JPH10145884A - Volume control device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Problem] To provide a sound volume control device for automatically controlling a sound volume level to an appropriate level in a state where a headphone plug is not inserted into a headphone jack and in a state where the headphone plug is not inserted. SOLUTION: A headphone insertion detecting means 3 changes an on / off state of a switch means 8 'depending on whether or not a headphone plug (not shown) is inserted into a headphone jack 7 from an audio output means (speaker 6). And a headphone, etc.), and notifies the control means 2 of a detection signal. The control means 2 controls A.P. based on the detection signal. PRO4 is controlled, and immediately after a headphone plug is inserted or removed from the headphone jack 7,
The volume level of each audio output means is controlled.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a volume control device having a headphone jack and an audio process controller.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a conventional volume control device. 2 includes an audio process controller (hereinafter, referred to as A.PRO) 4 for controlling the sound quality, volume, balance, and the like of an input audio signal, and a user input from the controller 17. Based on the request (control signal for sound quality, volume, balance, etc.), A control unit 2 for outputting a control signal (data) for controlling the operation of the PRO 4; an operation program of the control unit 2 itself; PRO
A memory 1 for storing the control data of A.4 and further a control signal (data) input from the controller 17; An audio output amplifier 5 for amplifying the audio signal output from the PRO 4 and an audio signal from the audio output amplifier 5 are connected via a headphone jack 7 to a headphone (headphone plug) (not shown). The headphone jack 7 for switching and outputting the audio signal to the speaker 6 when the headphone (headphone plug) is not connected to the headphone. Be composed.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a headphone jack and switch means. FIG. 3A shows a state in which a headphone (headphone plug 9) is not connected to the headphone jack 7, and FIG. 3B shows a state in which a headphone (headphone plug 9) is connected to the headphone jack 7. Each state is shown.

As shown in FIG. 3A, when the headphone plug 9 is not connected to the headphone jack 7, for example, the terminal 1 of the headphone jack 7
3 and the audio signal R input to the terminal 14
Is supplied to the R-side speaker 6 ′ through the terminal 12 and is output as a sound wave. In the figure, the contact provided on the terminal 14 and the contact provided on the terminal 12 are physically joined by an insulator (solid) 10 (the contact provided on the terminal 14 and the terminal 12 Moves or deforms in the same manner as the contact provided in the contact). Further, in this figure, the audio signal L
The speaker on the L side and the speaker on the L side are omitted because they are the same as those on the R side.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3B, when the headphone plug 9 is connected (inserted) to the headphone jack 7, an audio signal R input to the terminal 14 is provided at the terminal 14. The audio signal L supplied from the chip 18 of the headphone plug 9 to the R side of the headphone (not shown) via a contact and input to the terminal 15 is supplied to the terminal 15.
Are supplied from the ring 19 of the headphone plug 9 to the L side of the headphone (not shown) via the contacts provided on the headphone. At this time, the contact provided on the terminal 14 moves upward in the figure by the tip 18 of the headphone plug 9, and the insulator 10 moves upward (in the direction of the arrow) in the figure. Along with this, the contact provided on the terminal 12 also moves to the upper side in the drawing, so that the terminal 13 and the terminal 12 are in a non-contact state, and the supply of the audio signal R to the R-side speaker 6 ′ stops. The same applies to the L-side speaker).

[0006] Next, the operation of the conventional volume control device configured as described above will be described. A. PRO
The volume level of the audio signal input to 4 is controlled by the control means 2 based on the user's request (sound quality, volume, balance, etc.) input from the controller 17, amplified by the audio output amplifier 5, and The signal is output to the speaker 6 or a headphone (not shown) via the switch means 8 integrated with the horn jack 7. That is, the headphone plug 9 shown in FIG.
Is connected to the headphone when the headphone plug 9 is not connected, to the speaker 6 when the headphone plug 9 is not connected,
Each of the audio signals is output.

[0007] At this time, the A.A. PR
The control of O4 is performed regardless of whether or not the headphone plug 9 is connected to the headphone jack 7. That is, A.I. The level (volume) of the audio signal input to the PRO 4 is the same (regardless of the type) of the A.P. signal regardless of whether the output means is the headphone or the speaker 6. Set by PRO4.

For this reason, for example, when the user inserts the headphone plug 9 into the headphone jack 7 while wearing the headphone, a high-sensitivity headphone suddenly outputs a large volume, and the user is greatly affected. This can cause serious discomfort and in some cases can cause serious events (such as damage to the eardrum).

On the other hand, when a low-sensitivity headphone is used, the user listens to music or the like by increasing the volume, and when the headphone plug 9 is disconnected from the headphone jack 7 for some reason. Thus, a loud sound is suddenly output from the speaker 6, which surprises the user and the people around it (giving a great deal of discomfort), and in some cases may cause a serious accident.

Further, in a state where the volume is constant (A. The output level of PRO4 is constant), when the audio output means is changed from a speaker to a headphone, or when the headphone is changed to a speaker, an optimal volume level is set for each. A. An operation of changing the output level of PRO4 is required, which is troublesome.

[0011]

As described above, since the volume level (output level from A.PRO) is constant regardless of whether the audio output means is a speaker or a headphone, the sound is output using the speaker. Sound (when the headphone plug is not inserted into the headphone jack) and when listening to sound using the headphone (when the headphone plug is inserted into the headphone jack) A gap occurs in the output level (sound pressure value). For this reason, an operation for changing each time is performed so that the volume level (the output level from A.PRO) is appropriate for each of the case where the sound is heard using the speaker and the case where the sound is heard using the headphone. Had to do.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of such a problem,
It is an object of the present invention to provide a sound volume control device that automatically controls a sound volume level to an appropriate level in a state where a headphone plug is not inserted into a headphone jack.

[0013]

A volume control device according to the present invention detects whether or not a headphone plug is inserted in a headphone jack and outputs a detection result. Volume level adjusting means for adjusting the volume level of the input audio signal, and controlling the volume level adjusting means based on the detection result of the headphone insertion detecting means, and controlling the volume of the output audio signal. Control means for varying the level.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the volume control device according to the first aspect, the detecting means includes a headphone jack in which a headphone plug is inserted and a headphone plug in which the headphone plug is not inserted. And a headphone insertion detecting means for detecting the on or off state of the switch means and outputting a detection result, wherein the control means comprises: A memory for storing a plurality of volume levels set in the past by the adjusting means is provided.

According to the first or second aspect of the present invention,
Since means for detecting whether or not the headphone plug is inserted into the headphone jack and varying the volume level of the audio signal output from the volume level adjusting means based on the detection result is provided, for example, Immediately after changing from the loudspeaker to the headphone or from the headphone to the loudspeaker, an audio signal having an appropriate volume level is supplied from the volume level adjusting means to the audio output means.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, when the control means detects a state in which the headphone plug is inserted into the headphone jack, the control means before the headphone plug is inserted. By controlling the volume level adjusting means so that an audio signal having a predetermined volume level irrelevant to the volume level is output, for example, a headphone plug with the user wearing the headphones Even when the headphone jack is inserted, sound output at an appropriate volume level is performed from the headphone, and a large volume is suddenly output, thereby preventing the user from having a great discomfort. Can be.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the volume control device, when the control means detects a state in which the headphone plug is inserted into the headphone jack, the sound is stored in the memory according to a user's designation. Further, controlling the volume level adjusting means so that an audio signal of a previous volume level immediately before the headphone jack is unplugged from the headphone plug or a volume level previously set by the user is output. As a result, a sound is output from the headphone at a volume level desired by the user.

A volume control device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is configured such that, when the control means detects that the headphone plug is unplugged from the headphone jack, the volume level before the headphone plug is unplugged. By controlling the volume level adjusting means so that an audio signal having a predetermined volume level irrelevant to a predetermined level is output, for example, the user raises the volume by using a headphone and outputs music or the like. Even if the headphone plug is disconnected from the headphone jack for any reason during appreciation, audio output with an appropriate volume level is made, suddenly high volume is output, and the user and its surroundings It is possible to prevent surprises (giving a great deal of discomfort) to a person in advance.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, when the control means detects that the headphone plug is unplugged from the headphone jack, the sound is stored in the memory according to a user's specification. Controlling the volume level adjusting means so that an audio signal of a previous volume level immediately before the headphone plug is inserted into the headphone jack or a volume level previously set by the user is output. As a result, an audio output at a volume level desired by the user can be obtained.

[0020]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a volume control device of the present invention.

The audio volume controller (A.PR) for controlling the sound quality, volume, balance, etc. of an input audio signal is shown in FIG.
O) 4; An audio output amplifier 5 for amplifying an audio signal output from the PRO 4 and an audio signal from the audio output amplifier 5 are connected to a headphone (headphone plug 9) (not shown) to the headphone jack 7 via a headphone jack 7. If you are on the headphones,
When the headphone plug 9 is not connected, a switch means 8 ′ formed integrally with the headphone jack 7 for switching and outputting the audio signal to the speaker 6.
And a headphone insertion detecting means 3 for detecting the state of the switch means 8 'and outputting the result (detection signal), and a request from the user input from the controller 17 (control signal for sound quality, volume, balance, etc.) A. Based on the detection signal from the headphone insertion detection means 3, P
Control means 2 for outputting a control signal (data) for controlling the operation of RO4, and an operation program of control means 2 itself; The memory 1 stores control data of the PRO 4, control signals (data) input from the controller 17, and the detection signal.

The switch means 8 'formed integrally with the headphone jack 7 is provided, for example, in FIG.
In the configuration of the switch means 8 shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 shows a terminal 11 and a contact provided thereon.
The switch means 8 'is configured as shown in FIG.
The terminals 11 and 12 are connected to the headphone insertion detecting means 3. Thus, when the headphone plug 9 is not inserted into the headphone jack 7, the terminal 11 and the terminal 12 of the switch means 8 'are opened (off), and the headphone plug 9 is inserted into the headphone jack 7. When the insulator 10 is inserted, the insulator 10 moves in the direction of the arrow (upward in the figure), and the terminal 11 and the terminal 12 are closed (on). That is, the headphone insertion detecting means 3 detects ON / OFF between the terminal 11 and the terminal 12 and, based on the result, the detection signal (whether the headphone plug 9 is inserted into the headphone jack 7 or not). Is output to the control means 2.

Next, the operation of the volume control device of the present invention configured as described above will be described. A. The volume level of the audio signal input to the PRO 4 is controlled by the control means 2 based on a request (sound quality, volume, balance, etc.) from the user input from the controller 17, amplified by the audio output amplifier 5, and The signal is output to the speaker 6 or a headphone (not shown) via the switch means 8 ′ integrated with the horn jack 7. That is, the audio signal is output to the headphone when the headphone plug 9 of FIG. 3 is connected to the headphone jack 7 and to the speaker 6 when the headphone plug 9 is not connected. It has become so.

Now, it is assumed that the audio signal is being output from the speaker 6. Headphone jack 7 in this state
If the headphone plug 9 is inserted into the headphone jack 9 and the audio signal output means is changed from the speaker 6 to a headphone (not shown), the terminals 11 and 12 of the switch means 8 'integrated with the headphone jack 7 are turned on. The headphone insertion detecting means 3 detects that the headphone plug 9 has been inserted into the headphone jack 7 and notifies the control means 2 of the fact (detection signal).
Then, upon receiving the notification of the detection signal, the control means 2 sets, for example, the volume level (the output level from A. PRO) to
A. Immediately so that the sound volume level (output level from A. PRO) becomes a predetermined predetermined (appropriate level) stored in the memory 1. Controls PRO4. After that, the user operates the controller 17 to change the volume level so that a comfortable headphone output (volume) is obtained. Thus, when the user inserts the headphone plug 9 into the headphone jack 7 while wearing the headphone, a large volume is suddenly output from the high-sensitivity headphone, causing a great deal of discomfort to the user. In some cases, serious situations (problems such as damage to the eardrum) can be prevented from occurring.

When the user operates the controller 17 to change the headphone output (volume) to a comfortable level, the control means 2 outputs the volume level (output level from A.PRO, The level immediately before the horn plug 9 is removed from the headphone jack 7 or at a timing designated by the user is stored in the memory 1. Thereby, thereafter (after the user's desired comfortable volume level is stored in the memory 1), when the output means of the audio signal is changed from the speaker 6 to a headphone (not shown), ie, the headphone jack 7 When the horn plug 9 is inserted, the predetermined (appropriate) volume level or the user-desired comfortable volume level stored in the memory 1 as the volume level of the headphone output. It is possible for the user to select any one of the sound volume levels by, for example, the controller 17.

Next, while the audio signal is being output from the headphone (not shown), the headphone plug 9 is removed from the headphone jack 7 and the output means for the audio signal is changed from the headphone (not shown) to the speaker 6. Then, the terminals 11 and 12 of the switch means 8 'integrated with the headphone jack 7 are turned off, and the headphone insertion detection means 3 detects that the headphone plug 9 has been removed from the headphone jack 7, That effect (detection signal) is notified to the control means 2. Then, the control means 2 receiving the notification of the detection signal
For example, according to a predetermined procedure stored in the memory 1, a predetermined predetermined (proper level) volume level is set for a predetermined time from a volume level (A. output level from PRO) 0. (A. output level from PRO) immediately. PRO4 is controlled (fade-in control). Thereafter, the user operates the controller 17 to adjust (change) the sound volume level so that a comfortable speaker output (sound volume) is obtained. Thus, when listening to music or the like with the volume raised (loud volume) using the headphone, the headphone jack 7 to the headphone plug 9
When the sound is lost, a large volume is suddenly output from the speaker 6, which surprises the user and the people around it (giving a great deal of discomfort), and in some cases, causes a serious accident or other problem. Can be prevented.

Further, when the user operates the controller 17 to change to a comfortable speaker output (volume),
The control means 2 stores the volume level (the output level from A.PRO, which is the speaker output level immediately before the headphone plug 9 is inserted into the headphone jack 7 or at the timing designated by the user) in the memory 1. To memorize it. Thereby, thereafter (after the user's desired comfortable volume level is stored in the memory 1), when the output means of the audio signal is changed from the headphone (not shown) to the speaker 6, ie, the headphone jack 7 When the horn plug 9 is unplugged, the predetermined (appropriate) volume level stored in the memory 1 or the user's desired comfortable level is stored as the volume level of the speaker output after the fade-in. The controller 17 may be configured to select one of the volume levels, for example, by the user.

[0028]

As described above, according to the present invention, the headphone jack is provided with means for detecting whether or not the headphone plug is inserted, thereby detecting the headphone and performing the audio process controller ( A. PRO) (volume level control) is performed, so that a problem occurs due to a gap in sound pressure due to a difference in the type of audio output means (speaker, headphone, etc.), that is, suddenly high volume from the speaker or headphone. Is output, it is possible to prevent such a problem that the user or a person in the vicinity thereof is surprised and gives a great deal of discomfort, and that the volume does not need to be performed in a hurry to perform a complicated operation such as volume adjustment. A control device can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a volume control device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a conventional volume control device.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a headphone jack and switch means.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Memory 2 ... Control means 3 ... Headphone insertion detection means 4 ... Audio process controller (A.PR)
O) 5 ... Audio output amplifier 6 ... Speaker 7 ... Headphone jack 8 '... Switch means 17 ... Controller

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A detecting means for detecting whether a headphone plug is inserted into a headphone jack and outputting a detection result, and a volume level adjusting means for adjusting a volume level of an input audio signal. Based on the detection result of the headphone insertion detection means,
Control means for controlling the volume level adjusting means to vary the volume level of the output audio signal. 2. The switch according to claim 1, wherein said detection means includes: a switch means for changing an on / off state between a state in which a headphone plug is inserted into a headphone jack and a state in which the headphone plug is not inserted; Headphone insertion detection means for detecting a state and outputting a detection result, wherein the control means includes a memory for storing a plurality of volume levels set in the past by the volume level adjustment means. The volume control device according to claim 1. 3. The control means detects a state in which the headphone plug is inserted into the headphone jack, and determines a predetermined level which is irrelevant to a volume level before the headphone plug is inserted. 3. The volume control device according to claim 1, wherein the volume control unit controls the volume level adjustment unit such that an audio signal of the volume level is output. 4. 4. When the control means detects a state in which the headphone plug is inserted into the headphone jack, the headphone jack stored in the memory is changed from the headphone plug by a user's specification. The volume control according to claim 2, wherein the volume control unit controls the volume level adjusting unit such that an audio signal of a previous volume level immediately before being unplugged or a volume level set in the past by the user is output. apparatus. 5. When the control means detects that the headphone plug has been unplugged from the headphone jack, the control means determines a predetermined volume level which is independent of the volume level before the headphone plug was unplugged. The volume control device according to claim 1, wherein the volume control unit controls the volume level adjusting unit such that a level audio signal is output. 6. When the control means detects that the headphone plug has been removed from the headphone jack, the control means inserts the headphone plug into the headphone jack stored in the memory according to a user's specification. 3. The sound volume control device according to claim 2, wherein the sound volume control unit controls the sound volume level adjusting unit such that an audio signal of a previous sound volume level immediately before the sound level or a sound volume level set by the user in the past is output. apparatus.