JP2002335137A - Apparatus, method, and program for adjusting volume - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To adjust the level of a volume for keeping optimum level. SOLUTION: A computer 1 is connected with an audio appliance 2 via a communication line 3. A user operates a muse 1b of the computer 1 to adjust the level of the volume of the audio appliance 2. According to the operation of the user, the computer 1 varies the command level of the volume which indicates the level given, after the variation of the volume that it follows the adjusting level of the user. Furthermore, by controlling the audio equipment 2, the computer 1 varies the level of the voice volume outputted by the audio equipment 2 to the command level, at a slower speed than the speed whereat the computer 1 varies the command level of the volume.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for adjusting a volume. Further, the present invention relates to a program for causing a computer to function as a volume adjustment device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Some electronic devices can be connected to a computer and operated on application software installed in the computer. For example, some audio devices use application software,
There are some which can output music data stored in a computer as sound or adjust the volume.

In order to operate on application software, O
A GUI (Graphical User Interface) provided by an S (Operating System) or application software is generally used. In addition, a pointing device such as a mouse or a trackball is used as a typical input device.

[0004] The operation screen of the application software includes:
For example, a rotary volume adjustment knob shown in FIG. 11A and a slide volume adjustment knob shown in FIG. 11B are displayed.

A user operates a pointing device such as a mouse and drags to rotate or slide a volume adjustment knob displayed on an operation screen. Thereby, the user adjusts the volume of the audio device.

[0006]

As described above, the use of the pointing device such as a mouse makes it possible to easily rotate and slide the volume adjustment knob and the like. However, since the volume adjustment knob and the like easily move in accordance with the operation of the pointing device, the volume may be erroneously increased unnecessarily.

[0007] In particular, it is difficult for a user who is not used to the pointing device to rotate or slide the volume adjustment knob by a predetermined amount, and the volume is easily erroneously increased unnecessarily.

[0008] In addition, erroneous operations can be reduced by displaying a large volume adjustment knob or setting a long sliding range, but the operation screen becomes large, which is not preferable in terms of design.

Further, by setting the amount of operation of the volume adjustment knob to be small with respect to the drag operation, the operation of the volume adjustment knob can be made apparently heavy. However, the poor response to the user's operation impairs the operational feeling and makes it impossible to balance with other application software.

As described above, when the conventional application software is used, there is a problem that it is difficult to adjust the volume to an optimum level.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a volume adjusting device and a volume adjusting method for adjusting a volume level to an optimum level. Another object of the present invention is to provide a program for adjusting a volume level to an optimum level.

[0012]

In order to achieve the above object, a volume adjusting device according to a first aspect of the present invention adjusts a volume level of audio output from a predetermined output device in accordance with a user operation. A volume adjusting device for changing, wherein a target level setting means for changing a target level indicating a changed volume level according to an operation of a user, and a speed lower than a speed at which the target level setting means changes the target level. And a volume adjusting means for changing a volume level of the sound output from the output device to the target level.

[0013] The apparatus further comprises display means for displaying an actual index indicating the volume level of the sound output from the output device and a target index indicating the changed volume level. In accordance with the operation, there is provided target index moving means for moving the target index displayed by the display means from the position of the actual index, and the volume adjusting means is slower than the speed at which the target index moving means moves the target index. A real index moving means for moving the real index displayed by the display means toward the target index at a speed, and changing a volume level of the sound output from the output device so as to synchronize with the movement of the real index. Level changing means for causing the level to be changed.

[0014] The speed at which the actual index moving means moves the actual index may be set by a user.

[0015] The display means may display the target level in a pop-up display.

[0016] The actual index moving means may move the actual index only while the user is operating the target index moving means.

The target index moving means includes index fixing means for fixing the position of the target index displayed by the display means in accordance with a user operation, and the actual index moving means performs a predetermined operation by the user. If it has been performed, the movement of the actual index may be stopped halfway.

A volume adjusting method according to a second aspect of the present invention is a volume adjusting method for changing a volume level of audio output from a predetermined output device in accordance with an operation of a user. A target level setting step of changing a target level indicating a changed volume level, and at a speed lower than the speed at which the target level is changed in the target level setting step, the volume level of the sound output by the output device, And a volume adjusting step of changing the volume to the target level.

[0019] A program according to a third aspect of the present invention is a volume adjusting device that changes a volume level of a sound output from a predetermined output device in accordance with a user operation. According to the target level setting means for changing the target level indicating the volume level after the change, at a speed lower than the speed at which the target level setting means changes the target level,
Volume adjusting means for changing the volume level of the sound output from the output device to the target level.

[0020]

Next, an audio system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

As shown in FIG. 1, the audio system according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a computer 1 and an audio device 2 connected to each other via a communication line 3.

The computer 1 communicates with the audio device 2 via the communication line 3 and controls the operation of the audio device 2. Communication between the computer 1 and the audio device 2 is performed by a USB (Universal Serial Bus) or an IEEE
1394 or the like.

As shown in FIG. 2, the computer 1 has an input unit 11, a display unit 12, a storage unit 13, a communication interface (I / F) 14, and a CPU (Central Process).
singUnit) 15.

The input unit 11 includes a keyboard 1a, a mouse 1b, and the like, and is operated by a user of the audio system. The input unit 11 outputs various signals for operating the computer 1 to the CPU 15 according to a user operation.

The display section 12 is a CRT (Cathode Ray Tub).
e) or display 1c composed of a liquid crystal panel or the like
And displays an operation screen or the like of application software for the user to operate the audio system.

The storage unit 13 is composed of a hard disk device, a semiconductor memory, and the like, and stores programs and data for operating the computer 1. The storage unit 13 stores application software programs and the like for the user to operate the audio system.
The storage unit 13 stores MP3 (MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3).
It stores music data compressed in a format.

The communication I / F 14 is a USB or IEEE 13
It has a connector conforming to 94 or the like, and is connected to the audio device 2 via the communication line 3.

The CPU 15 operates according to programs and data stored in the storage unit 13 and controls the operation of the computer 1 and the audio device 2, that is, the operation of the audio system. For example, the CPU 15 controls the communication I /
Various control signals are output to the audio device 2 via F14, and the operation of the audio device 2 is controlled. Also, CP
U15 reproduces the music data in the MP3 format stored in the storage unit 13 and causes the audio device 2 to output the data as audio. The detailed operation of the CPU 15 will be described later.

The audio device 2, as shown in FIG.
A communication circuit 21, a disk playback device 22, a digital signal selection circuit 23, a D / A converter 24, a tuner 25, an analog signal selection circuit 26, a volume circuit 27, a microcomputer 28, and a speaker 2a. It is configured.

The communication circuit 21 is a USB or IEEE 139
4 and the like, and is connected to the computer 1 via the communication line 3. Further, the communication circuit 21 separately outputs the audio signal and the control signal supplied from the computer 1. Specifically, the communication circuit 21 outputs a digital audio signal supplied from the computer 1 to the digital signal selection circuit 23 and outputs a control signal to the microcomputer 28.

Under the control of the microcomputer 28, the disk reproducing device 22 controls a CD (Compact Disk) or an MD (Mini Dis
k) and reproduces the music data recorded on the disc, and outputs it to the digital signal selection circuit 23.

The digital signal selection circuit 23 has a digital external terminal for inputting a digital audio signal from the outside. An external device other than the computer 1 (for example, an MD player) is connected to the digital external terminal via a dedicated cable or the like. The digital signal selection circuit 23 switches a wiring path between the communication circuit 21, the disk reproducing device 22, the digital external terminal, and the D / A converter 24 under the control of the microcomputer 28. This allows
A predetermined audio signal out of the audio signal supplied from the communication circuit 21, the audio signal supplied from the disk reproducing device 22, and the audio signal supplied through the digital external terminal is supplied to the D / A converter 24. You.

The D / A converter 24 converts the digital audio signal supplied from the digital signal selection circuit 23 into an analog audio signal, and outputs it to the analog signal selection circuit 26.

The tuner 25 is provided with an antenna and the like, and receives radio broadcast radio waves and the like under the control of the microcomputer 28. Then, the tuner 25 outputs an analog audio signal obtained by demodulating a broadcast wave or the like to the analog signal selection circuit 26.

The analog signal selection circuit 26 has an analog external terminal for inputting an analog audio signal from the outside. An external device (for example, a microphone) other than the computer 1 is connected to the analog external terminal via a dedicated cable or the like. The analog signal selection circuit 26
According to the control of the microcomputer 28, the D / A converter 24,
The wiring path between the tuner 25 and the analog external terminal and the volume circuit 27 is switched. This allows
A predetermined audio signal of the audio signal supplied from the D / A converter 24, the audio signal supplied from the tuner 25, and the audio signal supplied via the analog external terminal is supplied to the volume circuit 27.

The volume circuit 27 includes an amplifier and the like.
The gain of the amplifier is changed according to the control of the microcomputer 28. Then, the volume circuit 27 amplifies the analog audio signal supplied from the analog signal selection circuit 26 at a predetermined magnification and outputs it as audio via the speaker 2a.

The microcomputer 28 has a ROM (Read Only Memory).
ry), RAM (Random Access Memory), and CPU
(Central Processing Unit). The microcomputer 28 controls the operation of the audio device 2 according to a control signal supplied from the computer 1 via the communication circuit 21.

Next, the operation of the audio system configured as described above will be described. First, a user of the audio system operates the input unit 11 (specifically, the keyboard 1a and the mouse 1b) of the computer 1 to start application software for operating the audio system. Thereby, the operation screen of the application software is displayed on the display 1c of the display unit 12.

The user operates the audio system by operating the mouse 1b and clicking various buttons displayed on the operation screen of the application software. The input unit 11 of the computer 1 outputs various signals to the CPU 15 according to the operation of the user,
Controls the operations of the computer 1 and the audio device 2 according to a signal supplied from the input unit 11.

The operation in the case where the music data in the MP3 format stored in the storage unit 13 of the computer 1 is reproduced and output from the audio device 2 as sound will be described below.

The CPU 15 of the computer 1
The setting of the audio device 2 is changed in order to reproduce the music data in the MP3 format in response to a predetermined signal supplied from the device 1. Specifically, the CPU 15 outputs a wiring switching control signal for switching a wiring path of the audio device 2 to the audio device 2 via the communication I / F 14.

The microcomputer 28 of the audio device 2 switches the wiring path in response to a wiring switching control signal supplied from the computer 1 via the communication circuit 21. Specifically, the microcomputer 28 controls the digital signal selection circuit 23 to change the wiring path so that the digital audio signal supplied from the computer 1 via the communication circuit 21 is supplied to the D / A converter 24. The switching is performed and the analog signal selection circuit 26 is controlled to switch the wiring path so that the analog audio signal output from the D / A converter 24 is supplied to the volume circuit 27.

Thereafter, the CPU 15 of the computer 1
The music data in the MP3 format stored in the storage unit 13 is expanded and output to the audio device 2 via the communication I / F 14 as a digital audio signal.

A digital audio signal output from the computer 1 is input to a D / A converter 24 via a communication circuit 21 and a digital signal selection circuit 23 of the audio device 2.

The D / A converter 24 converts the digital audio signal supplied from the digital signal selection circuit 23 into an analog audio signal, and outputs the analog audio signal to the volume circuit 27 via the analog signal selection circuit 26.

The volume circuit 27 amplifies the analog audio signal supplied from the analog signal selection circuit 26 at a predetermined amplification rate and outputs the amplified audio signal via the speaker 2a. As described above, the MP stored in the storage unit 13
The music data in three formats is stored in the speaker 2a of the audio device 2.
Is output as audio.

Next, the operation for adjusting the volume of the audio output from the audio device 2 will be described. First, an operation performed by a user of the audio system will be described. The user uses the mouse 1b of the input unit 11 to perform an operation for adjusting the volume of the audio device 2 on the operation screen displayed on the display 1c.

As shown in FIG. 4, a volume adjustment knob 32 having an index (current index) 31 indicating the current volume level (current level) is displayed on the operation screen. Further, the operation screen is provided with a level display area 33 for displaying a numerical value indicating the current level.

First, as shown in FIG. 5A, the user presses a button of the mouse 1b in a predetermined area of the operation screen. Thus, an index (target index) indicating the adjusted volume level (target level) is generated, and the target level is displayed in a pop-up display. In FIG. 5A,
The target index is not shown because it currently overlaps the index 31.

When the user presses the button of the mouse 1b, the pointer 34 does not have to be presently near the index 31. For example, if the pointer 34 is within the adjustment start area (the hatched area in the figure) shown in FIG. 6A, the adjustment of the volume may be started. However, the center area of the volume adjustment knob 32 is an insensitive area because it is difficult to determine the moving distance of the pointer 34 when the target index is moved by moving the pointer 34.

Subsequently, the user moves the pointer 34 by dragging, as shown in FIG.
The target index 35 is moved to a predetermined position. At this time, the target index 35 moves together with the pointer 34. Further, in synchronization with the movement of the target index 35, the target level displayed in a pop-up also changes.

Even if the pointer 34 does not accurately move in an arc along the outer shape of the volume adjustment knob 32,
The target index 35 may be movable. For example,
As shown in FIG. 6B, if the pointer 34 is within the adjustable area (the shaded area in the figure), the target index 35 may be moved. Further, as shown in FIG. 6C, the adjustable area may be divided into a plurality of areas on the data so that it is possible to determine how many steps of the volume level the pointer 34 has moved.

On the other hand, the current index 31 does not move together with the pointer 34, and as shown in FIG.
It moves at a predetermined speed so as to chase. Although the movement locus of the current index 31 is shown in the figure, the color of the current index 31 may be changed to seven colors with the movement, for example.

Then, as shown in FIG. 5C, when the current index 31 overlaps the target index 35, it stops moving. The user keeps pressing the button of the mouse 1b while the current index 31 is moving, and releases the button of the mouse 1b after the current index 31 overlaps the target index 35. When the user releases the button of the mouse 1b while the indicator 31 is currently moving,
At that point, the current index 31 stops moving.

The volume level of the sound output from the audio device 2 changes in synchronization with the movement of the current index 31, as described later. Also, the level display area 3 of the operation screen
The current level displayed in 3 also changes in synchronization with the movement of the current index 31.

As described above, since the current index 31, that is, the actual volume level changes more slowly than the movement of the pointer 34, it is possible to prevent the volume from being erroneously increased.

Next, the operation of the audio system for realizing the above-described volume adjustment will be described. The processing for adjusting the volume is performed by pressing the button of the mouse 1b, dragging,
And three processes respectively defined for three events of releasing the button of the mouse 1b, and a process of changing the actual volume.

When the user presses the button of the mouse 1b, the CPU 15 of the computer 1 starts a volume adjustment mode setting process shown in FIG. Specifically, CP
U15 uses the signal supplied from the input unit 11 to determine whether the user has pressed the button of the mouse 1b. Then, when determining that the user has pressed the button of the mouse 1b, the CPU 15 starts the volume adjustment mode setting process illustrated in FIG. 7 according to the program and data stored in the storage unit 13.

First, the CPU 15 uses the signal supplied from the input section 11 to display the display 1 c of the display section 12.
Then, it is determined whether or not the pointer 34 displayed in (1) is within the above-described adjustment start area (step S101).

When it is determined that the pointer 34 does not exist in the adjustment start area (step S101; NO), the CPU
15 is a mouse 1 for the user to adjust the volume.
It is determined that the button b has not been pressed, and the volume adjustment mode setting processing ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the pointer 34 is within the adjustment start area (step S101; YES),
The CPU 15 determines that the user has pressed the button of the mouse 1b to adjust the volume, and turns on the volume adjustment mode (step S102).

Then, the CPU 15 controls the display section 12 to display the target level in a pop-up manner as shown in FIG. 5A (step S103). Then, CPU1
5 controls the display unit 12, displays the target index 35 (step S104), and ends the volume adjustment mode setting process. In FIG. 5A, the target index 35 is not shown because it is currently overlapped with the index 31.

When the user operates and drags the mouse 1b, the CPU 15 of the computer 1 starts a target level updating process shown in FIG. Specifically, the CPU 15
Uses the signal supplied from the input unit 11 to determine whether or not the user has dragged. And the CPU 15
Is stored in the storage unit 1 when it is determined that the user has dragged.
3 according to the program and data stored in FIG.
The target level update processing shown in FIG.

First, the CPU 15 determines whether or not the volume adjustment mode is on (step S).
201). If it is determined that the volume adjustment mode has not been turned on (step S201; NO), the CPU 1
No. 5 determines that the drag is not a drag for adjusting the volume, and ends the target level update processing.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the volume adjustment mode is on (step S201; YES),
The CPU 15 determines whether or not the pointer 34 that moves by dragging is within the above-mentioned adjustable area (step S202).

When it is determined that the pointer 34 does not exist in the adjustable area (step S202; NO), the CPU
15 ends the target level update processing. On the other hand, if it is determined that the pointer 34 is within the adjustable area (step S202; YES), the CPU 15
Is updated, and the target level pop-up displayed on the operation screen is updated (step S203).

Subsequently, the CPU 15 controls the display unit 12 to update the display position of the target index 35 displayed on the operation screen (step S204), and ends the target level update processing. When the user continues dragging, the above-described target level updating process is repeated, and the display position of the target index 35 is continuously updated. This causes the target index 35 to move together with the pointer 34, as shown in FIG.

When the user releases the button of the mouse 1b, the CPU 15 of the computer 1 starts the mode release processing shown in FIG. Specifically, the CPU 15 uses the signal supplied from the input unit 11 to
It is determined whether or not the button b has been released. And CPU
In step 15, when it is determined that the user has released the button of the mouse 1 b, the mode release processing shown in FIG. 9 is started according to the program and data stored in the storage unit 13.

First, the CPU 15 determines whether or not the volume adjustment mode is turned on (step S).
301). If it is determined that the volume adjustment mode has not been turned on (step S301; NO), the CPU 1
5 ends the mode release processing.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the volume adjustment mode is on (step S301; YES),
The CPU 15 controls the display unit 12 to delete the target level displayed on the operation screen as a pop-up (Step S).
302).

Subsequently, the CPU 15 controls the display unit 12 to delete the target index 35 displayed on the operation screen (step S303). Then, the CPU 15 turns off the volume adjustment mode (step S304), and ends the mode release processing.

By the above three processes, the operation screen displayed on the display 1c of the computer 1 is changed as shown in FIG.
It changes from (a) as shown in FIG. 5 (c).

After turning on the volume adjustment mode in step S102 of the volume adjustment mode setting process, the CPU 15 performs the above three processes and executes the above-mentioned processes in accordance with the program and data stored in the storage unit 13 as shown in FIG. Is performed.

First, the CPU 15 determines whether or not the volume adjustment mode is turned on (step S).
401). If it is determined that the volume adjustment mode has not been turned on (step S401; NO), the CPU 1
5 ends the volume adjustment processing.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the volume adjustment mode is on (step S401; YES),
The CPU 15 determines whether or not the target level indicated by the target index 35 is higher than the current level indicated by the current index 31 (step S402).

If it is determined that the target level is not higher than the current level, that is, if the target level is lower than the current level (step S402; NO), the CPU 15 determines whether the target level is lower than the current level. (Step S403).

If it is determined that the target level is not smaller than the current level, that is, if the target level is equal to the current level (step S403; NO), the CPU 15 returns to step S401.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the target level is lower than the current level (step S403; YES), the CP
U15 outputs a level adjustment control signal instructing to lower the volume level by one step to the audio device 2 via the communication I / F 14 (step S404), and performs the process of step S406 described later.

The microcomputer 28 of the audio apparatus 2 controls the volume circuit 27 in response to the level adjustment control signal supplied from the computer 1 via the communication circuit 21 to lower the volume level by one step.

When it is determined that the target level is higher than the current level in the process of step S402 (step S402).
402; YES), the CPU 15 outputs a level adjustment control signal instructing to raise the volume level by one step to the audio device 2 via the communication I / F 14 (step S405).

The microcomputer 28 of the audio apparatus 2 responds to the level adjustment control signal supplied from the computer 1 via the communication circuit 21 to control the volume circuit 27 to raise the volume level by one step.

Thereafter, the CPU 15 controls the display unit 12 to update the current level displayed in the level display area 33 of the operation screen and the display position of the current index 31 (step S406).

Then, the CPU 15 sets the timer to a predetermined time, for example, 100 ms (step S40).
7) It is determined whether or not the time is up (step S)
408). If it is determined that the time is not up (step S408; NO), the CPU 15 proceeds to step S4
Return to 08.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the time is up (step S408; YES), the CPU 15 returns to step S401. If the CPU 15 determines that the volume adjustment mode is not on in the process of step S401, that is, the volume adjustment mode is off, the CPU 15 ends the volume adjustment process.

As described above, the volume of the sound output from the audio device 2 is actually changed. Also,
As described above, since the current index 31 displayed on the operation screen is updated every time the volume level is changed by one step, the actual volume change and the movement of the current index 31 are performed in synchronization.

Further, since the timer is set every time the volume level is changed by one step, the actual volume changes more slowly than the user's operation. Thus, the user can determine whether an erroneous operation has been performed while the current level has changed to the target level. If the target level is erroneously set higher than necessary, if the user releases the button of the mouse 1b, the volume adjustment mode is turned off by the mode release processing. For this reason, the CPU 15 determines in step S
In the process of 401, it is determined that the volume adjustment mode is not turned on, and the volume adjustment process ends. In this way, even if the user mistakenly sets the target level higher,
It is possible to prevent the actual volume from becoming unnecessarily large, and to adjust the volume to an optimal level.

The rate at which the volume level is changed and the set time of the timer are not constant, and may be changed with the change of the current level. For example, as the current level approaches the target level, the volume level may be finely changed to shorten the set time of the timer.

Further, the user may be allowed to select the changing speed of the volume level. For example, the user may operate the input unit 11 to set the changing speed of the volume level in several steps such as high speed, normal, low speed, and the like. Further, the current index 31 (current level) may be moved earlier than usual by moving the target index 35 while the user presses a predetermined key of the keyboard 1a.

The position of the target index 35 (target level)
May be locked. For example, when the user releases the button of the mouse 1b while pressing the control key of the keyboard 1a, the CPU 15 sets the target index 35
(The target level) is stored in the storage unit 13. As a result, the position (target level) of the target index 35 set by the user is locked. In this case, the user
Since it is not necessary to keep pressing the button of the mouse 1b, other applications can be operated during volume adjustment.

Further, the user may be able to release the locked target level by clicking the predetermined area of the operation screen with the mouse 1b. With this configuration, when the user clicks on a predetermined area of the operation screen by one click, the change in the current level stops, and the current index 3
1 stops moving. Thus, even if the target level is erroneously set, the adjustment of the volume can be immediately interrupted.

Further, the target level (the position of the target index 35) may be changed to a preset value by the user double-clicking a predetermined area of the operation screen with the mouse 1b. Furthermore, the target level (the position of the target index 35) may be sequentially changed to a plurality of preset values by double-clicking a predetermined area of the operation screen by the user. In this way, the target level (the position of the target index 35) can be set to a predetermined value quickly and accurately by a simple operation.

Further, the present invention can be applied to a knob other than the rotary volume control knob 23 shown in the above embodiment, for example, a slide type volume control knob.

The present invention not only adjusts the volume of the audio device 2 connected to the computer 1 but also controls other external devices (for example, a television) connected to the computer 1 and audio output from the computer 1. It can also be applied to volume adjustment.

The device of the present invention does not require the use of a dedicated device. For example, a program and data for causing a computer to execute the above-described processes are recorded on a recording medium (FD, CD-ROM, DVD, etc.). Record and distribute,
By installing this and running it on the OS,
The device of the present invention can be realized. The program and data may be stored in a disk device or the like of a server device on the Internet, and may be downloaded to a computer, for example, by superimposing it on a carrier wave.

[0095]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, the volume level can be adjusted to an optimum level.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an audio system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a computer configuring the audio system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of an audio device that configures the audio system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an operation screen displayed on a display of a computer.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an operation on an operation screen when adjusting the volume of the audio device.

FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating an adjustment start area in which volume adjustment can be started, FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating an adjustable area in which volume adjustment can be performed, and FIG. It is a figure showing the state where the adjustable area of (b) was divided into a plurality of fields in order to determine the moving distance.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a volume adjustment mode setting process performed by a CPU constituting the computer shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a target level update process performed by a CPU constituting the computer shown in FIG. 2;

9 is a flowchart showing a mode release process performed by a CPU constituting the computer shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a volume adjustment process performed by a CPU constituting the computer of FIG. 2;

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a conventional volume adjustment knob displayed on an operation screen.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 computer 1a keyboard 1b mouse 1c display 11 input unit 12 display unit 13 storage unit 14 communication interface 15 CPU (Central Processing Unit) 2 audio device 2a speaker 21 communication circuit 22 disk playback device 23 digital signal selection circuit 24 D / A (digital) / Analog) converter 25 Tuner 26 Analog signal selection circuit 27 Volume circuit 28 Microcomputer 3 Communication line 31 Current index 32 Volume adjustment knob 33 Level display area 34 Pointer 35 Target index

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A volume adjusting device for changing a volume level of a sound output from a predetermined output device according to a user operation, wherein a target level indicating a changed volume level is changed according to a user operation. Target level setting means for changing the volume level of the sound output from the output device to a target level at a speed lower than the speed at which the target level setting means changes the target level. A volume adjustment device characterized by being constituted. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit for displaying an actual index indicating a volume level of the audio output from the output device and a target index indicating the changed volume level. A target index moving means for moving the target index displayed by the display means from the position of the actual index in accordance with a user's operation, wherein the volume adjusting means is adapted to move the target index at a speed at which the target index moves. A real index moving means for moving the real index displayed by the display means toward the target index at a slow speed, and a volume level of a sound output by the output device so as to synchronize with the movement of the real index. The volume adjustment device according to claim 1, further comprising: a level changing unit that changes the volume of the volume. 3. The volume adjusting device according to claim 2, wherein a speed at which the actual index moving means moves the actual index can be set by a user. 4. The volume adjusting device according to claim 2, wherein said display means displays said target level in a pop-up display. 5. The actual index moving means, wherein the actual index is moved only while a user is operating the target index moving means. 3. The volume adjustment device according to 1. 6. The target index moving means includes index fixing means for fixing a position of the target index displayed by the display means in accordance with an operation of a user. The volume adjustment device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein when the operation is performed, the movement of the actual index is stopped halfway. 7. A volume adjusting method for changing a volume level of a sound output from a predetermined output device according to a user operation, wherein the target level indicating the changed volume level is changed according to a user operation. A target level setting step of causing the output device to change the volume level of the sound output from the output device at a speed lower than the speed of changing the target level in the target level setting step to the target level. A volume adjustment method comprising: 8. A volume adjusting device for changing a volume level of a sound output from a predetermined output device in accordance with a user operation, wherein the target device indicates a changed volume level in accordance with a user operation. Target level setting means for changing the level; and volume adjusting means for changing the volume level of the sound output from the output device to the target level at a speed lower than the speed at which the target level setting means changes the target level. And a program for functioning as a volume adjustment device, comprising: