U.S. patent application number 16/799367 was filed with the patent office on 2021-04-29 for audio apparatus.
The applicant listed for this patent is TEAC CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Dai SATO.
Application Number | 20210124554 16/799367 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004707512 |
Filed Date | 2021-04-29 |
![](/patent/app/20210124554/US20210124554A1-20210429\US20210124554A1-2021042)
United States Patent
Application |
20210124554 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SATO; Dai |
April 29, 2021 |
AUDIO APPARATUS
Abstract
An audio apparatus is disclosed which allows a user to easily
visually confirm deviation of an operation position from a
prescribed value even when the deviation is small. The audio
apparatus includes an operator that operates an audio signal, a
display that displays a relationship between a parameter setting
value according to an operation of the operator and a prescribed
value, and one or more processors that change a display form of the
display. The one or more processors cause, when the parameter
setting value is deviated from the prescribed value, display with a
display form different from that when the parameter setting value
coincides with the prescribed value, regardless of an amount of the
deviation.
Inventors: |
SATO; Dai; (Tokyo,
JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
TEAC CORPORATION |
Tokyo |
|
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000004707512 |
Appl. No.: |
16/799367 |
Filed: |
February 24, 2020 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/04847 20130101;
G06F 3/165 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/16 20060101
G06F003/16; G06F 3/0484 20060101 G06F003/0484 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 25, 2019 |
JP |
2019-194343 |
Claims
1. An audio apparatus comprising: an operator that operates an
audio signal; a display that displays a relationship between a
parameter setting value according to an operation of the operator
and a prescribed value, wherein the display includes a first
display region and a second display region; and a controller that
changes a display form of the display, such that, when the
parameter setting value is deviated from the prescribed value, a
display form is employed for the display which differs from a
display form when the parameter setting value coincides with the
prescribed value, regardless of an amount of deviation, wherein:
the controller does not cause the first and second display regions
to be displayed in a highlighted manner when the parameter setting
value coincides with the prescribed value, the controller causes
the first display region to be uniformly displayed in the
highlighted manner when the parameter setting value is deviated
from the prescribed value by a plurality of amounts of deviation by
operation of the operator in a first direction, and the controller
causes the second display region to be uniformly displayed in the
highlighted manner when the parameter setting value is deviated
from the prescribed value by a plurality of amounts of deviation by
operation of the operator in a second direction.
2. (canceled)
3. The audio apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operator
is an operator for sound image localization, the display has
display regions placed at left and right centered at a center which
is the prescribed value, and the controller causes the display
region at the left to be uniformly displayed in the highlighted
manner, regardless of the amount of deviation, when the parameter
setting value is deviated from the prescribed value to the left;
and causes the display region at the right to be uniformly
displayed in the highlighted manner, regardless of the amount of
deviation, when the parameter setting value is deviated from the
prescribed value to the right.
4. The audio apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the display
region at the left has a triangular shape with a width widening
toward left, and the display region at the right has a triangular
shape with a width widening toward right.
5. The audio apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operator
is an operator for sound volume, the display has a first display
region placed with reference to -.infin. which is the prescribed
value, and a second display region placed with reference to 0 dB
which is the prescribed value, and the controller does not cause
the first display region and the second display region to be
displayed in a highlighted manner when the parameter setting value
coincides with the prescribed value; causes the first display
region to be uniformly displayed in the highlighted manner,
regardless of the amount of deviation, when the parameter setting
value is deviated from the -.infin. and is operated to a value
between -.infin. and 0 dB; and causes the second display region to
be uniformly displayed in the highlighted manner, regardless of the
amount of deviation, when the parameter setting value is deviated
from the 0 dB and is operated beyond 0 dB.
6. The audio apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operator
is an operator for sound volume, the display has a first display
region placed with reference to -.infin. which is the prescribed
value, and a second display region placed with reference to 0 dB
which is the prescribed value, and the controller does not cause
the first display region and the second display region to be
displayed in a highlighted manner when the parameter setting value
coincides with -.infin.; causes the first display region to be
uniformly displayed in the highlighted manner with a particular
color, regardless of the amount of deviation, when the parameter
setting value is deviated from the -.infin. and is operated to a
value between -.infin. and 0 dB; causes the second display region
to be uniformly displayed in the highlighted manner with a color
different from the particular color, when the parameter setting
value coincides with the 0 dB; and causes the second display region
to be uniformly displayed in the highlighted manner with the
particular color, regardless of the amount of deviation, when the
parameter setting value is deviated from the 0 dB and is operated
beyond 0 dB.
7. The audio apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the controller
further causes the parameter setting value to be displayed in an
overlapping manner on one of the display regions at a position
corresponding to the amount of deviation from the prescribed
value.
8. The audio apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the controller
further causes the parameter setting value to be displayed in an
overlapping manner on one of the display regions at a position
corresponding to the amount of deviation from the prescribed
value.
9. The audio apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the controller
further causes the parameter setting value to be displayed in an
overlapping manner on one of the display regions at a position
corresponding to the amount of deviation from the prescribed
value.
10. The audio apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the
controller further causes the parameter setting value to be
displayed in an overlapping manner on one of the display regions at
a position corresponding to the amount of deviation from the
prescribed value.
11. An audio apparatus comprising: an operator that operates an
audio signal; a display that displays a relationship between a
parameter setting value according to an operation of the operator
and a prescribed value, wherein the display includes a first
display region and a second display region; and one or more
processors, wherein the one or more processors are configured, by
executing a program stored in a memory, to: change a display form
of the display, such that, when the parameter setting value is
deviated from the prescribed value, a display form is employed for
the display which differs from a display form when the parameter
setting value coincides with the prescribed value, regardless of an
amount of deviation, wherein the one or more processors are
configured to: not cause the first and second display regions to be
displayed in a highlighted manner when the parameter setting value
coincides with the prescribed value, cause the first display region
to be uniformly displayed in the highlighted manner when the
parameter setting value is deviated from the prescribed value by a
plurality of amounts of deviation by operation of the operator in a
first direction, and cause the second display region to be
uniformly displayed in the highlighted manner when the parameter
setting value is deviated from the prescribed value by a plurality
of amounts of deviation by operation of the operator in a second
direction.
12. (canceled)
13. The audio apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the operator
is an operator for sound image localization, the display has
display regions placed at left and right centered at a center which
is the prescribed value, and the one or more processors are
configured to: cause the display region at the left to be uniformly
displayed in the highlighted manner, regardless of the amount of
deviation, when the parameter setting value is deviated from the
prescribed value to the left; and cause the display region at the
right to be uniformly displayed in the highlighted manner,
regardless of the amount of deviation, when the parameter setting
value is deviated from the prescribed value to the right.
14. The audio apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the display
region at the left has a triangular shape with a width widening
toward left, and the display region at the right has a triangular
shape with a width widening toward right.
15. The audio apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the operator
is an operator for sound volume, the display has a first display
region placed with reference to -.infin. which is the prescribed
value, and a second display region placed with reference to 0 dB
which is the prescribed value, and the one or more processors are
configured to: not cause the first display region and the second
display region to be displayed in a highlighted manner when the
parameter setting value coincides with the prescribed value; cause
the first display region to be uniformly displayed in the
highlighted manner, regardless of the amount of deviation, when the
parameter setting value is deviated from the -.infin. and is
operated to a value between -.infin. and 0 dB; and cause the second
display region to be uniformly displayed in the highlighted manner,
regardless of the amount of deviation, when the parameter setting
value is deviated from the 0 dB and is operated beyond 0 dB.
16. The audio apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the operator
is an operator for sound volume, the display has a first display
region placed with reference to -.infin. which is the prescribed
value, and a second display region placed with reference to 0 dB
which is the prescribed value, and the one or more processors are
configured to: not cause the first display region and the second
display region to be displayed in a highlighted manner when the
parameter setting value coincides with -.infin.; cause the first
display region to be uniformly displayed in the highlighted manner
with a particular color, regardless of the amount of deviation,
when the parameter setting value is deviated from the -.infin. and
is operated to a value between -.infin. and 0 dB; cause the second
display region to be uniformly displayed in the highlighted manner
with a color different from the particular color, when the
parameter setting value coincides with the 0 dB; and cause the
second display region to be uniformly displayed in the highlighted
manner with the particular color, regardless of the amount of
deviation, when the parameter setting value is deviated from the 0
dB and is operated beyond 0 dB.
17. The audio apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the one or
more processors are further configured to cause the parameter
setting value to be displayed in an overlapping manner on one of
the display regions at a position corresponding to the amount of
deviation from the prescribed value.
18. The audio apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the one or
more processors are further configured to cause the parameter
setting value to be displayed in an overlapping manner on one of
the display regions at a position corresponding to the amount of
deviation from the prescribed value.
19. The audio apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the one or
more processors are further configured to cause the parameter
setting value to be displayed in an overlapping manner on one of
the display regions at a position corresponding to the amount of
deviation from the prescribed value.
20. The audio apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the one or
more processors are further configured to cause the parameter
setting value to be displayed in an overlapping manner on one of
the display regions at a position corresponding to the amount of
deviation from the prescribed value.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent
Application No. 2019-194343 filed on Oct. 25, 2019, which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety including the
specification, claims, drawings, and abstract.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to an audio apparatus.
BACKGROUND
[0003] In the related art, structures are proposed in which, in an
audio apparatus such as a mixing console, when a parameter setting
value such as sound image localization (pan), a sound volume, or
the like is displayed, an instruction line is displayed on a
bar-shaped element or on a circular knob.
[0004] FIGS. 30 and 31 show example displays of a parameter setting
value in the related art. FIG. 30 shows an example display 100 in
which a line showing a prescribed value is displayed in a display
region having a quadrangular shape (elongated shape), and a bar
showing a current parameter setting value is displayed in an
overlapping manner. FIG. 31 shows an example display 200 in which a
line showing a prescribed value is displayed near a circular knob
and a line showing the current parameter setting value is
displayed.
[0005] Parameters to be set include parameters having prescribed
values such as center of the sound image localization (pan) or 0 dB
of the sound volume, and it is desired that the user can easily
visually confirm whether the current parameter setting value
coincides with the prescribed value or is deviated therefrom.
[0006] JP 3951655 B discloses, in order to provide a display device
of an operator with improved viewability of an operation position
of the operator, a display device of the operator having index
display control means which causes an index to be displayed with a
predetermined display form when the operation position of the
operator is a predetermined reference position, and which gradually
changes a display form of a display color, lightness, or a size of
the index to a different display form from the predetermined
display form according to an amount of deviation of the operation
position from the reference position.
[0007] However, in the related art described above, because the
display color, the lightness, or the size of the index is gradually
changed according to the amount of deviation of the operation
position from the reference position or the prescribed value
(hereinafter, collectively referred to as "prescribed value"), when
the deviation of the operation position from the prescribed value
is small, the change of the display color or the like of the index
is also consequently small, and there has been a problem in that it
is difficult for the user to notice the change.
[0008] An advantage of the present disclosure lies in provision of
a technique which allows the user to easily visually confirm that
the operation position is deviated from the prescribed value even
when the deviation of the operation position from the prescribed
value is small.
SUMMARY
[0009] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is
provided an audio apparatus comprising: an operator that operates
an audio signal; a display that displays a relationship between a
parameter setting value according to an operation of the operator
and a prescribed value; and a controller that changes a display
form of the display, such that, when the parameter setting value is
deviated from the prescribed value, a display form is employed for
the display which differs from a display form when the parameter
setting value coincides with the prescribed value, regardless of an
amount of the deviation.
[0010] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the
display has a display region, and the controller does not cause the
display region to be displayed in a highlighted manner when the
parameter setting value coincides with the prescribed value; and
causes the display region to be uniformly displayed in the
highlighted manner, regardless of the amount of deviation, when the
parameter setting value is deviated from the prescribed value.
[0011] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the
operator is an operator for sound image localization, the display
has display regions placed at left and right centered at a center
which is the prescribed value, and the controller does not cause
the display regions at the left and the right to be displayed in a
highlighted manner when the parameter setting value coincides with
the prescribed value; causes the display region at the left to be
uniformly displayed in the highlighted manner, regardless of the
amount of deviation, when the parameter setting value is deviated
from the prescribed value to the left; and causes the display
region at the right to be uniformly displayed in the highlighted
manner, regardless of the amount of deviation, when the parameter
setting value is deviated from the prescribed value to the
right.
[0012] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the
display region at the left has a triangular shape with a width
widening toward the left, and the display region at the right has a
triangular shape with a width widening toward the right.
[0013] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the
operator is an operator for sound volume, the display has a first
display region placed with reference to -.infin. which is the
prescribed value, and a second display region placed with reference
to 0 dB which is the prescribed value, and the controller does not
cause the first display region and the second display region to be
displayed in a highlighted manner when the parameter setting value
coincides with the prescribed value; causes the first display
region to be uniformly displayed in the highlighted manner,
regardless of the amount of deviation, when the parameter setting
value is deviated from the -.infin. and is operated to a value
between -.infin. and 0 dB; and causes the second display region to
be uniformly displayed in the highlighted manner, regardless of the
amount of deviation, when the parameter setting value is deviated
from the 0 dB and is operated beyond 0 dB.
[0014] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the
operator is an operator for sound volume, the display has a first
display region placed with reference to -.infin. which is the
prescribed value, and a second display region placed with reference
to 0 dB which is the prescribed value, and the controller does not
cause the first display region and the second display region to be
displayed in a highlighted manner when the parameter setting value
coincides with -.infin.; causes the first display region to be
uniformly displayed in the highlighted manner with a particular
color, regardless of the amount of deviation, when the parameter
setting value is deviated from the -.infin. and is operated to a
value between -.infin. and 0 dB; causes the second display region
to be uniformly displayed in the highlighted manner with a color
different from the particular color, when the parameter setting
value coincides with the 0 dB; and causes the second display region
to be uniformly displayed in the highlighted manner with the
particular color, regardless of the amount of deviation, when the
parameter setting value is deviated from the 0 dB and is operated
beyond 0 dB.
[0015] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the
controller further causes the parameter setting value to be
displayed in an overlapping manner on the display region at a
position corresponding to the amount of deviation from the
prescribed value.
[0016] According to the present disclosure, even when the deviation
of the parameter setting value from the prescribed value, according
to an operation of the operator, is small, the user can easily
visually confirm that the parameter setting value is deviated from
the prescribed value. As a consequence, the user can easily operate
the operator and set the parameter setting value to a desired
value.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0017] Embodiment(s) of the present disclosure will be described
based on the following figures, wherein:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a structural block diagram of an embodiment of the
present disclosure;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a process flowchart of an embodiment of the
present disclosure;
[0020] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) of a change of a
display form in an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0021] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) of the change of
the display form in the embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0022] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram (part 3) of the change of
the display form in the embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0023] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram (part 4) of the change of
the display form in the embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0024] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram (part 5) of the change of
the display form in the embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0025] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) of a change of a
display form in another configuration of the embodiment of the
present disclosure;
[0026] FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) of the change of
the display form in the other configuration of the embodiment of
the present disclosure;
[0027] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram (part 3) of the change of
the display form in the other configuration of the embodiment of
the present disclosure;
[0028] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) of a change of a
display form in a further configuration of the embodiment of the
present disclosure;
[0029] FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) of the change of
the display form in the further configuration of the embodiment of
the present disclosure;
[0030] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram (part 3) of the change of
the display form in the further configuration of the embodiment of
the present disclosure;
[0031] FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram (part 4) of the change of
the display form in the further configuration of the embodiment of
the present disclosure;
[0032] FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram (part 5) of the change of
the display form in the further configuration of the embodiment of
the present disclosure;
[0033] FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram (part 6) of the change of
the display form in the further configuration of the embodiment of
the present disclosure;
[0034] FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram (part 7) of the change of
the display form in the further configuration of the embodiment of
the present disclosure;
[0035] FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram (part 8) of the change of
the display form in the further configuration of the embodiment of
the present disclosure;
[0036] FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram (part 9) of the change of
the display form in the further configuration of the embodiment of
the present disclosure;
[0037] FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram (part 10) of the change of
the display form in the further configuration of the embodiment of
the present disclosure;
[0038] FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram (part 11) of the change of
the display form in the further configuration of the embodiment of
the present disclosure;
[0039] FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram (part 12) of the change of
the display form in the further configuration of the embodiment of
the present disclosure;
[0040] FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram (part 13) of the change of
the display form in the further configuration of the embodiment of
the present disclosure;
[0041] FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram (part 14) of the change of
the display form in the further configuration of the embodiment of
the present disclosure;
[0042] FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram (part 15) of the change of
the display form in the further configuration of the embodiment of
the present disclosure;
[0043] FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram (part 16) of the change of
the display form in the further configuration of the embodiment of
the present disclosure;
[0044] FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram (part 17) of the change of
the display form in the further configuration of the embodiment of
the present disclosure;
[0045] FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram (part 18) of the change of
the display form in the further configuration of the embodiment of
the present disclosure;
[0046] FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram (part 19) of the change of
the display form in the further configuration of the embodiment of
the present disclosure;
[0047] FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram of a display form of
related art (part 1); and
[0048] FIG. 31 is an explanatory diagram of a display form of
related art (part 2).
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0049] An embodiment of the present disclosure will now be
described with reference to the drawings.
[0050] FIG. 1 is a structural block diagram of an audio apparatus
10 according to the present embodiment. The audio apparatus 10 is,
for example, a digital mixing console which applies a mixing
process of audio signals, but is not limited to the digital mixing
console, and may be any arbitrary apparatus so long as the
apparatus sets various parameters of the audio signal. In the
digital mixing console, processes including routing, assignment,
echo rising, mixing, and effect are applied on various input audio
signals, and the processed signal is output.
[0051] The audio apparatus 10 includes an input interface 12, one
or more processors 14, a memory 16, an output interface 18, an
operator 20, and a display 22.
[0052] The input interface 12 has an analog signal input terminal,
a digital signal input terminal, and an ADC (analog-to-digital
converter). An analog audio signal is converted into a digital
audio signal by the ADC and the converted signal is then input.
[0053] The one or more processors 14 are formed from a CPU or the
like, and execute various processes by reading and executing
processing program(s) stored in the memory 16. Various processes of
the one or more processors 14 include: detection of an operation
position of the operator 20; comparison of a parameter setting
value which is set according to the operation of the operator 20
and a prescribed value; and control of a display form of the
display 22 according to the comparison between the parameter
setting value and the prescribed value. In particular, the control
of the display form of the display 22 according to the comparison
between the parameter setting value and the prescribed value
includes control to set different display forms between the case in
which the parameter setting value coincides with the prescribed
value and the case in which the parameter setting value is deviated
from the prescribed value. The prescribed value may be stored in
the memory 16 in advance, or may be stored in the memory 16 by the
user inputting the value by operating the operator 20, various
buttons, and the like.
[0054] The operator 20 is a switch, a button, or the like operated
by the user, and includes switches and buttons for setting
parameters such as the sound image localization (pan) and the sound
volume. The one or more processors 14 detect an amount of operation
of the operator 20, and adjust the sound image localization or the
sound volume according to the detected amount of operation.
[0055] The display 22 displays various states of the audio
apparatus 10. In particular, in the present embodiment, the display
22 displays parameter setting states of the sound image
localization (pan) and the sound volume. The one or more processors
14 detect the amount of operation of the operator 20, and display
the parameter setting states of the sound image localization (pan)
and the sound volume on the display 22 based on the detected amount
of operation. The display 22 is formed from a liquid crystal panel
or an organic EL panel. Alternatively, the display 22 may be formed
by arranging and placing point light sources such as LEDs in a
continuous manner.
[0056] The output interface 18 includes an analog output terminal,
a digital output terminal, and a DAC (digital-to-analog converter).
A processed digital audio signal is converted into an analog audio
signal by the DAC, and the converted signal is then output.
[0057] FIG. 2 is a process flowchart of the present embodiment. The
process is a process to operate the operator and set a parameter of
the sound image localization (pan).
[0058] First, the one or more processors 14 determine whether or
not an operator of the sound image localization (pan) is operated
(S101).
[0059] When the one or more processors 14 detect that the operator
of the sound image localization (pan) has been operated (YES in
S101), the one or more processors 14 then determine whether or not
an operation value of the sound image localization (PAN) coincides
with a prescribed value (S102). Here, the prescribed value is
determined in advance, and, in the case of the sound image
localization (pan), the prescribed value is, for example,
center.
[0060] When the parameter operation value of the sound image
localization (pan) is the center (Center; abbreviated with "C")
(determine as C in S102), the one or more processors 14 do not
display an index of the sound image localization (pan) in a
highlighted manner when the index of the sound image localization
(pan) is displayed on the display 22 (S103).
[0061] When the parameter operation value of the sound image
localization (pan) is deviated to the left (Left; abbreviated with
"L") (determine as L in S102), the one or more processors 14
display a left region in a highlighted manner when the index of the
sound image localization (pan) is displayed on the display 22, to
emphasize left (L) (S104).
[0062] On the other hand, when the parameter operation value of the
sound image localization (pan) is deviated to the right (Right;
abbreviated with "R") (determine as R in S102), the one or more
processors 14 display a right region in a highlighted manner when
the index of the sound image localization (pan) is displayed on the
display 22, to emphasize right (R) (S105).
[0063] More specifically, the one or more processors 14 employ, as
display regions for displaying the index of the sound image
localization (pan) on the display 22, two right triangles placed to
oppose each other at a vertex of an acute angle, so that the right
triangle at the left corresponds to the left (L) of the sound image
localization (pan), the right triangle at the right corresponds to
the right (R) of the sound image localization (pan), and the vertex
where the two right triangles contact each other corresponds to the
prescribed value (C) of the sound image localization (pan). In
S104, the right triangle region at the left which is the left
region is displayed in the highlighted manner, and the right
triangle region at the right which is the right region is not
displayed in the highlighted manner. In S105, the right triangle
region at the right which is the right region is displayed in the
highlighted manner, and the right triangle region at the left which
is the left region is not displayed in the highlighted manner. In
S103, the right triangle regions on the right and left are not
displayed in the highlighted manner.
[0064] In the contrary, when the operation of the operator of the
sound image localization (pan) is not detected (NO in S101), the
processes of S102.about.S105 are not executed, and the current
state is maintained. The processes of S101.about.S105 are
repeatedly executed at a predetermined control period.
[0065] The display form of the sound image localization (pan) in
the present embodiment will now be described more specifically.
[0066] FIG. 3 shows an example of an index display region 50 of the
sound image localization (pan) displayed on the display 22. FIG. 3
shows a p process corresponding to S103 of FIG. 2.
[0067] The index display region 50 includes two right triangle
regions 50a and 50b placed to oppose each other at a vertex of an
acute angle. When two axes which are orthogonal to each other are
an x axis (lateral direction) and a y axis (vertical direction),
the right triangle regions 50a and 50b have shapes symmetric with
respect to the y axis passing through the vertex of the acute
angle, and two sides having the right angle therebetween are
parallel respectively to the x axis and they axis. The right
triangle region 50a at the left has a width which is widened toward
the left side, and the right triangle region 50b at the right has a
width which is widened toward the right side. At the vertex of the
acute angle where the two right triangle regions 50a and 50b
contact each other, a line 50c showing the prescribed value (C) is
displayed in parallel to the y axis direction.
[0068] FIG. 3 shows an operator 30 for the sound image localization
(pan) at a lower part of the index display region 50. The operator
30 has a shape of a circular knob, and has a line which shows a
current parameter setting value. In addition, a line showing the
center (C) which is the prescribed value is displayed near the
circular knob. The index display region 50 may be displayed near
the operator 30 (for example, at an upper part of the operator 30
as shown in FIG. 3), or may be displayed at a position unrelated to
the position of the operator 30. In FIG. 3, for the purpose of
explanation, the operator 30 and the index display region 50 are
collectively shown.
[0069] When the parameter setting value of the operator 30
coincides with the prescribed value (C), the right triangle region
50a at the left and the right triangle region 50b at the right are
not displayed in a highlighted manner. At an upper part of the line
50c showing the prescribed value, the current parameter setting
value is displayed with a text and a number. In FIG. 3, because the
current parameter setting value coincides with the prescribed
value, the one or more processors 14 display a text 50d of "C",
showing that the parameter setting value is the prescribed value.
Along with this display, the line 50c may be displayed in a
highlighted manner by displaying, for example, a circle mark or the
like on the line 50c.
[0070] FIG. 4 shows a process corresponding to S104 of FIG. 2.
[0071] The parameter setting value of the operator 30 is positioned
at the left side relative to the prescribed value.
[0072] In this case, the right triangle region 50a at the left, of
the index display region 50, is displayed in a highlighted manner.
FIG. 4 shows the highlighted display with hatching of the right
triangle region 50a at the left. The right triangle region 50b at
the right is not displayed in the highlighted manner. In addition,
because the current parameter setting value does not coincide with
the prescribed value and is deviated from the prescribed value to
the left, the one or more processors 14 display a text and a number
50d of "L15", as an amount of deviation from the prescribed value.
The number shows the amount of deviation from the prescribed value.
Further, the one or more processors 14 display a bar 50e showing
the current parameter setting value in an overlapping manner on the
right triangle region 50a at the left which is displayed in the
highlighted manner.
[0073] In FIG. 4, the current parameter setting value can be
visually confirmed by the text and number 50d and the bar 50e. In
addition, as the right triangle region 50a at the left is displayed
in the highlighted manner, it can be easily visually confirmed that
the parameter setting value is deviated from the prescribed value
to the left. It should be noted that the entire region of the right
triangle region 50a at the left is displayed in the highlighted
manner regardless of the size of the amount of deviation of the
current parameter setting value from the prescribed value.
[0074] FIG. 5 shows another process corresponding to S104 of FIG.
2.
[0075] The parameter setting value of the operator 30 is positioned
at the left relative to the prescribed value, and at a further left
position than that in the case of FIG. 4.
[0076] In this case, the right triangle region 50a at the left, of
the index display region 50, is displayed in the highlighted
manner. In FIG. 5, the highlighted display is shown with the
hatching of the right triangle region 50a at the left. The right
triangle region 50b at the right is not displayed in the
highlighted manner. In addition, because the current parameter
setting value does not coincide with the prescribed value and is at
the left of the prescribed value, the one or more processors 14
display a text and a number 50d of "L45", as the amount of
deviation from the prescribed value. The number shows the amount of
deviation from the prescribed value. Further, the one or more
processors 14 display the bar 50e showing the current parameter
setting value in an overlapping manner on the right triangle region
50a at the left which is displayed in the highlighted manner. The
bar 50e is displayed at a further left side than that in the case
of FIG. 4. This is in correspondence to the amount of deviation
shown by "L45".
[0077] In FIG. 5, the current parameter setting value can be
visually confirmed by the text and number 50d and the bar 50e. In
addition, because the right triangle region 50a at the left is
displayed in the highlighted manner, it can be easily visually
confirmed that the current parameter setting value is deviated from
the prescribed value to the left. It should be noted that, in this
case also, similar to FIG. 4, the entire region of the right
triangle region 50a at the left is displayed in the highlighted
manner regardless of the size of the amount of deviation of the
current parameter setting value from the prescribed value.
[0078] FIG. 6 shows a process corresponding to S105 of FIG. 2.
[0079] The parameter setting value of the operator 30 is positioned
at the right relative to the prescribed value.
[0080] In this case, the right triangle region 50b at the right, of
the index display region 50, is displayed in the highlighted
manner. In FIG. 6, the highlighted display is shown by the hatching
of the right triangle region 50b at the right. The right triangle
region 50a at the left is not displayed in the highlighted manner.
Moreover, because the current parameter setting value does not
coincide with the prescribed value and is at the right of the
prescribed value, the one or more processors 14 display a text and
a number 50d of "R5", as the amount of deviation from the
prescribed value. The number shows the amount of deviation from the
prescribed value. Further, the one or more processors 14 display
the bar 50e showing the current parameter setting value in an
overlapping manner on the triangle region 50b at the right which is
displayed in the highlighted manner.
[0081] In FIG. 6, the current parameter setting value can be
visually confirmed by the text and the number 50d and the bar 50e.
In addition, because the right triangle region 50b at the right is
displayed in the highlighted manner, it can be easily visually
confirmed that the current parameter setting value is deviated from
the prescribed value to the right. Here, the entire region of the
right triangle region 50b at the right is displayed in the
highlighted manner regardless of the size of the amount of
deviation of the current parameter setting value from the
prescribed value.
[0082] FIG. 7 shows another process corresponding to S105 of FIG.
2.
[0083] The parameter setting value of the operator 30 is positioned
at the right relative to the prescribed value, and is at a further
right side than that in the case of FIG. 6.
[0084] In this case, the right triangle region 50b at the right, of
the index display region 50, is displayed in the highlighted
manner. In FIG. 7, the highlighted display is shown by the hatching
of the right triangle region 50b at the right. The right triangle
region 50a at the left is not displayed in the highlighted manner.
In addition, because the current parameter setting value does not
coincide with the prescribed value and is at the right of the
prescribed value, the one or more processors 14 display a text and
number 50d of "R30", as the amount of deviation from the prescribed
value. The number shows the amount of deviation from the prescribed
value. Further, the one or more processors 14 display the bar 50e
showing the current parameter setting value in an overlapping
manner on the right triangle region 50b at the right which is
displayed in the highlighted manner. The bar 50e is displayed at a
further right side than that in the case of FIG. 6, in
correspondence to the amount of deviation shown by "R30".
[0085] In FIG. 7, the current parameter setting value can be
visually confirmed by the text and number 50d and the bar 50e. In
addition, because the right triangle region 50b at the right is
displayed in the highlighted manner, it can be easily visually
confirmed that the current parameter setting value is deviated from
the prescribed value to the right. In this case also, similar to
FIG. 6, the entire region of the right triangle region 50b at the
right is displayed in the highlighted manner regardless of the size
of the amount of deviation of the current parameter value from the
prescribed value.
[0086] As shown in FIGS. 4.about.7, in the present embodiment, when
the parameter setting value of the sound image localization (pan)
is deviated from the prescribed value (center: C) to the left or to
the right, the entire region of the right triangle region
corresponding to the deviation, of the right triangle regions 50a
and 50b, is uniformly displayed in the highlighted manner
regardless of the amount of deviation. Thus, even when the amount
of deviation is slight, the user can very easily visually confirm
the deviation of and the direction of the deviation of the
parameter setting value of the sound image localization (pan) from
the prescribed value, by visually confirming the region which is
displayed in the highlighted manner. That is, in the configuration
of the related art in which the display color or the like is
gradually changed according to the amount of deviation, because the
amount of change is small when the amount of deviation is small,
the deviation from the prescribed value in this case cannot be
understood. In the contrary, in the present embodiment, even when
the amount of deviation is small, the entire region is displayed in
the highlighted manner, and thus, the deviation from the prescribed
value can be easily visually confirmed.
[0087] Further, when the current parameter value is deviated from
the center which is the prescribed value to the left, the right
triangle region 50a at the left is displayed in the highlighted
manner, and, when the current parameter value is deviated from the
center which is the prescribed value to the right, the right
triangle region 50b at the right is displayed in the highlighted
manner. Thus, the user can visually confirm with one look, in
addition to whether or not the current parameter value is deviated
from the prescribed value, to which direction of left or right the
current parameter value is deviated. The present embodiment may
alternatively be considered as enlarging the deviation from the
prescribed value and showing the deviation with the highlighted
display.
[0088] The "highlighted display" in the present embodiment includes
display with a particular color, display with a particular design
or pattern, display with a particular lightness, a blinking display
with a particular period, or the like. When displaying with the
particular color, for example, the display may be in blue color
when the background color is black, or the like, but the display
with the particular color is not limited to this configuration. In
addition, the display forms of the highlighted display of the right
triangle regions 50a and 50b may be the same or may differ from
each other. For example, the highlighted display of the right
triangle region 50a may be in blue and the highlighted display of
the right triangle region 50b may be in red.
[0089] In addition, in the present embodiment, the one or more
processors 14 change the display form of the index display region
50 between the case in which the parameter setting value coincides
with the prescribed value and the case in which the parameter
setting value is deviated from the prescribed value. The
coincidence of the parameter setting value with the prescribed
value includes a case in which the parameter setting value
precisely coincides with the prescribed value, and a case in which
the parameter setting value does not precisely coincide with the
prescribed value, but is within a certain allowable range. That is,
when the certain allowable range is .delta. (>0), the parameter
setting value and the prescribed value may be determined as
coincident when:
|parameter setting value-prescribed value|< .delta..
[0090] Further, in FIGS. 3.about.7, the index display region 50 is
formed from the right triangle regions 50a and 50b at the left and
the right, but the shape thereof is arbitrary. Thus, the index
display region 50 may alternatively have equilateral triangle
shapes placed at the left and the right, elliptical shapes placed
at the left and the right, quadrangular shapes placed at the left
and the right, or the like.
[0091] FIGS. 8.about.10 show an example in which the index display
region 50 is formed from quadrangular shapes (bar shapes) 50a and
50b at the left and the right.
[0092] FIG. 8 shows a process corresponding to S103 of FIG. 2.
[0093] The index display region 50 includes two quadrangular
regions 50a and 50b placed opposing each other. When two axes
orthogonal to each other are an x axis (lateral direction) and a y
axis (vertical direction), the quadrangular regions 50a and 50b
have shapes symmetric about the y axis passing through the sides
which contact each other, and the long side and the short side are
respectively parallel to the x axis and the y axis. On the sides
where the two quadrangular regions 50a and 50b contact each other,
a line 50c showing the prescribed value (C) is displayed in
parallel to the y axis direction.
[0094] When the parameter setting value of the operator 30
coincides with the prescribed value (C), the left quadrangular
region 50a and the right quadrangular region 50b are not displayed
in the highlighted manner. In addition, at an upper part of the
line 50c showing the prescribed value, the current parameter
setting value is displayed with a text and a number. In FIG. 8,
because the current parameter setting value coincides with the
prescribed value, the one or more processors 14 display a text 50d
of "C", showing that the current parameter setting value is the
prescribed value. Along with this display, the line 50c may be
displayed in the highlighted manner by displaying, for example, an
ellipse mark or the like on the line 50c.
[0095] FIG. 9 shows a process corresponding to S104 of FIG. 2.
[0096] The parameter setting value of the operator 30 is positioned
at the left relative to the prescribed value.
[0097] In this case, the left quadrangular region 50a of the index
display region 50 is displayed in the highlighted manner. In FIG.
9, the highlighted display is shown by the hatching of the left
rectangular region 50a. The right quadrangular region 50b is not
displayed in the highlighted manner. In addition, because the
current parameter setting value does not coincide with the
prescribed value and is at the left of the prescribed value, the
one or more processors 14 display a text and number 50d of "L15",
as the amount of deviation from the prescribed value. The number
shows the amount of deviation from the prescribed value. Further,
the one or more processors 14 display a bar 50e showing the current
parameter setting value in an overlapping manner on the left
quadrangular region 50a displayed in the highlighted manner.
[0098] In FIG. 9, the current parameter setting value can be
visually confirmed by the text and number 50d and the bar 50e. In
addition, because the left rectangular region 50a is displayed in
the highlighted manner, it can be easily visually confirmed that
the current parameter setting value is deviated from the prescribed
value to the left. The entire region of the left quadrangular
region 50a is displayed in the highlighted manner regardless of the
size of the amount of deviation of the current parameter setting
value from the prescribed value. FIG. 10 shows another process
corresponding to S104 of FIG. 2.
[0099] The parameter setting value of the operator 30 is positioned
at the left relative to the prescribed value, and at a further left
side than that in the case of FIG. 9.
[0100] In this case, the left quadrangular region 50a of the index
display region 50 is displayed in the highlighted manner. In FIG.
10, the highlighted display is shown by the hatching of the left
quadrangular region 50a. The right quadrangular region 50b is not
displayed in the highlighted manner. In addition, because the
current parameter setting value does not coincide with the
prescribed value and is at the left of the prescribed value, the
one or more processors 14 display a text and number of "L45", as
the amount of deviation from the prescribed value. The number shows
the amount of deviation from the prescribed value. Further, the one
or more processors 14 display the bar 50e showing the current
parameter setting value in an overlapping manner on the left
quadrangular region 50a displayed in the highlighted manner. The
bar 50e is displayed at a further left side than that in the case
of FIG. 9, corresponding to the amount of deviation shown by
"L45".
[0101] In FIG. 10, the current parameter setting value can be
visually confirmed by the text and number 50d and the bar 50e. In
addition, because the left quadrangular region 50a is displayed in
the highlighted manner, it can be easily visually confirmed that
the current parameter setting value is deviated from the prescribed
value to the left. The entire region of the left quadrangular
region 50a is displayed in the highlighted manner regardless of the
size of the amount of deviation of the current parameter setting
value from the prescribed value. Next, a parameter setting of a
sound volume will be described.
[0102] FIG. 11 shows an example of an index display region 60 of
sound volume displayed on the display 22. With regard to the
parameter setting value of the sound volume, two values, -.infin.
(no sound) and 0 dB (no adjustment of sound volume) are set as the
prescribed values.
[0103] The index display region 60 includes two quadrangular
regions 60a and 60b placed opposing each other. The quadrangular
region 60a corresponds to a first display region, and the
quadrangular region 60b corresponds to a second display region.
When two axes which are orthogonal to each other are an x axis
(lateral direction) and a y axis (vertical direction), long sides
and short sides of the quadrangular regions 60a and 60b are
respectively parallel to the x axis and the y axis. The left
quadrangular region 60a corresponds to the sound volume of -.infin.
to 0 dB, and the right quadrangular region 60b corresponds to the
sound volume of 0 dB or greater. On the sides of the two
quadrangular regions 60a and 60, which are placed in series, which
contact each other, a line 60c showing 0 dB is displayed in
parallel to the y axis direction.
[0104] When the parameter setting value of the operator of the
sound volume coincides with -.infin. which is the prescribed value,
the left quadrangular region 60a and the right quadrangular region
60b are not displayed in the highlighted manner. In addition, at an
upper part of the line 60c showing the prescribed value, the
current parameter setting value is displayed with a text and a
number. In FIG. 11, because the current parameter setting value
coincides with the prescribed value, the one or more processors 14
display a text 60d of "-.infin." showing the prescribed value. In
addition, the one or more processors 14 display a bar 60e showing
the current parameter setting value in an overlapping manner on the
left quadrangular region 60a. That is, because the current
parameter setting value is -.infin., the bar 60e is displayed in an
overlapping manner at a left end of the left quadrangular region
60a.
[0105] FIG. 12 shows a case in which the user operates the sound
volume from -.infin. to a value less than 0 dB.
[0106] In this case, the left quadrangular region 60a of the index
display region 60 is displayed in the highlighted manner. In FIG.
12, the highlighted display is shown by the hatching of the left
quadrangular region 60a. Because the parameter setting value of the
sound volume is between -.infin. and 0 dB, the right quadrangular
region 60b is not displayed in the highlighted manner. In addition,
the one or more processors 14 display a text and number 60d of "-20
dB", as the current parameter setting value of the sound volume.
Further, the one or more processors 14 display the bar 60e showing
the current parameter setting value in an overlapping manner on the
left quadrangular region 60a displayed in the highlighted
manner.
[0107] In FIG. 12, the current parameter setting value can be
visually confirmed by the text and number 60d and the bar 60e. In
addition, because the left quadrangular region 60a is displayed in
the highlighted manner, it can be easily visually confirmed that
the current parameter setting value is deviated from -.infin. which
is the prescribed value. An entire region of the left quadrangular
region 60a is displayed in the highlighted manner regardless of the
size of the amount of deviation of the current parameter setting
value from the prescribed value. In addition, as the right
quadrangular region 60b is not displayed in the highlighted manner,
it is possible to simultaneously visually confirm that the current
parameter setting value is less than 0 dB, which is the other
prescribed value.
[0108] FIG. 13 shows a case in which the user operates the volume
to 0 dB.
[0109] In this case, the quadrangular regions 60a and 60b of the
index display region 60 are not displayed in the highlighted
manner. In addition, the one or more processors 14 display the text
and number 60d of "0 dB", as the current parameter setting value of
the sound volume. Further, the one or more processors 14 display
the bar 60e showing the current parameter setting value in an
overlapping manner on the contacting sides of the quadrangular
regions 60a and 60b.
[0110] In FIG. 13, the current parameter setting value can be
visually confirmed by the text and number 60d and the bar 60e. In
addition, because the quadrangular regions 60a and 60b are not
displayed in the highlighted manner, it can be easily visually
confirmed that the current parameter setting value coincides with 0
dB which is the prescribed value.
[0111] FIG. 14 shows a case in which the user operates the sound
volume beyond 0 dB.
[0112] In this case, the left quadrangular region 60a of the index
display region 60 is not displayed in the highlighted manner, and
the right quadrangular region 60b is displayed in the highlighted
manner. In addition, the one or more processors 14 display a text
and number of "+5 dB", as the current parameter setting value of
the sound volume. Further, the one or more processors 14 display
the bar 60e showing the current parameter setting value in an
overlapping manner on the right quadrangular region 60b displayed
in the highlighted manner.
[0113] In FIG. 14, the current parameter setting value can be
visually confirmed by the text and number 60d and the bar 60e. In
addition, because the right quadrangular region 60b is displayed in
the highlighted manner, it can be easily visually confirmed that
the current parameter setting value is deviated from 0 dB which is
the prescribed value. An entire region of the right quadrangular
region 60b is displayed in the highlighted manner regardless of the
size of the amount of deviation of the current parameter setting
value from the prescribed value.
[0114] The relationship between the highlighted displays of the
quadrangular regions 60a and 60b and the parameter setting values
in the present embodiment can be summarized as follows.
(1) Parameter setting value=-.infin. Quadrangular region 60a:
non-highlighted display Quadrangular region 60b: non-highlighted
display (2) -.infin.<Parameter setting value <0 dB
Quadrangular region 60a: highlighted display Quadrangular region
60b: non-highlighted display (3) Parameter setting value =0 dB
Quadrangular region 60a: non-highlighted display Quadrangular
region 60b: non-highlighted display (4) 0 dB<Parameter setting
value Quadrangular region 60a: non-highlighted display Quadrangular
region 60b: highlighted display
[0115] In the cases of (1) and (3) described above, because the
parameter setting value coincides with the prescribed value, the
quadrangular regions 60a and 60b are not displayed in the
highlighted manner (non-highlighted display), but the user can
distinguish between these cases by the number 60d or the bar
display 60e showing the current parameter setting value.
[0116] FIGS. 15 and 16 show other example displays of the
quadrangular regions 60a and 60b.
[0117] FIG. 15 shows a case in which the user operates the sound
volume to 0 dB.
[0118] In this case, the left quadrangular region 60a of the index
display region 60 is displayed in a highlighted manner with a
particular color, and the right quadrangular region 60b is
displayed in a highlighted manner with a different particular
color. For example, the left quadrangular region 60a is displayed
in the highlighted manner with the blue color, and the right
quadrangular region 60b is displayed in the highlighted manner with
the white color, or the like. In addition, the one or more
processors 14 display a text and number of "0 dB", as the current
parameter setting value of the sound volume. Further, the one or
more processors 14 display the bar 60e showing the current
parameter setting value in an overlapping manner. As for the
quadrangular region 60a, the quadrangular region 60a is uniformly
displayed in the highlighted manner regardless of the size of the
amount of deviation from -.infin. which is the prescribed value. As
for the quadrangular region 60b, as the quadrangular region 60b is
displayed in the highlighted manner with a different color, it can
be visually confirmed that the current parameter setting value is
at 0 dB, which is the prescribed value.
[0119] FIG. 16 shows a case in which the user operates the sound
volume beyond 0 dB.
[0120] In this case, the left quadrangular region 60a of the index
display region 60 is displayed in the highlighted manner with a
particular color, and the right quadrangular region 60b is
displayed in the highlighted display with the same particular
color. For example, the left quadrangular region 60a is displayed
in the highlighted manner with the blue color, and the right
quadrangular region 60b is also displayed in the highlighted manner
with the blue color. In addition, the one or more processors 14
display a text and number 60d of "+5 dB" as the current parameter
setting value of the sound volume. Further, the one or more
processors 14 display the bar 60e showing the current parameter
setting value in an overlapping manner. As for the quadrangular
region 60b, the quadrangular region 60b is uniformly displayed in
the highlighted manner regardless of the size of the amount of
deviation from 0 dB which is the prescribed value. Because the
quadrangular regions 60a and 60b are both displayed in the
highlighted manner with the same color, the user can easily
visually confirm that the parameter setting value exceeds 0 dB.
[0121] FIGS. 17.about.29 show example displays when the display 22
is formed by placing point light sources such as LEDs in a
continuous arrangement.
[0122] FIGS. 17.about.19 show examples of an index display region
70 of the sound image localization (pan). The index display region
70 is formed by placing a plurality of LEDs on a straight line.
More specifically, the index display region 70 is formed from a
center LED, a group of LEDs 70a placed at the left of the center
LED, and a group of LEDs 70b placed at the right of the center
LED.
[0123] FIG. 17 shows a case in which the parameter setting value of
the operator 30 coincides with the prescribed value (C). In this
case, only the center LED is lighted with a first color, and the
group of LEDs 70a at the left and the group of LEDs 70b at the
right are not lighted and are not displayed in the highlighted
manner.
[0124] FIG. 18 shows a case in which the parameter setting value of
the operator 30 is positioned at the left relative to the
prescribed value. In this case, the center LED and the group of
LEDs 70a at the left are lighted with a second color and are
displayed in the highlighted manner, and the group of LEDs 70b at
the right are not lighted and are not displayed in the highlighted
manner. Further, in the group of LEDs 70a at the left, an LED at a
position corresponding to the parameter setting value is lighted
with the first color.
[0125] FIG. 19 shows a case in which the parameter setting value of
the operator 30 is positioned at the right relative to the
prescribed value. In this case, the center LED and the group of
LEDs 70b at the right are lighted with the second color and are
displayed in the highlighted manner, and the group of LEDs 70a at
the left are not lighted and are not displayed in the highlighted
manner. In addition, in the group of LEDs 70b at the right, an LED
at a position corresponding to the parameter setting value is
lighted with the first color.
[0126] FIGS. 20.about.29 show examples of an index display region
80 of the sound volume.
[0127] FIG. 20 shows a case in which the parameter setting value of
the operator of the sound volume coincides with -.infin. which is
the prescribed value. In this case, none of the LEDs is lighted and
is displayed in the highlighted manner.
[0128] FIG. 21 shows a case in which the user operates the sound
volume to -40 dB. In this case, an LED corresponding to 0 dB which
is the prescribed value and a group of LEDs at the left of this LED
are lighted in a second color and are displayed in the highlighted
manner, and an LED, in this group of LEDs, at a position
corresponding to the operation value is lighted in a first color. A
group of LEDs at the right of the LED corresponding to 0 dB are not
lighted and are not displayed in the highlighted manner.
[0129] FIG. 22 shows a case in which the user operates the sound
volume to -20 dB. In this case, the LED corresponding to 0 dB which
is the prescribed value and a group of LEDs at the left of this LED
are lighted with the second color and are displayed in the
highlighted manner, and an LED, in this group of LEDs, at a
position corresponding to the operation value is lighted with the
first color. A group of LEDs at the right of the LED corresponding
to 0 dB are not lighted and are not displayed in the highlighted
manner.
[0130] FIG. 23 shows a case in which the user operates the sound
volume to 0 dB which is the prescribed value. In this case, only
the LED corresponding to 0 dB which is the prescribed value is
lighted with the first color, and the group of LEDs at the left and
the group of LEDs at the right are not lighted and are not
displayed in the highlighted manner.
[0131] FIG. 24 shows a case in which the user operate the sound
volume to +5 dB. In this case, the LED corresponding to 0 dB which
is the prescribed value, and the group of LEDs at the right of this
LED are lighted with the second color and are displayed in the
highlighted manner, and an LED, in this group of LEDs, at a
position corresponding to the operation value is lighted with the
first color. The group of LEDs at the left of the LED corresponding
to 0 dB are not lighted and are not displayed in the highlighted
manner.
[0132] FIGS. 25.about.29 show other examples of the index display
region 80 of the sound volume.
[0133] FIGS. 25.about.27 are similar to FIGS. 20.about.22. In FIG.
28, when the user operates the sound volume to 0 dB which is the
prescribed value, the group of LEDs at the left of the LED
corresponding to 0 dB are continued to be lighted with the second
color, and the group of LEDs at the right of the LED corresponding
to 0 dB are lighted with a third color and are displayed in the
highlighted manner.
[0134] FIG. 29 shows a case in which the user operates the sound
volume to +5 dB. In this case, all LEDs are lighted with the second
color and are displayed in the highlighted manner. Because all LEDs
are displayed in the highlighted manner with the same color, the
user can easily visually confirm that the parameter setting value
exceeds 0 dB.
* * * * *