a plurality of signal level adjusting unit121for respectively adjusting the raw signal levels of the raw audio signals based on the signal level ratio of each of the adjusted signal levels of the adjusted audio signals to each of the raw signal levels of the raw audio signals produced by the signal level ratio producing unit172, and a plurality of delay unit122for respectively delaying the raw phase angle of the raw audio signals based on the phase difference between each of the raw phase angles of the raw audio signals and each of the adjusted phase angles of the adjusted audio signals produced by delay time information producing unit173.

The audio signal adjusting apparatus according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention can easily adjust the raw audio signals at a relatively high quality in response to each of the location control signal and the width control signal by the reason that the audio signal adjusting apparatus100further comprises a chart image producing means140for producing a chart image indicative of the specific sound space having a predetermined central location and a first distance between the predetermined central location and the location of the imaginary sound source, the chart image having two different points consisting of first and second points, the first point being indicative of the predetermined central location of the specific sound space, the second point being indicative of the location of the imaginary sound source, a second distance between the first point and the second point, and in which the screen image to be displayed by the display means142on the screen has a predetermined portion, a marker indicative of the imaginary sound source, and the marker having a shape indicative of the width of the imaginary sound source, the superimposing means141being operative to superimpose the chart image produced by the chart image producing means140on the predetermined portion of the screen image to be displayed by the display means142on the screen.

The audio signal adjusting apparatus according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention can easily adjust the raw audio signals at a relatively high quality in response to each of the location control signal and the width control signal by the reason that the pointer image producing means130includes a pointer image producing unit131for producing the pointer image having a shape indicative of the width of the imaginary sound source and a pointer image modifying unit132for modifying the shape of the pointer image produced by the pointer image producing unit131in response to each of the location control signal produced by the location control signal producing means151and the width control signal produced by the width control signal producing means152; and the superimposing means141is operative to superimpose the pointer image modified by the pointer image modifying unit132on the portion of the screen image to be displayed by the display means142on the screen210.

The audio signal adjusting apparatus according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention can easily adjust the raw audio signals at a relatively high quality in response to each of the location control signal and the width control signal by the reason that the pointer image producing unit131is operative to produce the pointer image having a color in association with the location of the imaginary sound source; the pointer image modifying unit132is operative to modify the color of the pointer image produced by the pointer image producing unit131in response to the location control signal produced by the location control signal producing means151; and the superimposing means141is operative to superimpose the pointer image modified by the pointer image modifying unit132on the portion of the screen image to be displayed by the display means142on the screen210.

The audio signal adjusting apparatus according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention can easily adjust the raw audio signals at a relatively high quality in response to each of the location control signal and the width control signal by the reason that the audio signal adjusting apparatus100further comprises first scale information producing means161for producing a first scale information with respect to the second distance between the first point and second point; storing means180for storing the first scale information produced by the first scale information producing means161; and judging means163for judging whether or not the first scale information produced by the first scale information producing means161are stored by the storing means180, and in which the storing means180is operative to store the first scale information produced by the first scale information producing means161based on results judged by the judging means163.

The audio signal adjusting apparatus according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention can easily adjust the raw audio signals at a relatively high quality in response to each of the location control signal and the width control signal by the reason that the audio signal adjusting apparatus100further comprises second scale information producing means162for producing a second scale information with respect to dimensions of the shape of the pointer image; and in which the storing means180is store each of the first scale information produced by the first scale information producing means161and the second scale information produced by the second scale information producing means162, the judging means163is operative to judge whether or not each of the first scale information produced by the first scale information producing means161and the second scale information produced by the second scale information producing means162is stored by the storing means180; and the storing means180is operative to store each of the first scale information produced by the first scale information producing means161and the second scale information produced by the second scale information producing means162based on results judged by the judging means163.

The audio signal adjusting apparatus according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention can easily adjust the raw audio signals at a relatively high quality in response to each of the location control signal and the width control signal by the reason that the signal level ratio producing unit172is operative to produce the signal level ratio of each of the adjusted signal levels of the adjusted audio signals to each of the raw signal levels of the raw audio signals based on the location information converted by the control signal converting unit171, the width information converted by the control signal converting unit171, and each of the first scale information and the second scale information stored by the storing means180; and the delay time information producing unit173is operative to produce the phase difference between each of the raw phase angles of the raw audio signals and each of the adjusted phase angles of the adjusted audio signals based on the location information converted by the control signal converting unit171, the width information converted by the control signal converting unit171, and each of the first scale information and the second scale information stored by the storing means180.

The audio signal adjusting apparatus according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention can easily adjust the raw audio signals at a relatively high quality in response to each of the location control signal and the width control signal by the reason that the pointer image producing unit131is operative to produce the pointer image based on the location information converted by the control signal converting unit171, the width information converted by the control signal converting unit171, and each of the first scale information and the second scale information stored by the storing means180; and the chart image producing means140is operative to produce the chart image based on the location information converted by the control signal converting unit171, the width information converted by the control signal converting unit171, and each of the first scale information and the second scale information stored by the storing means180.

Although the location control signal producing means and the first scale information producing means are respectively constituted by the first joystick and the second joystick, each of the location control signal producing means and the first scale information producing means may be constituted by any pointing device. Although the width control signal producing means and the second scale information producing means are respectively constituted by the first controller and the second controller, each of the width control signal producing means and the second scale information producing means may be constituted by any input device.

While the subject invention has been described with relation to the preferred embodiments, various modifications and adaptations thereof will now be apparent to those skilled in the art as far as such modifications and adaptations fall within the scope of the appended claims intended to be covered thereby.