[0001] The present invention relates to an amplifier system where a plurality of amplifiers
connected to a network is controlled by an amplifier control apparatus.
[0002] Heretofore, there have been known professional-use audio systems which are employed
in sound amplification apparatus (PA (Public Address System)) in concert halls, theaters,
etc. in music production, etc. Such audio systems use many audio amplifiers that amplify
sound signals and supply the amplified sound signals to many speakers provided at
predetermined positions. In this connection, amplifier systems which are applied to
networked audio systems and in which a plurality of amplifiers and amplifier control
apparatus are connected to a network so that the plurality of amplifiers are controlled
by the amplifier control apparatus.
[0003] In each of such amplifier systems, amplifier manager software is pre-installed in
a personal computer, and the personal computer and the plurality of amplifiers are
connected via the network. Through the amplifier manager software running on an operating
system of the personal computer, states of the amplifiers can be monitored via the
network, and behavior of the amplifiers can be remote-controlled via the network.
Namely, the personal computer where the amplifier manager is running can be used as
the amplifier control apparatus, and a main window of the amplifier manager is displayed
on the display device of the amplifier control apparatus. The main window comprises
a tree list of the amplifiers connected to the network and a plurality of pages capable
of displaying the name and operation data of any of the equipment selected from the
tree list.
[0004] Once an "Amp" page is selected from among the plurality of pages, the Amp page for
controlling and monitoring the amplifiers is displayed. The Amp page comprises, for
example, four pages on each of which are displayed channels of up to eight amplifiers.
For each of the channels are displayed level data of the operation data via "elements",
such as an Output meter indicative of an output level of the channel, Temp meter indicative
of a temperature of the channel and Input meter indicative of an input level of the
channel. Also, for each of the channels, ON/OFF parameters of the operation data,
such as an ATT fader for attenuating an input signal and Mute button for muting the
channel, are displayed via elements in such a manner that any of these ON/OFF parameters
can be changed as desired. Further, on a Group View page of the plurality of pages,
desired channels of the plurality of pages connected to the network can be grouped,
controlled and monitored. The Group View page comprises, for example, eight group
pages, on each of which can be displayed up to sixteen channels. Operation data displayed
for each of the channels are similar to those of the Amp page. One example of the
conventionally-known amplifier systems is disclosed in a non-patent literature, "NetworkAmp
Manager V1. 1. OE Plus for Win XP/2000 Instruction Manual", Yamaha Corporation.
[0005] With the conventionally-known amplifier control apparatus, the operation data of
the amplifiers can be displayed and monitored on the pages of the main window, but
types of the operation data that can be displayed on the Amp page and Group page are
limited. Thus, when detailed operation data, including output electric power and alert
threshold levels, are to be displayed, it has been conventional to open a Channel
Detail page to display details of individual channels on the Channel Detail page.
However, the conventional amplifier control apparatus present the problem that detailed
operation data of the amplifiers can be monitored only channel by channel. Besides,
the operation data are displayed on the Group View page per channel of the channel
in question, so that the operation data of the entire group can not be monitored collectively.
Further, the operation data identical in structure between amplifies of the same group,
the operation data can be displayed on the Group View page; however, if the operation
data are not identical in structure between amplifies of the same group, the operation
data can be displayed on the Group View page in the control apparatus. Furthermore,
the user may sometimes want to monitor the maximum value of some of level data, such
as input and output levels, of the operation data, and the user may sometimes want
to monitor the minimum value of other level data; however, so far, it has been impossible
to monitor the maximum and minimum data values as desired.
[0006] Further, in such a case, it is conceivable to synthesize level data of the individual
amplifiers of the group and display synthesized level data; however, if the group
comprises a plurality of different types of amplifiers, the synthesized level data
can not be displayed in the control apparatus because the level data differ in type,
etc. depending on the types of the amplifiers.
[0007] Furthermore, in a case where operation data are to be grouped on the basis of destination
speakers to which the data are to be supplied, they are grouped on a channel-by-channel
basis, not on an amplifier-by-amplifier basis. In this case, there arises a need to
monitor the operation data or level data of the group per channel of the amplifiers
in order to check wire connections and deal with occurrence of any abnormality; however,
so far, such monitoring has been impossible.
[0008] The assignee of the instant application proposed an amplifier control system in which
a plurality of amplifiers and an amplifier control apparatus are connected to a network,
and in which all of the amplifiers residing in the network are grouped, the grouped
amplifiers are displayed in a tree format and state information are displayed in the
amplifier control apparatus. In the proposed amplifier control apparatus, the grouped
amplifiers are displayed in a tree format in a tree display section, and operating
states of any one of the amplifies selected in the tree display section are displayed
in a state information display section. Further, in the tree display section, a selected
one of a plurality of groups is displayed in a tree format. Desired group to be displayed
in a tree format can be selected via a tab. In the tree display, there can be displayed
hierarchical groups expanded from the selected group and amplifiers belonging to the
hierarchical groups.
[0009] The amplifier control apparatus selects a desired amplifier in the tree display section
displayed on a control screen and thereby displays operating states of the selected
amplifier in the state information display section. In this way, the selected amplifier
can be monitored. But, in the case of a large-scale audio hall, where an enormous
number of amplifiers, e.g. dozens or hundreds of amplifiers, are used, it is not a
realistic approach to select and monitor the amplifiers one by one; thus, it is conceivable
to provide a user interface that permits collective and individual displaying of a
plurality of amplifiers, to thereby monitor all of the displayed amplifiers as if
turning over pages.
[0010] However, monitoring all of the amplifiers by means of the aforementioned means tends
to be cumbersome and time-consuming. Further, because all parameters of the individual
amplifiers need not be constantly monitored and states of the amplifiers can be monitored
to some degree if just general outlines of the parameters can be monitored, there
has been a demand for an apparatus that can monitor general outlines of parameters
of a plurality of amplifiers.
[0011] In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present invention to provide an
amplifier system in which a plurality of amplifiers and an amplifier control apparatus
are connected via a network, and which has a function for not only allowing detailed
operation data of each individual one of the amplifiers to be displayed in the amplifier
control apparatus but also allowing minimum and maximum values of the operation data
in an entire group of the amplifiers to be displayed in the amplifier control apparatus.
[0012] It is another object of the present invention to provide an amplifier system including
an amplifier control apparatus which can display not only detailed level data of each
individual amplifier but also minimum and maximum values of each type of level data
in an entire group of amplifiers.
[0013] It is still another object of the present invention to provide an amplifier system
which can monitor a necessary amplifier parameter without requiring much time and
labor.
[0014] In order to accomplish the above-mentioned objects, the present invention provides
an improved amplifier system including a plurality of amplifiers and an amplifier
control apparatus interconnected via a network, in which each of said amplifiers comprises:
an input section to which is inputted a sound signal; a processing section that amplifies
the sound signal inputted to said input section; an output section that outputs the
sound signal amplified by said processing section; a detector that detects various
kinds of operating states of said processing section and generates a plurality of
level data representing the detected operating states; and a transmitter that, in
response to a request command from the amplifier control apparatus, transmits a requested
level data to the amplifier control apparatus. Further, the amplifier control apparatus
comprises: a display device; an input device that receives user's operation; a storage
that stores level data to be displayed; an update section that receives the level
data from any of said amplifiers and updates corresponding one of the level data,
stored in said storage, with the received level data; a grouping section that groups
said amplifiers into groups in response to a grouping operation received by said input
device; a setting section that, in response to a setting operation received by said
input device, sets one of 'maximum' and 'minimum' to a parameter for each of elements
on group detail screens corresponding to said groups; a first display controller that,
in response to an amplifier selecting operation received by said input device, selects
one of said amplifiers, and displays an amplifier detail screen having an element
thereon for the selected amplifier on said display device, wherein said first display
controller transmits a request command, requesting level data corresponding to the
element, to the selected amplifier, reads out the level data, transmitted by the selected
amplifier in response to the request command and received by said update section,
from said storage, and displays the read-out level data via said element on said display
device; and a second display controller that, in response to a group selecting operation
received by said input device, selects one of said groups and displays a group detail
screen having an element thereon for the selected group on said display device, wherein
said second display controller transmits a request command, requesting level data
corresponding to the element, to each of the amplifiers in the selected group, reads
out a plurality of level data, transmitted by the amplifier in the selected group
and received by said update section, from said storage, and displays a maximum value
among the values of the read-out level data if the 'maximum' is set to the element,
or a minimum value among the values of the read-out level data if the 'minimum' is
set to the element, via said element on said display device.
[0015] An improved amplifier system includes a plurality of amplifiers and an amplifier
control apparatus interconnected via a network, in which each of the amplifiers comprises:
an input section to which is inputted a sound signal; a processing section that amplifies
the sound signal inputted to said input section; an output section that outputs the
sound signal amplified by said processing section; a storage that stores a set of
parameters, for controlling the amplification by said processing section; and a changing
section that changes a value of a parameter stored in said storage and transmits a
report notifying the change of the parameter to the amplifier control apparatus. Further,
the amplifier control apparatus comprises: a display device; an input device that
receives user's operation; a storage that stores a plurality of sets of parameters
corresponding to the plurality of amplifiers, each of the parameter sets having data
structure and values to the parameter set stored in the corresponding one of said
amplifiers; an update section that receives the report from one of said amplifiers
and updates the parameter set corresponding to the one amplifier in said storage on
the basis of the report; a grouping section that groups said amplifiers into groups
in response to a grouping operation received by said input device; a first display
controller that, in response to an amplifier selecting operation received by said
input device, selects one of said amplifiers, and displays an amplifier detail screen
having an element thereon for the selected amplifier on said display device, wherein
said first display controller takes out a parameter corresponding to the element from
the parameter sets corresponding to the selected amplifier stored in said storage
and displays the value of the parameter via the element on said display device; and
a second display controller that, in response to a group selecting operation received
by said input device, selects one of said groups and displays a group detail screen
having an element thereon for the selected group on said display device, wherein said
second display controller takes out a parameter corresponding to the elements from
each of the parameter sets corresponding to the amplifiers in the selected group stored
in said storage, detects a maximum value and a minimum value from among the taken-out
parameters and displays the detected maximum and minimum values via the element on
said display device.
[0016] The first display controller takes out, for each element in the amplifier detail
screen, a value of the corresponding parameter (i.e., parameter corresponding to the
element) of the amplifier from the control-side operation data storage section and
displays the taken-out value of the parameter via the element. The second display
controller takes out, for each element in the group detail screen, values of the corresponding
parameter of the individual amplifiers belonging to the group from the storage, detects
maximum and minimum values from among the taken-out values of the parameter and displays
the detected maximum and minimum values via the element. Thus, when any one of the
groups has been selected, collective monitoring of the maximum and minimum values
of the operation data of the amplifiers belonging to the selected group is permitted.
When an individual amplifier has been selected, on the other hand, monitoring of states
of the operation data of the selected amplifier is permitted. Further, a group detail
screen having all elements contained in amplifier detail screens corresponding to
the types of the amplifiers belonging to the selected group may be displayed on the
display device, in which case, even where the operation data differ in structure among
the amplifiers belonging to the selected group, the display of the group detail screen
permits collective monitoring of the operation data of the amplifiers belonging to
the selected group.
[0017] An improved amplifier system includes a plurality of two-channel amplifiers and an
amplifier control apparatus interconnected via a network, in which each of the two-channel
amplifiers comprises: an input section to which is inputted sound signals of two channels;
a processing section that amplifies the sound signals of two channels inputted to
said input section; an output section that outputs the sound signals of two channels
amplified by said processing section; a storage that stores therein operation data
or level data of each of the two channels, operation data of one of the two channels
controlling the amplification of a sound signal of the one channel in said processing
section, level data of one of the two channels being indicative of an operation state
of the channel in said processing section; and a communication section that communicates
data with the amplifier control apparatus via the network. Further, the amplifier
control apparatus comprises: a display device; an input device that receives user's
operation; a communication section that communicates data with each of said two-channel
amplifiers via the network; a grouping section that groups the channels of the amplifiers
into groups in response to a grouping operation received by said input device; a first
display controller that, in response to an amplifier selecting operation received
by said input device, selects one of said amplifiers, displays an amplifier detail
screen having two elements corresponding to the two channels thereon for the selected
amplifier on said display device, acquires operation data or level data, corresponding
to the elements, of the two channels from the selected amplifier via the network,
and displays the acquired operation data or level data via the two elements; a second
display controller that, in response to a channel selecting operation received by
said input device, selects one channel of an amplifier among a plurality of channels
of the amplifiers, displays a channel detail screen, on which only one of two elements
same as the two elements on said amplifier detail screen, corresponding to the selected
channels of the amplifier is placed while the other element is vanished or invalidated,
acquires operation data or level data, corresponding to the one element, of the selected
channel from the amplifier having the selected channel via the network, and display
the acquired operation data or level data via the one element; and a third display
controller that, in response to a group selecting operation received by said input
device, selects one of said groups and (1) if the selected group contains both of
the two channels, said third display controller displays a first group detail screen,
on which two elements are placed same as the amplifier detail screen, acquires operation
data or level data of the channels in the selected group from the amplifiers having
one or two of the channels in the selected group via the network, processes the acquired
data independently for each of the two channels to obtain two visual data for the
two channels, and displays the two visual data via the two elements, and otherwise
(2) if the selected group contains only one of the two channels, said third display
controller displays a second group detail screen, on which one element corresponding
to the one channel is placed same as on said channel detail screen, acquires operation
data or level data of the channels in the selected group from the amplifiers having
one of the channels in the selected group via the network, processes the acquired
data to obtain one visual data for the one channel, and displays the one display data
via the one element.
[0018] If arranged in the aforementioned manner, when any one of the plurality of amplifiers
has been selected, the first display controller displays on the display device an
amplifier detail screen having two element corresponding to the two channels (i.e.,
first and second channels) and displays, for each of the elements, corresponding operation
data or level data of the selected amplifier. When any one of the channels of any
one of the plurality of amplifiers has been selected, the second display controller
displays a channel detail screen, where each of the elements corresponding to the
other channel is displayed as invalid, and displays, for each of the elements of the
selected channel, operation data or level data corresponding to the selected channel.
Further, if the selected group contains both of the channels, the third display controller
displays on the display device a group detail screen of the same construction as the
amplifier detail screen, and synthesizes and displays, for each of the elements of
the individual channels in the group detail screen, operation data or level data of
the channels of each of the amplifiers belonging to the selected group. If the selected
group contains only one of the two channels without containing the other channel,
the third display control section displays a channel detail screen where each of the
elements corresponding to the other channel is displayed as invalid, and synthesizes
and displays, for each of the elements of the one channel in the channel detail screen,
operation data or level data corresponding to the respective one channel of each of
the amplifiers belonging to the selected group. Thus, when any one of the groups has
been selected, the operation data or level data of the one channel, contained in the
amplifiers of the selected group, is allowed to be synthesized and displayed, and
causes the other channel, not contained in the amplifiers of the selected group, to
be displayed as invalid. When an individual amplifier has been selected, on the other
hand, operation data or level data of the selected channel is allowed to be displayed
per element of the selected channel, and causes the other or non-selected channel
to be displayed as invalid.
[0019] An improved amplifier system includes a plurality of amplifiers and an amplifier
control apparatus interconnected at least to via a network, in which the amplifier
control apparatus comprises: a display device that provides a first screen and a second
screen, said first screen displaying information of the groups and amplifiers belonging
to each of the groups, said second screen displaying information of at least a parameter
value indicative of an operating state of at least one of amplifiers displayed on
the first screen; an operation section operable to select any one of the groups or
the amplifiers displayed on the first screen; and a control section controlling display
on the display device such that, if any one of the amplifiers is selected by said
operation section, the parameter value of the selected amplifier are acquired and
displayed on the second screen, and that, if any one of the groups is selected by
said operation section, parameter values of all of the amplifiers belonging to the
selected group are obtained and, as regards a same type of parameter among the obtained
parameter values of all of the amplifiers, a predetermined one of minimum, maximum
and average value of the obtained parameter values of the same type of parameter is
generated and displayed on the second screen.
[0020] The groups may be hierarchical groups in a tree structure and the first screen displays
said information of the groups and amplifiers in the tree structure. The second screen
may further display information of a parameter state indicative of the operating state
of said at least one of amplifiers displayed on the first screen. The control section
may further control the display on the display device such that, if any one of the
groups is selected by said operation section, parameter states of all of the amplifiers
belonging to the selected group are obtained and, as regards a same type of parameter
among the obtained parameter states of all of the amplifiers, a parameter state indicative
of abnormality is displayed with priority on the second screen.
[0021] If arranged in the aforementioned manner, when any one of the hierarchical groups
has been selected, the parameter values and/or parameter states of all of the amplifiers
belonging to the selected hierarchical group are obtained so that, as regards a same
given type of parameter, a predetermined one of minimum, maximum and average values
of the parameter values of the same type of parameter is displayed, as a representative
value of the parameter, and as regards a same given type of parameter state, a parameter
state indicative of abnormality is displayed with priority on the second screen. Thus,
monitoring of the outline of each desired parameter of all of the amplifiers is permittes
without requiring much time and labor.
[0022] The present invention may be constructed and implemented not only as the apparatus
invention as discussed above but also as a method invention. Also, the present invention
may be arranged and implemented as a software program for execution by a processor
such as a computer or DSP, as well as a storage medium storing such a software program.
Further, the processor used in the present invention may comprise a dedicated processor
with dedicated logic built in hardware, not to mention a computer or other general-purpose
type processor capable of running a desired software program.
[0023] The following will describe embodiments of the present invention, but it should be
appreciated that the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments
and various modifications of the invention are possible without departing from the
basic principles. The scope of the present invention is therefore to be determined
solely by the appended claims.
[0024] For better understanding of the object and other features of the present invention,
its preferred embodiments will be described hereinbelow in greater detail with reference
to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example general setup of an amplifier system
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example construction of an amplifier in the amplifier
system of the present invention;
Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example construction of a PC (Personal Computer)
as an amplifier control apparatus in the amplifier system of the present invention;
Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a basic screen displayed on a display device of the PC
in the amplifier system of the present invention;
Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a Tree View displayed on the basic screen
in the amplifier system of the present invention;
Fig. 6 is a diagram showing another example of the Tree View on the basic screen in
the amplifier system of the present invention;
Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example outline of a Detail View displayed on the basic
screen in the amplifier system of the present invention;
Fig. 8 is a diagram showing another example outline of the Detail View displayed on
the basic screen in the amplifier system of the present invention;
Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a specific example of the Detail View displayed on the
basic screen in the amplifier system of the present invention;
Fig. 10 is a diagram showing another specific example of the Detail View displayed
on the basic screen in the amplifier system of the present invention;
Fig. 11 is a diagram showing how the Detail View is operated on the basic screen in
the amplifier system of the present invention;
Fig. 12 is a diagram showing still another specific example of the Detail View displayed
on the basic screen in the amplifier system of the present invention;
Fig. 13 is a diagram showing still another specific example of the Detail View displayed
on the basic screen in the amplifier system of the present invention;
Fig. 14 is a diagram showing still another specific example of the Detail View displayed
on the basic screen in the amplifier system of the present invention;
Fig. 15 is a diagram showing still another specific example of the Detail View displayed
on the basic screen in the amplifier system of the present invention;
Fig. 16 is a flow chart of PC-side application processing performed in the PC in the
amplifier system of the present invention;
Fig. 17 is a flow chart of a load process performed in the PC in the amplifier system
of the present invention;
Fig. 18 is a flow chart of a storage process performed in the PC in the amplifier
system of the present invention;
Fig. 19 is a flow chart of an on-line process performed in the PC in the amplifier
system of the present invention;
Fig. 20 is a flow chart of a Detail View initialization process performed in the PC
in the amplifier system of the present invention;
Fig. 21 is a flow chart of a Detail View display update process performed in the PC
in the amplifier system of the present invention;
Figs. 22A and 22B are flow charts of a * 1 display update process and *2 display update
process, respectively, performed in the PC in the amplifier system of the present
invention;
Figs. 23A and 23B are flow charts of a *3 display update process and *4 display update
process, respectively, performed in the PC in the amplifier system of the present
invention;
Fig. 24 is a flow chart of an operation data change process (amplifier) performed
in the PC in the amplifier system of the present invention;
Fig. 25 is a flow chart of an operation data change process (group) performed in the
PC in the amplifier system of the present invention;
Fig. 26 is a flow chart of a timer interrupt process performed in the PC in the amplifier
system of the present invention;
Fig. 27 is a flow chart of a tree edit process performed in the PC in the amplifier
system of the present invention;
Fig. 28 is a flow chart of a Min & Max detection operation performed in the PC in
the amplifier system of the present invention;
Figs. 29A and 29B are flow charts of a *5 display update process and *6 display update
process, respectively, performed in the PC in the amplifier system of the present
invention;
Fig. 30 is a flow chart of an ON/OFF parameter edit process performed in the PC in
the amplifier system of the present invention;
Fig. 31 is a flow chart of an ON/OFF parameter edit process (group) performed in the
PC in the amplifier system of the present invention;
Fig. 32 is a flow chart of amplifier-side processing performed in the amplifier in
the amplifier system of the present invention;
Fig. 33 is a flow chart of a command reception process performed in the amplifier
in the amplifier system of the present invention;
Fig. 34 is a flow chart of a *1 timer process performed in the amplifier in the amplifier
system of the present invention;
Fig. 35 is a flow chart of a *2 timer process performed in the amplifier in the amplifier
system of the present invention;
Fig. 36 is a diagram showing a data structure of project-related data stored in a
storage device of the PC in the amplifier system of the present invention;
Fig. 37 is a diagram showing a data structure of a current project stored in the storage
device of the PC in the amplifier system of the present invention;
Fig. 38 is a diagram showing a data structure of a library stored in the storage device
of the PC in the amplifier system of the present invention;
Fig. 39 is a diagram showing a data structure of information stored in a storage device
of the amplifier in the amplifier system of the present invention;
Fig. 40 is a diagram showing a specific example of parameter value updating in the
operation data change process (group) performed in the PC in the amplifier system
of the present invention;
Fig. 41 is a diagram showing a specific example of editing in an ON/OFF parameter
edit process (group) performed in the PC in the amplifier system of the present invention;
Fig. 42 is a diagram showing a specific example of a display change in the *2 display
update process performed in the PC in the amplifier system of the present invention;
Fig. 43 is a block diagram showing a general setup of an amplifier system according
to another embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 44 is a block diagram showing an example construction of an amplifier in the
other embodiment of the amplifier system;
Fig. 45 is a diagram showing an example of a control screen displayed on the display
device of the PC in the other embodiment of the amplifier system;
Fig. 46 is a diagram showing a parameter selection screen displayed on the display
device of the PC in response to selection of a hierarchical group in the other embodiment
of the amplifier system;
Fig. 47 is a view showing another example of the control screen displayed on the display
device of the PC in the amplifier system of the present invention;
Fig. 48 is a view showing still another example of the control screen displayed on
the display device of the PC in the amplifier system of the present invention; and
Fig. 49 is a flow chart of a parameter value display process performed at predetermined
time intervals in the amplifier system of the present invention.
[0025] Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing a general setup of an amplifier system according
to an embodiment of the present invention. The amplifier system 1 shown in Fig. 1
includes a LAN (Local Area Network) 4 to which are connected, for example, three personal
computers (hereinafter referred to as "PCs") 2-1, 2-2 and 2-3 and five amplifiers
3-1, 3-2, 3-3, 3-4 and 3-5. Communication control of the LAN 4 is performed, for example,
by the Ethernet standard that is a communication control standard commonly used today.
Each of the three amplifiers has amplifier manager software installed therein. With
the amplifier managers activated on respective operating systems ((hereinafter referred
to as "OSs") of the PCs 2-1 - 2-3, it is possible to monitor, via the LAN 4, operating
states of the amplifiers 3-1 - 3-5 connected to the LAN 4 and remote-control the operation
of the amplifiers 3-1 - 3-5 via the LAN 4. In this case, only one of the PCs which
has acquired a right of control over an amplifier can become an amplifier control
apparatus capable of remote-controlling the amplifiers, and the other PCs which have
not acquired the right of control over the amplifier can only monitor the amplifier.
[0026] Sound signals are supplied to the amplifiers 3-1 - 3-5, connected to the LAN 4, via
not-shown audio cables, and control information is communicated to the amplifiers
3-1 - 3-5 via the LAN 4. Let it be assumed that the sound signals supplied to the
amplifiers 3-1 - 3-5 are mixed signals (i.e., mixing-processed) obtained by a mixer
mixing sound signals supplied from a plurality of microphones installed in a concert
hall, theater or the like. Further, speakers for audibly reproducing or sounding sound
signals output from the amplifiers 3-1 - 3-5 are connected to individual channels
of the amplifiers 3-1 - 3-5 via audio cables, and these speakers are installed distributively
in the concert hall, theater or the like.
[0027] The following paragraphs describe a construction of the amplifiers 3-1 - 3-5; however,
because these amplifiers 3-1 - 3-5 are identical in construction, Fig. 2 shows in
a block diagram the construction of a representative one 3 of the amplifiers 3-1 -
3-5.
[0028] In the amplifier 3 shown in Fig. 2, a CPU 10 not only controls all operations of
the amplifier 3, but also executes operation software, such as an amplifier control
program. ROM/RAM 11 comprises a ROM (Read-Only Memory) having stored therein the operation
software, such as the amplifier control program, for execution by the CPU 10, and
a RAM (Random Access Memory) having a working area for use by the CPU 10 and a storage
area that stores device information, operation data and state data of the amplifier
3. Preferably, the ROM is a rewritable ROM, such as a flash memory, so as to permit
rewriting of the operation software and thereby facilitate version upgrade of the
operation software. 1/F 12 is an Ethernet communication interface that is connected
to the LAN 4 via a network communication cable (Ethernet cable). Via the I/F 12, the
amplifier 3 is logically connected to other devices connected to the LAN 4. User interface
(UI) 13 includes operating members (operators), such as an attenuator, for manipulating
levels and output power of the amplifier 3, level meters and various indicators.
[0029] DSP (Digital Signal Processor) 14 is a signal processing section that performs signal
processing, such as a compressor process, delay process, equalizer process, limiter
process and high-pass filter, and level control on an input digital sound signal.
AMP 15 is an electric power amplifier that power-amplifies the sound signal having
been processed by the DSP 14, and the sound signal amplified by the AMP 15 is audibly
reproduced via a speaker. The AMP 15 is, for example, a class-D amplifier. When an
analog sound signal is input, a D/A & A/D unit 16 converts the analog sound signal
into a digital sound signal to supply the converted digital sound signal to the DSP
14 and converts the digital sound signal, having been processed by the DSP 14, into
a sound signal of an analog waveform to output the converted sound signal to the AMP
15. The aforementioned components 10 - 16 are connected to a bus 17.
[0030] The following paragraphs describe a construction of the PCs 2-1 - 2-3; however, because
these PCs 2-1 - 2-3 are identical in construction, Fig. 3 shows in a block diagram
the construction of a representative one PC 2 of the PCs 2-1 - 2-3.
[0031] In the PC 2 shown in Fig. 3, a CPU 20 executes operation software, such as the OS
and amplifier manager. ROM/RAM 21 comprises a ROM having stored therein the operation
software, and a RAM having a working area for use by the CPU 20 and a storage area
that stores various data, such as a current project. Preferably, the ROM is a rewritable
ROM, such as a flash memory, so as to permit rewriting of the operation software and
thereby facilitate version upgrade of the operation software. 1/F 22 is an Ethernet
communication interface that is connected to the LAN 4 via a network communication
cable (Ethernet cable). Via the I/F 22, the PC 2 is logically connected to other devices
connected to the LAN 4. User interface (UI) 23 includes operating members, such as
a keyboard and mouse, and a display device for displaying various screens of the amplifier
manager, etc. HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 24 is a large-capacity storage device storing
various application programs, such as the amplifier manager, installed in the PC 2
and various data, such as a project library. The aforementioned various sections 20
- 24 are connected to a bus 25. The PC 2 is similar in construction to ordinary personal
computers.
[0032] When states of the amplifiers 3-1 - 3-5 connected to the LAN 4 are to be monitored
in the PC 2, the amplifier manager software is activated on the OS. Once the amplifier
manager software is activated, the PC 2 opens a project file and loads the file into
a current project area and inquires of the individual amplifiers to obtain state data
indicative of current states of the amplifiers. Consequently, an initial basic screen
BA4 as shown in Fig. 4 is displayed on the display device of the PC 2. As shown in
Fig. 4, a common operation panel 30, area name display section 31, other information
display sections 32 and 35, On-line button 33 to be operated for on-line connecting
the PC 2 to the LAN network 4, and user name display section 34 are provided in an
upper area of the basic screen BA4. Primary area of the basic screen BA4 is occupied
by a Tree View (device tree display section) 36 for displaying the setup of the amplifier
system 1 in a tree format and a Detail View 37 for displaying a detailed screen of
an amplifier or group selected on the Tree View 36. In the illustrated example, the
Tree View 36 is provided in a left area of the basic screen BA4, while the Detail
View 37 is provided in a right area of the basic screen BA4.
[0033] Figs. 5 and 6 show detailed display screens of the Tree View 36. The Tree View 36
selectively displays the setup of the amplifier system 1, including the plurality
of amplifiers, in tree formats based on different viewpoints or perspectives. In the
illustrated example, there are provided four types of trees, i.e. Device tree based
on the perspective of devices, Rack tree based on the perspective of racks on which
the amplifiers are positioned, Feed Structure tree based on the perspective of channels
of the amplifiers and User Defined tree based on user-defined perspectives. Any one
of the trees, selected by clicking on any one of tabs 36a, is displayed on the Tree
View 36.
[0034] Specifically, Fig. 5 shows a Tree View (Rack) 36 - 1 of the rack tree displayed in
response to selection of the "Rack" tab 36a. On the Tree View (Rack) 36 - 1, there
are displayed two area names, Area (1) and Area (2). First hierarchical level developed
from Area (1) is divided into three groups, i.e. "Rack-1", "Rack-2" and "Ungrouped
Device" comprising ungrouped amplifiers. Further, a second hierarchical level developed
from the "Rack-1" group is divided into two groups "Rack-1A" group and "Rack-1B" group.
Two amplifiers "Amp1" and "Amp2" belong to the "Rack-1A" group as shown in a third
hierarchical level developed from the "Rack-1A" group. Third hierarchical level developed
from the "Rack-1B" group is divided into two groups "Rack-1B/1" and "Rack-1B/2". Two
amplifiers "Amp3" and "Amp4" belong to the "Rack-1B/1" group as shown in a fourth
hierarchical level developed from the "Rack-1B/1" group. Two amplifiers "Amp5" and
"Amp6" belong to the "Rack-1B/2" group as shown in a fourth hierarchical level developed
from the "Rack-1B/2" group. Further, two amplifiers "AmpX1" and "AmpX2" are ungrouped
as shown in a second hierarchical level developed from the "Ungrouped Device" group.
Note that rightward and leftward arrows 36b attached to the ends of the amplifiers
"Amp1", "Amp2" and "Amp3" indicate that these amplifiers are in an on-line state.
The amplifiers "Amp4", "Amp5" and "Amp6" having no arrow 36b attached thereto are
in an off-line state. Further, rightward arrows 36c attached to the ends of the amplifiers
"AmpX1" and "AmpX2" indicate that these amplifiers are in an only-monitorable state.
Further, once a mark "+" within "□" on the Tree View (Rack) 36 - 1 is clicked on,
a hierarchical level immediately therebelow is developed and displayed in a tree format.
[0035] Fig. 6 shows a Tree View(Feed) 36-2 of a feed tree (Feed Structure) that is displayed
in response to selection of the "Feed Structure" tab 36a. On the Tree View(Feed) 36-2,
there is displayed an area name, Area (1). First hierarchical level developed from
Area (1) is divided into three groups, i.e. "Group-1", "Group-2" and "Ungrouped Channel"
comprising ungrouped amplifiers. Three channels, "Amp1:Ch1" (i.e., channel 1 of amplifier
1), "Amp2:Ch1" (i.e., channel 1 of amplifier 2) and "Amp3:Ch1" (i.e., channel 1 of
amplifier 3), belong to the "Group-1" group as shown in a second hierarchical level
developed from the "Group-1" group. Further, three channels, "Amp1:Ch2" (i.e., channel
2 of amplifier 1), "Amp2:Ch2" (i.e., channel 2 of amplifier 2) and "Amp3:Ch2" (i.e.,
channel 2 of amplifier 3), belong to the "Group-2" group as shown in a second hierarchical
level developed from the "Group-2" group. "Amp4:Ch1", "Amp4:Ch2", "Amp5:Ch1", "Amp5:Ch2",
"Amp6:Ch1", "Amp6:Ch2", "AmX1:Ch1", ... are ungrouped channels as shown in a second
hierarchical level developed from the "Ungrouped Channel" group. Note that rightward
and leftward arrows 36b attached to the ends of the amplifiers "Amp1:Ch1", "Amp2:Ch1",
"Amp3:Ch1", "Amp1:Ch2", "Amp2:Ch2" and "Amp3:Ch2" indicate that these amplifiers are
in an on-line state. No mark is attached to the above-mentioned channels of the "Ungrouped
Channel" group, which indicates these channels are in an off-on-line state.
[0036] The Detail View 37 displays a detail screen of an amplifier or group selected on
the Tree View 36. More specifically, once any one of the amplifiers displayed on the
Tree View 36 is selected, a detailed screen corresponding to the type of the selected
amplifier is displayed on the Detail View 37. The amplifiers fall into two major types,
i.e. low-order model and high-order model having a greater number of parameters of
operation data per channel than the low-order model. Once any amplifier of the high-order
model or any group including an amplifier of the high-order model is selected on the
Tree View 36, a Detail View (amp/group detail screen) 37-1 is displayed as shown in
Fig. 7. The Detail View (amp/group detail screen) 37-1 includes an input signal state
display section (analog) 37a, input signal state display section (digital) 37b, attenuator
section 37c, output signal state display section (analog) 37d, output state display
section (digital output) 37e, and operating state display section (temperature, fan,
etc.) 37f.
[0037] Input levels of analog input signals of the individual channels are displayed in
the input signal state display section (analog) 37a, and levels of digital sound signals
having been subjected to level control by faders of the individual channels are displayed
in the input signal state display section (digital) 37b. Further, the faders, which
are level operating (manipulating) members, of the individual channels are displayed
in the attenuator section 37c, and output levels and output electric power of the
individual channels to be provided to speakers and impedance of the speakers of the
individual channels are displayed in the output signal state display section (analog)
37d. Further, a digital output level of each slot, to which an extension card is attachable,
is displayed in the output state display section (digital output) 37e. Further, channel-by-channel
heat sink temperatures and numbers of rotations of fans, power supply voltage and
protection alert state are displayed in the operating state display section (temperature,
fan, etc.) 37f.
[0038] Once any one of the amplifiers of the low-order model or any one of the groups consisting
of only the amplifiers of the low-order model is selected on the Tree View 36, a Detail
View (amp/group detail screen: low-order model) 37-2 is displayed as shown in Fig.
8. The Detail View (amp/group detail screen: low-order model) 37-2 includes an input
signal state display section (analog) 37g, output signal state display section (analog)
plus attenuator section 37h, output state display section (digital output) 37i, and
an operating state display section (temperature etc.) 37j. Input levels of analog
input signals of the individual channels are displayed in the input signal state display
section (analog) 37g. Further, output electric power and faders, which are level operating
members, of the individual channels are displayed in the output signal state display
section (analog) plus attenuator section 37h, and output levels of the individual
channels to be output to the speakers and impedance of the individual speakers are
displayed in the output signal state display section (analog) 37i. Further, channel-by-channel
heat sink temperature and protection alert state are displayed in the operating state
display section (temperature etc.) 37j. As understood from the foregoing, the number
of the display sections on the Detail View (amp/group detail screen: low-order model)
37-2 is smaller than that of the display sections on the Detail View (amp/group detail
screen) 37-1.
[0039] Next, several specific examples of the Detail View 37 will be described. Here, parameters
of operation data are displayed via display components called "elements" on the Detail
View 37; namely, the Detail View 37 is constructed by arranging a plurality of types
of elements at predetermined locations. In the following description, each stereo
(i.e., two-channel) amplifier of the low-order model will be referred to as an amplifier
of "type A", each stereo (i.e., two-channel) amplifier of the high-order model will
be referred to as an amplifier of "type B", and each 4-channel amplifier of the low-order
model will be referred to as an amplifier of "type C".
[0040] Fig. 9 shows a specific example of an individual amplifier Detail View 37-2 displayed
when a two-channel amplifier of type A has been selected on the Tree View (Rack) 36
- 1 or the like. On the individual amplifier Detail View 37-2 shown in Fig. 9, two
level meter elements of Input Level, provided for the two channels to indicate input
levels of input (analog) signals of the two channels of the amplifier in question,
are displayed in the input signal state display section (analog) 37g. Clip element
is provided immediately above each of the level meter elements for making an alert
display when the input signal has been clipped. Further, a Mute element is provided
for each of the level meter elements for muting the corresponding channel when the
Mute element has been turned on.
[0041] The output signal state display section (analog) plus attenuator section 37h is provided
in two vertically-divided areas. In the upper area, two fader elements, which are
Attenuation level operating members, are displayed to indicate, by positions of knobs,
values of respective output sound volume levels (each of which is a parameter included
in the operation data for controlling a sound volume) of the two channels of the amplifier
in question. The output sound volume level of each of the channels is variable by
movement of the corresponding knob in the vertical (up-down) direction. Link element
is provided beneath the fader elements such that turning-on of the Link element can
change the output sound volume levels of the two channels in an interlinked manner.
In the lower area of the output signal state display section 37h, two Watt level meter
elements are displayed to indicate in watt respective output electric power (analog)
levels of the two channels of the amplifier in question. Clip element is provided
immediately above each of the Watt level meter elements for making an alert display
when the output electric power has been clipped.
[0042] In the output signal state display section (digital) 37i, two lever meter elements
of Output Level are displayed to indicate respective output signal (digital) levels
of the two channels of the amplifier in question, and two level meter elements of
Load are displayed to indicate in Ω impedance of speakers connected to the two channels.
Clip element is provided immediately above each of the level meter elements for making
an alert display when the output signal has been clipped or the impedance has fallen
below a lower limited value. Further, in the operating state display section (temperature
etc.) 37j, a Protection element is provided for making an alert display when abnormality
has occurred in the amplifier in question, and two level meter elements of Temp are
displayed to indicate temperatures of heat sinks of the two channels. Further, a Power
element is provided for turning on/off the power supply. Further, a High element is
provided immediately above each of the Temp level meter elements for making an alert
display when an upper limit temperature has been exceeded.
[0043] For each of the Mute and Power elements, which are ON/OFF switches, on the above-described
individual amplifier Detail View 37-2, a corresponding ON/OFF parameter value (0 =
OFF or 1 = ON) is also displayed, which alternately toggles between ON and OFF states
each time the element is operated. The Mute element is displayed in an ON-state indicating
style (e.g., in red color) when it is turned on, and displayed in an OFF-state indicating
style (e.g., in gray color) when it is turned off. Further, the Power element is displayed
in an ON-state indicating style (e.g., in blue color) when it is turned on, and displayed
in an OFF-state indicating style (e.g., in gray color) when it is turned off. Further,
the alert displays of the Clip, Protection and High elements are made, for example,
in red color, while non-alert displays of the Clip, Protection and High elements are
made, for example, in green color. The levels, impedance, temperatures, etc. displayed
by the aforementioned level meter elements are among state data (parameters) indicative
of states of the amplifier in question. Further, the output sound volume levels (decibel
values) indicated by the fader elements and mute, power supply, etc. indicated by
the ON/OFF elements are among operation data (parameters) for controlling the behavior
of the amplifier in question. The alert displays indicated by the various elements
are displays of alert events.
[0044] Fig. 10 shows a specific example of the amplifier group Detail View 37-2 displayed
when an amplifier group consisting of only a plurality of two-channel amplifiers of
type A (i.e., an amplifier group to which only a plurality of two-channel amplifiers
of type A belong) has been selected on the Tree View (Rack) 36 - 1 or the like.
[0045] On the amplifier group Detail View 37-2 shown in Fig. 10, two level meter elements
of Input Level are displayed in the input signal state display section (analog) 37g
in corresponding relation to the left and right channels, and, for each of the channels,
an input level of a maximum or minimum value is detected, in accordance with the Max/Min
setting made via the setting display element 41, from among input signals (analog)
of the respective corresponding (i.e., left or right) channel in the amplifiers belonging
to the group, so that the detected input level is displayed. In the illustrated example,
"Max" is set for each of the two channels via the setting display element 41, and,
via a level meter element of each of the channels, a maximum value of the input signal
levels of the channel in question of the amplifiers belonging to the group is displayed.
Clip element is provided immediately above the level meter element of each of the
channels for making an alert display when the analog input signal has been clipped.
Further, a Mute element is provided for each of the channels for setting and displaying
a mute state of that channel.
[0046] The output signal state display section (analog) plus attenuator section 37h is provided
in two vertically-divided areas. In the upper area, two fader elements, which are
Attenuation level operating members, are displayed to indicate, as operating positions
of knobs, maximum and minimum values of output sound volume levels of the two channels
of the individual amplifiers belonging to the group. In the illustrated example, the
maximum and minimum values of the output sound volume levels of the two channels of
the individual amplifiers belonging to the group are indicated by band-shaped elements
40 of the fader elements. Namely, the maximum value is indicated by the uppermost-end
position of the band-shaped element 40, while the minimum value is indicated by the
lowermost-end position of the band-shaped element 40. Alternatively, the maximum and
minimum values may be displayed indicated in numerical values. Further, by vertically
moving the knob, the output sound volume levels of the corresponding channel of the
individual amplifiers belonging to the group can be collectively changed while still
retaining relative relationship among the output sound volume level values. In this
case, once the output sound volume level of one of the channels of any one of the
amplifiers belonging to the group reaches an upper limit of a settable range, the
output sound volume level can no longer be made greater even if the fader element
has not yet reached the maximum value position. Similarly, once the output sound volume
level of one of the channels in any one of the amplifiers belonging to the group reaches
a lower limit of the settable range, the output sound volume level can no longer be
made smaller even if the fader element has not yet reached the minimum value position.
Link element is provided beneath the fader elements such that turning-on of the Link
element can change the two channels in an interlinked manner.
[0047] Because, as noted above, the range of the knob of each of the fader elements corresponds
to the maximum and minimum values of the levels set via the level operating members
in the individual amplifiers belonging to the group, the provision of the fader element
including the band-shaped element 40 permits confirmation of the setting of the sound
volume operator of each of the amplifiers belonging to the group. Further, operation
of any one of the fader elements performed in any one of groups in a selected tree
is reflected and displayed in groups of other trees.
[0048] In the lower area of the output signal state display section (analog) plus attenuator
section 37h, two Watt level meter elements are displayed, and an output electric power
level of a maximum or minimum value is detected, in accordance with the Max/Min setting
made via the setting display element 41, from among values respective output electric
power (analog) levels of the corresponding channel of the amplifiers belonging to
the group, so that the detected electric power level is indicated in watt. In the
illustrated example, "Max" is set for each of the two channels via the setting display
elements 41, and, via a level meter element of each of the channels, a maximum output
electric power level of the corresponding channel of the amplifiers belonging to the
group is displayed. Mute element is provided for each of the channels for setting
and displaying a mute state of that channel in each of the amplifiers belonging to
the group. Clip element is provided immediately above the level meter element of each
of the channels for making an alert display when the output electric power has been
clipped.
[0049] In the output signal state display section (digital) 37i, two lever meter elements
of Output Level are displayed, and an output signal (digital) level of the maximum
or minimum value is detected, in accordance with the setting made via the setting
display elements 41, from among values output signal (digital) levels of the respective
corresponding channel of the amplifiers belonging to the group. In the illustrated
example, "Max" is set for each of the two channels via the setting display elements
41, so that a maximum output signal level among signal levels of the respective corresponding
channel of the amplifiers belonging to the group is displayed via the level meter
element of the channel. Further, two level meter elements indicative of Load impedance
are provided in corresponding relation to the channels, so that a maximum or minimum
value of impedance is detected, in accordance with the setting made via the setting
display elements 41, from among speaker impedance values of the respective corresponding
channel of the amplifiers belonging to the group and displayed in ohm (Ω). In the
illustrated example, "Min" is set for each of the two channels, and, for each of the
channels, minimum impedance providing a maximum load among the amplifiers belonging
to the group is detected and displayed via the level meter element corresponding to
that channel. Further, a Clip element is provided immediately above each of the level
meter elements in the display section 37i for making an alert display when the output
signal has been clipped or the impedance has fallen below a lower limited value.
[0050] Further, in the operating state display section (temperature etc.) 37j, a Protection
element is provided for making an alert display when abnormality has occurred in any
of the amplifiers belonging to the group in question, and two level meter elements
of Temp are provided. For each of the channels, temperature of a maximum or minimum
value is detected, in accordance with the Max/Min setting made via the setting display
element 41, from among temperature values of the amplifiers belonging to the group
so that the detected maximum or minimum temperature value is displayed. In the illustrated
example, "Max" is set for each of the two channels via the setting display element
41, and the maximum temperature for each of the channels in the amplifiers belonging
to the group is displayed in the level meter element of that channel. Further, a Power
element is provided for turning on/off the power supply to the amplifiers. Further,
a High element is provided immediately above each of the Temp level meter elements
of the two channels for making an alert display when an upper limit temperature has
been exceeded.
[0051] ON/OFF parameters are also displayed via the Mute element and Power elements, each
of which is an ON/OFF switch, in the amplifier group Detail View 37-2. Each of the
Mute element and Power element toggles in such a manner that all ON/OFF states of
the corresponding channel in the amplifiers belonging to the group collectively switch
to the opposite states in response to each operation by the user. For example, if
the corresponding ON/Off parameter of the channel in question is in the ON state in
all of the amplifiers belonging to the group, then the Mute element is displayed as
ON (e.g., displayed in red color), while, if the corresponding ON/Off parameter of
the channel in question is in the OFF state in all of the amplifiers belonging to
the group, then the Mute element is displayed as OFF (e.g., displayed in gray color).
Further, if the corresponding ON/Off parameter of the channel in question is in the
ON state in a portion (i.e., one or more but not all) of the amplifiers and in the
OFF state in the remaining portion of the amplifiers, then the Mute element is displayed
in an ON-OFF mixed display style (e.g., in yellow color). Note that, once the Mute
element is operated when the corresponding ON/OFF parameter of the channel in question
is in the ON state in a portion of the amplifiers and in the OFF state in the remaining
portion of the amplifiers, the Mute element switches to the ON state to mute the channel
in question in all of the amplifiers, after which the Mute element toggles in response
to each operation. Further, if the corresponding ON/OFF parameter is in the ON state
in all of the amplifiers belonging to the group, then the Power element is displayed
as ON (e.g., displayed in blue color), while, if the corresponding ON/OFF parameter
is in the OFF state in all of the amplifiers belonging to the group, then the Power
element is displayed as OFF (e.g., displayed in gray color). Further, if the Power
ON/OFF parameter is in the ON state in a portion of the amplifiers and in the OFF
state in the remaining portion of the amplifiers, then the Power element is displayed
in an ON-OFF mixed display style (e.g., in yellow color). Note that, once the Power
element is operated when the corresponding ON/Off parameter is in the ON state in
a portion of the amplifiers and in the OFF state in the remaining portion of the amplifiers,
all of the amplifiers belonging to the group are placed in the OFF state, after which
the Power element toggles in response to each operation.
[0052] Further, for each of the Clip element and High element, when no alert event exists
in the corresponding channel in all of the amplifier belonging to the group, the Clip
or High element is displayed in a "no alert" indicating style (e.g., displayed in
green color). When an alert event has occurred in the channel in question in a portion
of the amplifiers, the Clip or High element is displayed in a "partial alert" indicating
style (e.g., displayed in orange color). Further, when an alert event has occurred
in the channel in all of the amplifiers, the Clip or High element is displayed in
a "full alert" indicating style (e.g., displayed in red color). Further, when no alert
event exists in all of the amplifiers, the Protection is displayed in a "no alert"
indicating style (e.g., displayed in green color). When an alert event has occurred
in a portion of the amplifiers, the Protection element is displayed in a "partial
alert" indicating style (e.g., displayed in orange color). Further, when an alert
event has occurred in all of the amplifiers, the Protection element is displayed in
a "full alert" indicating style (e.g., displayed in red color).
[0053] Fig. 12 shows a specific example of a channel group Detail View 37-2 displayed when
a channel group consisting only of respective corresponding channel (R channel in
the illustrated example) of a plurality of two-channel amplifiers of type A is selected
on the Tree View (Feed) 36 - 2 or the like.
[0054] More specifically, the channel group Detail View 37-2 shown in Fig. 12 is displayed
in response to selection of a channel group consisting only the respective R (Right)
channels of the two-channel amplifiers of type A. In each of display sections 37g
- 37j of the channel group Detail View 37-2, elements for displaying operation data
of the respective L (Left) channel that does not belong to the selected channel group
are displayed as invalid (i.e., displayed in an invalid display state). Namely, in
the input signal state display section (analog) 37g, there are displayed only a level
meter element of Input Level for the R channel including a setting display element
41 and Clip element, and a Mute element for the R channel. Further, in the output
signal state display section (analog) plus attenuator section 37h, there are displayed
only a level operating member of Attenuation for the R channel including a band-shaped
element 40, a level meter element of Watt for the R channel including a setting display
element 41, and a Mute element for the R channel.
[0055] In the output signal state display section (digital) 37i, there are displayed only
a level meter element of Output Level for the R channel including a setting display
element 41 and Clip element, and a level meter element of Load for the R channel including
a setting display element 41 and Clip element. Further, in the operating state display
section (temperature etc.) 37j, there are displayed an amplifier Protection element,
a level meter element of Temp for the R channel including a setting display element
41 and High element, and an amplifier Power element. Functions of the individual elements
of the display sections 37g - 37j are the same as described above and thus will not
be described here. However, if the Power element is operated to collectively turn
off all of the amplifiers having their respective R channels belonging to the channel
group in question, the respective L channels of these amplifiers that may belong to
another channel group would also be turned off. Thus, the Power element of Fig. 12
is kept in an inoperable state. Further, whereas the invalid elements are not visibly
displayed in the Detail View 37-2 shown in Fig. 12, these invalid elements may be
displayed in gray color.
[0056] Although the foregoing description has considered only two-channel amplifiers, the
instant embodiment is also applicable to four-channel amplifiers. Here, the type of
four-channel amplifiers of the low-order model will be referred to as type C". Fig.
13 shows a specific example of an individual four-channel amplifier Detail View 37-2
displayed in response to selection of a four-channel amplifier of type C. The amplifier
Detail View 37-2 shown in Fig. 13 is different from the amplifier Detail View 37-2
shown in Fig. 9 in that it is designed for four-channel amplifiers. Namely, in an
input signal state display section (analog) 37g of the individual four-channel amplifier
Detail View 37-2 shown in Fig. 13, there are displayed four level meter elements of
Input Level provided for the four channels and including respective Click elements
and Mute elements provided for the four channels. Further, in an output signal state
display section (analog) plus attenuator section 37h, there are displayed level operating
members of Attenuation provided for the four channels, including respective Clip elements
and operable to interlink every two channels of the four channels, level meter elements
of Watt provided for the four channels and including respective Clip elements, and
Mute elements for the four channels.
[0057] Displayed in an output signal state display section (digital) 37i of the individual
four-channel amplifier Detail View 37-2 are four lever meter elements of Output Level
provided for the four channels and including respective Clip elements. In an operating
state display section (temperature etc.) 37j, there are displayed an amplifier Protection
element, four level meter elements of Temp provided for the four channels and including
respective High elements, and an amplifier Power element. Functions of the individual
elements of the display sections 37g - 37j of the individual four-channel amplifier
Detail View 37-2 are the same as described above and thus will not be described here.
Further, a Detail View 37-2 of a group consisting only of amplifiers of type C and
Detail View 37-2 of a group consisting of amplifiers of type C and type A are not
illustrated and described in detail here because these Detail Views 37-2 are different
from the individual four-channel amplifier Detail View 37-2 of the type-C amplifier
shown in Fig. 13 only in the shape of the fader element of Attenuator 37h and in that
these group Detail Views 37-2 have setting display elements attached to individual
level meter elements. Such relationship is the same as the relationship between the
Detail View 37-2 of the amplifier of type A and the Detail View 37-2 of the group
consisting only of amplifiers of type A. Namely, as the fader elements of these groups,
fader elements with band-shaped elements 40 as shown at 37h in Fig. 10 are displayed
in place of the ordinary fader elements displayed at 37h in Fig. 13.
[0058] Fig. 14 shows a specific example of an individual amplifier Detail View 37-1 displayed
when a two-channel amplifier of type B is selected on the Tree View (Rack) 36 - 1
or the like. As compared to the individual amplifier Detail View 37-2 for the low-order
model shown in Fig. 9, the individual amplifier Detail View 37-1 shown in Fig. 14
has an increased number of display sections for the high-order model so that an increased
number of parameters of operation data can be displayed. Namely, in an input signal
state display section (analog) 37a of the individual amplifier Detail View 37-1 of
Fig. 14, there are displayed two level meter elements of Input Level provided for
the two channels and including respective Clip elements, and two Mute elements provided
for the two channels. In an input signal state display section (digital) 37b, there
are displayed two level meter elements of Post Level provided for the two channels
to display levels of digital sound signals having been controlled via level operating
members and including respective Clip elements. In an attenuator section 37c, there
are displayed fader elements of Comp TL provided for the two channels to display threshold
levels of compressors and including respective Link elements.
[0059] Further, in an output signal state display section (analog) 37d of the individual
amplifier Detail View 37-1, there are displayed two lever meter elements of Output
Level provided for the two channels and including respective Clip elements, two lever
meter elements of Load provided for the two channels and including respective Clip
elements, and two Mute elements for the two channels. Further, in an output state
display section (digital output) 37e, there are displayed level meter elements of
Slot out provided for four slots to indicate a digital output level for each of slots
to which extension cards are attachable, and including respective Clip elements. In
an operating state display section (temperature, fan, etc.) 37f, there are displayed
Protection elements provided for the two channels to make alert displays of limiter,
mute, shutdown, clip limiter, etc., level meter elements of Temp provided for the
two channels and including respective High elements, a PS V element provided for indicating
a power supply voltage and including a High element, a FAN element provided for indicating
the number of rotations of a cooling fan and including a High element, a Signal Path
element where is opened an editing screen of signal processing performed, in response
to switch operation, by the DSP 14 in a signal path from an input to a point immediately
preceding a fader, and a Power element for tuning on/off the power supply to the amplifier.
Note that functions of other elements, not shown and described in relation to the
individual display sections 37a - 37f of the Detail View 37-1, are the same as those
in the other Detail Views described above and thus description about the functions
of the other elements are omitted here. Further, a Detail View 37-2 of a group consisting
only of amplifiers of type B and Detail View 37-2 of a group consisting of amplifiers
of type B and type A are not illustrated and described in detail here because these
Detail Views 37-2 are different from the Detail View 37-2 of the type-B amplifier
only in the shape of the fader elements of attenuator elements 37h and in that these
Detail Views 37-2 have setting display elements attached to individual level meter
elements.
[0060] Group selected on the Tree View (Rack) 36 - 1 or the like may sometimes include amplifiers
of type A, type B and type C. In this case, display sections capable of displaying
parameters of operation data of all of the amplifiers belonging to the selected group
will be displayed on the Detail View 37. Fig. 15 shows an example of a channel group
Detail View 37-3 displayed in response to selection, on the Tree View (Rack) 36 -
1 or the like, of a group including amplifiers of type A, type B and type C. In this
case, the channel group includes at least a first channel of a type-B amplifier and
third and fourth channels of a type-C amplifier, but it does not include respective
second channels of type-A, type-B and type-C amplifiers. Further, the channels displayed
on the Detail View 37-3 are three channels, i.e. first, third and fourth channels,
with the second channel omitted. Further, because the display screen of the Detail
View 37 is limited in size, parameters of operation data that can not be displayed
on one screen is allowed to be displayed on one or more other screens through switching
operation by a tab.
[0061] Namely, on the Detail View 37-3, there are provided tabs of an input signal state
display section (analog) 37a and input signal state display section (digital) 37b.
Level meter elements of Input Level for the three channels including respective Clip
elements and setting display elements, and Mute elements for the three channels are
displayed once the tab of the input signal state display section (analog) 37a is selected.
Further, although not shown, level meter elements of Post Level for the three channels
including respective Clip elements, and Mute elements for the three channels are displayed
once the tab of the input signal state display section (digital) 37b is selected.
In an attenuator section 37c of Fig. 15, there are displayed a fader element of Comp
TL provided for the first channel and including a band-shaped element 40 for displaying
a threshold level of a compressor, and fader elements, which are level operating members
of Attenuation provided for the three channels, including respective Link elements
and band-shaped elements 40. Further, because the third and fourth channels are of
the type-C amplifier and not subjected to signal processing by the DSP 14, fader elements
of Comp TL for the third and fourth channels are not displayed.
[0062] In an output signal state display section (analog) 37d of the Detail View 37-3, there
are displayed level meter elements of Output Level provided for the three channels
and including respective Clip elements and setting display elements 41, as well as
tabs "Load" and "Watt". Once the "Load" tab is selected, level meter elements of Load
provided for the three channels and including respective Clip elements and setting
display elements 41 are displayed together with Mute elements for the three channels.
Once the "Watt" tab is selected, on the other hand, level meter elements of Watt provided
for the three channels and including respective Clip elements and setting display
elements 41 are displayed together with Mute elements for the three channels, although
not particularly shown. Further, displayed in an output signal state display section
(digital output) 37e are level meter elements of Slot Level provided for the three
channels and including respective Clip elements and setting display elements 41. Furthermore,
displayed in an operating state display section (temperature, fan, etc.) 37f are:
Protection elements provided for the first channel of type-A and type-B amplifiers
to make alert displays of limiter, mute, shutdown, clip limiter, etc.; level meter
elements of Temp provided for the three channels and including respective High elements
and setting display element 41; a PS V element provided for indicating a power supply
voltage and including a High element and setting display element 41; a FAN element
provided for indicating the number of rotations of the cooling fan and including a
High element and setting display element 41; and a Power element for tuning on/off
the power supply to the amplifiers.
[0063] Note that functions of other elements, not shown and described in relation to the
individual display sections 37a - 37f of the Detail View 37-3, are the same as those
of the corresponding elements in the other Detail Views described above and thus description
about the functions of the other elements are omitted here. However, the type-A amplifier
does not have all of the parameters possessed by the type-B amplifier, and thus, in
each level meter element, which includes the setting display element 41 and which
is displayed only in the type-B amplifiers, a maximum value or minimum value is detected,
in accordance with the Max/Min setting made via the setting display element 41, from
among values of the respective corresponding channel of the type-B amplifiers, and
the detected maximum value or minimum value is displayed. Further, in each level meter
element, which includes the setting display element 41 and which is displayed in both
of the type-B and type-A amplifiers, a maximum value or minimum value is detected,
in accordance with the setting made via the setting display element 41, from among
values of the respective corresponding channel of all of the amplifiers, and the detected
maximum value or minimum value is displayed. Further, in the case where the number
of channels is three or over, in each level meter element including the setting display
element 41, a maximum value or minimum value is detected, in accordance with the setting
made via the setting display element 41, from among values of a channel, other than
the first and second channels, of the amplifiers having such an other channel, and
the detected maximum value or minimum value is displayed. If the Power element is
operated to collectively turn off all of the amplifiers having any of the channels
belonging to the channel group, the other channels that may belong to one or more
other channel groups would also be turned off. Thus, the Power element is kept in
an inoperable state. Further, no Signal Path element is displayed on the Detail View
37-3.
[0064] In each of the level meter elements for displaying level parameters on the aforementioned
amplifier group and channel group Detail Views 37, a maximum or minimum parameter
value is detected, in accordance with the setting made via the setting display element
41, from among values of the channel in question belonging to the group is displayed.
In Fig. 11, there is shown setting change operation for changing the selective setting
of a maximum (max) or minimum (Min) value as a parameter value to be displayed in
the setting display element 41. More specifically, Fig. 11 shows how the selective
setting of the level meter element of Output Level 50 is changed from the maximum
(max) value to the minimum (Min) value. In the level meter element of Output Level
50 shown in an uppermost section Fig. 11, the setting display element 41 is set at
"Max", and thus, a maximum parameter value will be displayed in the level meter element
of the channel in question. Once the setting display element 41 is clicked on, a menu
51 for selecting "Max" or "Min" is opened as shown in a middle section of Fig. 11.
If "Min" is selected in the menu 51, the setting of the setting display element 41
is changed to "Min" as shown in a lowermost section Fig. 11, so that a minimum parameter
value of the level meter element of Output Level 50 will be displayed in the level
meter element of the channel in question.
[0065] The Max/Min setting can be made different among amplifier or channel groups. Namely,
even for a same given tree, the Max/Min setting can be made different between a group
of one hierarchical level and a group of another hierarchical level lower than the
one hierarchical level. For different trees, the Max/Min setting can of course be
performed independently for each of the trees even if one or more same groups exist
redundantly in the trees.
[0066] On the Detail View 37-3 shown in Fig. 15, the first channel of the type-B amplifiers
and the third and second channels of the type-C amplifiers belong to the selected
channel group, as noted above. However, if the second channel of the type-B amplifiers
too belongs to the selected channel group, not only level meter elements for the second
channel are added to and displayed in the display sections 37a, 37b and 37d, but also
fader elements of Comp TL and level operating member for the second channel are added
to and displayed in the display section 37c. Further, a Protection element and level
meter element of Temp for the second channel are added to and displayed in the operating
state display section (temperature, fan, etc.) 37f.
[0067] Fig. 16 is a flow chart of PC-side application processing performed in the PC 2.
[0068] Once the amplifier manager, which is PC-side application software, is activated on
the OS in the PC 2, the PC-side application processing is started up. First, at step
S10, various initialization operations are performed so that a basic screen BA4 is
displayed on the display device of the PC 2 and the working area and current project
area are set in the RAM. After that, the PC-side application processing is placed
in a standby state, at step S11, until an operation event is input. The "operation
event" is an event indicating that the user has operated any one of operating members
UI23 to manipulate any of various elements displayed in the basic screen BA4. Examples
of the operation event include an operation event for loading a project file, an operation
event for operating the On-line button 33, etc. Once an operation event is detected,
the processing proceeds to step S12, where an operation corresponding to the operation
event is performed. Upon completion of the operation at step S12, a determination
is made, at step S13, as to whether or not the operation event is an event for ending
the amplifier manager software. If the operation event is not the event for ending
the amplifier manager software (NO determination at step S13), the processing reverts
to step S11 so as to repeat the aforementioned operations of step S11 to step S 13.
If, on the other hand, the operation event is the event for ending the amplifier manager
software (YES determination at step S13), the processing proceeds to step S 14 to
end the amplifier manager software, so that the PC-side application processing is
brought to an end. At step S11, other operation events than the operation event, such
as a reception event indicating that data has been received by the I/F 22 and timer
event indicating that an interrupt has been generated from a not-shown timer, are
also detected. Thus, at next step S12, operations corresponding to these detected
events are performed.
[0069] Fig. 17 is a flow chart of a load process performed at step S12 when the detected
operation event is one for loading a project file. Once the operation event for loading
a project file is detected, the load process of Fig. 17 is started, where, at step
S20, the project file is opened and various information of the project file is loaded
into the current project area set in the RAM. Then, at step S21, user authentication
is performed on the basis of user authentication information included in the project
file. If a user ID and password entered by the user match the user authentication
information, the user is logged into the project file as the user indicated by the
user ID and is granted a corresponding user's rights The user's right granted here
is any one of two rights: control right to allow the user to at least browse and control
states of amplifiers registered in the project; and browse right to allow the user
to only browse the states of the amplifiers registered in the project. Then, at step
S22, a confirmation (matching) operation is performed for associating individual devices
registered in the project file and actual devices actually connected to the LAN 4.
In this confirmation (matching) operation, device identification (ID) information,
model information, etc. is acquired from the actual devices and compared to the IDs
and model information, etc. of the devices registered in the project file, so as to
associate the actual devices with the devices registered in the project file. At next
step S23, a screen initialization operation is performed so that the basic screen
BA4 comprising an initialized Tree View 36 and Detail View 37 is displayed on the
display device of the PC 2, after which the load process is brought to an end.
[0070] Figs. 36 to 39 show an organization of project-related data stored in the storage
device of the PC 2. Fig. 36 shows a data structure of a "project library" stored in
the HDD 24, and a "controller ID" of the PC 2 is stored at the same hierarchical level
as the project library. The project library is capable of storing a plurality of project
files. Each of the project files includes data for controlling a plurality of amplifiers
as one amplifier system 1, tree information for hierarchically grouping project IDs,
project names and a plurality of devices (i.e., amplifiers) into respective groups
from the perspective of the racks storing the individual devices (Rack Tree), into
groups from the perspective of the destination speakers (Feed Structure Tree), etc.
Each of the project files also includes tree information for grouping the project
IDs, project names and devices into user-defined groups (User Defined Tree), detailed
information of the individual devices registered in the project, such as device information
1, device information 2, ..., and other information. Each of the device information
includes a device ID, model information, IP (Internet protocol) address, device name,
operation data and other information. The operation data are control data for operation
or controlling behavior of the device in question. Each of the device information
also includes information for performing user authentication on each user and granting
a right to each authenticated user, information of the type of the amplifier and information
of a display setting of each of the elements in each individual Detail View of the
group.
[0071] Fig. 37 shows a data structure of a current project stored in the RAM of the PC 2
and including information of current operating states. The current project is basically
similar in content as the project file, except that it further has "state data" and
"display control information". Each of the device information includes, in addition
to the information and data mentioned above in relation to the project file, "On-line
information" indicating whether or not the device in question is currently in the
on-line state, and "controller ID" that is equipment ID of the PC 2 remote-controlling
the device. The "controller ID" area is an area in which are stored controller IDs
acquired from the actual devices associated with the devices of the project. In the
illustrated example, the "state data" area is an area in which are stored state data
acquired from actual devices placed in on-line relationship with devices of the project,
and the acquired state data are necessary for displaying the current Detail View.
Each parameter stored in the "state data" area is indicated here as "VAL (device ID,
PN) because it is identifiable by a device ID and parameter number PN. Further, the
"display control information" area includes a block of timer registers CNT(PN) to
be used for a timer interrupt process as will be later described, and other information.
The other information includes display setting information for individual elements
of the Detail View of an amplifier of each type (see for example Fig. 9) and the Detail
View of each group (see for example Fig. 9). Further, a working area is set in the
RAM.
[0072] Fig. 38 shows a data structure of a library provided in the amplifier manager software
and storing amplifier definition information ("TypeA Amp Definition", "TypeB Amp Definition",
...) defining data structures, display screens, etc. of individual amplifiers and
group definition information ("TypeA group Definition", "TypeB Group Definition",
...) defining display screens etc. of individual groups. More specifically, "TypeA
Amp Definition", which is amplifier definition information of the type-A amplifier,
stores therein: an operation data definition defining a structure of the operation
data of the amplifier and how to handle the operation data; a state data definition
defining a structure of the state data of the amplifier and how to handle the state
data; a Detail View definition defining elements to be displayed in the Detail View
37-2 of the amplifier, displayed position of the elements and parameters to be indicated
by the elements; and various other definition information necessary for control of
the type-A amplifier. Further, "TypeA group Defmition", which is group definition
information of a group consisting only of type-A amplifiers stores therein a Detail
View definition defining positions in the screen of the Detail View 37-2 of the group
and parameters corresponding to the elements, and various other definition information
necessary for control of the group. Further, although not shown, there are also stored
"TypeAB group Definition that is group definition information of a group of type-A
and type-B amplifiers and "TypeABC group Definition that is group definition information
of a group of type-A, type-B and type-C amplifiers.
[0073] Fig. 39 shows a data structure of information stored in the storage device 11 of
each of the amplifiers 3 that are actual devices. In the storage device of each of
the amplifiers 3 are stored: model information, device ID and IP address capable of
identifying the amplifier 3; operation data for controlling current behavior of the
amplifier; controller ID that is the equipment ID of the PC remote-controlling the
amplifer3 (i.e., PC having the right to control the amplifier 3); and other information
including account information (each user's authentication and right information) supplied
from the PC. Further, the device ID comprises a MAC (Media Access Control) address
of the I/F 12 of the device and set device ID. On the basis of the operation data
stored in the amplifier 3, the CPU 10 controls behavior of various blocks, such as
the DSP 14, AMP 15 and UI13, within the amplifier 3. Further, the CPU 10 can acquire,
as the state data of the amplifier 3, signal levels detected by level detectors within
the AMP 15, temperatures detected by a temperature sensor attached to the heat sinks,
etc. via the D/A & A/D unit 16. Furthermore, the CPU 10 can acquire, directly from
the AMP 15, alert events, such as various protection and level excess events, generated
by the AMP 15.
[0074] Fig. 19 is a flow chart of an on-line process performed, at step S 12 of the PC-side
application processing when the operation event is that of the on-line button 33.
Namely, once an operation event of the on-line button 33 is detected, the on-line
process shown in Fig. 19 is started. At step S40, a device ID, the information and
controller ID stored in one actual device which is among actual devices connected
to the LAN and which is associated with any one of the devices in the project are
acquired from the one actual device. At next step S41, a match between the account
information of the one actual device and the user ID and password of a user currently
logging into the project of the PC 2 (i.e., login user), whether or not the login
user has a control right over the amplifier system and presence of the controller
ID of the actual device are checked. Then, the authentication results obtained at
step S41 are determined at step S42. If the user ID and password is contained in the
account information (the user ID and password match the account information) as determined
at step S42("OK" at step S42), then the controller ID in the actual device shown in
Fig. 39 is overwritten with the controller ID of the PC 2 shown in Fig. 36. If the
actual device has stored therein controller ID of the PC 2, it means that the PC 2
has the right of control over the actual device and thus can remote-control (i.e.,
browse and control) the actual device (on-line state). At following step S43, it is
checked whether or not there is a match (complete match) between the operation data
of the actual device and the operation data of the corresponding device in the project.
If there is a complete match between the operation data ("OK" at step S44), the process
goes to step S46 to determine whether there is any other device that remains to be
processed (i.e., any other unprocessed device).
[0075] If it has been determined at step S42 that, although the user ID and password match
the account information, the login user has no control right or the controller ID
has not been cleared ("NG" at step S42), the process branches to step S45 to perform
a reverse synchronization operation and then proceeds to step S46. In this case, the
PC 2 can not remote-control the actual device, but can monitor (browse) operating
states of the actual device (monitorable state). Here, the reverse synchronization
operation is an operation that acquires the operation data of the actual device and
overwrites the operation data of the corresponding device in the project of the PC
2 with the acquired operation data and thereby causes the operation data of the corresponding
device in the project to agree with the operation data of the actual device. If the
user ID and password do not match the account information as determined at step S42,
it means that the login user does not have even the browse right, and thus, the process
jumps directly to step S46 although not specifically shown.
[0076] Further, if the operation data do not match ("NG" at step S44), the process branches
to step S45, where a synchronization-related instruction is received from the user
and perform a synchronization or reverse- synchronization operation. The synchronization
operation is an operation that transmits the operation data of a corresponding device
in the project of the PC 2 to the actual device, overwrites the operation data of
the actual device with the operation data of the corresponding device in the project
of the PC 2 and thereby causes the operation data of the actual device to agree with
the operation data of the device in the project. Then, at step S46, a determination
is made as to whether there is any other unprocessed actual device among the actual
devices associated with the devices in the project. Whenever such an unprocessed actual
device is found, the operations of steps S41 and S45 are performed on the found unprocessed
actual device. Then, when it has been determined at step S46 that there is no other
unprocessed actual device, the on-line process is brought to an end.
[0077] Of the actual devices connected to the LAN 4, the actual device to be subjected to
processes of Figs. 21 - 31 described below is, as regards the processes of Figs. 21,
22, 23, 28, 29 and 30, one associated with a device registered in the project and
placed in the on-line or monitorable state, and is, as regards the processes of Figs.
24, 25, 26 and 31, one associated with a device registered in the project and placed
in monitorable state. Further, for each of the Detail View 37 of a device registered
in the project and placed in the on-line state and Detail View 37 of a group including
such a device, the processes of Figs. 24, 25, 26 and 31 can not be performed because
the PC 2 has no right of control over the corresponding actual device.
[0078] Further, although not shown, an off-line button for instructing an off-line state
is also provided on the basic screen B4. More specifically, upon detection, at step
S11 of Fig. 16, of an operation event indicating that the off-line button has been
operated, all of the devices in the current project are set in the off-line state,
and a change request instructing that the controller ID be cleared is transmitted
to the actual devices corresponding to all of the devices having so far been in the
on-line state. Each of the actual devices having received the change request clears
or remove the controller ID stored in the storage device of the actual device.
[0079] Fig. 20 is a flow chart of a Detail View initialization process for initializing
the Detail View 37. The Detail View initialization process is started up in the PC
2 in response to loading of a project file (step S23) or in response to clicking-on
any one of the groups and amplifiers (including the channels) on the three View 36.
In the case where the Detail View initialization process is started up in response
to the loading of the project file, the object of display on the Detail View 37 is
a group or amplifier selected at the time of saving of the project file, while, in
the case where the Detail View initialization process is started up in response to
clicking-on of any one of the groups and amplifiers, the object of display on the
Detail View 37 is the clicked-on group or amplifier. Once the Detail View initialization
process is started up, a determination is made at step S50, on the basis of the current
project, as to whether the object of the display is an amplifier or a group. If the
object of the display is an amplifier as determined at step S50, the Detail View initialization
process proceeds to step S51. At step S51, a determination is made as to which one
of the two-channel high-order model (type B), two-channel low-order model (type A),
... the amplifier is of, and then, the Detail View definition information in the amplifier
definition information stored in the library of Fig. 38 and corresponding to the model
of the amplifier is selected. For example, if it has been determined that the amplifier
is of the two-channel low-order model (type A), the Detail View definition information
in the TypeA Amp Definition is selected. If, on the other hand, the object of the
display is a group as determined at step S50, the process branches to step S52. At
step S52, a determination is made as to which one of the group consisting only of
type-A amplifiers, group consisting of type-A and type-B amplifiers, ... the group
is, and then, the Detail View definition information in the group definition information
stored in the library of Fig. 38 and corresponding to the group is selected.
[0080] Once the Detail View definition information is selected at step S51, the process
moves on to step S53, where GUI components of various elements to be displayed on
the basis of the selected Detail View definition information are generated and positioned
at predetermined locations of the Detail View 37. Then, at step S54, a temporary area
is secured for storing parameters to be displayed via the elements. Values of state
data (parameters) of elements acquired from an actual device are stored into the temporary
area. At next step S55, the actual device corresponding to the device designated as
the object of display or each of the devices of the group designated as the object
of display is requested to periodically transmit state data to be stored into the
temporary area. In response to the request, the requested state data are transmitted
periodically from each of the devices to the PC 2, and then the PC 2 overwrites the
state data, received from each of the devices, onto locations of the temporary area
provided for the requested state data. Then, at step S56, a Detail View display update
process is performed for reflecting the operation data, currently stored in the temporary
area, in the Detail View 37, after which the Detail View initialization process is
brought to an end.
[0081] Here, the "state data" are data varying moment by moment like a sound signal waveform
level. In response to the request from the PC 2, each actual device corresponding
to any of the devices placed in the on-line or monitorable state in the project transmits,
as a response, the requested state data to the PC 2 periodically, e.g. every 100 msec.
The PC 2 not only stores the state data, received periodically from the actual device,
into the temporary area, but also reflect the values of the received state data in
the display of the Detail View 37. For each device placed in the on-line state in
the project, on the other hand, no storage location is provided in the temporary area
because no state data is transmitted from the corresponding actual device if any.
Further, generally, alert events, such as signal clipping and occurrence of an excessive
load and abnormality, have a higher degree of urgency than the state data, and thus,
once any alert event is detected in any of the actual devices, information indicative
of the detected alert event is immediately transmitted to the PC 2. The PC 2 having
received the information of the detected alert event makes an alert display corresponding
to the detected alert event.
[0082] Fig. 18 is a flow chart of a storage process performed at step of S12 of the PC-side
application processing when the detected operation event is an operation event for
storing the project file. Once the operation event for storing the project file is
detected, the storage process of Fig. 18 is started up, where the current project
stored in the RAM is stored into a storage device, such as the HDD 24, as the project
file. Thus, the project file having reflected therein the current operating states
of the amplifier system 1 is stored into the storage device. After completion of the
operation at step S30, the storage process is brought to an end.
[0083] Fig. 21 is a flow chart of a Detail View display update process performed at step
S 56 of the Detail View initialization process, or at step of S12 of the PC-side application
processing at predetermined time intervals (e.g., 10 msec). Upon start-up of the Detail
View display update process is started, the operation data, stored in the current
project, of the device designated as the object of display on the Detail View 37 in
the current project and the state data currently stored in the temporary area are
specified as data to be used for display updating of the Detail View 37, at step S60.
Here, the object of display is one amplifier if the Detail View is an individual amplifier
Detail View, but is a plurality of amplifiers if the Detail View is a group Detail
View. The operation data in the current project specified here are data sequentially
updated in a later-described operation data change process, and the state data in
the temporary area are data periodically updated with data from the actual device
(amplifier). Then, for a given first component (element), corresponding data or state
data in the specified data are checked for any change, at step S61. Then, it is determined,
at step S62, whether any change has occurred in the data. With a YES determination
at step S62, the Detail View display update process proceeds to step S63 to perform
a display update process corresponding to the element in the Detail View in question;
the display update process corresponding to the element is either a later-described
"*1 display update process" or a later-described "*2 display update process". Through
the *1 display update process or *2 display update process, the component in question
will be displayed in accordance with the changed data. After that, the Detail View
display update process moves on to step S64. If, on the other hand, no change has
occurred in the data as determined at step S62, then the display update process of
step S63 is skipped, and the Detail View display update process moves on to step S64.
At step S64, a determination is made as to whether there is any other component (element)
that remains to be processed, i.e. unprocessed component. If there is another unprocessed
component as determined at step S64, the Detail View display update process reverts
to step S61 to repeat the operations of steps S61 to S63, and, if any change has occurred
in the data of the component, the component will be displayed in accordance with the
changed data. When the operations of steps S61 to S63 have been completed for all
of the components, it is determined, at step S64, that there is no more component
to be processed, so that the Detail View display update process is brought to an end.
[0084] Fig. 22A is a flow chart of the *1 display update process performed at step S63 in
the case where the displayed screen is an individual amplifier Detail View 37 and
the component is a level meter element. Upon start-up of the *1 display update process,
a level corresponding to the changed data is displayed via the level meter element,
at step S70. After that, the *1 display update process is brought to an end.
[0085] Fig. 22B is a flow chart of the *2 display update process performed at step S63 in
the case where the displayed screen is a group amplifier Detail View 37 and the component
is a level meter element. Upon start-up of the *2 display update process, a Min &
Max detection operation is performed, at step S71, for detecting minimum and maximum
values to be displayed in the level meter element from among data of individual amplifiers/channels
in the group. Next, at step S72, a determination is made as to which of "Min" and
"Max" is set as the display setting for the component. If the display setting for
the component is set at "Max" as determined at step S72, the *2 display update process
proceeds to step S73, where the level corresponding to the maximum value detected
at step S71 is displayed via the level meter element. After that, the *2 display update
process is brought to an end. If, on the other hand, the display setting for the component
is set at "Min" as determined at step S72, the *2 display update process branches
to step S74, where the level corresponding to the minimum value detected at step S71
is displayed in the level meter element. After that, the *2 display update process
is brought to an end.
[0086] Now, a specific example of a display change performed in the *2 display update process
will be described below with reference to (a) and (b) of Fig. 42. In the example shown
in (a) and (b) of Fig. 42, the group in question consists of Amp1, Amp2 and Amp3,
the FAN parameter of Amp1 is "20%", the FAN parameter of Amp2 is "32%", and Amp 3
is a type-A amplifier having no FAN parameter as indicated by " - : - " . The FAN
parameter is indicated by a percentage of the maximum number of rotations that is
represented in the figure as "100%". If the Detail View display update process is
performed in the case where the display setting is set at "Max", the display of the
FAN parameter on the Detail View 37 is changed to "32%" as shown in (a) of Fig. 42.
If the Detail View display update process is performed in the case where the display
setting is set at "Min", on the other hand, the display of the FAN parameter in the
Detail View 37 is changed to "20%" as shown in (b) of Fig. 42.
[0087] Fig. 23A is a flow chart of a *3 display update process performed at step S63 in
the case where the displayed screen is an individual amplifier Detail View 37 and
the component is an ordinary fader element indicating a numerical value parameter.
Upon start-up of the *3 display update process, the current value of the changed data
is displayed in the fader element at step S80. After that, the *3 display update process
is brought to an end.
[0088] Fig. 23B is a flow chart of a *4 display update process performed at step S63 in
the case where the displayed screen is a group amplifier Detail View 37 and the component
is a fader element including a band-shaped element 40 indicating a numerical value
parameter. Upon start-up of the *4 display update process, a Min & Max detection operation
is performed, at step S81, for detecting minimum and maximum values to be displayed
via the fader element from among data of individual amplifiers/channels in the group.
Then, the detected maximum and minimum values are displayed in the band-shaped element
40 at step S82. After that, the *4 display update process is brought to an end.
[0089] Fig. 24 is a flow chart of an operation data change process (amplifier) performed
at step S12 of the PC-side application processing in response to user's operation
of, for example, a knob of the ordinary fader element, indicating a numerical value
parameter, when the displayed screen is the individual amplifier Detail View 37. Once
the knob of the fader element, for example, is operated on the Detail View 37 of an
amplifier over which the PC 2 has the right of control, the operation data change
process (amplifier) is started up in the PC 2. First, at step S90, a parameter value
(output sound volume level) included in the operation data of the current project
and corresponding to the fader element of a corresponding amplifier (device) in the
current project is updated in accordance with the operation of the knob. Then, at
step S91, a change request, for which no response is needed, is transmitted to the
amplifier (actual device) associated with the amplifier in question, so as to change
the corresponding parameter value of the operation data of the associated amplifier
(actual device) (remote control). Further, the aforementioned "*3 display update process"
is performed, at step S92, so that the displayed position of the fader element knob
is updated in such a manner that the current value corresponding to the knob operation
is displayed via the element operated on the Detail View 37. At following step S93,
the timer register (PN) specified by the parameter number PN of the parameter is initialized
and set at a predetermined time Δt so that a time interrupt process is performed as
will be later described, after which the operation data change process (amplifier)
is brought to an end. If the fader element knob is still continuing to be operated
at that time, operation evens are generated in succession so that a no-response-needed
change request is transmitted to the associated amplifier (actual device) per operation
event; in this case, the timer interrupt process is initialized per operation event
so that there will occur no time-out. Then, once the user's operation ends and thus
the timer interrupt process is brought to an end, a response request is sent to the
associated amplifier (actual device) so that the PC 2 can confirm, on the basis of
a confirmatory response from the associated amplifier, that the operation data of
the amplifier in question have been changed. In the aforementioned manner, it is possible
to reduce a traffic amount on the network.
[0090] Note that, when the PC 2 is in the off-line state, the change request transmission
operation of step S91 and the timer register initialization process of step S93 are
skipped.
[0091] Fig. 25 is a flow chart of an operation data change process (group) performed at
step S12 of the PC-side application processing in response to user's operation of,
for example, the knob of the fader element, indicating a parameter value, when the
displayed screen is an individual amplifier Detail View 37. Once the knob of the fader
element, for example, is operated on the Detail View 37 of a group over which the
PC 2 has the right of control, the operation data change process (group) is started
up in the PC 2. First, at step S100, trial updating is performed on a parameter value
corresponding to the fader element included in the operation data of devices in the
corresponding group in the current project. In this trial updating, parameter values
of the devices are manipulated collectively in a software manner while still retaining
their relative relationship, and it is tested whether the parameter value of any of
the devices in the group reaches an upper or lower limit of a predetermined change
range. Then, a determination is made, at step S101, as to whether the parameter value
of any of the devices in the group has reached the upper or lower limit. If answered
in the negative at step S101, the operation data change process (group) proceeds to
step S102, where the parameter values of the devices are updated with the trially-updated
values while still retaining their relative relationship (decibel differences in the
case of the output sound volume level). If, on the other hand, the parameter value
of any of the devices in the group has reached the upper or lower limit as determined
at step S101, the process branches to step S104, where the parameter values of the
devices of the group in the current project are updated with limited values while
still retaining their relative relationship. Note that the phrase "group over which
the PC 2 has the right of control" means that the PC 2 has the right of control over
all of the amplifiers (actual devices) belonging to the group.
[0092] Once the operation of step S102 or the operation of step S104 is completed, the process
goes to step S103, where a no-response-needed change request is transmitted to each
of the amplifiers (actual devices) in the group in question, so as to change the corresponding
parameter value of the operation data of each of the amplifiers (actual devices) (remote
control). Then, the *4 display update process is performed, at step S 105, so that
the display of the band-shaped element 40 and knob position of the fader element knob
is updated in such a manner that maximum and minimum values corresponding to the operation
are displayed via the element operated on the Detail View 37. At following step S106,
the timer register (PN) specified by the parameter number PN of the parameter is initialized
and set at a predetermined time Δt so that a time interrupt process is performed as
will be later described. After that, the operation data change process (group) is
brought to an end. If the fader element knob is still continuing to be operated at
that time, operation events are generated in succession so that a no-response-needed
change request is transmitted to each of the amplifiers (actual devices) per operation
event; in this case, the timer interrupt process is initialized per operation event
so that there will occur no time-out. Then, once the user's operation ends and thus
the timer interrupt process is brought to an end, a response request is sent to each
of the amplifiers (actual devices) in the group so that the PC 2 can confirm, on the
basis of a confirmatory response from each of the amplifiers, that the operation data
have been changed in each of the devices. In the aforementioned manner, it is possible
to reduce the traffic amount on the network.
[0093] Note that, when the PC 2 is in the off-line state, the change request transmission
operation of step S103 and the timer register (CNT(PN)) initialization process of
step S106 are skipped.
[0094] Now, a specific example of updating in the operation data change process (group)
will be described with reference to Fig. 40. In the example shown in Fig. 40, the
group in question consists of Amp1, Amp2 and Amp3. For Amp1, the current value of
the attenuator parameter is "50", and lower and upper limits in a change range of
the attenuator parameter are set at "0" and "127", respectively. For Amp2, the current
value of the attenuator parameter is "82", and lower and upper limits in the change
range of the attenuator parameter are "0" and "127", respectively. Further, for Amp3,
the current value of the attenuator parameter is "32", and lower and upper limits
in the change range of the attenuator parameter are "0" and "127", respectively. Here,
let it be assumed that the fader element knob has been operated to increase the value
of the attenuator parameter by "+30". Thus, as a result of the trial updating at step
S100 of Fig. 25, the parameter value of Amp1 changes to "80", the parameter value
of Amp2 changes to "112", and the parameter value of Amp3 changes to "62". In this
case, the parameter value of each of Amp1, Amp2 and Amp3 is updated with the tribally-updated
value because it falls within the respective change range defined by the lower limit
and the upper limit. Next, let it be assumed that the fader element knob has been
operated to increase the value of the attenuator parameter by "+46". Thus, as a result
of the trial updating at step S100 of Fig. 25, the parameter value of Amp1 changes
to "96", the parameter value of Amp2 changes to "128", and the parameter value of
Amp3 changes to "78". In this case, because the parameter value of Amp2 has exceeded
the corresponding upper limit, the increase value "+46" is limited to "+45", at step
S104, such that the parameter value of Amp2 decreases down to the upper limit value
"127". In this manner, the parameter values of Amp1, Amp2 and Amp3 are updated with
their respective limited values of "95", "127" and "77".
[0095] Fig. 26 is a flow chart of the timer interrupt process performed periodically, at
step S12 of the PC-side application processing, in response to an interrupt from the
timer when the timer register CNT(PN) has been initialized at step S 193 of the operation
data change process (amplifier) or at step S106 of the operation data change process
(group). The timer interrupt process is started up in response to a timer interrupt
generated, for example, at 1 msec intervals. First, at step S110, a determination
is made as to whether any timer register CNT(PN) whose value is greater than "0" is
among the plurality of timer registers CNT(PN). If answered in the affirmative at
step S 110, the timer interrupt process goes to step S111, where the timer register
CNT(PN) whose value is greater than "0" is decremented by one. After that, it is further
determined, at step S 112, whether the value of the timer register CNT(PN) is greater
than "0". With a YES determination at step S 112, the timer interrupt process is brought
to an end because a predetermined time-out period has not yet expired. If, on the
other hand, the timer register CNT(PN) has reached the "0" value as determined at
step S 112, it means that the predetermined time-out period has expired, and thus,
at next step S 113, the PC 2 requests the corresponding actual device(s) (amplifier
currently designated as an object of display, or amplifiers in a group currently designated
as an object of display) to transmit a parameter specified by the parameter number
PN. After that, the timer interrupt process is brought to an end. Each of the actual
devices having received the request transmits the parameter, included in the operation
data of the actual device and specified by the parameter number PN, to the PC 2, so
that the PC 2 overwrites the received parameter onto the parameter included in the
operation data of the corresponding device(s) in the current project file and specified
by the parameter number. If the value of the timer register CNT(PN) is "0" as determined
at step S 110, it means that the predetermined time-out period has already expired,
and thus, the timer interrupt process is brought to an end. By the timer interrupt
process being performed repetitively at the predetermined interrupt frequency, an
ultimate value of the operation data, changed in the corresponding actual device through
the remote control (change request at step S91 or S103) responsive to the fader operation,
can be reflected in the operation device of the corresponding device in the current
project after passage of the predetermined time Δt following the termination of the
fader operation.
[0096] Fig. 27 is a flow chart of a tree edit process performed at step S12 of the PC-side
application processing in response to user's operation for editing the Tree View 36.
Namely, once the user clicks on any one of the amplifiers or groups on the Tree View
36, the tree edit process is started up. At first step S120, a determination is made
as to whether the user's clicking operation is a node/leaf designating instruction.
If the user's clicking operation is a node/leaf designating instruction as determined
at step S120, the Detail View initialization process, having been described above
in relation to Fig. 20, is performed at step S121, where the Detail View definition
information corresponding to the clicked-on amplifier and group is selected from the
library of Fig. 38 and the detail View 37 corresponding to the selected Detail View
definition information is displayed. After that, the tree edit process is brought
to an end. If, on the other hand, the user's clicking operation is not a node/leaf
designating instruction as determined at step S120, the process branches to step S122
where other operations for editing the tree are performed, after which the tree edit
process is brought to an end.
[0097] Fig. 28 is a flow chart of the Min & Max detection operation performed at step S71
of the *2 display update process or at step S81 of the *4 display update process.
Upon start-up of the Min & Max detection operation, the maximum value is set into
a register tMax while the minimum value is set into a register tMin, at step S130.
In a case where initial Max and Min values are set in the register tMax and register
tMin, respectively, the upper limit and lower limit of the change range of the parameter
in question are set at the initial Min value and initial Max value, respectively.
Then, corresponding data VAL(DEV#ID, DN) of a first give device in the group is acquired
from a buffer provided in the RAM and set into a register tV, at step S 131. "DEV#ID"
is a device ID while "DN" is a parameter number (identical to the number PN), and
"DEV#ID" and "DN" together specify any one of a plurality of values of operation data
in the current project and a plurality of state data in the temporary area. Then,
a determination is made, at step S 132, as to whether or not the data acquired at
step S 131 is a Null value, i.e. whether the device does not have the parameter in
question. If the acquired data is not a Null value as determined at step S132, the
Min & Max detection operation proceeds to step S133, where a comparison is made between
the value currently set in the register tV and the values currently set in the registers
tMax and tMin, to thereby determine whether the value currently set in the register
tV is the maximum value or minimum value. If the value currently set in the register
tV is greater than (i.e., has exceeded) the value currently set in the register tMax
and determined to be a maximum value at step S 133, the Min & Max detection operation
moves on to step S 134 where the value currently set in the register tV is stored
into the register tMax, after which the Min & Max detection operation proceeds to
step S136. The temporary area includes no region for a device placed in the off-line
state as noted above, and thus, if the parameter number DN indicates a parameter in
state data of some device placed in the off-line state, the data VAL(DEV#ID) takes
a Null value; namely, a level of the device placed in the off-line state is not displayed
in any level meter element.
[0098] If the value currently set in the register tMin is greater than the value currently
set in the register tV and thus the value currently set in the register tV is determined
to be a minimum value as determined at step S133, the Min & Max detection operation
branches to step S135 where the value currently set in the register tV is stored into
the register tMin, after which the Min & Max detection operation proceeds to step
S136. It is determined, at step S136, whether or not there is any other device that
remains to be processed, i.e. unprocessed device, in the group. If there is any unprocessed
device as determined at step S136, the Min & Max detection operation reverts to step
S 131 to repeat the operations of steps S131 to S135. If the acquired data is a Null
value as determined at step S132, it means that the device in question has no significant
data, and thus, the Min & Max detection operation jumps to step S136. Once the operations
of steps S 131 to S 135 are performed on all of the devices in the group, the maximum
value and minimum value of the data in question in all of the devices in the group
are stored into the register tMax and register tMin, respectively. Then, it is determined,
at step S136, that there is no more unprocessed device, and thus, the PC 2 returns
to the *2 display update process or *4 display update process.
[0099] Fig. 29A is a flow chart of a *5 display update process performed when the displayed
screen is an individual amplifier Detail View 37 and the components to be subjected
to display updating are the Mute element and Power element provided as switch elements
indicating ON/OFF parameters. Upon start-up of the *5 display update process, it is
determined, at step S 140, whether the switch element in question is in the ON state
or in the OFF state. If the switch element is in the OFF state as determined at step
S 140, the process goes to step S141 where the switch element is displayed in gray
color, after which the process is brought to an end. If, on the other hand, the switch
element is in the ON state as determined at step S140, the process goes to step S142
where the switch element is displayed in red color (in blue color where the switch
element is the Power element), after which the process is brought to an end, after
which the process is brought to an end.
[0100] Fig. 29B is a flow chart of a *6 display update process performed when the displayed
screen is a group Detail View 37 and the components to be subjected to display updating
are the Mute element and Power element provided as switch elements indicating ON/OFF
parameters. Upon start-up of the *6 display update process, a determination is made,
at step S 143, as to whether the switch element in question of all of the amplifiers
in the group is in the ON state, in the OFF state, or in an ON-OFF-mixed state (i.e.,
the switch element in question in a portion (one or more but not all) of amplifiers
is in the ON state while the switch element in the other portion of the amplifiers
is in the OFF state. If the switch element in question of all of the amplifiers in
the group is in the OFF state as determined at step S143, the process goes to step
S145 where the switch element is displayed in gray color, after which the process
is brought to an end. If the switch element in question of all of the amplifiers in
the group is in the ON state as determined at step S143, the process goes to step
S146 where the switch element is displayed in red color (in blue color in the case
of the Power element), after which the process is brought to an end. Further, if the
switch element in question of all of the amplifiers in the group is in the ON-OFF
mixed state as determined at step S143, the process goes to step S144 where the switch
element is displayed in yellow color, after which the process is brought to an end.
[0101] Fig. 30 is a flow chart of an ON/OFF parameter edit process (amplifier) performed
at step S12 of the PC-side application processing in response to user's operation
of any of switch elements, such as the Mute element and Power element, each indicating
an ON/OFF parameter when the displayed screen is an individual amplifier Detail View
37. Namely, once any one of the switch elements of an amplifier, over which the PC
2 has the right of control, is operated on the individual amplifier Detail View 37
the ON/OFF parameter edit process (amplifier) is started up. First, at step S150,
a determination is made as to whether the switch element in question is currently
in the ON state or in the OFF state. If the switch element is currently in the ON
state as determined at step S150, the ON/OFF parameter edit process proceeds to step
S151, where the switch element is switched to the OFF state. Then, at step S153, the
aforementioned *5 display update process is performed to update the displayed color
of the switch element with gray color. If, on the other hand, the switch element is
currently in the OFF state as determined at step S150, the ON/OFF parameter edit process
branches to step S152, where the switch element is switched to the ON state. Then,
at step S153, the aforementioned *5 display update process is performed to update
the displayed color of the switch element to red color (blue color in the case of
the Power element). Upon completion of the operation of step S153, the ON/OFF parameter
edit process proceeds to step S154 to transmit a change request, for which a response
is needed, to the corresponding actual device (amplifier). The corresponding actual
device having received the change request changes the ON/OFF parameter value of the
switch element and returns to the PC2 a response to the effect that the ON/OFF parameter
value has been changed. Then, after confirming the response, the PC2 brings the ON/OFF
parameter edit process (amplifier) to an end.
[0102] Fig. 31 is a flow chart of an ON/OFF parameter edit process (group) performed at
step S12 of the PC-side application processing in response to user's operation any
of switch elements, such as the Mute element and Power element, indicating an ON/OFF
parameter when the displayed screen is the group amplifier Detail View 37. Namely,
once any one of the switch elements of any one of devices in a group, over which the
PC 2 has the right of control, is operated on the group amplifier Detail View 37,
the ON/OFF parameter edit process (amplifier) is started up. First, at step S155,
a determination is made as to whether the switch element in question is currently
in the ON state in all of the amplifiers in the group. If the switch element is currently
in the ON state in all of the amplifiers as determined at step S155, the ON/OFF parameter
edit process proceeds to step S156, where the switch element is switched to the OFF
state in all of the amplifiers. Then, at step S158, the aforementioned *6 display
update process is performed to update the displayed color of the switch element to
gray color. If, on the other hand, the switch element is currently in the OFF state
in all or a portion of the amplifiers as determined at step S155, the ON/OFF parameter
edit process branches to step S157, where the switch element is switched to the ON
state in all of the devices. Then, at step S158, the aforementioned *6 display update
process is performed to update the displayed color of the switch element to red color
in all of the devices.
[0103] In the case where the switch element in question is the Power element, and if the
switch element in question is currently in the ON state in all or a portion of the
amplifiers in the group as determined at step S155, the switch element in question
is switched to the OFF state in all of the amplifiers. Then, at step S158, the aforementioned
*6 display update process is performed to update the displayed color of the switch
element to gray color in all of the devices. Further, if the switch element in question
is currently in the OFF state in all of the amplifiers in the group as determined
at step S155, the process branches to step S157, where the switch element is switched
to the ON state in all of the devices. Then, the aforementioned *6 display update
process is performed, at step S158, to update the displayed color of the switch element
to blue color in all of the devices.
[0104] Upon completion of the operation of step S158, the process proceeds to step S159
to transmit a response-needed change request to all of the actual devices corresponding
to the devices where the state of the switch element has been changed. The amplifiers
having received the change request changes the ON/OFF parameter value of the switch
element and returns to the PC2 a response to the effect that the ON/OFF parameter
value has been changed. Then, after confirming the response, the PC2 brings the ON/OFF
parameter edit process (group) to an end.
[0105] Note that, in the case where the group is a channel group and the switch element
in question is the Power element, the ON/OFF parameter edit process (group) is brought
to an end upon affirmative determination because channels of another channel group
will be influenced.
[0106] Further, the reason why no timer interrupt is performed in the ON/OFF parameter edit
process (amplifier) and ON/OFF parameter edit process (group) is that the ON/OFF parameter
is not operated or manipulated successively as the numerical value parameter is manipulated
and thus even transmitting a response-needed change request per manipulation will
not invite increase of the traffic amount.
[0107] Now, a specific example of the ON/OFF parameter edit process (group) will be described
with reference to (a) - (c) of Fig. 41. In the example shown in (a) of Fig. 41, the
group in question consists of Amp1, Amp2 and Amp3. The ON/OFF parameter of Amp1 is
"ON", the ON/OFF parameter of Amp2 is "OFF", and the ON/OFF parameter of Amp 3 is
"OFF". Once the switch element of the ON/OFF parameter in question is clicked on,
the ON/OFF parameters of Amp 1, Amp 2 and Amp 3 are all switched to "ON" because the
ON/OFF parameters in two "ON" and "OFF" states exist mixedly in the group. Namely,
because the ON/OFF parameters are set so as to produce no sound, the Mute element
is set at "ON". Conversely, in the case of the Power element, the ON/OFF parameters
of Amp 1, Amp 2 and Amp 3 are all set at "OFF".
[0108] In (b) of Fig. 41, the ON/OFF parameters of Amp 1, Amp 2 and Amp 3 are all "ON".
Once the switch element of the ON/OFF parameter in question is clicked on, the ON/OFF
parameters of Amp 1, Amp 2 and Amp 3 are all switched to "OFF". In (c) of Fig. 41,
the ON/OFF parameters of Amp 1, Amp 2 and Amp 3 are all "OFF". Once the switch element
of the ON/OFF parameter in question is clicked on, the ON/OFF parameters of Amp 1,
Amp 2 and Amp 3 are all switched to "ON".
[0109] Namely, when the ON/OFF parameters in the group are all in the same state, they are
switched to the opposite state in a toggle manner each time the switch element is
clicked on, while, in the case where the ON/OFF parameters in the two different states
mixedly exist, the ON/OFF parameters are set so as to produce no sound.
[0110] Fig. 32 is a flow chart of amplifier-side processing performed in the amplifier 3.
[0111] Upon powering-on of the amplifier 3, the amplifier-side processing is started up,
where initialization of various sections of the amplifier 3 is performed first at
step S160. In the initialization, information that the amplifier 3 has been connected
to the network comprising the LAN 4 may be broadcast to the network to acquire an
IP address etc. Then, a determination is made, at step S161, as to whether there has
been given a reception command from the PC 2 remote-controlling the amplifier 3. If
answered in the affirmative at step S161, a command reception process corresponding
to the reception command is performed at step S162. If no reception command has been
given from the PC 2 as determined at step S161, the operation of step S162 is skipped.
Then, it is determined, at step S163, whether panel operation for operating any one
of operating members of the operation panel has been performed. If such panel operation
has been performed as determined at step S163, the processing goes to step S164, where
an operation corresponding to the panel operation is performed except for powering-off
operation. If no panel operation has been performed as determined at step S163, the
operation of step S164 is skipped. Then, a determination is performed, at step S165,
whether the panel operation is powering-off operation. If the panel operation is not
powering-off operation as determined at step S165, the operations of steps S 161 to
S165 are repeated until the power supply is turned off. Once it is determined that
the power supply has been turned off, the instant amplifier-side processing is brought
to an end.
[0112] Fig. 33 is a flow chart of the command reception process performed at step S162 of
the amplifier-side processing when the command received by the amplifier is a change
request. Upon start-up of the command reception process, it is determined, at step
S 170, whether the received command is from the PC2 having the right of control over
the amplifier 3. If the received command is from the PC2 having the right of control
over the amplifier 3 as determined at step S 170, the processing goes to step S 171,
where a parameter included in operation data stored in the amplifier 3 and designated
by the received command is changed in accordance with content designated by the received
command, after which the command reception process is brought to an end.
[0113] Fig. 34 is a flow chart of a *1 timer process performed every 10 msec in the amplifier
3. Once the *1 timer process is started at predetermined timing, a parameter change
state is detected at step S 180. Parameters of which the parameter change state is
detected include not only various parameters in the operation data stored in the amplifier
3, but also parameters of alert events, such as various protections, level excesses
and level deficiencies. Parameter values in the operation data may sometimes be changed
at step S164 in response to panel operation as well as being changed at step S 171
as noted above. Then, at step S181, it is determined whether a first given one of
the parameters has been changed. If the first given parameter has been changed as
determined at step S181, the process goes to step S183, where information of the changed
parameter is transmitted to one particular PC 2 which is among the PCs 2 connected
to the LAN 4 and with which the corresponding device in the current project is in
the on-line state or monitorable state. Each of the events to be transmitted includes
information of an event ID, event time, amplifier ID, event type and event parameter.
If the parameter has not been changed as determined at step S181, the operation of
step S183 is skipped, and it is further determined, at step S182, whether there is
any other parameter that remains to be processed (i.e., any other unprocessed parameter).
If there is another unprocessed parameter, the *1 timer process reverts to step S181
to repeat the operations of steps S181 to S183 on the unprocessed parameter. When
the operations of steps S181 to S183 have been performed on all of the parameters,
it is determined, at step S182, that there is no more unprocessed parameter, so that
*1 timer process is brought to an end.
[0114] Fig. 35 is a flow chart of a *2 timer process performed every 100 msec in the amplifier
3. This *2 timer process is designed to transmit every 100 msec various parameters
of state data, such as level values of sound signal waveforms displayed in level meters
and heat sink temperatures, changing moment by moment.
[0115] Once the *2 timer process is started at predetermined timing, a to-be-notified party
is detected at step S184. This to-be-notified party is one particular PC 2 which is
among the PCs 2 connected to the LAN 4 and with which the corresponding device in
the current project is in the on-line state or monitorable state. Then, a determination
is made, at step S185, as to whether there is any other to-be-notified party that
remains to be processed (i.e., any other unprocessed to-be-notified party). If there
is any other unprocessed to-be-notified party as determined at step S185, the *2 timer
process goes to step S 186 in order to transmit to the to-be-notified party the various
parameters, such as such as level values of sound signal waveforms, changing moment
by moment. The operations of steps S185 and S186 are repeated until it is determined
that there is no more unprocessed to-be-notified party. In this manner, the various
parameters are sequentially transmitted to all of the to-be-notified parties so that
parameter values changing moment by moment are displayed in corresponding level meters.
When the various parameters have been transmitted to all of the to-be-notified parties,
it is determined that there no more to-be-notified party, so that the *2 timer process
is brought to an end.
[0116] Whereas the present invention has been described above as the amplifier system in
which the plurality of amplifiers connected to the network are controlled by the amplifier
control apparatus, the present invention may alternatively be constructed as an amplifier
system in which other pieces of audio equipment other than amplifiers, like effectors,
speaker processors, A/D converters, D/A converters, etc. are controlled.
[0117] Further, whereas the present invention has been described above as setting a maximum
(Max) or minimum value (Min) as the display setting on the group Detail View 37, an
average value may be set as the display setting.
[0118] Furthermore, the present invention has been described above as constructed in such
a manner that, when any one of the level operating members has been operated on the
group Detail View 37, the corresponding level operating members of the individual
amplifiers are changed while still retaining their relative relationship (decibel
differences). However, when any one of the level operating members is operated on
the individual amplifier Detail View 37, the value of the operating member can be
set freely from the predetermined range from the maximum value to the minimum value.
In such a case, if the amplifier of which the level operating member has been operated
belongs to some group and if the display setting is "Min", the parameter value of
the level operating member having been operated becomes a minimum value in the group,
and the parameter value of the operated level operating member having been operated
will be displayed when the corresponding group Detail View 37 is opened. Alternatively,
if the display setting is "Max", the parameter value of the level operating member
having been operated becomes a maximum value in the group, and the parameter value
of the operated level operating member having been operated will be displayed when
the corresponding group Detail View 37 is opened.
[0119] Referring back to the Tree View(Rack) 36 - 1 of Fig. 5, once the "Rack-1A" group
is clicked on, the group Detail View of a group consisting of "Amp1" and "Amp2" is
displayed. Then, once "Amp2" is clicked on, the individual Detail View 37 of "Amp2"
is displayed. In this case, there is no need to transmit the various moment-by-moment-changing
parameters, such as level values, to the PC 2 every 100 msec. Thus, the PC 2 not only
informs "Amp1" that the parameter transmission is unnecessary, but also informs "Amp2"
that the parameter transmission is necessary. Alternatively, the PC 2 only informs
"Amp1" that the parameter transmission is unnecessary.
[0120] Then, once the "Rack-1B/1" group is clicked on, the group Detail View 37 of a group
consisting of "Amp3" and "Amp4" is displayed. In this case, there is no need to transmit
the various moment-by-moment-changing parameters, such as level values, from "Amp1"
and "Amp2" to the PC 2 every 100 msec, but, instead, there is a need to transmit the
various moment-by-moment-changing parameters, such as level values, from "Amp3" and
"Amp4" to the PC 2 every 100 msec. Thus, the PC 2 not only informs "Amp1" and "Amp2"
that the parameter transmission is unnecessary, but also informs "Amp3" and "Amp4"
that the parameter transmission is necessary. Alternatively, the PC 2 informs all
of the amplifiers that the parameter transmission is unnecessary, and then informs
"Amp3" and "Amp4" that the parameter transmission is necessary.
[0121] Next, a description will be given about another embodiment of the present invention
with reference to Figs. 43 - Fig. 49. Fig. 43 is a block diagram showing a general
setup of an amplifier system according to another embodiment of the present invention.
The amplifier system 100 shown in Fig. 43 includes a network 200 to which are connected
a personal computer (PC) 110, an ACU (Amplifier Control Unit) 112 and a plurality
of amplifiers 113a, 113b, 113c and 113d. The network 200 is built by the commonly-used
Ethernet and includes a hub 111, such as a switching hub. For example, up to 252 amplifiers
can be connected to the network 200. The PC 110 has an amplifier control program installed
therein, and through activation of the amplifier control program, the PC 110 can control
all of the amplifiers, residing in the amplifier system 100, via the network 200.
In this case, the amplifiers 113a- 113d are connected to the network 200 via their
respective interfaces capable of being connected to the network 200, and other amplifiers,
provided with no interface capable of being connected to the network 200, are connected
to the ACU 112 so that they can be connected to the network 200 by way of the ACU
112. Namely, the ACU 112 is constructed to serve as an intermediary to connect the
amplifiers, provided with no interface capable of being connected to the network 200,
to the network 200. Thus, in the amplifier system 100, the amplifiers provided with
no interface capable of being connected to the network 200 as well as the amplifiers
provided with their respective interfaces capable of being connected to the network
200 can be controlled by the PC 110 via the network 200.
[0122] The network 200 is constructed by the Ethernet standard that is one of the computer
network standards commonly used today. The Ethernet is defined by lower two layers
of the OSI reference model, i.e. physical layer and data link layer. The network 200
may alternatively be constructed by a LAN (Local Area Network) based on a combination
of the Ethernet and TCP/IP protocol. Sound or audio signals are supplied to the amplifiers
113a - 113d, connected to the network 200, via not-shown audio cables, and control
information is communicated to the amplifiers 113a - 113d via the network 200. Let
it be assumed that the sound signals supplied to the amplifiers 113a - 113d are mixed
signals (i.e., mixing-processed signals) obtained by a mixer mixing sound signals
supplied from a plurality of microphones installed in a concert hall, theater or the
like. Further, one or more speakers for audibly reproducing or sounding sound signals
output from the amplifiers 113a - 113d are connected to the amplifiers 113a - 113d,
and these speakers are installed distributively in the concert hall, theater or the
like.
[0123] The PC 110, amplifiers 113a - 113d and ACU 112 are connected to the hub 111 via Ethernet
cables so that the network 200 is physically constructed. Each of the amplifiers other
than the amplifiers 113a - 113d, which has no Ethernet terminal for connection to
the network 200, is provided with a serial port for connection to a serial port of
the ACU 112 so that, from the PC 110, it looks as if it were connected to the network
200. In this way, both the amplifiers 113a - 113d directly connected to the network
200 and the amplifiers connected to the network 200 via the ACU 112 can be controlled
by the PC 110.
[0124] Via the network 200, a unique IP address is assigned to each of the PC 110, ACU 112
and amplifiers 113a - 113d connected to the network 200. In the network 200, control
information is communicated between the PC 110 and the ACU 112 and amplifiers 113a
- 113d. Examples of the control information include device names and device IDs of
the ACU 112 and amplifiers 113a - 113d necessary for Ethernet communication, group
information of groups to which the devices belong, and state information indicative
of operating states of the devices. The PC 110 has the amplifier control program installed
therein, and through activation of the amplifier control program in the PC 110, the
PC 110 makes a request, via the network 200, for acquiring respective device information
from the ACU 112 and amplifiers 113a - 113d connected to the network 200. On the basis
of the device information sent from the devices via the network 200 in accordance
with the request, the PC 110 creates a project file. In this case, the device information
of the ACU 112 includes device information of each amplifier, connected to the ACU
112, acquired through serial communication with the amplifier. The project file comprises
device information and group names. In the illustrated example, there are a plurality
of groups of amplifiers defined on the basis of different viewpoints or perspectives,
e.g. a rack group (rack) based on the perspective of positional arrangement of the
amplifiers, feed structure group (Feed St.) based on the perspective of roles of the
amplifiers, and user defined group (U.D.1) based on user-defined perspectives of groups.
Group names of these groups can be set via the PC 110.
[0125] By thus grouping the amplifiers into a plurality of groups of amplifiers defined
on the basis of several different perspectives, the instant embodiment allows a user
to reach a desired amplifier by selecting any of the groups and performing searches
of different perspectives, even where dozens or hundreds of amplifiers are connected
to the network 200 as is often the case with concert halls, theaters and the like.
[0126] Once the project file is created by the PC 110 through activation of the amplifier
control program, all of the amplifiers residing in the network 200 are displayed in
a tree format on the basis of the acquired device information of the amplifiers. At
that time, the group information of all of the amplifiers is retrieved from the project
file by the PC 110, so that all of the amplifiers are displayed in a tree format on
a display section of the PC 110. Further, operating states of a predetermined amplifier
can be displayed and monitored on the display section.
[0127] Here, the amplifiers 113a - 113d are identical in construction, and thus, Fig. 44
shows in a block diagram the construction of a representative one 113 of the amplifiers
113-1 - 113-5.
[0128] In the amplifier 113 shown in Fig. 44, a CPU 120 not only controls all operations
of the amplifier 113, but also executes operation software, such as an amplifier control
program. ROM 121 has stored therein the operation software, such as the amplifier
control program, for execution by the CPU 120, and a RAM 122 includes a working area
for use by the CPU 120 and a storage area that stores device information, state data,
etc. of the amplifier 113. Preferably, the ROM 121 is a rewritable ROM, such as a
flash memory, so as to permit rewriting of the operation software and thereby facilitate
version upgrade of the operation software. Detection circuit 123 scans operating members
124, such as an attenuator, provided in the amplifier 112 to thereby detect events
of the operating members 124 and then produce event outputs corresponding to the operating
members 124 where the events have occurred. Display circuit 125 causes input and output
levels, amplifier setting screen, etc. on a display device 126, such as a liquid crystal
display (LCD).
[0129] I/F 127 is an Ethernet interface that is connected to the network 200 via a network
communication cable (Ethernet cable). Via the I/F 127, the amplifier 113 is logically
connected to external equipment 128, such as the PC 110. Amplification circuit 129
amplifies a sound or audio signal input to the amplifier 113 via the not-shown audio
cable, and the thus-amplified sound signal is audibly reproduced or sounded via a
speaker 130. State monitoring circuit 131 monitors the amplification circuit 129 to
create state information indicative of operating states of the amplification circuit
129. When the PC 110 has requested the state information of the amplifier 113 for
monitoring the amplifier 113, the state information created by the state monitoring
circuit 131 is transmitted to the PC 110. Examples of the state information include
information of an ON/OFF state of a power switch, input and output levels, temperatures
of heat sinks, limiter ON/OFF operation responsive to excessive input, ON/OFF operation
of an output protection circuit, etc. of the amplifier 113. The state monitoring circuit
131 can check operating states of the speaker 30 by monitoring an impedance value
of the speaker 130.
[0130] Fig. 45 shows an example of a control screen displayed on the display device of the
PC 110, which includes a tree display section 142 and a state information display
section (Amp Monitor) 143. A plurality of tabs 141 are displayed in the tree display
section 142. In the illustrated example of Fig. 45, the "Rack" tab 41 is selected
and displayed, as a desired group type, in white-letters in a shaded background, so
that a rack group is displayed in the tree display section 142. Namely, in the tree
display section 142, amplifiers belonging to an area of area name "Area-1" are displayed
in a tree format, and group names "001 FOH" and "Monitor" of two first hierarchical
level groups developed from the rack group are displayed. Further, group names "Stage
L", "Stage R" and "Operator" of three second hierarchical level groups developed from
the first hierarchical level group "001 FOH" are displayed in the tree display section
142. Here, "FOH" is an acronym for "Front of House" meaning an operator room located
in front of a stage or the like, and "Stage L" and "Stage R" mean locations to the
left and right of the stage, from which it can be seen the rack group comprises groups
defined on the basis of installed positions of the amplifiers.
[0131] Further, in the tree display section 142, there are displayed group names "001 Rack
#1" and "002 Rack #2" of two third hierarchical level groups developed from the second
hierarchical group "Stage L", and three amplifiers "001:001 Tx6n", "002:002 Tx6n"
and "003:003 Tx6n" developed from the third hierarchical level group "001 Rack #1".
In this case, "001 Rack #1" and "002 Rack #2" are rack names, from which it can be
seen that three amplifiers "001:001 Tx6n", "002:002 Tx6n" and "003:003 Tx6n" are placed
on the rack "001 Rack #1". Note that "001", "002" and "003" in "001:001 Tx6n", "002:002
Tx6n" and "003:003 Tx6n" are the respective device IDs of the three amplifiers. once
a mark "+" within "□" on the tree display of Fig. 43 is clicked on, an immediately
lower hierarchical level is developed and displayed in a tree format.
[0132] In the state information display section 143, there is displayed state information
indicative of operating states of an amplifier selected in the tree display section
142 or an amplifier belonging to a hierarchical group selected in the tree display
section 142. The third hierarchical level group "001 Rack #1" is selected and displayed
in white-letters in a black background in the tree display section 142 of Fig. 45,
and representative state information of the amplifiers belonging to the third hierarchical
level group "001 Rack #1" or state information of an amplifier selected from the third
hierarchical level group is displayed in the state information display section 143.
The state information displayed in the state information display section 143 includes
information of an ON/OFF state of the power switch, input and output levels, temperatures
of heat sinks, clip ON/OFF operation responsive to excessive input, ON/OFF operation
of the output protection circuit, etc. of the amplifier 113. In the specific example
of Fig. 45, the state information is of an amplifier having two input channels and
two output channels. Namely, in two areas, i.e. Analog Input 1 and Analog Input 2,
indicative of operating states of two input channels, there are provided Clip buttons
A11 and A21 each indicative of a clip ON/OFF state, level meters each indicative of
an input level, Alert buttons A13 and A23 each indicative of an ON/OFF state indicating
whether or not there is any alert in the input side, and Mute buttons A14 and A24
each indicative of a Mute ON/OFF state. Each of the buttons indicative of the ON/OFF
state indicates the ON state by being illuminated, and the ON/OFF state can be inverted
by the user clicking on the button. Further, in a Master area, there is provided a
Power On button M1 indicative of an ON/OFF state of the power switch.
[0133] Further, in Speaker Output A and Speaker Output B areas indicative of operating states
of two output channels, there are provided Clip buttons Sp10 and Sp 20 each indicative
of a Clip ON/OFF state, level meters Sp11 and Sp21 each indicative of an output level,
Alert buttons Sp12 and Sp13 each indicative of an ON/OFF state indicating whether
or not there is any alert in the output side, Att buttons Sp13 and Sp23 each indicative
of an Attenuator ON/OFF state, volumes SP14 and Sp24 each for setting a maximum output
level, display portions Sp15 and Sp25 for displaying settings of the volumes SP14
and Sp24, faders Sp16 and Sp26 each for adjusting a sound level, display portions
Sp17 and Sp27 for displaying settings of the faders SP16 and Sp26, Solo buttons Sp18
and Sp28 each indicative of a Solo ON/OFF state, and Mute buttons Sp19 and Sp29 each
indicative of a Mute ON/OFF state.
[0134] Here, when a hierarchical group has been selected in the tree display section 142
as shown in Fig. 45, representative state information of amplifiers belonging to the
selected hierarchical group or state information of an amplifier selected from the
hierarchical group is displayed. In the case of state information of a parameter value
like some level, a maximum, average or minimum value of values of the parameter of
the amplifiers belonging to the selected hierarchical group is displayed as a representative
value of the parameter (representative state information). In this case, the user
can select any one of the maximum, average and minimum values to cause the selected
value to be displayed, and select any one of the amplifiers belonging to the selected
hierarchical group to cause the state information of the selected amplifier to be
displayed. Further, in the case of ON/OFF state information, the ON state is given
priority over the OFF state, and, if any one of the amplifiers belonging to the selected
hierarchical group is in the ON state, the parameter is displayed as "ON".
[0135] Note that, if an individual amplifier is selected instead of a hierarchical group
in the tree display section 142, the state information of the selected amplifier is
displayed in the state information display section 143.
[0136] Fig. 46 is a parameter selection screen 170 displayed on the display device of the
PC 110 in response to selection of the third hierarchical group "001 Rack #1" in the
tree display section 142. On the parameter selection screen 170 shown in Fig. 46,
there are displayed a Target area 171 for the user to select a target of a parameter
to be displayed in the state information display section 143, a Parameter area 72
for the user to select which one of maximum, average and minimum values of the parameter
is to be displayed, and a PeakHold field 173 for the user to select ON or OFF of a
peakhold of the parameter. Namely, once the user clicks on "▼" at the right end of
the Target area 171 when the third hierarchical group "001 Rack #1" is selected in
the tree display section 142, there appears a pop-up for the user to select any one
of "ALL", "001:001 Tx6n", "002:002 Tx6n" and "003:003 Tx6n" as shown. Once the user
selects "ALL", the three amplifiers belonging to the hierarchical group "001 Rack
#1" are selected, and the user can select, in the Parameter area 172, which one of
the maximum, average and minimum values of the parameter is to be displayed.
[0137] Once the user clicks on "▼" at the right end of the parameter area 172, there appears
a pop-up for the user to select one of the maximum, average and minimum values as
shown. If the user selects an individual amplifier, not "ALL", in the Target area
171, then the Parameter area 172 is displayed in gray color to disable the user from
performing selecting operation. Then, once the user clicks on "▼" in the PeakHold
field 173, there appears a pop-up for the user to select "ON" or "OFF". To display
the parameter to be displayed with the thus-selected contents, the user clicks on
an "OK" button 174. If the selected contents are to be cleared, on the other hand,
the user clicks on a "Cancel" button 175.
[0138] Further, if the user right-clicks the pointing device on a display location, such
as any one of the buttons of various parameters, in the state information display
section 143, there appears a pop-up screen on which the user can select any one of
the maximum, average and minimum values per parameter. Further, the user can designate,
per parameter, any one of amplifiers belonging to a hierarchical group selected on
the displayed pop-up screen so that a value of the parameter and ON/OFF state of the
parameter is displayed per parameter.
[0139] The control screen 140 shown in Fig. 45 is displayed by the user performing predetermined
operation on the PC 110 for displaying the control screen 140. In response to the
user's operation, the PC 110 performs a display process for displaying the control
screen 140. In the display process, the respective device information of the ACU 112
and amplifiers 113a - 113d, connected to the network 200, is read out from the project
file. Then, the "device ID", "device name", "area ID", "area name" and "group information"
are retrieved from the read-out device information of each of the amplifiers 113a
- 113d. The device information of the ACU 112 is the device information of each of
the amplifiers connected to the ACU 112, from which are retrieved the "device ID",
"device name", "area ID", "area name" and "group information". The "group information"
includes information indicative of a group to which the amplifier belongs, and information
indicative of which of the hierarchical groups in the tree the amplifier belongs to.
[0140] Then, with reference to the area IDs of the retrieved information, the amplifiers
are grouped into area-based amplifier groups each comprising amplifiers that have
the area same ID and hence belong to the same area. Then, for each of the area-based
amplifier groups, the amplifiers are grouped into first hierarchical level groups
with reference to the respective group information of the amplifiers. After that,
for each of the first hierarchical level groups, the amplifiers are grouped into lower
hierarchical level groups. Such grouping into hierarchical level groups are repeated
until rack groups, which are final hierarchical level groups, are reached. Then, a
tree is created by arranging the amplifiers of the individual hierarchical level groups
in order of the device names.
[0141] The PC 110 periodically acquires the state information of a selected amplifier or
amplifiers belonging to a selected group, on the basis of which the PC 110 calculates
a designated one of the maximum, average and minimum values of each of the parameters.
Then, the PC 110 performs a plotting process for displaying the created tree in the
tree display section 142 and displaying the state information of the calculated parameter
in the state information display section 143, so that the control screen 140 shown
in Fig. 45 is displayed on the display device of the PC 110. With the parameter values
or states of the operating states of the amplifiers displayed in the state information
display section 143 in the aforementioned manner, it is possible to perform monitoring
of any selected amplifier or one or more amplifiers belonging to any selected group.
[0142] Fig. 47 shows another example of the control screen 150 displayed on the display
device of the PC 110, which includes a tree display section 152 and a state information
display section (Amp Monitor) 153. A plurality of tabs 151 are displayed in the tree
display section 152 for selecting a group type to be displayed. In the illustrated
example of Fig. 47, the "Rack" tab 151 is selected and displayed, as a desired group
type, in white-letters in a shaded background, so that a rack group is displayed in
the tree display section 152. In the illustrated example of Fig. 47, the rack group
is displayed in the tree display section 152 in the same style as in the tree display
section 142 shown in Fig. 45 and thus will not be described here to avoid unnecessary
duplication.
[0143] State information indicative of operating states of an amplifier selected in the
tree display section 152 or amplifiers belonging to a hierarchical group selected
in the tree display section 152 is displayed in the state information display section
153. Once a hierarchical group is selected in the tree display section 152, selecting
tabs 154 for selecting any one of amplifiers belonging to the selected hierarchical
group are displayed in the state information display section 153. If the third hierarchical
group "001 Rack #1" is selected and displayed in white-letters in a shaded background
as shown in Fig. 47, the selecting tabs 154 are displayed for selecting any one of
the amplifiers of device IDs "001", "002" and "003" belonging to the third hierarchical
group "001 Rack #1". Then, once "003" is selected and displayed in white-letters in
a shaded background, the state information of the selected amplifier "003:003 Tx6n"
is displayed in the state information display section 153. Here, the state information
is displayed in the state information display section 153 in the same style as in
Fig. 45 and thus will not be described here to avoid unnecessary duplication.
[0144] Fig. 48 shows still another example of the control screen displayed on the display
device of the PC 110, which includes a tree display section 162 and a state information
display section (Amp Monitor) 163. A plurality of tabs 161 are displayed in the tree
display section 162 for selecting a group type to be displayed. In the illustrated
example of Fig. 48, the "Rack" tab 161 is selected and displayed in white-letters
in a shaded background, so that a rack group is displayed in the tree display section
162. In the illustrated example of Fig. 48, the rack group is displayed in the tree
display section 162 in the same style as in the tree display section 142 shown in
Fig. 45 and thus will not be described here to avoid unnecessary duplication.
[0145] State information indicative of operating states of all amplifiers belonging to a
hierarchical group selected in the tree display section 162 is displayed in the state
information display section 163. In this case, strip display sections, provided in
corresponding relation to the amplifiers belonging to the selected hierarchical group,
are displayed in the state information display section 163.
[0146] If the third hierarchical group "001 Rack #1" is selected and displayed in white-letters
in a shaded background as shown in Fig. 48, the state information of the amplifier
"001:001: Tx6n" belonging to the third hierarchical group "001 Rack #1" is displayed
in the first strip (display section) ST1, the state information of the amplifier "002:002:
Tx6n" belonging to the third hierarchical group "001 Rack #1" is displayed in the
second strip (display section) ST2, and the state information of the amplifier "003:003:
Tx6n" belonging to the third hierarchical group "001 Rack #1" is displayed in the
third strip (display section) ST3. The state information is displayed in the first
to third strips ST1 to ST3 by means of icons that are similar to, but smaller in size
than, the icons of the corresponding parameters shown in Fig. 45. Each of the first
to third strips ST1 to ST3 has two areas AI1 and AI2 indicative of operating states
of two input channels, two areas SO1 and SO2 indicative of operating states of two
output channels, and a button P.SW indicative of an ON/OFF state of a power switch.
Each of the areas AI1 and AI2 has a Clip button, a level meter, an alert button and
a Mute button. Further, each of the two areas SO1 and SO2 has a Clip button, a level
meter, an alert button, a Solo button, an Attenuator button, a volume control, a display
portion of the volume control, a fader, a display portion of the fader, a Solo button,
and a Mute button.
[0147] Note that parameters to be displayed in each of the strip display sections may be
limited to primary and necessary parameters so as to increase the number of items
displayed by the strip display sections in the state information display section 163.
[0148] Fig. 49 is a flow chart of a parameter value display process performed at predetermined
time intervals, e.g. every 20 msec or 30 mec. Once the parameter value display process
is started up, a determination is made, at step S 110, as to whether values of all
parameters included in the state information of amplifiers have been acquired. Immediately
after the start-up of the parameter value display process, it is determined that all
of the parameter values have not yet been acquired (NO determination at step S110),
and thus, the process proceeds to step S111. At step S111, target amplifier is acquired.
The target amplifier is an amplifier selected in the tree display section or an amplifier
belonging to a hierarchical group selected in the tree display section. Then, at step
S 112, a determination is made as to whether any particular amplifier has been designated.
If any amplifier has been selected in the tree display section and any particular
amplifier has been designated, the process branches to step S 115, where a first parameter
value of the designated amplifier is acquired. Further, if a hierarchical group is
currently selected in the tree display section, it is determined that no particular
amplified has been designated, so that the process goes to step S 113.
[0149] Respective values of a first parameter are acquired, at step S 113, from all of the
amplifiers belonging to the selected hierarchical group, and a predetermined value
to be displayed (i.e., average, minimum and maximum value) is calculated from the
acquired parameter values at step S114. Upon completion of the operations of steps
S114 or S115, the parameter value calculated at step S114 or the value acquired at
step S115 is re-plotted at step S 116. Then, at next step S117, the process shifts
to a next (or second) parameter and reverts to step S 110 to repeat the operations
of steps S 110 and S 115 on the next parameter. Thus, a value of the next parameter
is acquired or calculated and re-plotted at step S 116, after which the process shifts
to a still next parameter. By repetitively performing the operations of step S110
to step S117, values of the parameters included in the state information of each of
the amplifiers are sequentially acquired and re-plotted. Once values of all of the
parameters are acquired in the aforementioned manner, the instant parameter value
display process is brought to an end. Note that the state information to be re-plotted
and displayed includes information the ON/OFF state of the power switch, input and
output levels, temperatures of heat sinks, limiter ON/OFF operation due to excessive
input, ON/OFF operation of the output protection circuit, etc. of the amplifier 113
and may also include operating states of the speakers connected to the amplifier.
[0150] By the execution of the parameter value display process, latest parameter values
or conditions of operating state of each selected amplifier or one or more amplifiers
belonging to each selected hierarchical group are displayed in the state information
display section 143, so that latest operating states of the amplifiers can be monitored.
[0151] Whereas the present invention has been described above as supplying only control
information to the network, sound signals and control information may be supplied
to the network. Further, whereas the network has been described as being an Ethernet
network, it may be a LAN network.
[0152] Further, because the groups, such as the rack group, feed structure group and user-defined
group, are amplifier groups defined on the basis of different perspectives, some of
the amplifiers may redundantly belong to two or more groups. Further, in lower hierarchical
groups developed from the groups, each of the amplifiers belongs to any one of the
lower hierarchical groups rather than a plurality of the lower hierarchical groups.