Audio user interface

Recording and/or reproducing apparatus for detecting and displaying audio signal levels of input and output and ports

7031594

Abstract

A data recording and/or reproducing apparatus having actuating buttons or adjustment volumes which enable a wide variety of processing operations despite a limited operating space, and which is able to display levels of plural audio data or to display various other data on a limited display area without detracting from viewability. To this end, the apparatus recording and/or reproducing includes a unit for recording and/or reproducing data for a non-linear accessible recording medium, at least one input port and at least one output port. The input port and the output port time-divisionally access the recording and/or reproducing unit to process the data inputted to the input port to output the processed data to the recording and/or reproducing a unit. The data reproduced from the recording and/or reproducing unit is processed by and outputted from the output port. The apparatus also includes a port actuation button for selecting the input and output ports, an actuation selection button for selecting recording or playback for the input port or the output port as selected by the port actuation button, and a controller for performing control so that the recording operation or the playback operation as selected by the actuation selection button will be executed by the input port or the output port as selected by the port actuation button.


Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A data recording and/or reproducing apparatus comprising recording and/or reproducing means for recording and/or reproducing data for a non-linear accessible recording medium, at least one input port and at least one output port, said input port and the output port time-divisionally accessing said recording and/or reproducing means, said input port outputting the data inputted to said recording and/or reproducing means and said output port being fed with the data reproduced by said recording and/or reproducing means to output the data, wherein the apparatus further comprises:

level detection means for detecting the level of audio data contained in data inputted to and outputted from the input and output ports;

control means fed with level data detected by said level detection means for outputting control data for displaying the audio level; and

display means fed with level data detected by said level detection means for displaying the audio level inputted to and, outputted from the input and output ports based on said level data; wherein said display means is a monitor provided on a front side of the data recording and/or reproducing apparatus for displaying thereon the audio level of said audio data based on the control data outputted by said control means;

said control means outputting control data configured for performing control so that respective channels of said audio level will be displayed from port to port in display areas of said monitor based on the numbers of said input and output ports, the number of the audio levels that can be displayed in the respective display areas of said monitor, the number of channels contained in the audio data inputted or outputted to or from the respective ports and on said level data.

2. The data recording and/or reproducing apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising:

switching means for switching level meters displayed on said display areas in terms of a plurality of said channels as a unit, and for displaying the switched level meters, if the audio level of all channels of said audio data cannot be displayed in said display area of said monitor.

3. The data recording and/or reproducing apparatus according to claim 1 wherein if said input port and the output port are previously combined on the one-to-one basis and selected in this state, said control means outputs control data configured to cause the audio level of audio data inputted to or outputted from the combined input and output ports to be displayed in the display areas of said monitor.

4. The data recording and/or reproducing apparatus according to claim 1 wherein time codes of said data inputted to or outputted from the respective ports are displayed in each display area of said monitor.

5. The data recording and/or reproducing apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising:

a port selection switch for selecting said input port and/or the output port;

said control means outputting to the port-based audio level displayed in the display area of said monitor control data configured to display the audio level of the port selected by said port selection switch in a manner different from the audio level of the other non-selected port.

6. The data recording and/or reproducing apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the outputted control data performing control so that the audio level of the port selected by said port selection switch is displayed at a first luminance level and wherein the audio level of the non-selected port is displayed at a second luminance level different from said first luminance level.

7. An audio level displaying method for a data recording and/or reproducing apparatus comprising recording and/or reproducing means for recording and/or reproducing data for a non-linear accessible recording medium, at least one input port and at least one output port, said input port and the output port time-divisionally accessing said recording and/or reproducing means to output the data inputted to said input port to said recording and/or reproducing means, the data outputted from the recording and/or reproducing means being inputted to said output port, said port actuation method comprising:

a first step for detecting the audio level contained in said data inputted to said input port and to said output port; and

a second step for displaying said audio level detected at said first step; said second step displaying respective channels of said audio level from port to port in display areas of a monitor provided on the front side of the data recording and/or reproducing apparatus based on the numbers of said input and output ports, the number of channels contained in the audio data inputted to the respective ports, the number of display areas and on the audio data detected in said first step.

8. The audio level displaying method for a data recording and/or reproducing apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising:

a third step of switching the audio level displayed in said display areas in terms of a plurality of channels displayed in said display areas as a unit, and displaying the switched audio level, if the audio level of all channels of said audio data cannot be displayed in the display areas of said monitor.

9. The audio level displaying method for a data recording and/or reproducing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein if said input port and the output port are previously combined on the one-to-one basis and selected in this state, the audio level of audio data inputted to or outputted from the combined input and output ports is displayed in the display areas in said second step.

10. The audio level displaying method for a data recording and/or reproducing apparatus according to claim 7 wherein said second step displays the time code of said data inputted to the input port and outputted from the output port.

11. The audio level displaying method for a data recording and/or reproducing apparatus according to claim 7 wherein if said input port and/or the output port is selected for the audio level displayed from port to port, the audio level of the selected port is displayed in a different manner from that for the non-selected port.

12. The audio level displaying method for a data recording and/or reproducing apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the audio level for the selected port is displayed at a first luminance level and that for the non-selected port at a second luminance level different from the first luminance level.


Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a data recording and/or reproducing apparatus for recording and/or reproducing data for a recording medium. More particularly, it relates to a data recording and/or reproducing apparatus which may be used with advantage when using a non-linear-accessible recording medium as a recording medium.

2. Description of the Related Art

As a recording and/or reproducing apparatus for recording and/or reproducing video or audio data, there is proposed a hybrid recording and/or reproducing apparatus having a hard disc drive (HDD) and a VTR enclosed therein, as shown in, for example, the International Application No. PCT/J95/01617. This hybrid recording and/or reproducing apparatus is used as a so-called on-line editor in which the video and audio data are stored once on a HDD and edited so as to be then recorded on a tape on the VTR for transmission for broadcast reproduction from the tape. This hybrid recording and/or reproducing apparatus usually includes a control panel which is provided with actuating buttons for controlling the recording, reproduction, fast feed, rewind and stop etc.

Also, the above-mentioned recording and/or reproducing can be loaded on an external equipment for recording data outputted from this external equipment. That is, the hybrid recording and/or reproducing apparatus can be connected to a portable AV editor so that data reproduced from the hybrid recording and/or reproducing apparatus is outputted to the portable editor so that edited data from the editor is again inputted to the hybrid recording and/or reproducing apparatus.

The hybrid recording and/or reproducing apparatus outputs command signals to the AV editor in accordance with the operating contents of its own control panel to control the recording and/or reproducing processing of the external equipment. This enables the hybrid recording and/or reproducing apparatus to perform the editing using data outputted by the external equipment and data of the recording medium the apparatus is supervising.

FIG. 1 shows an illustrative actuating button of a circuit control panel provided in a recording and/or reproducing apparatus such as the aforementioned hybrid respective apparatus.

On actuating an actuating button "PLAYER" 1001, data is reproduced from an external playback VTR. When the external playback VTR and the external recording VTR are connected to the recording and/or reproducing apparatus having this actuating button, an actuating button "RECORDER" 1002 is actuated to record data on the external recording VTR. For cut-editing by cut switching by the control panel, the external playback VTR is selected by the actuating button "PLAYEER" 1001 to determine a cut-in point and a cut-out point on the reproducing side. The external recording VTR is selected by the actuating button "RECORDER" 1002 to determine a cut-in point and a cut-out point on the recorder side. Meanwhile, the cut-in point and the cut-out point mean editing start and editing end points in cut editing, respectively. For example, the cut-in point and the cut-out point are determined on selecting an actuating button "IN" 1003 and an actuating button "OUT" 1004 on the control panel, as shown in FIG. 2.

The recording and/or reproducing apparatus includes, on a control panel 1012, an actuating button "PLAYER" 1005 for selecting the reproducing side, an actuating button "RECORDER" 1006 for selecting the recording side, an actuating button "EXT" 1007, actuating buttons "TAPE" 1008, 1010 and actuating buttons "DISC MASTER" 1009, 1011 for specifying recording mediums selectable on the playback and recording sides, as shown in FIG. 3.

For example, each actuating button is substantially square-shaped and is illuminated when thrust.

It is noted that the an actuating button "EXT" 1007 is associated with signals from outside (external signal) and the actuating buttons "TAPE" 1008, 1010 are associated with a tape provided in the inside (internal tape), while the actuating buttons "DISC MASTER" 1009, 1010 are associated with a hard disc provided in the inside (internal hard disc). The actuating buttons 1007, 1008, 1009 are arranged on the control panel as a button group associated with the actuating button "PLAYER" 1005, while the actuating buttons 1010, 1011 are arranged on the control panel as a button group associated with the actuating button "RECORDER" 1006. Thus, for example, the actuating buttons "DISC MASTER", "TAPE" and "EXT" being illuminated indicates selection of the internal hard disc, internal tape and external signals, respectively.

If, for example, the external signals and the internal hard disc are selected on the playback side and on the recording side, respectively, to perform the editing operation, the following operations are executed:

If the external signals are used on the editing playback side, the actuating button "PLAYER" 1005 and the actuating button 1007 are thrust simultaneously. If the internal hard disc is used on the recording side, the actuating button "RECORDER" 1006 and the actuating button 1010 "DISC MASTER" are thrust simultaneously. This illuminates the actuating button "EXT" 1007 on the reproducing side and actuating button 1010 "DISC MASTER" 1010 on the recording side.

In this state, only the the actuating button "PLAYER" 1005 is thrust to set the editing point on the playback side. Similarly, only the actuating button "RECORDER" 1006 is thrust to set the editing point on the recording side. For example, the actuating button "IN" 1003 and the actuating button "OUT" 1004 shown in FIG. 14 are actuated to set the cut-in and cut-out points.

The above-mentioned actuating buttons enable various processing operations, such as data editing.

It is noted that reduction in size of electronic equipments is crucial in that portability is thereby improved. Since the recording and/or reproducing apparatus has the above-mentioned control panel on a portion of the casing, this control panel needs to be reduced in size simultaneously for miniaturization of the apparatus itself. In such case, it is necessary to arrange actuating buttons enabling a wide variety of operations within a limited space.

Recently, an A/V server employing a random access memory such as a hard disc has been proposed. In general, the AN server is used extensively for broadcast operations. If the AN server is used for broadcast operations, sufficient data reliability needs to be guaranteed. To this end, a so-called RAID (Redundant Array of Inexpensive Discs) structure, in which plural HDDs (hard disc drives) are arranged side-by-side, is used.

Also, multiple channels for the broadcast equipments recently have been in use for realization of digital television broadcasting. In order to cope with this, the AV server is configured for inputting/outputting plural channels simultaneously. That is, a sole AV server realizes the functions of plural VTRs in contradistinction from other VTRs (video tape recorders).

In keeping up with increase in the number of channels, an equipment for controlling the AV server tends to be larger in scale in an unprecedented fashion. A large-scale system, centered about the AV server, constructed by, for example, a control PC or plural PCs for application, usually needs to be provided for controlling the AV server.

In recent broadcasting stations, this AV server is demanded to be arranged in a limited space, such as in a relaying car. In addition, the functions played by the control PC or the application PC configured for controlling the AV server are requested to be loaded on the AV server itself.

In realizing these functions by the AV server, it may be contemplated to provide an actuating control button on the entire surface of the AV server. In the current state of the art, the size of the casing of the AV server itself is fixed to a certain extent, it is extremely difficult to provide actuating buttons configured for accommodating the various functions in their entirety.

Also, level meters of audio data inputted/outputted to or from the AV server are displayed to determine the audio level with which the audio data is to be outputted for editing or transmission. If, in such case, a display area is provided on the front side of the above-mentioned AV server, it is extremely difficult to display the entire input/output of the plural channels in consideration of the casing size. In particular, in the digital TV it is proposed to send out the speech over eight channels, such that there is posed a problem in displaying the level meters of the audio data so that eight channels are associated with each of the AV server channels.

If the totality of the channels could be displayed, the display area on the AV server casing is limited, in consideration of its size, so that the display of the entire data inputted or outputted to or from the respective channels of the AV server necessarily becomes smaller in size because a variety of displays such as displays of data inputted to or outputted from the AV server or displays on the input/output channel need to be made on the display area in addition to the audio data.

There is also raised a problem that, since the display area is reduced and hence the discrimination of the display of the selected channel becomes difficult, the channel discriminated in a mistaken fashion is changed even if the setting contents of the respective channels are desired to be changed.

Moreover, if the size of the display area is increased to facilitate the recognition of the contents or the audio level of the respective channels, it is necessary to provide a variety of buttons, adjustment volumes or the above-mentioned actuating buttons in order to realize the above-mentioned functions of the AV server, as a result of which there is left no space in which to mount these buttons.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a data recording and/or reproducing apparatus having actuating buttons or adjustment volumes which enable a wide variety of processing operations despite the limited operating space.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a data recording and/or reproducing apparatus that is able to display levels of plural audio data or to display various other data on a limited display area without detracting from viewability.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a data recording and/or reproducing apparatus including recording and/or reproducing means for recording and/or reproducing data for a non-linear accessible recording medium, at least one input port and at least one output port, with the input port and the output port time-divisionally accessing the recording and/or reproducing means to process the data inputted to the input port to output the processed data to the recording and/or reproducing means, the data reproduced from the recording and/or reproducing means being processed by and outputted from the output port. The apparatus further includes a port actuation button for selecting the input and output ports, an actuation selection button for selecting recording or playback for the input port or the output port as selected by the port actuation button, and a controller for performing control so that the recording operation or the playback operation as selected by the actuation selection button will be executed by the input port or the output port as selected by the port actuation button.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a port actuation method for a data recording and/or reproducing apparatus including recording and/or reproducing means for recording and/or reproducing data for a non-linear accessible recording medium, at least one input port and at least one output port, with the input port and the output port time-divisionally accessing the recording and/or reproducing means to output data inputted to the input port to the recording and/or reproducing means, the data outputted from the recording and/or reproducing means being inputted to the output port and outputted therefrom. The port actuation method includes a first step for selecting the input port and/or the output port, a second step for selecting whether a recording operation is to be performed or a reproducing operation is to be performed on the input port or the output port selected by the first step and a third step for performing control for causing the recording operation or the reproducing operation as selected by the second step to be performed by the input port and/or the output port as selected in the first step.

In still another aspect, the present invention provides a data recording and/or reproducing apparatus including recording and/or reproducing means for recording and/or reproducing data for a non-linear accessible recording medium, at least one input port and at least one output port, with the input port and the output port time-divisionally accessing the recording and/or reproducing means, the input port outputting the data inputted to the recording and/or reproducing means and the output port being fed with the data reproduced by the recording and/or reproducing means to output the data. The apparatus further includes level detection means for detecting the level of audio data contained in data inputted to and outputted from the input and output ports and display means fed with level data detected by the level detection means for displaying the audio level inputted to and outputted from the input and output ports based on the level data. The port selected by the port selection switches in a manner different from the audio level of the other non-selected port.

In still another aspect, the present invention provides an audio level displaying method for a data recording and/or reproducing apparatus including recording and/or reproducing means for recording and/or reproducing data for a non-linear accessible recording medium, at least one input port and at least one output port, with the input port and the output port time-divisionally accessing the recording and/or reproducing means to output the data inputted to the input port to the recording and/or reproducing means, the data outputted from the recording and/or reproducing means being inputted to the output port. The port actuation method includes a first step for detecting the audio level contained in the data inputted to the input port and to the output port and a second step for displaying the audio level detected at the first step.

In still another aspect, the present invention provides an adjustment volume for an audio level displaying method in a data recording and/or reproducing apparatus including recording and/or reproducing means for recording and/or reproducing data for a non-linear accessible recording medium, at least one input port and at least one output port, with the input port and the output port time-divisionally accessing the recording and/or reproducing means, the input port outputting the input data to the recording and/or reproducing means. The data reproduced from the recording and/or reproducing means is inputted to and outputted from the output port. The apparatus includes storage means for storing pre-set values of the input level of the data inputted to the input data and the output data, port selection means for selecting the input port and the output port, memory position displaying means in the adjustment volume for displaying an adjusted graduated position and control means for reading out the pre-set value stored in the storage means for displaying the pre-set values on the graduated position displaying means on adjusting the input level at the input port and the output port by the adjustment volume and on selecting the input port and the output port by the port selection means.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method for selective display of an adjustment volume in a data recording and/or reproducing apparatus including recording and/or reproducing means for recording and/or reproducing data for a non-linear accessible recording medium, at least one input port and at least one output port, with the input port and the output port time-divisionally accessing the recording and/or reproducing means to output the data inputted to the input port to the recording and/or reproducing means, the data reproduced from the recording and/or reproducing means being inputted to the output port. The selective display method includes a first step of displaying a setting value of a data level inputted to the input port and the output port on a graduated display portion of the adjustment volume, a second step of selecting the input port or the output port and a third step for displaying the setting value inputted to the other port on the graduated display portion of the adjustment volume on selection of the other port at the second step at a data level displayed at the first step on the graduated display portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a "PLAYER" button and an actuation button "RECORDER" provided on a conventional control panel.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing an "IN" button and an actuation button "OUT" provided on a conventional control panel.

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary conventional control panel.

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic front view showing the structure of an embodiment of a video server according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic front view showing a meter panel and a control panel.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a structure of an A/V server.

FIG. 7 is a front view showing a control panel provided on the A/V server embodying the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a front view showing a structure of a port selection button set of the control panel.

FIG. 9 shows the correspondence between the actuating buttons of the port selection button set and the ports and an external VTR.

FIG. 10 is a front view showing the structure of a control panel made up of the port selection button set and a port selection button set.

FIG. 11 is a front view showing the a more specified structure of the control panel.

FIG. 12 is a block circuit diagram showing the structure of an internal circuit of the control panel.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a sequence of operations for the control panel in selecting the processing for recording or the processing for editing.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a sequence of processing operations for the control panel in recording and/or reproducing processing.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a sequence of processing operations for the control panel in editing processing.

FIG. 16 is a front view showing the structure of a control panel provided with plural port selection button sets.

FIG. 17 is a front view showing a modification of a control panel.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing the structure of an A/V server inclusive of a meter panel.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing the circuit structure in the meter panel.

FIGS. 20A, 20B are diagrammatic views for explanation of the display on the meter indication unit for the independent processing mode.

FIG. 21 is a diagrammatic view for explanation of the display on the meter indication unit.

FIGS. 22A and 22B are diagrammatic views for explanation of the display of the meter indication unit in the mixed processing mode.

FIGS. 23 to 32 are flowcharts for illustrating the display allocation processing sequence.

FIGS. 33A and 33B are diagrammatic views for explanation of the display on the meter indication unit in the mixed processing mode accrdoing to a modification.

FIG. 34 is a block diagram showing a circuit structure in the meter panel.

FIG. 35 is a diagrammatic view for illustrating the display of the meter panel display unit on selection of the first input/output port.

FIG. 36 is a diagrammatic view for illustrating the display of the meter panel display unit on selection of the second input/output port.

FIG. 37 is a diagrammatic view for illustrating the display of the meter panel display unit on selection of the third input/output port.

FIG. 38 is a diagrammatic view for illustrating the display of the meter panel display unit on selection of the fourth input/output port.

FIG. 39 is a flowchart for illustrating the display state switching processing sequence.

FIG. 40 is a diagrammatic perspective view showing the appearance and the structure of an adjustment volume in the present configuration.

FIG. 41 is a block diagram showing the internal structure of a meter panel in the present configuration.

FIGS. 42A, 42B and 42C are plan views for illustrating the display state on port switching.

FIG. 43 is a flow chart for illustrating the adjustment level display processing sequence.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the drawings, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be explained in detail. In the preferred embodiment, the recording and/or reproducing apparatus of the present invention is applied to an A/V server configured for recording and/or reproducing data containing audio and/or video signals for a non-linear accessible recording medium. The HDD has a so-called RAID (Redundant Array of Inexpensive Discs) structure for maintaining reliability of recorded data. To each input/output processor is allocated a time slot within which the input/output processor accesses the RAID to input/output data. The spedified structure of the A/V server will be explained subsequently.

In FIG. 4, 1 denotes a video server embodying the present invention. On a front side 2A of the casing A are arranged a meter panel 3 and a control panel 4. To a rear surface 2B of the casing 2 is connected an electrical connection unit 6 over a pre-set connection cable 5. The electrical connection unit 6 is made up of a plurality of external connection terminals.

Within the casing 2, there are arranged a plurality of hard disc drives, making up the RAID, and a mother board connected to a variety of data processing boards. To this mother board are connected data processing boards 7 and 8 as input/output processors.

FIG. 5 shows the meter panel 3 and the control panel 4 of the video server 1 from the front side. On the meter panel 3 is arranged a meter display unit 9 within which there are provided first to fourth meter display areas 9A to 9D associated with the input/output port of the mother board. Within each of the first to fourth meter display areas 9A to 9D, there are provided four bar-shaped level meters.

On the meter panel 3, there are arranged port selection buttons 10A to 10D capable of selecting respective input/output ports and four volumes 11 to 14 associated with the four level meters. The input/output processor is herein termed an input/output port. The port for performing only the input processing and the port for performing only the output processing are termed an input port and an output port, respectively.

If, in the meter panel 3, the port selection buttons 10A to 10D are thrust, the audio level of the audio data of the four channels to be inputted or outputted via the selected input/output port is displayed on the four level meters in the associated first to fourth meter display areas 9A to 9D, at the same time as a variety of the information, such as time codes previously annexed to the speech data, are displayed in the associated first to fourth meter display areas 9A to 9D.

In this meter panel 3, the audio level can be adjusted by the associated volumes 11 to 14.

The control panel 4 is arranged on the surface of the casing, and includes actuating buttons 101 to 108 and actuating buttons 107, 108 for switching these plural actuating buttons 101 to 108. The recording and/or reproduction for the selected port is performed by actuating these actuating buttons.

A specified structure of the interior of the video server 1 is explained. Referring to FIG. 6, these ports include a port 110 for recording data inputted from outside on the HDD and input ports 120, 130 and 140 for outputting the data recorded on the HDD to outside. The input port 110 inputs data to the HDD via an input encoder 112 which encodes or serial/parallel converts input data, while the reproducing ports 120, 130 and 140 outputs the data from the HDD via decoders 122, 132, 142 which parallel/serial converts and decodes the data. These input and output ports will be explained subsequently.

The control panel 4 selects and controls the output ports 120, 130 and 140 for reproducing processing, the input port 110 for recording processing, or an external equipment connected externally to the video server 1. The external equipment may, for example, be a VTR adapted for recording video signals on a video tape.

The video server 1, shown in FIG. 6, includes a recording port (REC port) as an input processing unit, playback ports (PB ports) as output processing units 120, 130, 140, an editing manager 150, a video effector 160, a timing manager 170, a file manager 180 and a HDD array (RAID) 190 having plural hard disc drives (HDDs) 2001, 2002, . . . , 200n-3, 200n-2, 2000n-1 and 200n.

The video server 1 includes a data bus 210 for performing data transfer between the input port 110, output ports 120, 130, 140 and the HDD array 190, and a control bus 220 for transferring control signals used for controlling various components.

The structure of various portions of the video server 1 is explained in detail.

The input port 110 includes a selector 111, an encoder 112, a buffer 113, an I/F 114, a CPU 115, a remote signal input terminal 116 and an external input terminal 117.

The selector 111 is selection means for selecting input data and outputting the selected input data, and is connected to an external input terminal 117 and to an output of a lauter 151 of the editing manager 150. Specifically, the selector 111 selects one of a signal from the external input terminal 117 or a signal from the lauter 151 of the editing manager 150 to output the selected signal to the encoder 112. For example, the selector 111 is fed with digital audio and/or video signals from the external input terminal 117.

Meanwhile, an input signal from the external input terminal 117 is inputted to the selector 111 and to the editing manager 150.

The encoder 112 encodes and serial/parallel converts an output signal from the selector 111 to output the resulting signals. The encoding is by MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) system on input signals. It is noted that encoding needs to be performed only as necessary such that non-encoded signals may be outputted from the encoder. In the following explanation, it is assumed that the input signals are encoded and outputted in the encoded state by the encoder. The compressed data from the encoder 112 are inputted to the buffer 113.

The buffer 113 is storage means for transiently storing the compresssed data outputted by the encoder 113. The compressed data is transiently stored by this buffer 113 and sent over the data bus 112 to the HDD array 190 in accordance with a scheduling. The scheduling is the processing of allocating time slots to the CPU of each port from a timing pulse generator 171 and of running each port within this time slot.

The I/F 114 is an interface for remote signals inputted from the input terminal 116. For example, the remote signals are command signals transmitted from the external equipment for controlling the recording port 110

The CPU 115 is control means for controlling various portions of the recording port 110. The CPU 115 controls various portions of the REC port 110 by command signals inputted from the I/F 114 or the control bus 220.

The output port 120 is configured as an outputting processor for outputting the data recorded in the HDD array 190 to outside. This output 120 includes a buffer 121, a decoder 122, a selector 123, an I/F 124, a CPU 125, a remote signal input terminal 126 and an external output terminal 127.

The buffer 121 is storage means for transiently storing data transmitted from the HDD array 190 over a data bus 210. The data from the HDD array 190 is inputted to the buffer 121 over the bus 210 within the above-mentioned time slot.

The decoder 122 converts the output parallel data from the buffer 121 into serial data to decodes the encoded compressed data. The signals decoded by the decoder 122 are also inputted to the editing manager 150.

It suffices if the decoder 122 performs the processing reversed from that performed by the encoder 112. Thus, if no encoding is performed in the encoder, the corresponding decoding is not done in the decoder 122.

The selector 123 is data selection means configured for selecting data outputted to outside. Specifically, the selector 123 is connected to an output of the decoder 122 and to an output of the lauter 151 and selects the signal from the decoder 122 or the signal from the lauter 151 to output the selected signal to the external output terminal 127.

The I/F 124 is an interface for remote signals inputted from the remote signal input terminal 126. The remote signal may, for example, a command signal sent from the external equipment for controlling the output port 120.

The CPU 125 is control means for controlling various portions of the output port 120. The CPU 125 controls various portions of the output port 120 by e.g., command signals inputted via the I/F port 124 or over control bus 220.

The output ports 130, 140 are arranged similarly to the output port 120 configured as described above.

That is, the output port 130 includes a buffer 131 for transiently storing data from the HDD array 190, a decoder 132 for decoding compressed data from the buffer 131, and a selector 133 for selecting one of the signal from the decoder 132 and the signal from the lauter 151 and for outputting the selected signal to an external output terminal 137. The output port 130 also includes an I/F 134 for remote signals, inputted from the remote signal input terminal 134, and a CPU 135 for controlling various portions of the output port 130 by e.g., command signals.

The output port 140 includes a buffer 141 for transiently storing data from the HDD array 190, a decoder 142 for decoding compressed data from the buffer 141 and a selector 143 for selecting one of the signal from the decoder 142 and the signal from the lauter 151 to output the selected signal to the external output terminal 147. The output port 140 also includes an I/F 144 operating as an interface such as remote signals inputted from a remote signal input terminal 146 and a CPU 145 for controlling the various portions of the output port 140 by e.g., command signals.

Similarly to the output port 120, the output ports 130, 140 also output the decoded signals from the decoder to the editing manager 150. The data is outputted from the output ports 130, 140 to the editing manager 150 when cut-editing in the lauter 151 of the editing manager 150 or when performing special effect processing (effecting) by a video effector 160.

The editing manager 150 inputs/outputs signals in the input port 110 and in the output ports 120, 130, 140 to the lauter 151 adapted to perform cut editing, while inputting/outputting the signals for the video effector 160.

The editing manager 150 is constituted by the lauter 151, CPU 152 and an external output terminal 153, and is provided in order to perform editing on data inputted from the selector of each port. The data outputted from the lauter 151 is outputted to the selector of each port.

The lauter 151 selectively switches data at the respective ports 110, 120, 130, 140 to perform cut editing, or achieves data input/output between the ports 110, 120, 130, 140 and the video effector 160.

For example, the lauter 151 includes plural selectors by which it performs cut editing or outputs data to the video effector 160. The lauter 151 outputs picture data processed for special effect by the video effector 160 to pre-set ports 110, 120, 130, 140.

Specifically, the lauter 151 switches the input/output signal and, if it is necessary to perform special effect processing, such as keying or transition, at e.g., switching points, the lauter changes over the switching points, under control by the CPU 152, to send the resulting signals to the video effector 160.

An external output terminal 153 is used for outputting, a picture cut-edited by the lauter 151 or processed for special effect by the effector 160 to a monitor, not shown. A picture edited by the lauter 151 can be checked on the monitor based on an output from the external output terminal 153.

The CPU 152 is control means for controlling various portions of the editing manager 150. The CPU 152 also has the functions as main control means for controlling the CPUs 115, 125, 135, 145 of the ports 110, 120, 130, 140. Since the CPU 152 is able to control the CPUs 115, 125, 135, 145 of the ports 110, 120, 130, 140 in this manner, it becomes possible to perform editing processing which controls the plural ports simultaneously.

By this editing manager 150, the following processing becomes possible:

The editing manager 150 selects the picture data, decoded by the output ports 120, 130, 140, and outputs the selected data to the video effector 160. The editing manager 150 then outputs the picture data, edited by the video effector 160, to the encoder 112 of the recording port 110. The edited picture data is decoded in this manner in the encoder 112 and recorded on the HDD 200.

The video effector 160 performs special effect processing using plural input data. Specifically, the video effector 160 performs special effect processing, such as keying, transition or picture-in-picture (PinP) on picture signals inputted to the editing manager 150.

The timing manager 170 includes a timing pulse generator 171 for generating timing pulses, based on which time slots are allocated to the CPUs 115, 125, 135, 145 of the respective ports 110, 120, 130, 140.

The timing manager 170 includes a CPU 173, a control panel 4 and an I/F 172 which is an interface for the CPU 173. The CPU 173 performs various control on control signals from the control panel 4 inputted via this I/F 172. The control panel 4 is a UI (user interface) acted on by a user to generate corresponding control signals.

The control panel 4 has the aforementioned actuating buttons, specifically, buttons 103 to 106, shown in FIG. 2, and selects the input port 110, output ports 120, 130, 140 or the external equipment responsive to the actuation of the actuating buttons to output control signals to the selected port or external equipment. The processing operations for various portions responsive to these actuating buttons will be explained subsequently.

The control signals are inputted over the control bus 220 to the CPUs 115, 125, 135, 145 of the respective ports 110, 120, 130, 140. The respective ports or the external equipment control various portions by, for example, recording, reproducing or editing signals.

The file manager 180 includes a CPU 181 and an I/F for network 182.

The I/F for network 182 is an interface to the external network. For example, the I/F for network 182 is connected to the Ethernet.

The CPU 181 performs data management based on input signals from the I/F for network 182. That is, the file manager 180 controls various portions based on control signals transmitted from the network. In a memory, not shown, of the file manager 180, there is stored the file system information on management of files recorded on the HDDs 2001 to 200n. If control signals instructing recording and/or reproduction of a pre-set file are inputted from outside, the file manager 180 accesses a memory having stored therein the file system information to constitute the file system. The file manager 180 can access a file by having reference to a leading address of each file.

The HDD array 190 includes a buffer 191, plural HDDs 2001, 2002, . . . , 200n-3, 200n-2, 200n-1 and 200n a picture data write/readout processor 192 and an audio data write/readout processor 193.

The buffer 191 transiently stores data when performing data transfer between it and the data bus 220. The data from the HDDs 2001, 2002, . . . , 200n-3, 200n-2, 200n-1 and 200n are buffered in the buffer 191 and subsequently outputted on the data bus 210 in accordance with the scheduling.

The picture data write/readout processor 192 performs picture data writing and/or readout on the HDDs 2001, 2002, . . . , 200n-3 and 200n-2. For example, the picture data write/readout processor 192 performs selective data readout and writing on the HDDs 2001, 2002, . . . , 200n-3 and 200n-2.

The audio data write/readout processor 193 performs speech data writing and readout on the HDDs 200n-2 and 200n. For example, the audio data write/readout processor 193 selectively reads out and writes data for the HDDs 200n-1 and 200n for audio data.

Meanwhile, the HDDs 2001, 2002, . . . , 200n-3, 200n-2, 200n-1 and 200n are plural HDDs arrayed in parallel as shown. The HDDs 2001, 2002, . . . , 200n-3, 200n-2 for picture recording are of the so-called RAID3 structure, while the HDDs 200n-1 and 200n for audio data are of the so-called RAID1 structure.

Meanwhile, the number of the HDDs 2001, 2002, . . . , 200n-3, 200n-2, 200n-1 and 200n, connected to the picture data write/readout processor 192 and to the audio data write/readout processor 193, can be modified depending on the data volume.

The foregoing is the structure of various components of the video server 1. In this video server 1, the port 110 operates as an input of a channel, whilst the output ports 120, 130, 140 operate as outputs of three channels. That is, if the input port 110 is selected by an actuating button on the control panel 4, the server can be operated as a recording device in the recording device mode. If the output ports 120, 130, 140 are selected, the server can be operated as a reproducing device in the reproducing device mode.

The control panel 4 will be explained in detail with reference to FIGS. 7 to 17.

FIG. 7 shows, to an enlarged scale, the actuating buttons 101 to 108 used for actuating input/output ports of the control panel 4 and the external equipment shown in FIG. 5.

The actuating buttons 101 to 108 are formed on the control panel 4, which is configured for outputting control signals associated with the buttons subject to thrusting of these actuating buttons. Moreover, the actuating buttons 101 to 108 are switched between the illuminated and extinguished states responsive to the thrusting actuation. For example, the actuating buttons 101 to 108 are constructed as illuminated type buttons in which the illuminated states indicated the selected states.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the actuating buttons 101 to 106 making up a port selecting button group 100 will be explained in detail.

In FIG. 8, the actuating buttons 101, 102, arranged on a portion EXT, are used for selecting an external equipment. That is, if the actuating button "1" 101 or "2" 102 is selected, a corresponding external equipment is selected as an object to which command signal are to be transmitted.

The actuating buttons 103 to 106 are used for selecting the respective ports. That is, if one of these actuating buttons 103 to 106 are selected, the associated ports are selected as being the object to which command signal are to be transmitted.

Meanwhile, the actuating buttons 101, 102 are numbered in association with terminals of the A/V server 1 to which is connected the external equipment. For example, "1", "2" are affixed to the actuating buttons 101, 102 in association with the terminals "1", "2", respectively. The actuating buttons 103 to 106 are numbered in association with the ports such that "R1", "P2", "P3" and "P3" are affixed to the actuating buttons 103, 104, 105 and 106, respectively. For example, the actuating button 106 is associated with external VTRs 301, 302, the actuating buttons 101, 102, 103 are associated with the recording port 110 and the actuating buttons 104, 105, 106 are associated with the playback ports 120, 130, 140, respectively.

That is, the respective actuating buttons are directly coupled to the objects to be acted on such that the actuating buttons are constructed to permit selection of the respective buttons as the operator is conscious of the ports to be in use.

In this structure, it is possible for the operator to perform operations in consciousness of the port resources to make effective utilization of the ports if limited resources are to be used efficiently, such as when a slow-motion picture is reproduced and highlight editing is simultaneously performed at the same time as a live picture is being recorded on a sole recorder.

For example, a conventional UI, such as UI employing a personal computer or a workstation, is configured so that the user will have to be conscious of the respective ports, including external equipments, only to the least extent possible. The reason that the operation is based on the GUI of pasting an optional cut on an arbitrary time axis position. This method operates as effective means in simplifying the operation if a sufficient quantity of recording and playback ports as the resources can be used. However, if a slow-motion picture is reproduced and highlight editing is simultaneously performed at the same time as a live picture is being recorded on a sole recorder, the user needs to be conscious of the limited port resources. In such case, the aforementioned method cannot be said to be effective means.

The respective actuating buttons and the respective ports are associated, such that the respective ports and the external equipments are selected subject to selection of the actuating buttons.

The specified operations on the selected ports and the external equipment are hereinafter explained with reference to FIG. 10. In actuality, the respective buttons are arranged as shown in FIG. 5, however, the following explanation is based on the arrangement of FIG. 7 for simplicity of explanation.

The selected ports and the selected external equipments are run by acting on the actuating buttons 21 to 28 constituting a port controlling button group 109, as shown in FIG. 10.

The actuating button "IN" 21 and the actuating button "OUT" 22 are used when editing data. The actuating button "IN" 21 is used for designating a cut-in point, while the actuating button "OUT" 22 is used for designating a cut-out point. It is noted that the cut-in point and the cut-out point denote an editing point for switching from a certain material to another material and an editing point for switching from the other material to the original material.

The actuating button "EDIT" 23 is an editing start button for starting the data editing. That is, the actuating button "EDIT" 23 is used for starting the editing after designating the cut-in point and the cut-out point.

The actuating button "RECORD" 25 is an actuating button for starting the data recording, while the actuating button "PLAYBACK" 27 is used for starting the data reproduction.

The actuating buttons 24, 28 correspond to a so-called fast feed button and a so-called rewind button in a VTR equipment, respectively.

The actuating button "stop" 26 is used for stopping the processing. For example, the playback processing, recording processing and the editing processing are halted by acting on this actuating button "stop" 26.

By the aforementioned actuating buttons, making up the port controlling button group 109, the control of the processing in the ports and the external equipments selected by acting on the actuating buttons of the port controlling button group is executed.

That is, if the actuating buttons 21 to 28 of the port controlling button group 109 are acted on, the CPUs 115, 125, 135, 145 of the ports 110, 120, 130, 140 or the external equipments 301, 302 as selected to receive command signals corresponding to the actuation transmitted from the control panel 4 to start the control of the various parts based on the command signals.

The port selecting button group 100 and the port controlling button group 109 constitute the control panel 4 in the A/V server 1, as shown in FIG. 11.

The control panel 4 of the embodiment shown herein is constructed on the front surface of a substantially box-shaped casing, and includes a display screen 32, port selecting button group 100, actuating buttons 101, 102, port controlling button group 109 and the port control buttons 107, 108, as shown in FIG. 5. The actuating buttons on the control panel 4 are distributed on both sides of the display screen 32. Specifically, the actuating buttons 24 to 28, port selecting button group 100, port control buttons 107, 108, and parts of the port controlling button group 109, that is the actuating buttons 24 to 28, are arranged on the right side of the display screen 32, whilst the actuating button "IN" 21, actuating button "UT" 22 and the actuating button "edit" 23 are arranged on the left side of the display screen 32. It is noted that the display screen 32 serves as display means for demonstrating the various information.

The structure of the control panel 4 is hereinafter explained.

Referring to FIG. 12, the control panel 4 is made up of a lit type actuating button group 41, made up of the aforementioned buttons, a button input I/F 42, a lamp I/F 43, a CPU 44, a ROM 45, a RAM 46, a non-volatile RAM 47, and a communication I/F 48. The respective parts are connected to an address and data bus 49, as shown in FIG. 12.

The button input I/F 42 is responsive to the actuation on the actuating buttons to transmit control signals etc to the CPU 44.

The lamp I/F 43 is an interface for lighting the actuating buttons. The ROM 45 is memory means in which programs etc are stored.

The RAM 46 and the non-volatile RAM 47 are memory means for storage of various data used transiently. In the RAM 46 and in the non-volatile RAM 47, the selection states of the actuating buttons and the bind information as later explained are stored.

The communication I/F 48 is an interface for transferring data with the main body unit of the A/V server 1. The communication I/F 48 is connected to the I/F 172 of the timing manager 170 to transfer data such as control signals.

The CPU 44 is control means for controlling various portions of the control panel 4. For example, the CPU 44 controls the various parts based on signals transmitted via the button input I/F 42 responsive to the actuation of the actuating buttons, such as by lighting the actuating buttons acted on.

The processing realized by the A/V server 1, having the control panel 4 constructed as described above, is explained with reference to FIGS. 13 to 15.

The A/V server 1 has the ports 110, 120, 130, 140 selected by the actuating buttons of the port selecting button group 100. The processing, such as recording and playback of the selected port, can be initiated by the actuating buttons of the port controlling button group 109. FIG. 13 shows the sequence of enabling the recording and/or reproducing processing of the ports 110, 120, 130, 140 and the external equipments 301, 302. FIG. 14 shows the sequence of enabling the recording and/or reproducing processing using a desired port, and FIG. 15 shows the sequence of enabling the editing using a desired port.

The button operation for recording and/or reproducing processing and editing operation processing is executed in accordance with Table 1. That is, the control panel 4 illuminates and extinguishes respective actuating buttons in keeping with the recording and/or reproducing processing and editing operation processing.

TABLE 1
operating
mode objective specifications
non-linear recording condition both "R" and "P" are off.
and/or actuation Thrust and light "Px" or "Rx"; in
reproduction binding setting, thrust "Px" or
"Rx" to light it again.
operation Actuation of lit port is possible.
editing condition "R" and "P" being lit.
actuation If "R" and "P" are off, thrust the
button to be actuated to light it; if
"R" or "P" only is thrust as it is
off, the port selected directly
previously is again selected; if
desired to change ports, "EXTx",
"Rx" or "Px" is thrust; if "Rx" is
selected in "R", "Px" is always
bound.
operation Actuation on port lit as "R" or "P"
becomes possible.


In the above table, "R" denotes an actuating button "RECORDER" 107, "P" denotes an actuating button "PLAYER" 108, "Px" denotes one of the actuating buttons "P1" 103, "P2" 104 and "P3" 105 and "Rx" denotes an actuating button "R1" 103. These expressions are also used in FIGS. 12 and 13.

The binding means automatically selecting the playback port if the recording port 110 is selected by the actuating button 103 in the recording device mode, that is, it means the state of selecting the recording port 110 and one of the playback ports 120, 130 and 140 as a combination. If, in an apparatus type in which the playback ports 120, 130 and 140 and the recording port 110 can be selected and acted on completely independently, as is the present apparatus, only the recording port 110 is selected, the picture and the speech being recorded cannot be monitored simultaneously. Thus, for simultaneous monitoring, one of the playback ports 120, 130 and 140 is acquired by this binding, if the recording port is selected, so that data inputted at the recording port 110 as shown in FIG. 2 will be inputted to the lauter 151 upstream of the port 110, switched by the lauter 151 and outputted to selectors 123, 133, 143 of the playback ports 120, 130 and 140 in the bound state. The selectors 123, 133, 143 select the lauter output to output the selected output to outside. This output is monitored to enable concurrent monitoring. Alternatively, it is possible to output a data from the recording port 110 inputted to the lauter 151 at a terminal 153 on switching to output the data to the monitor. If playback is to follow the recording immediately, the presence of a state of simultaneous selection of the recording and playback ports is convenient in that there is no necessity of selecting the port each time recording or playback is to be executed.

The sequence of supervising the recording and/or reproducing processing of the ports 110, 120, 130, 140 and the external equipments 301, 302 and the editing is explained in detail by referring to FIG. 13 and to Table 1.

It is verified at step S1 in FIG. 13 whether the actuating buttons "PLAYER" and "RECORDER" 107, 108 are extinguished. If both the actuating buttons "PLAYER" and "RECORDER" 107, 108 are extinguished, the recording and/or reproducing processing is started. If one of the actuating buttons "PLAYER" and "RECORDER" 107, 108 is lit, the editing is started. The reason is that, if the recording and/or reproduction and editing of Table 1 are targeted, the condition is that the actuating buttons 107, 108 are extinguished at all times or one of the actuating buttons is lit.

The processing in case the recording and/or reproduction processing is selected is shown in FIG. 15.

At step S11 in FIG. 14, it is verified whether or not one of the actuating buttons 101, 102 is thrust. If the result is YES, the program moves to step S12 and, if otherwise, to step S13.

At step S12, the thrust actuating button "EXT" is lit to terminate the processing. A control signal indicating the thrusting by the actuation of the button group is inputted to the CPU 44 over button input I/F 42 and bus 49 to light the thrust button.

At step S13, it is checked whether or not the actuating button "Rx" 103 or the actuating buttons "Px" 104, 105, 106 have been thrust, because the recording and/or reproducing operation is started on thrusting one of the actuating buttons "Px" and "Rx". If the actuating button "Px" or "Rx" has been thrust, the program moves to step S14 and, if otherwise, to step S17. Which button has been thrust is stored via button input I/F 42 and bus 49 in the RAM 46, as shown in FIG. 8, under control by the CPU 44.

At step S14, it is verified whether or not the binding information has been stored. Whether or not the binding has been stored is detected within the non-volatile RAM 47 shown in FIG. 12.

If the binding information has been stored, the program moves to step S15 and, if otherwise, to step S16.

At step S15, the actuating button "Rx" 103 or the actuating buttons "Px" 104, 105, 106 are lit to terminate the processing. It is noted that, if the binding setting is made as shown in Table 1, and the actuating button "Rx" 103 or one of the actuating buttons "Px" 104, 105, 106 is thrust, the other button in the binding setting state is also lit.

At step S16, only the actuating button "Rx" 103 or one of the actuating buttons "Px" 104, 105, 106 as thrust is lit to terminate the processing. In lighting the buttons, if the processing of lighting the thrust button based on the information stored in the RAM 46 from the CPU 44 shown in FIG. 12 as described above is performed, the thrust button is lit via the bis 49 and the lamp I/F 43.

At step S17, it is checked whether or not the actuating button "PLAYER" or "RECORDER" 107, 108 is thrust. If the actuating button "PLAYER" or "RECORDER" 107, 108 is thrust, the program moves to step S118 and, if otherwise, to step S19.

At step S18, the previous state of selection of the actuating button "EXT" or the actuating button "INT" is restored to illuminate the thrust actuating button "EXT" or the actuating button "INT" to terminate the processing.

At step S19, it is checked whether or not the actuating button "RECORDING" 25 is thrust. If the actuating button "RECORDING" 25 is thrust, the program moves to step S20 and, if otherwise, to step S22.

At step S20, it is checked whether or not the actuating button "103" or the actuating buttons "EXT" 101, 102 is lit. If the actuating button "Rx" 103 or the actuating buttons "EXT" 101, 102 is lit, the program moves to step S21 and, if otherwise, the processing is terminated.

At step S21, the a recording command is transmitted to the port or to the external equipment corresponding to the illuminated actuating button "Rx" 103 or the actuating buttons "EXT" 101, 102 to terminate the processing. The recording command to the associated port is issued by the CPU 44, and is sent from the communication I/F 48 over the bus 49 to the I/F 172 and CPU 174 of the timing manager 170. The CPU 173 inputs this recording command over the internal bus 220 to the CPU 152 of the pointing device 150. The CPU 152 outputs the command to the CPUs 115, 125, 135, 145 of the relevant ports to permit the associated port to perform the recording. That is, the CPU 152 sends the recording command to the external equipment connected thereto over the bus 220, CPUs 115, 125, 135, 145 of the ports 110, 120, 130, 140 and I/Fs 114, 124, 134, 144. Alternatively, the CPU 152 issues the command over the bus 220 and via the CPU 181 of the file manager 180, I/F 182 and over the Ethernet.

At step S22, it is checked whether or not the actuating button "PLAYBACK" 27 has been thrust. If the result of check is YES, the program moves to step S23 and, if otherwise, the program moves to step S25.

At step S23, it is checked whether or not the actuating button "Px" 103 or the actuating buttons "EXT" 101, 102 has been thrust. If the result of check is YES, the program moves to step S24 and, if otherwise, the processing is terminated.

At step S24, a playback command is sent to the port or the external equipment associated with the illuminated actuating button "Px" 103 or the actuating buttons "EXT" 101, 102 to terminate the processing. The flow of transfer of the playback command is the same as the route of the recording command.

At step S25, it is checked whether or not the actuating button "stop" 26 has been thrust. If the result of check is YES, the program moves to step S26 and, if otherwise, the processing is terminated.

At step S26, a stop command is sent to the port or to the external equipment to which the recording command or the playback command has been transmitted at step S21 or step S24 to terminate the processing. The flow of transfer of the stop command is the same as the route of the recording command and the playback command.

By the above-described sequence of operations, the port or the external equipment is selected, and the recording or reproducing processing by the selected port or the external equipment is executed.

The process of the editing and special processing is now explained with reference to FIG. 15.

In the editing processing, it is checked whether or not one of the actuating buttons "EXT" 101 and 102 has been thrust. If the result of check is YES, the program moves to step S32 and, if otherwise to step S33.

At step S32, the actuating buttons "EXT" 101 and 102 are lit to terminate the processing. To this end, the information concerning the thrust button is stored from the button group 41 via button input I/F 42 and bus 49 in RAM 46, as shown in FIG. 12. The CPU 44 then illuminates the thrust button via the bus 49 and the lamp output from the information.

At step S33, it is verified whether or not the actuating button "Rx" 103 or the actuating buttons "Px" 104 to 106 have been thrust. If the actuating button "Rx" 103 or the actuating buttons "Px" 104 to 106 have been thrust, the program moves to step S34 and, if otherwise, to step S37. It is noted that, if the editing is to be performed as shown in Table 1, the actuating button "Rx" 103 or the actuating buttons "Px" 104 to 106 need to be lit.

At step S34, it is checked whether or not the binding information has been stored. If the binding information has ben stored, the program moves to step S35 and, if otherwise, to step S36.

At step S35, the actuating buttons "Rx", "Px" are lit in accordance with the binding information to terminate the processing. The binding herein means combining the input point 110 and one of the output points 120, 130 and 140 and processing data inputted from outside via two input/output points to output the processed data to outside. The information on the sets of the input and output points is stored in the non-volatile RAM 47 shown in FIG. 9, so that, if one of the points is selected, the other is also selected.

At step S36, only the thrust actuating button "Px" 101 or actuating buttons "Px" 102 to 104 are lit to terminate the processing.

At step S37, it is checked whether or not the actuating button "PLAYER" or the actuating button "RECORDER" 107 or 108 is thrust. If the actuating button "PLAYER" or the actuating button "RECORDER" 107 or 108 is thrust, the program moves to step S38 and, if otherwise, to step S41.

At step S38, it is checked whether or not the thrust actuating button "PLAYER" 107 or the actuating button "RECORDER" 108 has been lit. If the thrust actuating button "PLAYER" 107 or the actuating button "RECORDER" 108 has been lit, the program moves to step S39 and, if otherwise, to step S40.

At step S39, the thrust actuating buttons 101, 102, 103, 104 are extinguished to terminate the processing.

At step S40, the state of selection of the current lit actuating buttons "EXT" 101 and 102 or the actuating buttons "INT" 103 to 106 is stored to extinguish the buttons to restore the state of selection of the previous non-lit actuating buttons "EXT" 101, 102 or the actuating buttons "INT" 103 to 106 to illuminate the actuating buttons 101 to 106 as the previous state of selection to terminate the processing. That is, at this step S40, the state of selection of the port selecting button group 100 prior and subsequent to mode switching is stored to realize the processing.

For example, the state of selection of the current actuating buttons "EXT" or the actuating buttons "INT" 103 to 106 is stored in the RAM 46 shown in FIG. 12. The information on the state of selection of the extinguished previous actuating buttons "EXT" 101, 102 or the actuating buttons "INT" 103 to 106 is read from the RAM 46.

At step S41, it is checked whether or not an actuating button "RECORDING" 25 has been thrust. If the actuating button "RECORDING" 25 has been thrust, the program moves to step S42 and, if otherwise, to step S44.

At step S42, it is verified whether or not the actuating button "Px" 103 or the actuating button "EXT" 101 or 102 has been lit. If the result of check at step S42 is YES, the program moves to step S43 and, if otherwise, the processing is terminated.

At step S43, a recording command is transmitted to the port or the external equipment associated with the illuminated actuating button "Px" 103 or the actuating buttons "EXT" 101, 102 to terminate the processing. The processing for the recording command is the same as that for the recording command for the recording and/or reproducing processing. That is, the recording command is inputted from the CPU 44 of the control panel 4 over the buses 49, 220 to the CPU 152 of the timing manager 170 and to the CPU 151 of the input port 110 to execute the recording processing.

At step S44, it is checked whether the actuating button "PLAYBACK" 27 has been thrust. If the actuating button "PLAYBACK" 27 has been thrust, the program moves to step S45 and, if otherwise, to step S49.

At step S45, it is checked whether the actuating button "Px" 103 or the actuating buttons "EXT" 101, 102 has been lit. If the result of check at step S45 is YES, the program moves to step S46 and, if otherwise, the processing is terminated.

At step S46, a playback command is sent to the port or the external equipment corresponding to the illuminated actuating button "Px" 103 or actuating buttons "EXT" 101, 102 to terminate the processing. The processing for the playback command is the same as that for the playback command for the recording and/or reproducing processing. That is, the recording command is inputted from the CPU 44 of the control panel 4 over the buses 49, 220 to the CPU 152 of the timing manager 170 and to the CPUs 125, 135 and 145 of the playback ports to execute the playback processing.

At step S47, it is checked whether the actuating button "stop" 26 has been thrust. If the actuating button "stop" 26 has been thrust, the program moves to step S48 and, if otherwise, to step S49.

At step S48, a stop command is transmitted to the ports 110, 120, 130 or 140 or to the external equipments 301, 302 to which the recording command or the playback command is transmitted at step S43 or S46 to terminate the processing. The processing of the stop command is also the same as that for the above-described recording and/or reproducing processing.

At step S49, it is checked whether or not the actuating button "IN" 21 or the actuating button "OUT" 22 has been thrust. If the result of check at step S49 is YES, the program moves to step S50 and, if otherwise, to step S51.

At step S50, an editing point is set. That is, if the actuating button "IN" 21 is thrust, a cut-in point is set, whereas, if the actuating button "OUT" 22 is thrust, a cut-out point is set. After setting the editing point at this step S50, the processing is terminated.

At step S51, it is checked whether or not the actuating button "EDIT" 23 has been thrust. If the actuating button "EDIT" 23 has been thrust, the program moves to step S52 and, if otherwise, the processing is terminated.

At step S52, an editing command is transmitted to the port 110 or the external equipments 301, 302, performing the recording processing, and to the ports 120, 130, 140 or the external equipment 301, 302 performing the playback processing to terminate the processing. The processing of the editing command is also similar to the above-described command flow. However, the editing command, outputted by the CPU 44, is inputted over the buses 41, 220 to the CPU 152 of the editing manager 150, whereas the CPU 152 performs the aforementioned editing by performing switching control of the data inputted to the lauter 151. For example, the CPU 152 switches the data inputted from the output-port 120 to output the data to the selector 111 of the input port 110. The CPU 152 also changes over the switching at the cut-in point to output data from the output point 120 to input the data inputted from the input port 110 to the selector 111.

By the above-described sequence of operations, the recording port 110 or the playback ports 120, 130, 140 are selected to enable the editing.

With the A/V server 1, having the above-described control panel 4, a larger number of recording and/or reproducing ports can be actuated on a limited operating area.

That is, with the A/V server 1, an actuating button corresponding to the recording port 110, the playback ports 120, 130, 140 or the external equipment 111 is selected when the actuating buttons "PLAYER" and "RECORDER" 107, 108 are extinguished, as described above, to enable the recording or reproducing processing by the port or the electronic equipment associated with the selected actuating button. In the editing state, the recording or reproducing port or the external equipment is selected by the sole port selecting button group 9 to control the selected port or external equipment.

FIG. 16 shows an embodiment in which a port selecting button group is provided for each of the actuating buttons "PLAYER" and "RECORDER" 107, 108. That is, there are provided, as a port selecting button group for the actuating button "PLAYER" 107, actuating buttons "EXT" 113, 114, actuating button "R1" 115 and actuating buttons "P1" "P2" "P3" 116, 117, 118, while there are provided, as a port selecting button group for the actuating button "RECORDER" 108, actuating buttons "EXT" 123, 124, actuating button "R1" 125 and actuating buttons "P1" "P2" "P3" 126, 127, 128.

By so doing, it is possible to confirm the state of selection of the port or the external equipment selected at the time of editing processing on the recording and playback sides. However, since the port selecting button group is provided in association with the actuating buttons "PLAYER" and "RECORDER" 107, 108, there is encountered an inconvenience that the actuating area is increased, while the number of the actuating buttons twice the number of the ports is required.

Thus, with the control panel 4 provided on the A/V server 1, it is possible to actuate a large number of recording and/or reproducing ports on a limited operating area.

Thus, by saving the limited operating area of the control panel 4, it is possible to implement other high priority functions in the operating area.

Also, since the recording port and the playback port can be paired in operation by the binding function, the A/V server 1 can be acted on just like conventional VTRs even if the recording port and the playback ports are independent of each other.

Meanwhile, in the A/V server 1, the number of the recording port and the playback ports can be altered optionally. For example, the recording port 110 and the playback port 120, shown in FIG. 6, may be formed on the same substrate and moreover the playback ports 130, 140 may be formed on the same substrate to enable exchange with respect to the main body unit. The substrate comprised of the recording port and the playback port is exchanged for a substrate comprised of the playback ports 130, 140. The A/V server 1 then has two recording ports and two reproducing ports. In connection with this substrate exchanging possibility, the port selecting button group of the control panel 4 is constituted with the actuating button 106 then being an actuating button "R2/P5", to constitute the port selection button group, as shown in FIG. 17.

An audio level meter, displayed on a meter display unit 9, is explained in detail.

By this level meter display, the audio level, in particular, of the input/output data of the A/V server 1 can be known and used as an index for editing in visually confirming the level.

FIG. 18 shows an overall structure of the A/V server 1 inclusive of a meter panel 60.

Although FIG. 18 is similar to FIG. 6, the meter panel 60 is provided in FIG. 18. In addition, there is provided in the input port 110, between the selector 111 and the encoder 112, a level detection processor 61 for audio level detection, while there are provided in the output ports 120, 130, 140, downstream of the selectors 123, 133, 143, audio level detection processors 62, 63, 64 for detecting the audio level. Although this structure is inherently provided in the A/V server 1 shown in FIG. 6, this structure is not shown in FIG. 6 for simplifying the explanation.

The audio level detection processors 61 to 64 detect the level of audio data contained in input or output data. The level data acquired by the processors 61 to 64 are detected by the CPUs 115, 125, 135, 145 of the ports 110, 120, 130, 140 and inputted over the control bus 220 to the CPU 152 of the editing manager 150. The level data acquired on the meter panel 60 is displayed under control by the CPU 152.

FIG. 19 shows the structure of the CPU 152 of the editing manager 150 and the meter panel 60.

The meter panel 60 is made up of a display controller 65, a display switching button 66 and a meter display unit 9.

The display controller 65 is fed not only with the level data transferred from the CPU 152 of the editing manager 150 but also with the operation information and the configuration information.

The operation information is made up of the information concerning the ports bound in operation as described above, the information representing the recording and/or reproducing processing mode in carrying out the aforementioned recording and/or reproducing processing and the information representing the editing mode when performing the aforementioned editing.

The information on the binding is stored in a memory, not shown, of the CPU 152 of the editing manager 150. If the aforementioned editing or recording and/or reproducing processing is to be performed subject to previous binding, control commands are inputted/outputted with respective ports via control bus 220 with respect to the stored ports to be bound.

The recording and/or reproducing and editing processing are carried out by acting on pre-set actuating buttons of the control panel 4, as described above. The information on the actuation of the actuating buttons is stored in a memory, not shown, of the CPU 152 of the editing manager 150. Thus, the information as to whether the current processing is in the recording and/or reproducing processing mode or in the editing mode can be transferred from the CPU 152 to the meter panel 60.

The configuration information is made up of the information on the number of display areas that can be indicated on the meter display unit 9, the information on the number of level meters indicating the number of level meters demonstrated on the display areas, the information on the number of ports on the number of ports connected to the CPU 152 of the editing manager 150 (which is 4 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 18), and the information on the number of channels of audio data inputted to and outputted from the input/output ports 110, 120, 130, 140 (which is 2 if the audio data is only of L and R channels since then there are two channels).

The level data, the operation information and the configuration are inputted from the CPU 152 to the display controller 65 of the meter panel 60.

The display controller 65 allocates the level meter of the audio data to display areas 9A to 9D in the meter display unit 9 to output the display information to the meter display unit 9.

Based on the display information from the display controller 65, the meter display unit 9 displays the audio level as shown in FIGS. 5 and 20.

In the level meter display shown in FIG. 20, the display unit 9 is divided into four regions in each of which is demonstrated the level of the audio data inputted to or outputted from the respective ports. Display is made for each channel of the audio data inputted to or outputted from the respective ports.

If the audio level of a number of channels larger than the four level meters is to be displayed in the display areas 9A to 9D, the display controller 65 switches the display of the audio level responsive to the actuation of the display switching button 66 provided on the meter panel 3, as shown in FIG. 5.

If the number of the input/output ports 110, 120, 130, 140 is equal to that of the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D, these input/output ports 110, 120, 130, 140 are used in their entirety and the audio data of the eight channels are recorded and/or reproduced, the display controller 65 causes the levels of the first to fourth channels of the audio data to be displayed, while causing the audio levels of the five to eight channels to be displayed by the actuation of the display switching button 66, as shown in FIG. 20B.

If, in the input port 130, the input port 110 is bound to the output port 120, and the input port 130 is bound to the output port 140, by so-called 2-in-2-out, the audio levels of the audio data of all of the eight channels, inputted or outputted via one of the input/output ports of the paired input/output ports, that is the input port 110 and the output port 120 or the input port 130 and the output port 140, is displayed in the first and second meter display area 9A or the third and fourth meter display areas 9C and 9D.

If the recording and/or reproduction or the editing is to be executed as the input port 110 is bound to the output port 120 without binding the output ports 130, 140, the input/output port pair (input port 110 and the output port 120) is allocated to the first and second meter display areas 9A and 9B, while the output ports 130, 140 independent of each other are allocated to the third and fourth meter display areas 9C and 9D.

On the eight level meters in the first and second meter display areas 9A and 9B, the audio level of the audio data on the eight channels inputted or outputted via one of the input/output ports of the associated input/output port pair 110, 120 is indicated. On the four level meters of the third and fourth meter display areas 9C and 9D, the audio level the eight-channel audio data, inputted or outputted via corresponding input/output ports, is displayed as it is switched between the audio level of audio data D10 and D11 of four channels of from channel 1 to channel 4 and the audio level of audio data D10 and D11 of four channels of from channel 5 to channel 8.

If the input/output ports are allocated to the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D, without binding the ports 110, 120, 130, 140, the display controller 65 sets the number of the totality of the input/output ports in use, referred to below as the number of ports in use, and the number of the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D in the meter display unit 9, referred to below as the number of display areas, to "N_PORT" and to "N_METER", respectively, and sequentially uses the following equations (1) to (4):

(N_METER/2)<N_PORT≦N_METER  (1)


(N_METER/3)<N_PORT≦(N_METER/2)  (2)


(N_METER/4)<N_PORT≦(N_METER/3)  (3)


(N_METER/(a+1))<(N_PORT≦N_METER/3)  (4)

to verify which of these equations (1) to (4) holds for the number of ports in use.

The display controller 65 also sets the number of channels of audio data inputted or outputted via the respective input/output ports and the number of level meters provided in each of the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D, referred to below as the number of meters, to "N_CH" and "N_METER_CH", respectively, and sequentially uses the following equations (5) to (8):

N_CH≦N_METER_CH  (5)


N_METER—CH<N—CH≦(N_METER—CH×2)  (6)


(N_METER—CH×2)<N—CH≦(N_METER—CH×3)  (7)


(N_METER—CH×b)<N—CH≦(N_METER—CH×(b+1))  (8)

where b 3, 4, 5, 6, . . . , m
to verify which of the conditions of the equations (5) to (8) holds for the number of channels of the audio data.

Meanwhile, the value of the ultimate coefficient a used in dividing the number of the display areas in checking the relation between the number of ports in use and the number of display areas, and the value of the ultimate coefficient b used in multiplying the number of meters in checking the relation between the number of channels in use and the number of meters, are set to respective optional values.

If, based on the results of decision, obtained as described above, the number of the ports in use meets the equation (1) and the number of channels being processed meets the above equation (5), the number of the ports in use is of the same order of magnitude as the number of the display areas. The display controller 65 thus allocates an input/output port to each of the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D.

Since the number of channels of the audio data is of the same order of magnitude as the number of meters, the audio level of the audio data of the totality of channels inputted or outputted via an associated input/output port is displayed in each level meter of each of the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D to which are allocated the input/output ports.

If the number of ports meets the above equation (1) and the number of channels meets the above equation (6), the display controller 65 allocates an input/output port to each of the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D.

Since the number of the channels being processed in this case is approximately twice that of the meters, there is displayed, on each level meter of each of the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D, to which are allocated the input/output ports, the audio level of audio data of the totality of channels inputted or outputted via associated input/output port, as the audio level is switched in two steps, that is the audio level of audio data of four channels from channel 1 to channel 4 and that of audio data of channel 5 to channel 8.

If the number of ports in use meets the above equation (1) and the number of channels of the audio data meets the equation (7), the display controller 65 allocates each one input/output port to the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D.

Since the number of channels is approximately thrice that of meters, there is displayed, on each level meter of each of the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D, to which the input/output ports are allocated, the audio level of the audio data of the totality of channels inputted or outputted via an associated input/output port, as the audio level is changed over in three stages, that is the audio level of audio data of four channels of channel 1 to channel 4, audio level of audio data of four channels of channel 5 to channel 8 and the audio level of audio data of channel 9 and the following channels.

Also, if the number of the ports in use meets the above equation (1) and the number of channels being processed meets the above equation (8), the display controller 65 allocates each one input/output port to each of the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D.

Since the number of processed channels is approximately (b+1) times the number of meters, there is displayed, in each level meter of each of the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D, to which are allocated the input/output ports, the audio level of audio data of the totality of channels inputted or outputted via an associated one of the input/output ports, as the audio level is changed over in (b+1) stages.

If the number of ports in use meets the above equation (1), but the number of ports is less than that of the display areas, the display controller 65 does not allocate the input/output port to the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D exceeding the number of the ports in use, thus not allowing the audio level to be displayed.

On the other hand, if the number of ports meets the above equation (2), and the number of channels of each audio data meets the above equation (5), the display controller 65 allocates each one input/output port to the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D, because the number of channels being processed is approximately equal to the number of meters, even though the number of ports in use is not larger than one-half the number of display areas.

The result is that, in each level meters of each of the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D, to which are allocated the input/output ports, the audio level of the audio data of the totality of channels inputted or outputted via an associated one of the input/output ports is collectively displayed. It is noted that the audio level is not displayed on the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D to which the input/output port has not been allocated.

If the number of ports in use meets the above equation (2) and the number of channels being processed meets the above equation (6), the number of channels being processed is approximately twice that of the meters. Thus, the display controller 65 sequentially allocates each one input/output port to two of the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D.

The result is that, in each level meters of each of the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D, to which are allocated the input/output ports, the audio level of the audio data of the totality of channels inputted or outputted via an associated one of the input/output ports is collectively displayed.

If the number of ports in use meets the above equation (2) and the number of channels being processed meets the above equation (7), the display controller 65 sequentially allocates each one input/output port to two of the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D.

The number of channels being processed in this case is approximately thrice that of the meters, so that, if two of the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D are used for one input/output port, the audio level of audio data of the totality of channels, inputted or outputted via associated one of the input/output ports, cannot be displayed collectively on each level meter in the two of the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D.

Thus, there is displayed, on the two level meters of each of the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D, to which are allocated the input/output ports, the audio level of audio data of the totality of channels inputted or outputted via an associated input/output port, as the audio level is switched in two stages, that is the audio level of audio data of four channels from channel 1 to channel 8 and that of audio data of channel 9 and following channels.

If the number of ports in use meets the above equation (2) and the number of channels being processed meets the above equation (8), the display controller 65 sequentially allocates each one input/output port to two of the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D.

The number of channels being processed in this case is approximately (b+1) times the number of meters, there is displayed, on each level meter of each of the two of the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D, to which are allocated the input/output ports, the audio level of audio data of the totality of channels, inputted or outputted via an associated one of the input/output ports, as the audio level is changed over stepwise.

On the other hand, if the number of ports meets the above equation (3), and the number of channels of each audio data meets the above equation (5), the display controller 65 allocates each one input/output port to the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D, because the number of channels being processed is approximately equal to the number of the display areas, even though the number of ports in use is approximately one-third of the number of display areas such that three of the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D can be used for one input/output port.

The result is that, in each level meters of each of the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D, to which are allocated the input/output ports, the audio level of the audio data of the totality of channels inputted or outputted via an associated one of the input/output ports is collectively displayed. It is noted that the audio level is not displayed by the display controller 65 on the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D to which the input/output port has not been allocated.

If the number of ports in use meets the above equation (2) and the number of channels being processed meets the above equation (6), the number of channels being processed is approximately twice that of the meters. Thus, the display controller 65 sequentially allocates each one input/output port to two of the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D.

The result is that, in each level meter of each of two of the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D, to which are allocated the input/output ports, the audio level of the audio data of the totality of channels inputted or outputted via an associated one of the input/output ports is collectively displayed.

It is noted that, since there exist the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D, to which are not allocated the input/output ports, the audio level is not displayed in these first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D.

If the number of ports in use meets the above equation (3) and the number of channels being processed meets the above equation (7), the number of channels being processed is approximately thrice that of the meters. Thus, the display controller 65 sequentially allocates each one input/output port to three of the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D.

The result is that, in each level meter of each of three of the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D, to which are allocated the input/output ports, the audio level of the audio data of the totality of channels inputted or outputted via an associated one of the input/output ports is collectively displayed.

If the number of ports in use meets the above equation (3) and the number of channels being processed meets the above equation (8), the display controller 65 sequentially allocates each one input/output port to three of the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D.

Since the number of channels being processed in this case is approximately (b+1) times the number of meters, there is displayed, on each level meter of each of three of the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D, to which are allocated the input/output ports, the audio level of audio data of the totality of channels, inputted or outputted via an associated one of the input/output ports, as the audio level is changed over stepwise.

It is noted that, if at least the number of the ports in use meets the above equation (4), the display controller 65 allocates the input/output port to the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D, in accordance with the above-described display allocation technique.

On the other hand, if there are bound ports among the input/output ports 110, 120, 130, 140, the display controller 65 sets number of the port pairs as "N_PORT/2" and sequentially uses the following equations (9) to (11):

(N_METER/3)<(N_PORT/2)≦(N_METER/2)  (9)


(N_METER/4)<(N_PORT/2)≦(N_METER/3)  (10)


(N_METER/(c+1))<(N_PORT/2)≦(N_METER/c)  (11)

where c=4, 5, 6, 7, . . . x
to verify which of the conditions of the equations (9) to (11) holds for the number of paired ports.

Meanwhile, the value of the number of paired ports and the ultimate value of the coefficient c used in checking into the relation thereof to the number of display areas are previously set to optional values.

The display controller 65 sequentially uses the above equations (5) to (8) to verify which of the conditions of the equations (5) to (8) holds for the number of processing channels.

Based on the results of decision, obtained as described above, if the number of port pairs meets the above equation (9) and the number of audio data channels meets the above equation (5), the display controller 65 allocates each one input/output port pair to the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D, because the number of audio data channels is approximately equal to the number of meters, even though the number of the paired ports is approximately one-half that of the display areas and two of the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D can be used for each bound port set.

The result is that, in each level meter of each of the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D, to which are allocated the input/output ports, the audio level of the audio data of the totality of channels inputted or outputted via one of the input/output ports of the bound port set is collectively displayed.

It is noted that the display controller 65 does not allow the audio level to be displayed on the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D exceeding the number of the port pairs.

If the number of paired ports meets the above equation (9) and the number of channels of the audio data meets the equation (6), the display controller 65 sequentially allocates each one input/output port pair to two of the first to fourth meter display areas 9A to 9D because the number of channels o the speech data is approximately twice the number of meters.

The result is that, in each level meter of two of the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D, to which are allocated the input/output ports, the audio level of the audio data of the totality of channels inputted or outputted via one of the input/output ports of the bound port set is collectively displayed.

If the number of paired ports meets the above equation (9) and the number of channels of the audio data meets the equation (7), the display controller 65 sequentially allocates each one input/output port pair to two of the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D.

However, the number of audio channels is approximately thrice the number of the meters, such that, if two of the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D are used for one input/output port pair, it is not possible for the level meters provided in the two of the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D to make collective display of the audio level of the audio data of the totality of the channels inputted or outputted via one of the input/output ports of the associated input/output port pair.

Thus, there is displayed, on the two level meters of two of the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D, to which are allocated the input/output ports, the audio level of audio data of the totality of channels inputted or outputted via one of input/output ports of the associated input/output port pair, as the audio level is switched in two stages, that is the audio level of audio data of from channel 1 to channel 8 and that of audio data of channel 9 and following channels.

If the number of ports in use meets the above equation (9) and the number of channels being processed meets the above equation (8), the display controller 65 sequentially allocates a bound input/output port pair to two of the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D.

The number of channels being processed in this case is approximately (b+1) times the number of meters, there is displayed, on each level meter of two of the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D, to which are allocated bound input/output port pairs, the audio level of audio data of the totality of channels, inputted or outputted via an associated input/output port of the bound input/output ports, as the audio level is changed over b stages.

On the other hand, if the number of ports meets the above equation (10), and the number of channels of each audio data meets the above equation (5), the display controller 65 allocates each one input/output port pair to the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D, because the number of channels being processed is approximately equal to the number of the display areas, even though the number of ports in use is approximately one-third of the number of display areas such that three of the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D can be used for one input/output port.

The result is that, in each level meter of each of the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D, to which are allocated the bound input/output port set, the audio level of the audio data of the totality of channels inputted or outputted via one of the input/output ports of the bound port set is collectively displayed. It is noted that the audio level is not displayed by the display controller 65 on the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D to which the bound input/output port set has not been allocated.

If the number of ports in use meets the above equation (10) and the number of channels being processed meets the above equation (6), the number of channels being processed is approximately twice that of the meters, even though three of the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D can be used for one input/output port set. Thus, the display controller 65 sequentially allocates a bound port set to two of the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D.

The result is that, in each level meter of two of the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D, to which are allocated the input/output ports, the audio level of the audio data of the totality of channels inputted or outputted via one of the input/output port of the associated bound port set is collectively displayed. It is noted that the audio level here again is not displayed on the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D to which the bound input/output port set has not been allocated.

If the number of port pairs meets the above equation (10) and the number of audio channels meets the equation (7), the display controller 65 sequentially allocates an input/output port to each of three of the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D, because three of the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D can be used for one input/output port pair and the number of audio channels is approximately thrice that of the meters.

The result is that, in each level meter of three of the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D, to which are allocated bound input/output ports, the audio level of the audio data of the totality of channels inputted or outputted via one of the input/output port of the associated bound port set is collectively displayed.

If the number of port pairs meets the above equation (10) and the number of audio channels meets the equation (8), the display controller 65 sequentially allocates an input/output port to each of three of the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D.

However, since the number of channels being processed in this case is approximately (b+1) times the number of meters, there is displayed, on each level meter of three of the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D, to which are allocated bound input/output port pairs, the audio level of audio data of the totality of channels, inputted or outputted via an associated input/output port of the bound input/output port set, as the audio level is changed over stepwise.

If at least the number of port pairs meets the above equation (11), it is possible fort the display controller 65 to use c of the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D for the bound port set. Thus, the display controller 65 sequentially allocates the bound port set to c of the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D.

There is displayed, on each level meter of c of the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D, to which are allocated the bound input/output port sets, the audio level of audio data of the totality of channels inputted or outputted via one of input/output ports of the associated input/output port pair, depending on the conditions satisfying the number of the audio channels.

In allocating the audio level display to the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D when there co-exist ports to be bound and those not to be bound, basically the input/output ports are allocated to the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D by a technique of allocating the input/output ports to the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D without binding any ports. However, for the input/output ports acquired by binding, two of the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D are acquired to allocate the display to these two areas, or the display is allocated to one of them without allocating the display to the other.

In this manner, the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D in the meter display unit 9 are effectively used in the A/V server 1 to enable the audio level of the audio data to be displayed.

In the preferred embodiment, a menu button 70, a mode selection button 70, a mode selection knob 71 and a mode decision button 72 are arranged on the meter panel 3 shown in FIG. 5. If, after thrusting the menu button 70, one of the input/output port is selected and specified by the port selection buttons 10A to 10D, there is displayed in the associated one of the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D the information representing the mode which executes the processing without binding any ports and the information representing the mode which executes the processing on binding any ports.

By turning the mode selection knob 71 of the meter panel 3, switching can be made between the two modes, such that, when the desired processing mode is displayed, and the mode decision button 72 is thrust, this processing mode can be set for the selected and designated input/output port.

Referring to FIGS. 23 to 32, the processing of display allocation as mentioned above is explained in detail.

The display controller 65 initiates the operation at step SP1 and captures the operation information S2 and the configuration information S3 outputted at step S2 from the CPU 152.

The display controller 65 advances to step SP3 to check whether or not, in the processing mode obtained based on the operation information S2, all ports are bound (bound processing mode).

A negative result obtained at this step SP3 means that the processing mode asset at this time point is such a mode in which the ports are not bound and are operated independently (independent processing mode), or such a mode in which certain ports are in the bound state (mixed processing mode). The display controller 65 at this time advances to step SP4 to check whether or not the number of ports in use meets the above-mentioned equation (1).

An affirmative result obtained at this step SP4 means that the number of ports in use is approximately equal to the number of display areas so that each one input/output port is allocated to the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D. At this time, the display controller 65 advances to step SP5 to check whether or not the number of audio channels meets the equation (5).

If the affirmative result is obtained at this step SP5, it means that the number of audio channels is of the order of the number of the meters. At this time, the display controller 65 advances to step SP6 to allocate an input/output port to each of the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D to cause collective display of the audio level of the audio data of the totality of channels inputted or outputted via an input/output port associated with each level meter of each of the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D. The display controller 65 then advances to step SP7 to terminate the display allocation processing process RT1.

If conversely a negative result is obtained at this step SP5, it means that the number of audio channels is larger than approximately twice the number of meters. At this time, the display controller 65 advances to step SP8 to check whether or not the number of speech channels meets the equation (6).

If an affirmative result is obtained at this step SP8, it means that the number of the audio channels is approximately twice that of the meters. The display controller 65 then advances to step SP9 to allocate each one input/output port to each of the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D to change over the audio level of the audio data of the totality of channels inputted or outputted via an input/output port associated with each level meter of each of the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D in two steps. The display controller 65 then advances to step SP7 to terminate the display allocation processing sequence RT1.

If conversely a negative result is obtained at this step SP8, it means that the number of audio channels is larger than approximately twice the number of meters. At this time, the display controller 65 advances to step SP10 to check whether or not the number of speech channels meets the equation (7).

If the affirmative result is obtained at this step SP10, it means that the number of speech channels is approximately thrice that of the meters. The display controller 65 then advances to step SP11 to allocate an input/output port to each of the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D to display the audio level of the audio data of the totality of channels inputted or outputted via an input/output port associated with each level meter of each of the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D. The display controller 65 then advances to step SP7 to terminate the display allocation processing process RT1.

If conversely a negative result is obtained at this step SP10, it means that the number of audio channels is larger than approximately twice the number of meters. At this time, the display controller 65 advances to step SP12 to change the value of the coefficient b of the equation (8) to detect the condition which meets the number of channels.

The display controller 65 then advances to step SP13 to allocate the input/output port to each of the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D depending on the condition detected at step SP12. The display controller 65 then displays the audio level of the audio data of the totality of channels inputted or outputted via an input/output port associated with each level meter of each of the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D as the audio level is switched in (b+1) steps. The display controller 65 then advances to step SP7 to terminate the display allocation processing sequence RT1.

If conversely a negative result is obtained at this step SP14, it means that the number of ports is smaller than about one-half that of the display areas. The display controller 65 then advances to step SP14 to verify whether or not the number of ports in use meets the above equation (2).

If an affirmative result is obtained at this step SP14, it means that the number of ports is smaller than about one-half the number of the display areas, and that two of the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D can be used for a sole input/output port. The display controller 65 then advances to step SP15 to check whether or not the number of speech channels meets the above equation (5).

If the affirmative result is obtained at this step SP15, it means that the number of speech channels is approximately equal to that of the meters, and hence that there is no necessity of using two of the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D. The display controller 65 then advances to step SP16 to allocate an input/output port to each of the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D to make collective display of the audio level of the audio data of the totality of channels inputted or outputted via an input/output port associated with each level meter of each of the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D. The display controller 65 then advances to step SP7 to terminate the display allocation processing process RT1.

If conversely a negative result is obtained at this step SP15, it means that the number of ports is smaller than about one-half that of the display areas. The display controller 65 then advances to step SP17 to verify whether or not the number of ports in use meets the above equation (6).

If the affirmative result is obtained at this step SP17, it means that the number of speech channels is approximately twice that of the meters. The display controller 65 then advances to step SP18 to allocate an input/output port to two of the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D to make collective display of the audio level of the audio data of the totality of channels inputted or outputted via an input/output port associated with each level meter of these two of the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D. The display controller 65 then advances to step SP7 to terminate the display allocation processing process RT1.

If conversely a negative result is obtained at this step SP17, it means that the number of ports is larger than about twice that of the display areas. The display controller 65 then advances to step SP19 to verify whether or not the number of ports in use meets the above equation (7).

If the affirmative result is obtained at this step SP19, it means that the number of speech channels is approximately thrice that of the meters. The display controller 65 then advances to step SP20 to allocate an input/output port to two of the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D to display the audio level of the audio data of the totality of channels inputted or outputted via an input/output port associated with each level meter of these two of the first to fourth display areas 9A to 9D, as the audio level is switched in two steps. The display controller 65 then advances to step SP7 to terminate the display allocation processing process RT1.

If a negative result is obtain