Patent Description:
<CIT> discloses an audio mixer including a display provided with a touch panel and an operation controller assigning a function of a touched portion.

Further attention is drawn to document <CIT> which relates to providing k operators to be used for performing parameter setting. A channel strip screen displays a plurality of parameters for each of selected k channels. In response to selection operation to select a desired one of the parameters displayed on the channel strip screen, a parameter window related to the selected parameter is opened on a display. The parameter window displays, for each of selected k channels, a parameter of a same type as the selected parameter. Each of the parameters displayed for the selected k channels is assignable to any one of the k operators. When selection operation to select any desired one of first-type parameters has been performed, the parameter window is opened immediately, but, when selection operation to select any desired one of second-type parameters while the desired second-type parameter is in a non-selected state, the selected desired second-type parameter is set to a selected state without the parameter window being opened and then the parameter window is opened in response to further selection operation of said desired second-type parameter having been set to the selected state. When the second-type parameters are set in the selected state with the parameter window not opened, each of the second-type operators in the selected state, displayed on the channel strip screen, is assigned to any one of the k operators.

Also, document <CIT> relates to a digital mixer which is capable of assigning a desired parameter to an encoder provided in a channel strip on a panel of the digital mixer. The digital mixer assigns a parameter, which corresponds to one of knob controls having switches operable to be turned on, to each encoder provided in a channel strip section on the panel in response to the operation of the switch of the one knob control provided in a selected channel section. The knob controls with the switches are not graphic symbols displayed on a display screen, but are physically disposed on the panel.

Attention is also drawn to document <NPL>.

Finally, attention is drawn to document <CIT> which relates to a sub-console has a lower channel strip group on a front panel, and an upper channel strip group on a rear panel. Left and right displays are provided between the upper and lower channel strip groups. Either one of the parameter of the upper and lower channel strip groups is displayed on the left and right displays.

Further embodiments of the invention are defined by the appended dependent claims. Audio processing apparatuses such as audio mixers need to be reduced in size. Therefore, there is a demand for reduction of the number of controls in the audio processing apparatuses.

Therefore, one embodiment of the present disclosure aims to provide an audio processing apparatus and an audio processing method capable of reducing the number of controls.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the number of controls can be reduced.

<FIG> is a front perspective view of an audio mixer. <FIG> is a front view of the audio mixer. <FIG> is a side view of the audio mixer. <FIG> is a side view illustrating dimensions and angles of each part of the audio mixer. <FIG> is an enlarged front perspective view of a part of the audio mixer.

As illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, an audio mixer <NUM>, which is an example of an audio processing apparatus or a parameter setting apparatus of the present disclosure, includes an operation panel <NUM> and a main body <NUM>. The operation panel <NUM> is arranged in front of the main body <NUM>, that is, on an operator side. The operation panel <NUM> and the main body <NUM> form an integrated housing. Various circuit boards and the like constituting the audio mixer <NUM> are arranged in the housing.

The operation panel <NUM> has a first surface <NUM>, a second surface <NUM>, and a third surface <NUM>. The first surface <NUM>, the second surface <NUM>, and the third surface <NUM> are connected in this order. The first surface <NUM> is a horizontal surface. The horizontal surface is a surface that is also horizontal when the audio mixer <NUM> is arranged on a horizontal plane.

The second surface <NUM> is arranged so as to be erected with respect to the first surface <NUM>, and forms a predetermined angle Θ22 (see <FIG>) with respect to the first surface <NUM>. The third surface <NUM> is arranged so as to be erected with respect to the first surface <NUM>, and forms an angle Θ23 (see <FIG>) with respect to the first surface <NUM>. The angle Θ23 corresponds to a "first angle" of the present disclosure, and the angle Θ22 corresponds to a "second angle" of the present disclosure. As a result, a side end surface connected to an end of the first surface <NUM> opposite to an end connected to the second surface <NUM> is a frontmost portion <NUM> of the operation panel <NUM>. Further, an end of the third surface <NUM> opposite to an end connected to the second surface <NUM> is an uppermost portion <NUM> of the operation panel. That is, when the operation panel <NUM> is viewed from the front side, the first surface <NUM>, the second surface <NUM>, and the third surface <NUM> are connected in the up-down direction. Further, when the operation panel <NUM> is viewed from the lateral side, the first surface <NUM>, the second surface <NUM>, and the third surface <NUM> are connected in a shape substantially similar to an arc having the upper side of the front side of the operation panel <NUM> as the center.

In such a configuration, the angle θ23 is larger than the angle θ22 (θ23 > θ22). Further, the second surface <NUM> and the third surface <NUM> are connected so as to have gradually increasing inclinations with respect to the first surface <NUM>. Here, a distance from a reference position Pv to the third surface <NUM> is equal to or shorter than a distance from the reference position Pv to the first surface <NUM> by adjusting the angle Θ23 and the angle Θ22 as illustrated in <FIG>. In other words, the third surface <NUM> is as far from the reference position Pv as the first surface <NUM> or closer to the reference position Pv than the first surface <NUM>.

Note that the distance to be compared is the distance with respect to the reference position Pv calculated under the same conditions for the first surface <NUM> and the third surface <NUM>. Specifically, as an example, a distance DIS21 (corresponding to a distance R) between the reference position Pv and a point that is a foot of a perpendicular line drawn from the reference position Pv to the first surface <NUM> and a distance DIS23 between the reference position Pv and a point that is a foot of a perpendicular line drawn from the reference position Pv to the third surface <NUM> are compared. In this case, the distance DIS23 is equal to or shorter than the distance DIS21 (DIS23 ≤ DIS21). Further, as another example, in the side view, a distance DIS21L between the reference position Pv and a point on the first surface <NUM> farthest from the reference position Pv (near a connection point between the first surface <NUM> and the second surface <NUM>) and a distance DIS23L between the reference position Pv and a point on the third surface <NUM> farthest from the reference position Pv (near a connection point between the third surface <NUM> and the second surface <NUM>) are compared. In this case, the distance DIS23L is equal to or shorter than the distance DIS21L (DIS23L ≤ DIS21L). Strictly speaking, "equal" referred to herein means "same", but includes variations caused by a manufacturing error or the like.

Here, the reference position Pv is a position separated from the frontmost portion <NUM> of the operation panel <NUM> in a height direction by a predetermined distance (distance R in the case of <FIG>) and higher than the uppermost portion <NUM> of the operation panel <NUM>. That is, the distance R between the frontmost portion <NUM> and the reference position Pv is longer than a height H of the uppermost portion <NUM> of the operation panel <NUM> with the first surface <NUM> as the reference.

When operating the audio mixer <NUM>, the operator needs to operate the operation panel <NUM> while visually recognizing a performance venue or the like on a side opposing the audio mixer <NUM>. That is, the operator needs to visually recognize the performance venue while visually recognizing the operation panel <NUM>. Thus, positions of the operator's eyes are inevitably higher than the uppermost portion <NUM> of the operation panel <NUM>. Meanwhile, when operating the operation panel <NUM>, the operator usually operates the operation panel <NUM> with his/her body approaching the frontmost portion <NUM> of the operation panel <NUM> in order to operate the entire operation panel <NUM>. Thus, the positions of the operator's eyes exist on an extension line in the height direction of the frontmost portion <NUM> of the operation panel <NUM>. For this reason, the above-described reference position Pv corresponds to the positions of the operator's eyes during the general use of the audio mixer <NUM>. That is, the reference position Pv is set based on the general position of the operator of the audio mixer <NUM>.

Since the third surface <NUM> is closer to the reference position Pv than the first surface <NUM> as described above, the operator can easily operate the entire operation panel <NUM>. That is, the audio mixer <NUM> can improve the operability of the operation panel <NUM>.

More specifically, the angle Θ23 is preferably larger than <NUM>°. As a result, the operator can easily perform the operation on the third surface <NUM> similarly to the operation on the first surface <NUM>.

The angle Θ22 is preferably an angle smaller than half of the angle Θ23. As a result, a sudden change in inclination from the first surface <NUM> to the third surface <NUM> is mitigated by the second surface <NUM>. Therefore, the operator can easily see, understand the connection from the first surface <NUM> to the third surface <NUM>, and easily perform the operation.

As illustrated in <FIG>, a length L21 of the first surface <NUM> is shorter than a length L23 of the third surface <NUM> in the audio mixer <NUM>. Here, in the side view, a distance from the frontmost portion <NUM> to the third surface <NUM> may be a distance D3N between the frontmost portion <NUM> and a position where the third surface <NUM> and the second surface <NUM> are connected (the position on the third surface <NUM> closest to the frontmost portion <NUM>), may be a distance D3C between a central position of the third surface <NUM> and the frontmost portion <NUM>, or may be a distance D3F between the frontmost portion <NUM> and a position of the uppermost portion <NUM> on the third surface <NUM> (the position on the third surface <NUM> farthest from the frontmost portion <NUM>). Further, the reference of the distance may be any position on the third surface <NUM>. That is, the entire third surface <NUM> is closer to the frontmost portion <NUM> of the operation panel <NUM> than that in the conventional configuration. With this configuration, the audio mixer <NUM> can reduce a depth of an apparatus and reduce a size. Further, with this configuration, the distance from the frontmost portion <NUM> of the operation panel <NUM> to the third surface <NUM> can be shortened so that the operability is improved.

A length L22 of the second surface <NUM> is shorter than the length L21 of the first surface <NUM>. As a result, the distance between the first surface <NUM> and the third surface <NUM> becomes shorter. Therefore, it is easy for the operator to visually recognize the relationship between a fader arranged on the first surface <NUM> (details will be described later) and a display element of a display arranged on the third surface <NUM> (details will be described later).

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the audio mixer <NUM> includes a plurality of faders <NUM>, a plurality of faders <NUM>, a plurality of faders <NUM>, a plurality of ON switches <NUM>, a plurality of ON switches <NUM>, a plurality of ON switches <NUM>, a plurality of SEL switches <NUM>, a plurality of SEL switches <NUM>, a plurality of SEL switches <NUM>, a plurality of encoders <NUM>, a plurality of encoders <NUM>, a plurality of encoders <NUM>, a display <NUM>, a display <NUM>, a display <NUM>, a bank selection section <NUM>, a bank selection section <NUM>, a bank selection section <NUM>, a touch and turn knob <NUM>, a touch and turn knob <NUM>, a touch and turn knob <NUM>, an encoder assign key <NUM>, an encoder assign key <NUM>, an encoder assign key <NUM>, a user-defined knob section <NUM>, a user-defined knob section <NUM>, a user-defined knob section <NUM>, a user-defined key section <NUM>, and a selected channel section <NUM>.

The plurality of faders <NUM>, the plurality of faders <NUM>, and the plurality of faders <NUM> are examples of a channel operation controller and have the same configuration and function. The plurality of ON switches <NUM>, the plurality of ON switches <NUM>, and the plurality of ON switches <NUM> have the same configuration and function. The plurality of SEL switches <NUM>, the plurality of SEL switches <NUM>, and the plurality of SEL switches <NUM> have the same configuration and function. The plurality of encoders <NUM>, the plurality of encoders <NUM>, and the plurality of encoders <NUM> have the same configuration and function. The display <NUM>, the display <NUM>, and the display <NUM> have the same configuration and function. Touch panels are laminated on the display <NUM>, the display <NUM>, and the display <NUM>, respectively. The bank selection section <NUM>, the bank selection section <NUM>, and the bank selection section <NUM> have the same configuration and function. The touch and turn knob <NUM>, the touch and turn knob <NUM>, and the touch and turn knob <NUM> have the same configuration and function. Note that the touch and turn knob is an operation controller that receives a change of a value caused by an operation of a knob when a parameter, an image, or the like on the touch panel is touched and the value corresponding to the parameter, the image, or the like is assigned to the knob. The encoder assign key <NUM>, the encoder assign key <NUM>, and the encoder assign key <NUM> have the same configuration and function. The user-defined knob section <NUM>, the user-defined knob section <NUM>, and the user-defined knob section <NUM> have the same configuration and function.

The operation panel <NUM> has a first operation portion Pt1, a second operation portion Pt2, and a third operation portion Pt3 in a width direction (lateral direction (X direction in <FIG> and <FIG>)).

The plurality of faders <NUM>, the plurality of ON switches <NUM>, the plurality of SEL switches <NUM>, the plurality of encoders <NUM>, the display <NUM>, the bank selection section <NUM>, the touch and turn knob <NUM>, the encoder assign key <NUM>, and the user-defined knob section <NUM> are arranged in the first operation portion Pt1. The plurality of faders <NUM> and the bank selection section <NUM> are arranged on the first surface <NUM>. The plurality of ON switches <NUM>, the plurality of SEL switches <NUM>, the plurality of encoders <NUM>, and the touch and turn knob <NUM> are arranged on the second surface <NUM>. The display <NUM>, the encoder assign key <NUM>, and the user-defined knob section <NUM> are arranged on the third surface <NUM>.

The plurality of faders <NUM>, the plurality of ON switches <NUM>, the plurality of SEL switches <NUM>, the plurality of encoders <NUM>, the display <NUM>, the bank selection section <NUM>, the touch and turn knob <NUM>, the encoder assign key <NUM>, and the user-defined knob section <NUM> are arranged in the second operation portion Pt2. The plurality of faders <NUM> and the bank selection section <NUM> are arranged on the first surface <NUM>. The plurality of ON switches <NUM>, the plurality of SEL switches <NUM>, the plurality of encoders <NUM>, and the touch and turn knob <NUM> are arranged on the second surface <NUM>. The display <NUM>, the encoder assign key <NUM>, and the user-defined knob section <NUM> are arranged on the third surface <NUM>.

The plurality of faders <NUM>, the plurality of ON switches <NUM>, the plurality of SEL switches <NUM>, the plurality of encoders <NUM>, the display <NUM>, the bank selection section <NUM>, the touch and turn knob <NUM>, the encoder assign key <NUM>, and the user-defined knob section <NUM> are arranged in the third operation portion Pt3. The plurality of faders <NUM> and the bank selection section <NUM> are arranged on the first surface <NUM>. The plurality of ON switches <NUM>, the plurality of SEL switches <NUM>, the plurality of encoders <NUM>, and the touch and turn knob <NUM> are arranged on the second surface <NUM>. The display <NUM>, the encoder assign key <NUM>, and the user-defined knob section <NUM> are arranged on the third surface <NUM>.

Each of the user-defined key section <NUM> and the selected channel section <NUM> includes a plurality of types of operation controllers. The user-defined key section <NUM> and the selected channel section <NUM> are arranged between the second operation portion Pt2 and the third operation portion Pt3. The user-defined key section <NUM> is arranged on the first surface <NUM> and the selected channel section <NUM> is arranged on the third surface <NUM>. The user-defined key section <NUM> and the selected channel section <NUM> are arranged at substantially the same position in the lateral direction of the operation panel <NUM>.

The arrangement of the above-described various operation controllers in the first operation portion Pt1, the arrangement of the above-described various operation controllers in the second operation portion Pt2, and the arrangement of the above-described various operation controllers in the third operation portion Pt3 are the same. Therefore, a specific example of the arrangement of the plurality of types of operation controllers and the like in each of the operation portions will be described with reference to <FIG> by taking the second operation portion Pt2 as an example.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the plurality of faders <NUM> are arranged on the first surface <NUM>. The plurality of faders <NUM> are arranged at equal intervals along the lateral direction of the operation panel <NUM> (D direction in <FIG> and <FIG>). At this time, the plurality of faders <NUM> are arranged such that a moving direction is parallel to a depth direction of the operation panel <NUM> (D direction in <FIG> and <FIG>).

The plurality of ON switches <NUM>, the plurality of SEL switches <NUM>, and the plurality of encoders <NUM> are arranged on the second surface <NUM>. The plurality of ON switches <NUM>, the plurality of SEL switches <NUM>, and the plurality of encoders <NUM> are arranged so as to correspond to the plurality of faders <NUM>, respectively. That is, one ON switch <NUM>, one SEL switch <NUM>, and one encoder <NUM> are arranged for one fader <NUM>.

The plurality of ON switches <NUM>, the plurality of SEL switches <NUM>, and the plurality of encoders <NUM> are arranged in this order from the end connected to the first surface <NUM> to the end connected to the third surface <NUM> on the second surface <NUM>. In other words, the plurality of ON switches <NUM> are arranged in the vicinity of the first surface <NUM> on the second surface <NUM>, the plurality of encoders <NUM> are arranged in the vicinity of the third surface <NUM> on the second surface <NUM>, and the plurality of SEL switches <NUM> are arranged between the plurality of ON switches <NUM> and the plurality of encoders <NUM>.

The ON switch <NUM>, the SEL switch <NUM>, and the encoder <NUM>, which correspond to one fader <NUM>, are aligned side by side on an extension line of the moving direction of the fader <NUM>. The fader <NUM>, the ON switch <NUM>, the SEL switch <NUM>, and the encoder <NUM> are arranged adjacent to each other in this order. In other words, no other operation controllers are arranged among the fader <NUM>, the ON switch <NUM>, the SEL switch <NUM>, and the encoder <NUM>. With such a configuration, the operator can visually recognize the correspondence among the fader <NUM>, the ON switch <NUM>, the SEL switch <NUM>, and the encoder <NUM> that constitute one channel in an easy manner.

Further, a plurality of dividing lines <NUM> defining channel strips are drawn on the operation panel <NUM>. The plurality of dividing lines <NUM> have a shape that extends continuously on the first surface <NUM> and the second surface <NUM> of the operation panel <NUM>. One ends of the plurality of dividing lines <NUM> in an extending direction reach the end of the first surface <NUM> opposite to the end connected to the second surface <NUM>, and the other ends reach the end of the second surface <NUM> connected to the third surface <NUM>. As a result, the plurality of dividing lines <NUM> divide an area for each channel corresponding to a set of the fader <NUM>, the ON switch <NUM>, the SEL switch <NUM>, and the encoder <NUM>. With this configuration, the operator can visually recognize the correspondence among the fader <NUM>, the ON switch <NUM>, the SEL switch <NUM>, and the encoder <NUM> that constitute one channel in an easier manner.

As illustrated in <FIG>, colors of adjacent channel operation areas <NUM> among the plurality of channel operation areas <NUM> divided by the plurality of dividing lines <NUM> are different in the operation panel <NUM>. With this configuration, the operator can more easily identify the plurality of channels, and visually recognize the correspondence among the fader <NUM>, the ON switch <NUM>, the SEL switch <NUM>, and the encoder <NUM> that constitute one channel in an easier manner.

Further, the plurality of dividing lines <NUM> are connected on the first surface <NUM> and the second surface <NUM>. Therefore, the first surface <NUM> and the second surface <NUM> seem to have continuity for the operator. Thus, even if the length L21 of the first surface <NUM> is shorter than the length L23 of the third surface <NUM>, the size balance between the upper part and the lower part of the operation panel <NUM> is good. In particular, this visual effect is further improved if the angle Θ22 between the first surface <NUM> and the second surface <NUM> is smaller than half of the angle Θ23 between the first surface <NUM> and the third surface <NUM>.

The display <NUM> is arranged on the third surface <NUM>. The touch panel is laminated on the display <NUM>. That is, the display <NUM> can also be used as a type of operation controller as a touch panel display.

In the lateral direction of the operation panel <NUM> (X direction in <FIG> and <FIG>), the display <NUM> is arranged at the same position as an arrangement area of the plurality of faders <NUM>. In other words, the display <NUM> is aligned side by side with the plurality of faders <NUM> in a vertical direction of the operation panel <NUM> (Y direction in <FIG> and <FIG>), and is arranged above the arrangement area of the plurality of faders <NUM> with substantially the same width as the arrangement area of the plurality of faders <NUM> when the operation panel <NUM> is viewed from the front side. As a result, the operator can visually recognize the correspondence between the plurality of faders <NUM> and the display <NUM> in an easy manner. In this configuration, in the vertical direction of the operation panel <NUM> (Y direction in <FIG> and <FIG>), the display <NUM> is arranged on an extension line in which the plurality of ON switches <NUM>, the plurality of SEL switches <NUM>, and the plurality of encoders <NUM> are arranged from the plurality of faders <NUM>. As a result, the operator can visually recognize the correspondence between the display <NUM> and each of the plurality of faders <NUM>, the plurality of ON switches <NUM>, the plurality of SEL switches <NUM>, and the plurality of encoders <NUM> in an easy manner.

Further, the display <NUM> displays a plurality of pieces of channel information <NUM> and a plurality of pieces of operation information <NUM>. The channel information <NUM> indicates a channel assigned by the corresponding fader <NUM>. The operation information <NUM> indicates an operation state set for this channel.

More specifically, the display <NUM> displays the plurality of pieces of channel information <NUM> and the plurality of pieces of operation information <NUM> for each set of the above-described fader <NUM>, ON switch <NUM>, SEL switch <NUM>, and encoder <NUM>, that is, for each channel. The display <NUM> displays the plurality of pieces of channel information <NUM> and the plurality of pieces of operation information <NUM> on the extension line of the moving direction of the plurality of faders <NUM>. In other words, the display <NUM> displays the channel information <NUM> and the operation information <NUM> on an extension line of a direction in which the set of the fader <NUM>, the ON switch <NUM>, the SEL switch <NUM>, and the encoder <NUM> is aligned. As a result, the operator can visually recognize the correspondence between the channel information <NUM> and each of the fader <NUM>, the ON switch <NUM>, the SEL switch <NUM>, and the encoder <NUM> in an easy manner.

Further, the display <NUM> displays the channel information <NUM> in a lower portion in a display area, more preferably at a lower end in the display area, as illustrated in <FIG>. As a result, the distance between the channel information <NUM> and each of the fader <NUM>, the ON switch <NUM>, the SEL switch <NUM>, and the encoder <NUM> becomes even closer. Therefore, the operator can visually recognize the correspondence between the channel information <NUM> and each of the fader <NUM>, the ON switch <NUM>, the SEL switch <NUM>, and the encoder <NUM> in an easier manner.

Further, the display <NUM> displays dividing lines <NUM> which divide the plurality of pieces of channel information <NUM> and the plurality of pieces of operation information <NUM>. The display <NUM> displays the dividing line <NUM> on an extension line of the dividing line <NUM>. As a result, the operator can visually recognize the correspondence between the channel information <NUM> and each of the fader <NUM>, the ON switch <NUM>, the SEL switch <NUM>, and the encoder <NUM> and further the correspondence between the operation information <NUM> and each of the fader <NUM>, the ON switch <NUM>, the SEL switch <NUM>, and the encoder <NUM> in an easy manner.

The bank selection section <NUM> includes a plurality of types of operation controllers, displays, and the like. The bank selection section <NUM> is arranged on the first surface <NUM>. The bank selection section <NUM> is arranged to be adjacent to the arrangement area of the plurality of faders <NUM>.

The touch and turn knob <NUM> is arranged on the second surface <NUM>. The touch and turn knob <NUM> is arranged to be adjacent to an arrangement area of the plurality of ON switches <NUM>, the plurality of SEL switches <NUM>, and the plurality of encoders <NUM>.

The encoder assign key <NUM> and the user-defined knob section <NUM> are arranged on the third surface <NUM>. The user-defined knob section <NUM> includes a plurality of types of operation controllers and the like. The encoder assign key <NUM> and the user-defined knob section <NUM> are arranged to be adjacent to the display <NUM>.

The bank selection section <NUM>, the touch and turn knob <NUM>, the encoder assign key <NUM>, and the user-defined knob section <NUM> are aligned side by side along the vertical direction of the operation panel <NUM> (Y direction in <FIG> and <FIG>).

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating the main hardware configuration of the audio mixer <NUM>. The audio mixer <NUM> includes a display <NUM>, an operation section <NUM>, an audio I/O <NUM>, a signal processor <NUM>, a network I/F <NUM>, a CPU <NUM>, a flash memory <NUM>, and a RAM <NUM>. These configurations are connected via a bus <NUM>.

The CPU <NUM> controls an operation of the audio mixer <NUM>. The CPU <NUM> performs various operations by reading a predetermined program stored in the flash memory <NUM>, which is a storage medium, into the RAM <NUM> and executing the program. Note that the program is not necessarily stored in the flash memory <NUM> of the own apparatus. For example, the program may be downloaded from another apparatus such as a server and read into the RAM <NUM>.

For example, the CPU <NUM> inputs and outputs a sound signal to and from the audio I/O <NUM> or controls mixing processing and effect processing in the signal processor <NUM>, and changes values of parameters related thereto. The CPU <NUM> is an example of "a controller" in the present disclosure.

The display <NUM> corresponds to the above-described displays <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, a light emitting diode (LED), and the like. The display <NUM> displays various types of information according to the control of the CPU <NUM>.

The operation section <NUM> receives an operation on the audio mixer <NUM> from a user. The operation section <NUM> is constituted by various operation controllers. Further, the operation section <NUM> may be constituted by the touch panels laminated on the displays <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>.

The signal processor <NUM> is constituted by a plurality of digital signal processors (DSPs) configured to perform various types of signal processing such as mixing processing and effect processing. The signal processor <NUM> performs signal processing such as mixing processing and effect processing on the sound signal supplied from the audio I/O <NUM>. The signal processor <NUM> outputs a digital sound signal after having been subjected to the signal processing via the audio I/O <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a signal processing block <NUM> performed in the signal processor <NUM>, the audio I/O <NUM>, and the CPU <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the signal processing block <NUM> is constituted by an input patch <NUM>, an input channel <NUM>, a bus <NUM>, an output channel <NUM>, and an output patch <NUM>. In this example, the input channel <NUM> has <NUM> (<NUM>-<NUM>) channels. The bus <NUM> includes various buses such as a stereo bus, a MIX bus, and a MATRIX bus. The output channel <NUM> is a block that processes a sound signal transmitted from each bus.

An audio signal is supplied from the input patch <NUM> to each input channel i of the input channel <NUM>. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating a configuration of signal processing of a certain input channel i. An input signal processing block <NUM> of the input channel <NUM> performs signal processing such as an equalizer (EQ) and a compressor (COMP) on the audio signal supplied from the input patch <NUM>.

Each of the input channels i of the input channel <NUM> selectively transmits the audio signal after having been subjected to the signal processing to a subsequent bus (stereo bus 1043A, MIX bus 1043B, MATRIX bus 1043C, or the like).

Levels of the audio signals transmitted by the input channels i are individually adjusted for each bus by the user. For example, the level of the audio signal transmitted to the stereo bus 1043A is adjusted in a level adjustment block <NUM>. The level adjustment block <NUM> corresponds to, for example, any of a plurality of faders <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. The level adjustment block <NUM> adjusts the level of the audio signal in response to positions of the plurality of faders <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>.

Further, the level of the audio signal transmitted to the MIX bus 1043B is adjusted in a level adjustment block <NUM>. The level adjustment block <NUM> corresponds to, for example, any of a plurality of encoders <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. Each of the plurality of encoders <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> is configured using a rotary operation controller. The level adjustment block <NUM> adjusts the level of the audio signal in response to rotation positions of the plurality of encoders <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>.

In this example, the MIX bus 1043B is routed to the MATRIX bus 1043C. The MATRIX bus 1043C mixes the audio signal transmitted from the MIX bus 1043B.

The level of the audio signal transmitted to the MATRIX bus 1043C is adjusted in a level adjustment block <NUM>. The level adjustment block <NUM> corresponds, for example, to a user-defined knob <NUM> provided in the user-defined knob section <NUM>. The user-defined knob <NUM> will be described later. The level adjustment block <NUM> adjusts the level of the audio signal in response to a rotation position of the user-defined knob <NUM>.

Each of the stereo bus 1043A, the MIX bus 1043B, and the MATRIX bus 1043C mixes the supplied audio signals and outputs the mixed audio signal to the corresponding output channel <NUM>.

Each channel of the output channel <NUM> performs signal processing such as an equalizer and a compressor on the input audio signal. The audio signal after having been subjected to the signal processing is supplied to the audio I/O <NUM>.

The encoder <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG>. Since the encoders <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> have the same configuration and functions, the encoder <NUM> will be described as a representative in <FIG>.

The encoder <NUM> is a rotary operation controller. The encoder <NUM> is provided for each of channels in the channel strips. The CPU <NUM> detects an operation amount of the encoder <NUM>. The CPU <NUM> detects the operation amount of the encoder <NUM> as a first operation amount for a parameter displayed on the display <NUM> in a first mode (screen encoder mode), and detects the operation amount of the encoder <NUM> as a second operation amount for a parameter for each channel in a second mode (channel encoder mode).

<FIG> is a front perspective view illustrating a state of the channel encoder mode. <FIG> is a front perspective view illustrating a state of the screen encoder mode.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the display <NUM> displays a channel name <NUM>, a channel parameter <NUM>, a parameter name <NUM>, and a screen parameter window <NUM> in the channel encoder mode. The display <NUM> further displays operation controller icons <NUM> in the screen parameter window <NUM>.

The channel name <NUM> is displayed for each channel in the lowermost part of the display <NUM>. In other words, the channel name <NUM> is displayed at the position closest to the various operation controllers for each channel. As a result, the user can easily determine a name of each channel even if the channel name is not printed on the channel strip. Further, the audio mixer <NUM> does not need to secure a place where the channel name is printed, and thus, a size of the housing can be reduced.

The channel parameter <NUM> is displayed for each channel. The parameter name <NUM> is displayed across a plurality of channels. That is, the display <NUM> displays a parameter across the plurality of channels in the channel encoder mode. Further, the display <NUM> highlights the parameter name <NUM> in the example of <FIG>. On the other hand, in the screen encoder mode, the parameter name <NUM> is not displayed as illustrated in <FIG>.

The user can easily determine that the state of the encoder <NUM> is the channel encoder mode by visually recognizing the parameter name <NUM>. Further, the user can easily determine the parameter assigned to the encoder <NUM> by viewing the parameter name <NUM>.

The screen parameter window <NUM> changes display modes of the plurality of operation controller icons <NUM> in the screen encoder mode. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, operation controller icons are surrounded by a white frame. As a result, the user can easily determine that the state of the encoder <NUM> is the screen encoder mode.

The encoder assign key <NUM> is arranged on the right side of the display <NUM>. The encoder assign key <NUM> emits light in the channel encoder mode. As a result, the user can visually recognize that the state of the encoder <NUM> is the channel encoder mode in an easy manner.

The encoder assign key <NUM> is an example of a mode operation controller or a receiver that receives an operation for switching between the first mode and the second mode. When the user presses the encoder assign key <NUM>, the CPU <NUM> switches between the channel encoder mode and the screen encoder mode.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the CPU <NUM>. When receiving the operation on the encoder assign key <NUM>, the CPU <NUM> first displays the screen parameter window <NUM> on the display <NUM> (s11).

<FIG> is a view illustrating a display mode of the display <NUM> in a state where a parameter assignment window <NUM> is displayed. When the user operates the encoder assign key <NUM>, the display <NUM> displays the parameter assignment window <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. In the example of <FIG>, the parameter assignment window <NUM> includes a screen encoder area and a channel strip encoder area. The channel strip encoder area displays a list of parameters to be assigned. In the example of <FIG>, the channel strip encoder area displays the parameters of an analog gain (A. GAIN), a high-pass filter (HPF), MIX send, matrix (MTRX) send, and selected send. The matrix send is used to collect a plurality of sound signals and route the collected sound signals to a place other than a place for the main output.

When receiving an operation of selecting a parameter to be assigned (for example, an operation of touching the A. GAIN) (S12: YES), the CPU <NUM> switches to the channel encoder mode illustrated in <FIG> and causes the encoder <NUM> to function as an operation controller that receives the analog gain (S13).

If receiving an operation of touching the high-pass filter (HPF), the MIX send, and the MTRX send, the CPU <NUM> causes the respective encoders <NUM> to function as operation controllers that receive a gain of the high-pass filter, a send level to the MIX bus, and a send level to the MTRX bus. Further, when receiving an operation of touching the selected send, the CPU <NUM> causes the encoder <NUM> to function as an operation controller configured to receive a send level from the channel selected by the SEL switch <NUM> to a specific bus as illustrated in <FIG>. The example of <FIG> is a state where send levels from Channel <NUM> and Channel <NUM> to the MIX1 bus are received. The parameter name <NUM> indicates the selected send and also displays a destination bus. The parameter name <NUM> also displays a destination in the case of the MIX send. For the MTRX send, a name of a source bus is displayed.

On the other hand, when receiving the operation of touching the screen encoder area in the parameter assignment window <NUM> of <FIG> (S12: NO → S14: YES), the CPU <NUM> switches to the screen encoder mode illustrated in <FIG> (S15). Alternatively, when receiving the operation on the encoder assign key <NUM> again (S14: NO → S16: YES), the CPU <NUM> switches to the screen encoder mode.

When a predetermined time elapses without any operation (S18: YES), the CPU <NUM> closes the parameter window <NUM> (S19) and ends the operation.

Note that the CPU <NUM> may switch to the screen encoder mode when receiving a touch operation on a place other than the channel strip encoder area in a state where the parameter window <NUM> is displayed. Further, the CPU <NUM> may switch to the screen encoder mode when receiving a touch operation on the touch panel in a state where the parameter window <NUM> is not displayed.

That is, the CPU <NUM> receives the operation on the encoder assign key <NUM>, and switches to the channel encoder mode only when further receiving the operation of selecting the parameter to be assigned.

Note that the encoder <NUM> can also receive a push operation. When the user performs a rotation operation while pushing the encoder <NUM>, an operation amount of a parameter with respect to a change in a rotation amount can be set more finely. That is, even if a rotation amount is the same, the CPU <NUM> receives the rotation amount as a small operation amount when the encoder <NUM> is operated while being pushed. As a result, the user can perform a more precise operation.

The encoder <NUM> also functions as an on/off switch for an assigned parameter. For example, when the parameter of the high-pass filter is assigned, the encoder <NUM> functions as the on/off switch for the high-pass filter. The CPU <NUM> activates the on/off switch to function when detecting an operation on a specific operation controller and detecting a push operation on the encoder <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, a shift key <NUM> is arranged on the right side of the channel strips. The shift key <NUM> is an example of the specific operation controller. When the shift key <NUM> is pressed and the CPU <NUM> detects a push operation on the encoder <NUM>, the push operation is received as a specific operation (on-operation or off-operation of the parameter assigned to the pushed encoder <NUM>). On the other hand, the CPU <NUM> does not receive the on/off operation when detecting the push operation on the encoder <NUM> without detecting the operation on the shift key <NUM>.

As a result, the CPU <NUM> can receive the on/off operation only when the user intentionally pushes the encoder <NUM>, and can ignore an unintended push operation.

The audio mixer <NUM> of the present embodiment includes one encoder <NUM> for each of channels in the channel strips. The encoder <NUM> functions as either a screen encoder or a channel encoder. As a result, the audio mixer <NUM> is not necessarily provided with the screen encoder and the channel encoder separately. Therefore, the audio mixer <NUM> can reduce the number of operation controllers. Further, the audio mixer <NUM> can shorten a depth of the housing, and the display <NUM> can be brought closer to the user's position. Since the display <NUM> is brought closer to the user's position, the user can easily determine the name of each channel even if the channel name is not printed on the channel strip. The audio mixer <NUM> does not need to secure the place where the channel name is printed, and thus, the size of the housing can be further reduced.

Further, the encoder <NUM> normally functions as the screen encoder. That is, the encoder <NUM> functions as the channel encoder only when the operation on the encoder assign key <NUM> is received, and the operation of selecting the parameter to be assigned is further received. Therefore, the user basically uses the encoder <NUM> as the screen encoder. As a result, the user does not need to determine which encoder is the screen encoder as compared with a case where there are two encoders, and the operation is not mistaken.

Next, the user-defined knob section <NUM>, the user-defined knob section <NUM>, and the user-defined knob section <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. Note that the user-defined knob section <NUM>, the user-defined knob section <NUM>, and the user-defined knob section <NUM> have the same configuration and function, and thus, the user-defined knob sections <NUM> will be described as a representative in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>.

The user-defined knob section <NUM> includes a user-defined knob <NUM>, a knob display <NUM>, and a user-defined key <NUM>. The user-defined knob <NUM> is a rotary operation controller. However, the user-defined knob <NUM> may be another operation controller such as a fader. The user-defined knob <NUM> functions as an operation controller configured to adjust a send level to a particular bus (first adjustment mode). Alternatively, the user-defined knob <NUM> also functions as an operation controller configured to adjust a certain parameter displayed on the display <NUM> (second adjustment mode).

The knob display <NUM> is a simple display that is relatively smaller than the display <NUM>. The knob display <NUM> displays a function assigned to the user-defined knob <NUM> and an adjustment amount of the function.

The user-defined key <NUM> is a press button. When the user presses the user-defined key <NUM>, the CPU <NUM> displays an image (user-defined window <NUM>) for selection on whether to set the user-defined knob <NUM> to the first adjustment mode or the second adjustment mode on the display <NUM> (S21).

The user-defined window <NUM> includes a send tab image <NUM> and a user-defined tab image <NUM>. When the user touches the send tab image <NUM> (S22: YES), the CPU <NUM> changes the mode to the first adjustment mode illustrated in <FIG> (S23).

In the first adjustment mode, the display <NUM> displays a scroll bar <NUM> and a bus selection image <NUM> in the user-defined window <NUM>. In the bus selection image <NUM>, a plurality of buses and send levels to the respective buses are displayed. In <FIG>, MIX1 to MIX5 buses are displayed. When the user swipes the scroll bar <NUM> up or down, other MIX buses are displayed. The user selects any bus from the bus selection image <NUM>. In the example of <FIG>, the MIX2 bus is selected. Therefore, the CPU <NUM> causes the user-defined knob <NUM> to function as an operation controller configured to adjust a send level to the MIX2 bus. Note that a signal to be sent to the MIX2 bus is a signal of a channel selected in a bay (or a component to be described later) to which the user-defined knob <NUM> belongs. For example, the user touches any channel on a channel overview screen displayed on the touch panel to set the channel in the selected state. Further, channels selected by the plurality of SEL switches <NUM> are also signals to be sent to the MIX bus <NUM>. Further, when a SEL link is set between a plurality of components, which will be described later, a signal is set to the MIX2 bus for any channel selected by touching the channel or a channel selected by the SEL switch in the other components.

In the first adjustment mode, the CPU <NUM> changes a send level to a selected bus in response to a rotation position of the user-defined knob <NUM>. The CPU <NUM> displays the selected bus and the send level on the knob display <NUM>. Therefore, the user can grasp the bus assigned to the user-defined knob <NUM> and the send level even when the user-defined window <NUM> is closed.

Note that the CPU <NUM> may assign the same function as the user-defined knob <NUM> to the touch and turn knob <NUM> in the first adjustment mode. Further, the CPU <NUM> may assign a specific parameter to the touch and turn knob <NUM> when the specific parameter displayed on the display <NUM> is touched in the first adjustment mode.

Note that <FIG> illustrates the example in which the user-defined knob <NUM> functions as the operation controller configured to adjust the send level with respect to the MIX bus. However, the CPU <NUM> may cause the user-defined knob <NUM> to function as an operation controller configured to adjust a send level with respect to another type of bus such as the MATRIX bus. In the case of the MATRIX bus, the user-defined knob <NUM> functions as an operation controller configured to adjust a send level from the MIX bus for each source MIX bus.

On the other hand, when the user touches the user-defined tab image <NUM> (S22: NO → S24: YES), the CPU <NUM> displays parameter icons <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG> (S25). In the example of <FIG>, the display <NUM> displays a screen brightness icon, a panel brightness icon, and a selected channel gain icon. Of course, the display <NUM> may also display other parameters. Further, the display <NUM> may display a bank tab image (for example, tabs of Banks <NUM> to <NUM>) and switch the tabs such that a plurality of parameters can be further displayed.

Then, when the user touches the parameter icon <NUM> to select a parameter (S26: YES), the CPU <NUM> changes the mode to the second adjustment mode (S27).

When a predetermined time elapses without any operation (S28: YES), the CPU <NUM> closes the user-defined window <NUM> (S29) and ends the operation.

In the second adjustment mode, a parameter assigned to the user-defined knob <NUM> is the parameter defined by the user. In the example of <FIG>, the selected channel gain icon is selected. Therefore, the user-defined knob <NUM> functions as an operation controller that adjusts a gain of a channel selected by the SEL switch <NUM>.

However, the user-defined knob <NUM> may automatically assign a parameter other than the parameter defined by the user. For example, the user-defined knob <NUM> may automatically assign the most frequently used parameter.

In the above example, the audio mixer <NUM> includes a physical operation controller (the user-defined key <NUM>) configured to receive the designation of the first adjustment mode and the designation of the second adjustment mode, and the CPU <NUM> receives the designation of the first adjustment mode or the designation of the second adjustment mode via the mode operation controller or the receiver (touch panel) after receiving the operation on the user-defined key <NUM>. However, the user-defined key <NUM> is not essential. For example, the CPU <NUM> may display an icon image on the display <NUM> to call out the user-defined window <NUM>, and call out the user-defined window <NUM> when receiving a touch operation on the icon image.

The audio mixer <NUM> is provided with the plurality of displays <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> for a plurality of users. The audio mixer <NUM> arranges the user-defined knob sections <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> in the vicinity of the respective edges of the displays <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. Therefore, the plurality of users can operate their respective user-defined knobs. Further, the audio mixer <NUM> displays target buses on the display and receives the selection of any bus in the first adjustment mode. As a result, the audio mixer <NUM> reduces the number of operation controllers.

A custom fader bank will be described with reference to <FIG>. In the custom fader bank, a user can assign any channel desired by the user to each of the plurality of faders <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The custom fader bank can be used by operating the bank selection sections <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. The CPU <NUM> functions as a channel determiner that determines a channel to be assigned to a fader.

Nota that the bank selection sections <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> have the same configuration and function. Therefore, the bank selection section <NUM> will be described as a representative in <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates a fixed fader bank mode (hereinafter referred to as a fixed mode) in which the channels assigned to the respective faders are fixed, and <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate a custom fader bank mode (hereinafter referred to as a custom mode).

The bank selection section <NUM> includes a first fixed bank switch <NUM>, a second fixed bank switch <NUM>, a MIX switch <NUM>, a MATRIX switch <NUM>, a DCA switch <NUM>, a CUSTOM switch <NUM>, layer displays <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, and layer switches <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>.

The first fixed bank switch <NUM> is arranged on the uppermost left side of the bank selection section <NUM>. The second fixed bank switch <NUM> is arranged on the uppermost right side of the bank selection section <NUM>. The MIX switch <NUM> is arranged below the first fixed bank switch <NUM>. The MATRIX switch <NUM> is arranged below the second fixed bank switch <NUM>. The DCA switch <NUM> is arranged below the MIX switch <NUM>. The CUSTOM switch <NUM> is arranged below the MATRIX switch <NUM>.

The layer switches <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are arranged downward in this order below the CUSTOM switch <NUM>.

The layer display <NUM> is arranged on the left side of the layer switch <NUM> and the layer switch <NUM>. The layer display <NUM> is arranged on the left side of the layer switch <NUM> and the layer switch <NUM>. The layer display <NUM> is arranged on the left side of the layer switch <NUM> and the layer switch <NUM>.

When the first fixed bank switch <NUM> is pressed, the CPU <NUM> displays input channels of <NUM> to <NUM> on the layer display <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>.

The layer display <NUM> displays <NUM> to <NUM> next to the layer switch <NUM>, that is, above a display area. The layer display <NUM> displays <NUM> to <NUM> next to the layer switch <NUM>, that is, below the display area. The layer display <NUM> displays <NUM> to <NUM> next to the layer switch <NUM>, that is, above a display area. The layer display <NUM> displays <NUM> to <NUM> next to the layer switch <NUM>, that is, below the display area. The layer display <NUM> displays <NUM> to <NUM> next to the layer switch <NUM>, that is, above a display area. The layer display <NUM> displays <NUM> to <NUM> next to the layer switch <NUM>, that is, below the display area.

When the second fixed bank switch <NUM> is pressed, the CPU <NUM> displays input channels of <NUM> to <NUM> on the layer displays <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. The same display mode is applied as the input channel of <NUM>-<NUM> described above.

In the example of <FIG>, the layer switch <NUM> is pressed. Therefore, the CPU <NUM> assigns the input channels of <NUM> to <NUM> in order from the left side of the twelve faders <NUM>. If the layer switch <NUM> is pressed, the CPU <NUM> assigns the input channels of <NUM> to <NUM> in order from the left side of the twelve faders <NUM>.

The MIX switch <NUM> and the MATRIX switch <NUM> correspond to an output-side layer. When the user presses the MIX switch <NUM> and presses the layer switch <NUM>, the CPU <NUM> assigns MIX1 to MIX12 in order from the left side of the twelve faders <NUM>. When the DCA switch <NUM> is pressed, the CPU <NUM> assigns DCA1 to DCA12 in order from the left side of the twelve faders <NUM>.

When the user presses the CUSTOM switch <NUM>, the CPU <NUM> shifts to the custom mode illustrated in <FIG> or <FIG>. The custom mode has two states, that is, a first state and a second state. <FIG> is a view illustrating the custom mode in the first state, and <FIG> is a view illustrating the custom mode in the second state. In the first state, the CUSTOM switch <NUM> lights up. In the second state, the CUSTOM switch <NUM> lights up.

When the user briefly presses the CUSTOM switch <NUM> in the fixed mode, the CPU <NUM> shifts to the custom mode in the first state. The first state is a state where the fixed mode is restored when the CUSTOM switch <NUM> is pressed for a short time.

When the user presses the CUSTOM switch <NUM> for a long time in the fixed mode, the CPU <NUM> shifts to the custom mode in the second state. The second state is a state where the fixed mode is restored when the CUSTOM switch <NUM> is pressed for a long time. In the second state, the fixed mode is not restored even if the CUSTOM switch <NUM> is pressed for a short time. Further, the CPU <NUM> may shift to the second state when the user presses the CUSTOM switch <NUM> for a long time in the custom mode in the first state.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the CPU <NUM> when shifting from the fixed mode to the custom mode. When the user presses the CUSTOM switch <NUM>, the CPU <NUM> determines whether the operation is a long-press operation (S31: YES) or a short-time operation (S31: NO → S32: YES). The long-press operation is, for example, a state where the CUSTOM switch <NUM> is continuously pressed for <NUM> msec or longer. The short-time operation is, for example, a state where the pressing of the CUSTOM switch <NUM> is released in less than <NUM> msec.

If the time for which the CUSTOM switch <NUM> is pressed is less than <NUM> msec, the CPU <NUM> shifts to the custom mode in the first state (S33). If the time for which the CUSTOM switch <NUM> is pressed is equal to or longer than <NUM> msec, the CPU <NUM> shifts to the custom mode in the second state (S34).

When shifting to the custom mode, the CPU <NUM> causes the CUSTOM switch <NUM> to light up or blink as described above. The CPU <NUM> causes the CUSTOM switch <NUM> to blink in the first state. The CPU <NUM> causes the CUSTOM switch <NUM> to light up in the second state. As a result, the user can easily determine whether the current state is the first state or the second state in the custom mode.

In the custom mode, each of the first fixed bank switch <NUM>, the second fixed bank switch <NUM>, the MIX switch <NUM>, the MATRIX switch <NUM>, and the DCA switch <NUM> functions as the layer switch. The first fixed bank switch <NUM> functions as the switch of Layer <NUM>. The second fixed bank switch <NUM> functions as the switch of Layer <NUM>. The MIX switch <NUM> functions as the switch of Layer <NUM>. The MATRIX switch <NUM> functions as the switch of Layer <NUM>. The DCA switch <NUM> functions as the switch of Layer <NUM>.

The user presses any of the switches of Layers <NUM> to <NUM> and presses any of the layer switches <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. In the examples of <FIG> and <FIG>, the MIX switch <NUM> (that is, the switch of Layer <NUM>) and the layer switch <NUM> are pressed. Therefore, the CPU <NUM> assigns a channel to each fader according to the relationship between the fader and the channel managed in Layer <NUM>-C.

That is, the audio mixer <NUM> of the present embodiment has thirty layers obtained by multiplying the five layer switches (first fixed bank switch <NUM>, second fixed bank switch <NUM>, MIX switch <NUM>, MATRIX switch <NUM>, and DCA switch <NUM>) and six layer switches <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> in the custom mode. The audio mixer <NUM> can increase the number of layers without increasing the number of physical operation controllers by causing the first fixed bank switch <NUM>, the second fixed bank switch <NUM>, the MIX switch <NUM>, the MATRIX switch <NUM>, and the DCA switch <NUM> to function as the layer switches.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the CPU <NUM> when the user presses the CUSTOM switch <NUM> in the custom mode in the first state.

The CPU <NUM> determines whether the operation is the long-press operation (S41: YES) or the short-time operation (S41: NO → S42: YES). When the CPU <NUM> determines that it is the short-time operation, the fixed mode is restored (S43). In the case of the long-press operation, the CPU106 shifts to the custom mode in the second state (S44).

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the CPU <NUM> when the user presses the CUSTOM switch <NUM> in the custom mode in the second state.

The CPU <NUM> determines whether or not an operation is the long-press operation (S51). In the case of the long-press operation, the CPU106 shifts to the custom mode in the second state (S52). That is, the fixed mode is not restored unless the CUSTOM switch <NUM> is pressed for a long time in the custom mode in the second state.

Since a user who mainly uses the custom mode rarely uses the fixed mode, it is preferable that the audio mixer not be returned to the fixed mode. On the other hand, a user who uses both the custom mode and fixed mode desires to easily switch from the custom mode to the fixed mode. The audio mixer <NUM> of the present embodiment returns to the fixed mode in the first state only by pressing the CUSTOM switch <NUM> for a short time as a first operation. The audio mixer <NUM> returns to the fixed mode in the second state only when the CUSTOM switch <NUM> is pressed for a long time as a second operation. In this manner, the user can select the first state where the fixed mode is easily restored and the second state where it is difficult to restore the fixed mode. The audio mixer <NUM> can switch from the custom mode to the fixed mode with an operation in response to the user's request.

Note that the CUSTOM switch <NUM> is pressed for a short time as the first operation, and the CUSTOM switch <NUM> is pressed for a long time as the second operation in the above example. That is, the second operation is a relatively complicated operation as compared with the first operation. The second operation may be an operation that requires a relatively longer time than the first operation. However, the second operation is not necessarily the relatively complicated operation as compared with the first operation in the present disclosure. For example, the first operation may be a double touch.

Note that the fixed mode and the custom mode in the first state are switched by the first operation of pressing the CUSTOM switch <NUM> for a short time in the above example. However, the operation of returning from the custom mode in the first state to the fixed mode and the operation of shifting from the fixed mode to the first state (first shift operation) may be different operations.

Further, the fixed mode and the custom mode in the second state are switched by the second operation of pressing the CUSTOM switch <NUM> for a long time in the above example. However, the operation of returning from the custom mode in the second state to the fixed mode and the operation of shifting from the fixed mode to the second state (second shift operation) may be different operations.

Further, the shift from the first state to the second state is made by the second operation of pressing the CUSTOM switch <NUM> for a long time in the above example. However, the operation of making the shift from the first state to the second state may be another operation (third shift operation).

Next, a link function will be described with reference to the front view of <FIG>.

In <FIG>, the first operation portion Pt1, the second operation portion Pt2, and the third operation portion Pt3 are referred to as a first bay Pt1, a second bay Pt2, and a third bay Pt3, respectively.

The first bay Pt1 has a first component <NUM> including the touch panel laminated on the display <NUM>, and a second component <NUM> including a group of operation controllers arranged on the first surface <NUM> and the second surface <NUM>. The second bay Pt2 has a third component <NUM> including the touch panel laminated on the display <NUM>, and a fourth component <NUM> including a group of operation controllers arranged on the first surface <NUM> and the second surface <NUM>. The third bay Pt3 has a fifth component <NUM> including the touch panel laminated on the display <NUM>, and a sixth component <NUM> including a group of operation controllers arranged on the first surface <NUM> and the second surface <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view illustrating an example of a link setting screen displayed on any of displays <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. On the link setting screen, images of an L bay, a C bay, and an R bay are displayed so as to correspond to the first bay Pt1, the second bay Pt2, and the third bay Pt3, respectively. On the link setting screen, icon images configured to receive settings of links among the components are displayed below the images of L, C, and R.

The link includes synchronization of operations performed by the user on the respective components between the components. Further, the link includes synchronization responses to the operations performed by the user on the respective components (for example, display contents of displays and positions of faders) between the components.

At the top of the link setting screen, an image configured to receive settings of a SEL link is displayed. The SEL link means a link of a channel selected by the plurality of SEL switches <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. For example, if the SEL link is set in the first component <NUM> and the third component <NUM>, the same channel is selected in the first component <NUM> and the third component <NUM>. The SEL link displays an icon (square) image configured to select a screen SEL and a panel SEL for each bay. The user touches these icon images to set the SEL link.

Further, an icon (square) image is also displayed between the screen SEL and the panel SEL for each bay on the link setting screen. These icon (square) images mean that the display <NUM> and a panel on which a group of operation controllers such as faders are arranged can be used for each bay. For example, when the icon image arranged between the screen SEL and panel SEL of each of the L bay, the C bay, and the R bay is touched and selected as illustrated in <FIG>, the audio mixer <NUM> can be used by different users for the L bay, the C bay, and the R bay, respectively. For example, the user of the L bay uses the first component <NUM> and the second component <NUM>. The user of the C bay uses the third component <NUM> and the fourth component <NUM>. The user of the R bay uses the first component <NUM> and the second component <NUM>.

An icon image of "SELECTED CH" arranged between the C bay and the R bay is an icon image configured to select a display that displays parameters operated by operation controllers in the selected channel section <NUM>. In the example of <FIG>, R is selected. Therefore, the parameters operated by the operation controllers in the selected channel section <NUM> are displayed on the display <NUM>. Further, the audio mixer <NUM> may change operation controllers of the selected channel section <NUM> when parameters displayed on the display <NUM> are changed.

Next, the panel SEL of the L bay and the panel SEL of the R bay are selected in the example of <FIG>. Further, the icon between the screen SEL and panel SEL of the L bay is also selected. Further, the icon between the screen SEL and panel SEL of the R bay is also selected. In this case, the second component <NUM> and the sixth component <NUM> are linked.

In this case, for example, the same fader bank is selected in the second component <NUM> and the sixth component <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. When the same fader bank is selected in this manner, responses to operations performed by the user on the respective components are synchronized between the components. For example, the user selects Input Channel <NUM> with the SEL switch <NUM> to change parameters in the second component <NUM>, the SEL switch <NUM> of Input Channel <NUM> of the sixth component <NUM> is also selected and parameters are changed. Conversely, when the user selects a specific input channel with the SEL switch <NUM> to change parameters in the sixth component <NUM>, the same input channel is selected in the SEL switch <NUM> of the second component <NUM> and parameters are changed.

In this case, the C bay can be used independently. Therefore, for example, parameters of an output channel may be set in the third component <NUM> and the fourth component <NUM> of the C bay. The user of the C bay can also operate the selected channel section <NUM> to operate parameters on an input channel side while operating the parameters of the output channel using the third component <NUM> and the fourth component <NUM>.

In the example of <FIG>, the screen SEL of the L bay and the screen SEL of the C bay are selected. Further, the panel SEL of the C bay and the panel SEL of the R bay are selected. Further, the icon between the screen SEL and panel SEL of the L bay is also selected. Further, the icon between the screen SEL and panel SEL of the R bay is also selected. In this case, the first component <NUM> and the third component <NUM> are linked, and the fourth component <NUM> and the sixth component <NUM> are linked.

In this case, the respective operation controllers of the second component <NUM> and the fourth component <NUM> function as operation controllers for different channels as illustrated in <FIG>. However, the first component <NUM> (display <NUM>) and the third component <NUM> (display <NUM>) can be used as displays for the operation on the second component <NUM>.

This example is suitable when two users perform operations at the same time. For example, a user on the left side can refer to parameters of a specific input channel (for example, Input Channel <NUM>) on the display <NUM> of the first component <NUM> and refers to details of a specific effect on the display <NUM> of the third component <NUM> while operating the input channel with the second component <NUM>. A user on the right side can perform an operation while referring to the display <NUM> of the fifth component <NUM> using the operation controllers on the selected channel section <NUM>, the fourth component <NUM>, and the sixth component <NUM>.

The embodiment can be conceptualized as a technical idea as follows.

An operation panel for an audio processing apparatus, which includes: a first bay (the L bay) having a first component (the first component <NUM> or second component <NUM>) that includes at least a user interface; a second bay (the C bay) having a second component (the third component <NUM> or fourth component <NUM>) that includes at least a user interface; and a third bay (the R bay) having a third component (the fifth component <NUM> or sixth component <NUM>) that includes at least a user interface, the operation panel for the audio processing apparatus including a link receiver linking the first component (first component <NUM> or second component <NUM>) of the first bay (L bay) and the third component (fifth component <NUM> or sixth component <NUM>) of the third bay (R bay), the first bay (L bay) and the second bay (C bay) being adjacent to each other, the second bay (C bay) and the third bay (R bay) being adjacent to each other.

Next, <FIG> is a link setting screen when a bay link is set. The bay link is a function to link faders of the L bay, the C bay, and the R bay. In the example of <FIG>, the bay links are set in the L bay and the C bay. In this case, the twelve faders <NUM> in the L bay and the twelve faders <NUM> in the C bay can be used as one fader block including the <NUM> faders. Of course, if the bay links are set in the L bay, the C bay, and the R bay, one fader block including <NUM> faders provided in all the bays can be used.

Further, the bay link of the present embodiment is a function to link the L bay, the C bay, and the R bay collectively. When the bay link is set, all links are valid. In the example of <FIG>, a link between the first component <NUM> and the third component <NUM> is set, and a link between the second component <NUM> and the fourth component <NUM> is set. Further, a sends on fader link, a shift key link, a channel strip encoder link, and a home key link are also set between the L bay and the C bay.

The shift key link is a link between the shift keys <NUM> provided in the respective bays. The shift key link corresponds to synchronization of operations performed by the user on the respective components between the components. For example, if the shift key link is set among the L bay, the C bay, and the R bay, the shift keys <NUM> in all the bays are pressed when the user presses the shift key <NUM> in the L bay, the C bay, or the R bay.

The home key link is similar to the shift key. A home key is an operation controller configured to shift a display content of a display to a home screen. For example, if the home key link is set among the L bay, the C bay, and the R bay, the home keys of all the bays are pressed when the user presses the home key of the L bay, the C bay, or the R bay. That is, all of the displays <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> shift to the home screen.

The channel strip encoder (CH STRIP ENCODER) link is a link among the encoder <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. If the channel strip encoder link is set, the encoders <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are synchronized in the plurality of bays.

The sends on fader link will be described later.

However, the bay link may only link at least two functions. For example, when the bay link is set, the screen SEL and the panel SEL may be only linked. That is, the bay link may only link at least two of the second component <NUM>, the fourth component <NUM>, or the sixth component <NUM>.

An operation panel for an audio processing apparatus, which includes a first component (the first component <NUM> or second component <NUM>) and a second component (the third component <NUM> or fourth component <NUM>), the operation panel for the audio processing apparatus including a link receiver linking the first component (first component <NUM> or second component <NUM>) and the second component (third component <NUM> or fourth component <NUM>), the link receiver linking a plurality of functions (for example, the screen SEL and the panel SEL) in the first component (first component <NUM> or second component <NUM>) and the second component (third component <NUM> or fourth component <NUM>), each one function of the plurality of functions being linkable independently, and a batch link setting (bay link) that collectively links at least two functions of the plurality of functions being receivable.

Next, the sends on fader link will be described with reference to <FIG>. The sends on fader is a mode of causing plurality of faders to temporarily function as operation controllers configured to set a send level for a specific bus. A control (switch) configured to receive the sends on fader is arranged, for example, in the vicinity of the shift key <NUM> (see, for example, <FIG>). When the user presses a sends on fader switch and selects a destination output channel, each of the plurality of faders functions as an operation controller to present a first processing parameter indicating a send level from one input channel (or MIX bus) to the selected output channel.

The sends on fader link is a function to link the sends on faders in the L bay, the C bay, and the R bay. In the example of <FIG>, the sends on fader links are set in the L bay and the C bay. In this case, the <NUM> faders can be used as faders configured to receive the send levels with respect to specific buses, respectively, for the twelve faders <NUM> in the L bay and the twelve faders <NUM> in the C bay. Of course, if the sends on fader links are set in the L bay, the C bay, and the R bay, the <NUM> faders provided in all the bays can be used as the faders configured to set the send levels with respect to specific buses, respectively.

The audio mixer <NUM> of the present embodiment can independently set the sends on fader link (a first link mode) and a link of another function (a second link mode: a link between a plurality of components including a user interface that presents a second processing parameter other than the send level).

For example, in <FIG>, the SEL link is not set, but the sends on fader link is set in the L bay and the C bay. Therefore, basically, the user can use the L bay and the C bay individually. On the other hand, when the user presses the sends on fader switch in the L bay, for example, to set a destination output channel, the sends on faders can be temporarily used with the <NUM> faders in the L bay and the C bay.

In this manner, the audio mixer <NUM> of the present embodiment can flexibly set the links among the plurality of (six in the present embodiment) components as compared with a conventional mixing console, and can support various use modes.

Note that technical ideas of the link function can be summarized as follows.

Claim 1:
An audio processing apparatus (<NUM>) for a plurality of channels, the audio processing apparatus (<NUM>) comprising:
a touch panel display device (<NUM>) for displaying parameters of audio processing;
a plurality of physical operation controllers (<NUM>), each associated with one of the plurality of channels, each of the plurality of physical operation controllers (<NUM>) disposed in a respective one of a plurality of channel strips; and
a processor (<NUM>) configured to detect the operation amount of each of the plurality of physical operation controllers (<NUM>) for changing a parameter associated therewith, including:
in a first mode, the operation amount of a first parameter for each of the plurality of physical operation controllers (<NUM>) for the plurality of channels, wherein said operation amounts are displayed on the touch panel display device (<NUM>) in the first mode; and
in a second mode, the operation amount of a second parameter for each of the plurality of physical operation controllers (<NUM>) for the plurality of channels, wherein said operation amounts are displayed on the touch panel display device (<NUM>) in the second mode,
wherein the audio processing apparatus (<NUM>) further comprises a physical mode operation controller (<NUM>) configured to receive user operations of switching between the first mode and the second mode, wherein the processor (<NUM>) switches to the second mode upon:
the physical mode operation controller (<NUM>) receiving a first user operation triggering a parameter window (<NUM>) to be displayed on the touch panel display device (<NUM>) containing controller icons, followed by one of the controller icons receiving a touch operation for selecting the second parameter to be assigned to each of the plurality of physical operation controllers (<NUM>) for the plurality of channels, and
wherein the touch panel display device (<NUM>) displays the parameter name of the second parameter across the plurality of channels in the second mode.