WO2014125705A1 - A/v apparatus - Google Patents

A/v apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2014125705A1
WO2014125705A1 PCT/JP2013/082787 JP2013082787W WO2014125705A1 WO 2014125705 A1 WO2014125705 A1 WO 2014125705A1 JP 2013082787 W JP2013082787 W JP 2013082787W WO 2014125705 A1 WO2014125705 A1 WO 2014125705A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
sound
speaker array
display
output
audio
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2013/082787
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
純生 佐藤
永雄 服部
健明 末永
幹生 瀬戸
Original Assignee
シャープ株式会社
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by シャープ株式会社 filed Critical シャープ株式会社
Priority to JP2015500100A priority Critical patent/JP5951875B2/en
Publication of WO2014125705A1 publication Critical patent/WO2014125705A1/en

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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/80—Generation or processing of content or additional data by content creator independently of the distribution process; Content per se
    • H04N21/81—Monomedia components thereof
    • H04N21/8106—Monomedia components thereof involving special audio data, e.g. different tracks for different languages
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/47—End-user applications
    • H04N21/485—End-user interface for client configuration
    • H04N21/4852—End-user interface for client configuration for modifying audio parameters, e.g. switching between mono and stereo
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N5/00—Details of television systems
    • H04N5/44—Receiver circuitry for the reception of television signals according to analogue transmission standards
    • H04N5/60—Receiver circuitry for the reception of television signals according to analogue transmission standards for the sound signals
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R3/00—Circuits for transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
    • H04R3/12—Circuits for transducers, loudspeakers or microphones for distributing signals to two or more loudspeakers
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R1/00—Details of transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
    • H04R1/20—Arrangements for obtaining desired frequency or directional characteristics
    • H04R1/32—Arrangements for obtaining desired frequency or directional characteristics for obtaining desired directional characteristic only
    • H04R1/40—Arrangements for obtaining desired frequency or directional characteristics for obtaining desired directional characteristic only by combining a number of identical transducers
    • H04R1/403—Arrangements for obtaining desired frequency or directional characteristics for obtaining desired directional characteristic only by combining a number of identical transducers loud-speakers
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R2203/00—Details of circuits for transducers, loudspeakers or microphones covered by H04R3/00 but not provided for in any of its subgroups
    • H04R2203/12—Beamforming aspects for stereophonic sound reproduction with loudspeaker arrays
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R2499/00—Aspects covered by H04R or H04S not otherwise provided for in their subgroups
    • H04R2499/10—General applications
    • H04R2499/13—Acoustic transducers and sound field adaptation in vehicles
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R2499/00—Aspects covered by H04R or H04S not otherwise provided for in their subgroups
    • H04R2499/10—General applications
    • H04R2499/15—Transducers incorporated in visual displaying devices, e.g. televisions, computer displays, laptops

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an AV (Audio Visual) device, and more particularly to an AV device including a speaker array that outputs directional sound.
  • AV Audio Visual
  • Patent Document 1 a microphone is installed at the listening position, the sound beam output from the speaker array is swept from 0 to 180 degrees, and the angle at which the sound beam reaches is determined from the level of the collected sound.
  • a technique for automatically setting an output angle of an audio beam is disclosed.
  • Patent Document 2 discloses a beam path display device that displays a path of an audio beam before a speaker array is installed indoors.
  • This beam path display device is an information processing device such as a PC (Personal Computer), calculates the angle of reflection of the sound beam wall surface in consideration of the indoor shape and the installation position of the speaker array, and calculates the path of the sound beam. The calculated route is displayed on the display.
  • the speaker array is basically built in or connected to a television apparatus or an audio system, and is installed to output sound from the information processing apparatus. is not.
  • the beam path display device described in Patent Document 2 does not display the direction (output direction) of the sound beam at the time of sound output. And if the direction of the sound beam is unknown, it is possible to determine whether the volume is low because the direction of the sound beam is shifted or whether the volume is low because the volume level is low, without the user moving from the listening position. difficult. Therefore, in the technique described in Patent Document 2, when the sound volume is heard by the user because the direction of the sound beam is deviated, the user is forced to operate to increase the sound volume level, and extra power is consumed. May be consumed.
  • the speaker array is not limited to the output of the sound beam, but can output other kinds of sound outputs having directivity, such as sound output in a plane wave. It is desirable to be able to change the direction of the user by a user operation.
  • the speaker array is mounted on various AV devices such as a television device and an audio signal reproduction device, and it is desired that the direction of sound can be changed by a user operation in such various AV devices.
  • the present invention has been made in view of the above situation, and an object of the present invention is to provide an audio output direction to a user in an AV apparatus including a speaker array capable of outputting sound with directivity.
  • the output direction can be changed by a user operation while confirming.
  • a first technical means of the present invention is an AV device including a speaker array that outputs directional sound, and displays the direction of the sound output from the speaker array.
  • a direction display unit, an operation unit that accepts a user operation to change the direction of the voice, and a direction change unit that changes the direction of the voice according to the user operation. is there.
  • the AV device includes a reproduction unit that reproduces an audio signal and passes it to the speaker array, and a display panel that displays an image indicated by the video signal.
  • the direction display unit displays an image indicating the direction of the sound on a display screen of the display device.
  • the speaker array outputs the sound as a plane wave
  • the direction display unit is located at the back of the display screen aligned with the speaker array in a vertical direction.
  • the direction display unit includes a plurality of light emitting units arranged along a longitudinal direction of the speaker array.
  • the light emitting unit at a position corresponding to the direction of the sound is turned on or blinked.
  • FIG. 3 is an overview diagram illustrating an example of a remote controller attached to the television apparatus of FIG. 2.
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mark expressing a sound output direction to be displayed on a display panel in the television apparatus of FIG. 2.
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mark expressing a sound output direction to be displayed on a display panel in the television apparatus of FIG. 2.
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mark expressing a sound output direction to be displayed on a display panel in the television apparatus of FIG. 2. It is a general-view figure which shows the example of 1 structure of the audio system which concerns on this invention. It is a general-view figure which shows the example of 1 structure of the car audio system which concerns on this invention.
  • the AV device is a device including a speaker array that outputs directional sound, and the sound output direction can be changed while presenting to the user.
  • sound having directivity refers to sound output as a beam-like radiation wave called a so-called sound beam and sound output as a plane wave. Therefore, the AV device according to the present invention has a sound direction display function and a sound direction change function for sound having directivity. Of course, it is also possible to output non-directional sound from the speaker array.
  • Examples of the AV device according to the present invention include devices such as a display device such as a television device and an audio signal reproduction device such as an audio system.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an AV device according to the present invention.
  • 1 includes a decoder 11a, an A / D converter 11b, an audio signal extraction unit 12, an audio signal processing unit 13, a D / A converter 14, a plurality of amplifiers 15, and a plurality of speakers 16. It is composed of an array 17. The number of amplifiers 15 and speakers 16 is basically the same.
  • the decoder 11a decodes the content of the audio only or the video with audio, converts it into a signal processable format, and outputs it to the audio signal extraction unit 12.
  • the content is acquired by downloading digital broadcast content transmitted from a broadcasting station, a server that distributes digital content via a network via the Internet, or reading from a recording medium such as an external storage device. .
  • the A / D converter 11b samples the analog input audio signal, converts it to a digital signal, and outputs it to the audio signal extraction unit 12.
  • the input audio signal may be an analog broadcast signal or output from a music playback device. Note that the audio signal is not limited to a signal in which a so-called sound is recorded, but means an entire acoustic signal.
  • the AV device 10 includes a content input unit for inputting content including a multi-channel input audio signal.
  • the decoder 11a decodes the digital content input here, and the A / D converter 11b converts the analog content input here into digital content.
  • the audio signal extraction unit 12 separates and extracts an audio signal from the obtained signal.
  • the audio signal to be extracted is a 2ch stereo signal, and the audio signal extraction unit 12 outputs the signals for the two channels to the audio signal processing unit 13.
  • the audio signal extraction unit 12 is defined by, for example, ARIB STD-B21 “Digital Broadcasting Receiver Standard”. Then, it is downmixed to 2ch by a normal downmix method of the following formula and output to the audio signal processing unit 13.
  • L t and R t are left and right channel signals after downmixing
  • L, R, C, L S and R S are 5.1ch signals (left front channel signal, right front channel signal, center channel signal).
  • rear left channel signal, right rear channel signal) a overload reduction factor, for example, 1 / ⁇ 2
  • k d is the downmix coefficients for example 1 / ⁇ 2 or 1/2, or 1 / 2 ⁇ 2,, Or it becomes 0.
  • the multi-channel input audio signal may be an input audio signal of a multi-channel reproduction method having three or more channels.
  • the audio signal processing unit 13 converts the multi-channel input audio signal to 2
  • the audio signals of the two channels after being downmixed to the audio signals of the two channels may be subject to audio direction change described later.
  • the explanation is made on the assumption that the audio signals of the two channels are to be subjected to the change of the audio direction.
  • the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of audio signals having directivity as a result of output are provided.
  • the voice signal may be the target of the voice direction change.
  • all of the input audio signals of the multi-channel reproduction method having three or more channels may be the target of the voice direction change, or some of them may be the target of the voice direction change.
  • the low-frequency region having no directivity may be extracted from the input multi-channel audio signal, and the audio direction may be displayed and changed only for the directional audio signal.
  • the extracted low frequency range audio signals may be added at the time of output and output from the speaker array 17 or may be output from a separately provided low frequency range speaker.
  • the audio signal processing unit 13 generates a multi-channel audio signal having directivity from the obtained 2-channel signal and is output by the speaker array 17. Specifically, by delaying the output between the speakers 16 included in the speaker array 17, sound that outputs sound from the speaker array 17 in a predetermined sound direction (as a sound beam or as a plane wave output sound). Generate a group of signals.
  • the relationship between the sound output direction and the delay amount (and output level) at each speaker 16 differs depending on whether the sound is output as a beam-like radiation wave or a plane wave, but the delay amount (and output level) is different.
  • the existing technology can be applied as to how it is determined.
  • delay control may be performed so that the output level is basically the same and a focal point is formed at an arbitrary point in space.
  • a plane wave can be formed by synthesis.
  • the audio signal processing unit 13 outputs these audio signals to the D / A converter 14.
  • the D / A converter 14 converts the obtained signals into analog signals and outputs the respective signals to the amplifier 15.
  • the input analog signal is amplified and transmitted to each speaker 16, and is output as a sound having directivity in a predetermined sound direction from the speaker array 17 composed of each speaker 16 into the space.
  • the speakers 16 are arranged in one or a plurality of rows, and each shape thereof may be any shape such as a circle, an ellipse, or a rhombus. Further, the direction of arrangement is not limited to a straight line, and the centers of the speakers 16 may be arranged in a curved line.
  • the audio signal processing unit 13 may determine the delay amount and output level for each speaker 16 according to the arrangement of each speaker 16 in the speaker array 17.
  • the AV device 10 includes a direction display unit 18, an operation unit 19, and a direction change unit 13a in addition to the speaker array 17 as main features.
  • the direction changing unit 13 a is provided as a part of the audio signal processing unit 13.
  • the direction display unit 18 displays the direction (orientation) of the sound output from the speaker array 17.
  • the direction of sound output from the speaker array 17 refers to the direction in which sound waves output from the speaker array 17 travel. In the case of output by a sound beam, the direction of the sound beam, in the case of sound output by a plane wave. The direction in which the plane wave travels.
  • the audio direction is displayed on the screen of the video display unit by OSD (On Screen Display) display.
  • OSD On Screen Display
  • Information indicating the direction can be displayed.
  • an LED Light Emitting Diode
  • the voice direction can also be displayed.
  • the operation unit 19 receives a user operation (hereinafter referred to as a direction change operation) for changing the voice direction, and transmits the direction change operation to the direction change unit 13a.
  • the operation unit 19 preferably accepts a user operation for displaying a direction on the direction display unit 18 and a user operation for turning off the direction display. Thereby, the voice direction can be displayed to the user only when the user wants to manually change the voice output direction.
  • the direction changing unit 13a changes the voice direction in accordance with the direction changing operation received by the operation unit 19, and transmits the changed voice direction to the direction display unit 18 to change the display.
  • the change of the sound direction can be executed by changing the phase of the speaker array 17 to each speaker 16 (changing the delay amount to each speaker 16) so that the sound direction matches the direction changing operation. it can.
  • the direction display unit 18 can present the sound output direction to the user. Makes it possible to easily turn the sound output direction toward the user. Therefore, the user can change the output direction by a user operation while confirming the output direction of the sound.
  • FIG. 2 is an overview diagram showing a configuration example of the television apparatus according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of a marker display position indicating a sound output direction of outputting sound as a plane wave in the present invention, and FIG. 4 outputting sound as a beam-like radiation wave in the present invention. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the display position of the marker which shows the audio
  • FIG. 5 is an overview diagram showing an example of a remote controller (remote controller) attached to the television apparatus of FIG. 6A to 6C are diagrams showing an example of a mark expressing the sound output direction displayed on the display panel in the television apparatus of FIG.
  • remote controller remote controller
  • the television device 20 illustrated in FIG. 2 is an example of a display device.
  • the display device reproduces an audio signal and passes it to the speaker array 17, and a display for displaying an image indicated by the video signal.
  • a panel 21 is provided.
  • the speaker array 17 is formed by arranging a plurality of speakers 16 as described in FIG.
  • the speaker array 17 is built in the television device 20
  • the AV device including the speaker array 17 can be embedded in a TV stand (TV board), or can be embedded as an integrated speaker system placed under a TV device called a sound bar.
  • the portion other than the speaker array 17 in the AV device can be provided on the television device side.
  • the speaker array 17 is provided on the lower side of the screen, but may be provided on the upper side, or on the upper side and the lower side.
  • the direction display unit 18 displays an image indicating the direction of sound on the display screen of the display panel 21 in the display device. More specifically, the direction of the sound is expressed by the image 22 displayed on the display screen of the display panel 21.
  • the image 22 can be superimposed on the video as an OSD image, and the audio direction can be expressed by the display position or display shape on the screen.
  • a direction display bar 22a for indicating the direction of the entire range that can be output from the speaker array 17 and a marker 22b for indicating the voice output direction that is actually output are displayed.
  • the marker 22b is displayed at the center portion of the direction display bar 22a, it is confirmed that the sound is output vertically to the speaker array 17, that is, the sound is output vertically from the front. means. The more the marker 22b goes to the right, the more the output direction changes from the front to the right. The same applies to the left side.
  • the display position of the marker 22b is provided, for example, as shown in FIG. 3 by providing a virtual reference point K on the back side of the display screen aligned with the speaker array 17 in the vertical direction.
  • the position P of the intersection of the line (broken line) D extended in the traveling direction of the plane wave S and the display screen is calculated, and the marker 22b is displayed at the position P.
  • the marker display position is extended to a focal point F corresponding to the traveling direction of the audio beam by providing a virtual reference point K on the back side of the screen as shown in FIG.
  • the position P of the intersection of the line (broken line) and the screen is calculated, and the marker 22b is displayed at the position P.
  • the output direction of the sound can be displayed on the display panel 21 more easily and accurately.
  • the user may perform a direction changing operation using, for example, an attached remote controller.
  • the direction changing operation can be performed by a button provided on the main body of the television apparatus 20.
  • the remote control 30 illustrated in FIG. 5 is provided with an audio output direction change button 32.
  • the audio output direction change button 32 includes a left direction button 32L for changing to the left direction.
  • a right direction button 32R for changing to the right direction is provided.
  • the audio output direction change button 32 is one specific example of the operation unit 19 shown in FIG.
  • the image 22 is displayed on the display panel 21.
  • the output direction is shifted to the left by a predetermined angle.
  • the output direction is shifted to the right by a predetermined angle.
  • the output direction may be shifted in the direction.
  • the approximate output direction of the sound can be grasped from the position of the marker 22b on the direction display bar 22a, and the left direction button 32L or the fine adjustment of the output direction can be performed until the sound is heard loudly depending on the user's own hearing. This may be done by pressing the right button 32R.
  • the user can easily direct the voice in his / her direction while confirming the position of the marker 22b.
  • the output direction can be changed by a user operation while displaying the voice output direction in an easy-to-understand manner on the display panel 21.
  • a button for setting menu display is prepared on the remote controller, and the setting menu is displayed.
  • an audio direction setting item may be provided. Then, when this item is selected, the image 22 is displayed, the sound direction is changed with the left and right keys, and the setting in that direction is performed with the enter key.
  • the display of the voice output direction is not limited to the display by the direction display bar 22a and the marker 22b, and the voice output direction may be displayed by an arrow image as shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C, for example.
  • the image of the arrow shown in FIG. 6A is an image when the output direction is directed to the right side toward the front
  • the image of the arrow shown in FIG. 6B is an image when the output direction is directed to the front
  • the image of the arrow shown in FIG. 6C is an image when the output direction is on the left side when facing the front.
  • the display of the audio output direction by the arrow image is not limited to these three stages, but may be changed to the direction of the arrow that more closely matches the audio output direction.
  • the direction of the arrow may be adjusted to the direction corresponding to the angle of the broken line as shown in FIGS.
  • FIG. 7 is an overview diagram showing one configuration example of the audio system according to the present invention
  • FIG. 8 is an overview diagram showing one configuration example of the car audio system according to the present invention.
  • the audio system 50 illustrated in FIG. 7 is a music content reproduction that inputs and reproduces music content provided from the optical disc 54, the portable player 55, or the network media server 56 in an enclosure provided with the speaker array 17 including a plurality of speakers 16.
  • a device is provided.
  • the music content playback apparatus an optical disk reading device 51 for the optical disk 54, a player connection terminal 52 for the portable player 55, and a wireless communication device 53 for communication with the network media server 56 are mounted. An example is given.
  • a plurality of LEDs 57 are provided below the speaker array 17 (which may of course be the upper side), and the sound direction is at least one LED (In this example, the LED 57a) is turned on or blinked for display. In addition, not only LED but another kind of light emission part can also be provided.
  • the direction display unit 18 includes a plurality of light emitting units arranged along the longitudinal direction of the speaker array, and turns on or blinks the light emitting unit at a position corresponding to the sound direction among these light emitting units. Also good. As a result, even if the AV device does not have a display panel, the user can change the sound output direction while displaying the sound output direction in an easy-to-understand manner.
  • the plurality of light emitting units function as direction indicators, but are preferably arranged at predetermined intervals in order to clearly indicate the output direction.
  • a virtual reference point K is provided on the back side of the plane corresponding to (3), a line P (broken line) D extending in the traveling direction of the plane wave S and the position P of the intersection of the screen are calculated, and light emission closest to the position P is calculated. It is preferable to light or blink the part. Further, even in an AV device that does not include a display panel, as illustrated in FIG.
  • a virtual reference point K is similarly provided on the far side of the arrangement surface, and an audio beam is generated therefrom. It is also possible to calculate the position P of the intersection of the screen and the line (broken line) extended to the focal point F corresponding to the traveling direction, and to light or blink the light emitting part closest to the position P.
  • the direction changing operation is basically the same as that of the television apparatus (except for the operation that requires the setting menu display as described above), and can be performed by the buttons provided on the remote controller 30 or an alternative main body. .
  • the audio system according to the present invention can be installed in a car as car audio.
  • a speaker array in which a plurality of speakers 16 are arranged in a curved shape may be embedded on the surface of the dashboard 61 in the vehicle.
  • a plurality of LEDs 62 are provided along a curve in which the speaker array is arranged, and the sound direction is displayed by lighting or blinking at least one of the LEDs (in this example, the LED 62a).
  • the direction changing operation is basically the same as that of the television device, and can be performed by operating the remote control 30 or buttons provided on the main body.
  • the display panel is not provided, similarly to the audio system 50, it can be performed by a button provided on the remote controller 30 or an alternative main body.
  • each component of the AV apparatus such as the audio signal processing unit 13 illustrated in FIG. 1 is, for example, a microprocessor (or DSP: Digital Signal Processor), a memory, a bus, an interface,
  • a microprocessor or DSP: Digital Signal Processor
  • a memory such as a hard disk drive, a solid state drive, or any other suitable storage device.
  • a peripheral device such as a remote controller
  • software executable on the hardware.
  • a part of the hardware can be mounted as an integrated circuit / IC (Integrated Circuit) chip set.
  • the software may be stored in the memory.
  • all the components of the present invention may be configured by hardware, and in that case, a part of the hardware can also be mounted as an integrated circuit / IC chip set.
  • a recording medium on which a program code of software for realizing the functions in the various configuration examples described above is recorded is supplied to a device having a built-in or connected speaker array, such as a television device or a general-purpose computer as an AV device.
  • the object of the present invention is also achieved by executing the program code by a microprocessor or DSP in the apparatus.
  • the software program code itself realizes the functions of the above-described various configuration examples. Even if the program code itself or a recording medium (external recording medium or internal storage device) on which the program code is recorded is used.
  • the present invention can be configured by the control side reading and executing the code.
  • Examples of the external recording medium include various media such as an optical disk such as a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM and a nonvolatile semiconductor memory such as a memory card.
  • Examples of the internal storage device include various devices such as a hard disk and a semiconductor memory.
  • the program code can be downloaded from the Internet and executed, or received from a broadcast wave and executed.
  • the present invention is a form as a method for changing the sound direction in an AV device including a speaker array that outputs directional sound. Can also be taken.
  • the direction display unit displays the direction of the audio output from the speaker array
  • the operation unit receives a user operation for changing the audio direction
  • the direction changing unit Changing the direction of the sound according to the operation.
  • Other application examples are the same as those described for the AV device, and a description thereof will be omitted.
  • the program code itself is a program for causing a computer to execute the voice direction changing method. That is, this program displays on the computer the direction of the sound output from the speaker array, the step of accepting a user operation for changing the direction of the sound, and the step of changing the direction of the sound according to the user operation. And a program for executing.
  • Other application examples are the same as those described for the AV device, and a description thereof will be omitted.
  • the AV device is an AV device including a speaker array that outputs sound having directivity, and a direction display unit that displays a direction of the sound output from the speaker array;
  • An operation unit that receives a user operation for changing the direction of the voice and a direction changing unit that changes the direction of the voice according to the user operation are provided.
  • the AV device is a display device including a reproduction unit that reproduces an audio signal and passes it to the speaker array, and a display panel that displays an image indicated by the video signal, and the direction display unit includes the display device.
  • An image showing the direction of the sound may be displayed on the display screen. This makes it possible to change the output direction by a user operation while displaying the voice output direction in an easy-to-understand manner on the display panel.
  • the speaker array outputs the sound as a plane wave
  • the direction display unit provides a virtual reference point on the back side of the display screen aligned in the vertical direction with the speaker array, and the plane wave is generated from the reference point. It is also possible to calculate the position of the intersection of the line extending in the traveling direction and the display screen and display an image indicating the direction of the sound at the position of the intersection. Thereby, it is possible to display the voice output direction on the display panel more easily and accurately.
  • the direction display unit includes a plurality of light emitting units arranged along the longitudinal direction of the speaker array, and turns on or blinks a light emitting unit at a position corresponding to the direction of the sound among the plurality of light emitting units. You may make it make it. As a result, even for an AV device that does not include a display panel, the user can change the audio output direction while displaying the audio output direction in an easy-to-understand manner.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Otolaryngology (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Details Of Audible-Bandwidth Transducers (AREA)
  • Circuit For Audible Band Transducer (AREA)
  • Obtaining Desirable Characteristics In Audible-Bandwidth Transducers (AREA)

Abstract

The objective of the present invention is, in an A/V apparatus comprising a speaker array capable of directionally outputting audio, while allowing a user to verify an output direction of the audio, to change said output direction with a user operation. An A/V apparatus (10) according to the present invention comprises: a direction display unit (18) which displays a direction of audio which a speaker array (17) outputs; a console unit (19) which receives a user operation which changes the direction of the audio; and a direction change unit (13a) which changes the direction of the audio according to said user operation.

Description

ＡＶ機器AV equipment
　本発明は、ＡＶ（Audio Visual）機器に関し、より詳細には、指向性を有する音声を出力するスピーカアレイを備えたＡＶ機器に関する。 The present invention relates to an AV (Audio Visual) device, and more particularly to an AV device including a speaker array that outputs directional sound.
　従来から、音声をビーム化して出力するスピーカアレイが知られている。また、特許文献１には、聴取位置にマイクを設置してスピーカアレイから出力された音声ビームを０度～１８０度までスイープさせ、収音した音声のレベルから音声ビームが到達する角度を求め、音声ビームの出力角度を自動設定する技術が開示されている。 Conventionally, a speaker array that outputs sound as a beam is known. In Patent Document 1, a microphone is installed at the listening position, the sound beam output from the speaker array is swept from 0 to 180 degrees, and the angle at which the sound beam reaches is determined from the level of the collected sound. A technique for automatically setting an output angle of an audio beam is disclosed.
　また、特許文献２には、スピーカアレイを室内に設置する前に、音声ビームの経路を表示するビーム経路表示装置が開示されている。このビーム経路表示装置は、ＰＣ（パーソナルコンピュータ）等の情報処理装置でなり、室内形状及びスピーカアレイの設置位置を考慮して音声ビームの壁面反射の角度を計算し、音声ビームの経路を計算し、計算した経路をディスプレイ上に表示させている。なお、特許文献２において、スピーカアレイは、基本的にテレビ装置やオーディオシステムに内蔵または接続されるものであることを前提としており、上記情報処理装置からの音声を出力するために設置されるものではない。 Patent Document 2 discloses a beam path display device that displays a path of an audio beam before a speaker array is installed indoors. This beam path display device is an information processing device such as a PC (Personal Computer), calculates the angle of reflection of the sound beam wall surface in consideration of the indoor shape and the installation position of the speaker array, and calculates the path of the sound beam. The calculated route is displayed on the display. In Patent Document 2, it is assumed that the speaker array is basically built in or connected to a television apparatus or an audio system, and is installed to output sound from the information processing apparatus. is not.
特開２００６－１３７１１号公報JP 2006-13711 A 特開２０１０－４２０５号公報JP 2010-4205 A
　しかしながら、特許文献２に記載のビーム経路表示装置は、音声ビームの方向（出力方向）を音声出力時に表示するものではない。そして、音声ビームの方向が分からないと、音声ビームの方向がずれていたために音量が小さいのか、音量レベルが小さいので音量が小さいのかを、ユーザが聴取位置から移動すること無しで判断することは難しい。従って、特許文献２に記載の技術では、音声ビームの方向がずれていたためにユーザには音量が小さく聞こえていた場合、ユーザは音量レベルを大きくなるように操作せざるを得なくなり、余計な電力が消費されてしまうといった事態が生じ得る。 However, the beam path display device described in Patent Document 2 does not display the direction (output direction) of the sound beam at the time of sound output. And if the direction of the sound beam is unknown, it is possible to determine whether the volume is low because the direction of the sound beam is shifted or whether the volume is low because the volume level is low, without the user moving from the listening position. difficult. Therefore, in the technique described in Patent Document 2, when the sound volume is heard by the user because the direction of the sound beam is deviated, the user is forced to operate to increase the sound volume level, and extra power is consumed. May be consumed.
　また、ユーザがスピーカアレイを備えた機器（ＡＶ機器）の正面におらず、自分の方向のみ聞こえればよいという状況で、音声ビームを自分の方へ向けたいとする。このとき、特許文献２に記載の技術では、このようなＡＶ機器に、音声を聴取中にユーザが音声ビームの方向を変更するための操作部を設けることを想定していないため、そのＡＶ機器でユーザが方向を変更することはできない。 Also, suppose that the user wants to direct the sound beam toward himself / herself in a situation where only the user's direction can be heard without being in front of the device (AV device) equipped with the speaker array. At this time, in the technology described in Patent Document 2, it is not assumed that such an AV device is provided with an operation unit for the user to change the direction of the sound beam while listening to the audio. The user cannot change the direction.
　さらに、特許文献２に記載の技術では、仮にＡＶ機器に上記のような操作部を設けたとしても、音声ビームの経路を動的に表示できないため、ユーザが手動で音声ビームの方向を変えたときにその結果がユーザには分からず、結局のところ、ユーザが音声ビームの方向を確認しながら変更することができない。 Furthermore, in the technique described in Patent Document 2, even if the above-described operation unit is provided in the AV device, the sound beam path cannot be dynamically displayed, so the user manually changes the direction of the sound beam. Sometimes the result is unknown to the user, and eventually the user cannot change while checking the direction of the sound beam.
　なお、特許文献１に記載の技術では、音声ビームの方向を自動設定しているが、その設定した方向をユーザに示すことができるものではなく、ユーザの聴取位置に対応するマイクロフォンの位置に合うように方向を設定できるだけで、ユーザ操作により方向を設定できるものでもない。 In the technique described in Patent Document 1, the direction of the sound beam is automatically set. However, the set direction cannot be shown to the user and matches the position of the microphone corresponding to the user's listening position. Thus, it is not possible to set the direction by user operation.
　以上のように、特許文献１，２に記載の技術を含む従来の技術では、ユーザ操作により音声ビームの方向（出力角度）を設定できるものではなく、スピーカアレイの設置位置の移動やユーザ自身の聴取位置の変更が必要となる。 As described above, in the conventional techniques including the techniques described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, the direction (output angle) of the sound beam cannot be set by a user operation. It is necessary to change the listening position.
　また、スピーカアレイからは、音声ビームの出力に限らず、平面波での音声出力など、指向性を有するような他種の音声出力も可能であるが、そのような音声出力についても同様にその音声の方向をユーザ操作で変更可能にすることが望まれる。また、スピーカアレイは、テレビ装置や音声信号再生装置など、様々なＡＶ機器に搭載されるが、そのような様々なＡＶ機器において音声の方向をユーザ操作により変更できるようにすることが望まれる。 In addition, the speaker array is not limited to the output of the sound beam, but can output other kinds of sound outputs having directivity, such as sound output in a plane wave. It is desirable to be able to change the direction of the user by a user operation. The speaker array is mounted on various AV devices such as a television device and an audio signal reproduction device, and it is desired that the direction of sound can be changed by a user operation in such various AV devices.
　本発明は、上述のような実状に鑑みてなされたものであり、その目的は、指向性をもった音声を出力することが可能なスピーカアレイを備えたＡＶ機器において、ユーザに音声の出力方向を確認させながらユーザ操作でその出力方向を変更できるようにすることにある。 The present invention has been made in view of the above situation, and an object of the present invention is to provide an audio output direction to a user in an AV apparatus including a speaker array capable of outputting sound with directivity. The output direction can be changed by a user operation while confirming.
　上記の課題を解決するために、本発明の第１の技術手段は、指向性を有する音声を出力するスピーカアレイを備えたＡＶ機器であって、前記スピーカアレイが出力する前記音声の方向を表示する方向表示部と、前記音声の方向を変化させるユーザ操作を受け付ける操作部と、該ユーザ操作に応じて、前記音声の方向を変更する方向変更部と、を備えたことを特徴としたものである。 In order to solve the above-described problem, a first technical means of the present invention is an AV device including a speaker array that outputs directional sound, and displays the direction of the sound output from the speaker array. A direction display unit, an operation unit that accepts a user operation to change the direction of the voice, and a direction change unit that changes the direction of the voice according to the user operation. is there.
　本発明の第２の技術手段は、第１の技術手段において、前記ＡＶ機器は、音声信号を再生し前記スピーカアレイに渡す再生部と、映像信号が示す映像を表示する表示パネルと、を備えた表示装置であり、前記方向表示部は、前記表示装置の表示画面に前記音声の方向を示す画像を表示させることを特徴としたものである。 According to a second technical means of the present invention, in the first technical means, the AV device includes a reproduction unit that reproduces an audio signal and passes it to the speaker array, and a display panel that displays an image indicated by the video signal. The direction display unit displays an image indicating the direction of the sound on a display screen of the display device.
　本発明の第３の技術手段は、第２の技術手段において、前記スピーカアレイは、前記音声を平面波として出力し、前記方向表示部は、前記スピーカアレイと鉛直方向に並んだ前記表示画面の奥側に仮想の基準点を設け、該基準点から平面波の進行方向に伸ばした線と前記表示画面の交点の位置を計算し、該交点の位置に前記音声の方向を示す画像を表示させることを特徴としたものである。 According to a third technical means of the present invention, in the second technical means, the speaker array outputs the sound as a plane wave, and the direction display unit is located at the back of the display screen aligned with the speaker array in a vertical direction. Providing a virtual reference point on the side, calculating the position of the intersection of the display screen with a line extending from the reference point in the traveling direction of the plane wave, and displaying an image indicating the direction of the sound at the position of the intersection It is a feature.
　本発明の第４の技術手段は、第１の技術手段において、前記方向表示部は、前記スピーカアレイの長手方向に沿って並べられた複数の発光部を有し、該複数の発光部のうち前記音声の方向に対応した位置の発光部を点灯または点滅させることを特徴としたものである。 According to a fourth technical means of the present invention, in the first technical means, the direction display unit includes a plurality of light emitting units arranged along a longitudinal direction of the speaker array. The light emitting unit at a position corresponding to the direction of the sound is turned on or blinked.
　本発明によれば、指向性をもった音声を出力することが可能なスピーカアレイを備えたＡＶ機器において、ユーザに音声の出力方向を確認させながらユーザ操作でその出力方向を変更できるようになる。 ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, in the AV apparatus provided with the speaker array which can output the sound with directivity, it becomes possible to change the output direction by the user operation while allowing the user to confirm the sound output direction. .
本発明に係るＡＶ機器の一構成例を示すブロック図である。It is a block diagram which shows one structural example of AV apparatus which concerns on this invention. 本発明に係るテレビ装置の一構成例を示す概観図である。It is a general-view figure which shows the example of 1 structure of the television apparatus which concerns on this invention. 本発明において音声を平面波として出力する際の音声出力方向を示すマーカの表示位置の一例を説明するための図である。It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the display position of the marker which shows the audio | voice output direction at the time of outputting an audio | voice as a plane wave in this invention. 本発明において音声をビーム状の放射波として出力する際の音声出力方向を示すマーカの表示位置の一例を説明するための図である。It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the display position of the marker which shows the audio | voice output direction at the time of outputting an audio | voice as a beam-like radiation wave in this invention. 図２のテレビ装置に付属のリモートコントローラの一例を示す概観図である。FIG. 3 is an overview diagram illustrating an example of a remote controller attached to the television apparatus of FIG. 2. 図２のテレビ装置において表示パネルに表示させる音声出力方向を表現するマークの一例を示す図である。FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mark expressing a sound output direction to be displayed on a display panel in the television apparatus of FIG. 2. 図２のテレビ装置において表示パネルに表示させる音声出力方向を表現するマークの一例を示す図である。FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mark expressing a sound output direction to be displayed on a display panel in the television apparatus of FIG. 2. 図２のテレビ装置において表示パネルに表示させる音声出力方向を表現するマークの一例を示す図である。FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mark expressing a sound output direction to be displayed on a display panel in the television apparatus of FIG. 2. 本発明に係るオーディオシステムの一構成例を示す概観図である。It is a general-view figure which shows the example of 1 structure of the audio system which concerns on this invention. 本発明に係るカーオーディオシステムの一構成例を示す概観図である。It is a general-view figure which shows the example of 1 structure of the car audio system which concerns on this invention.
　本発明に係るＡＶ機器は、指向性を有する音声を出力するスピーカアレイを備えた機器であって、その音声出力方向をユーザに提示しながら変更することが可能となっている。ここで、指向性を有する音声としては、いわゆる音声ビームと呼ばれるビーム状の放射波で出力される音声や、平面波で出力される音声を指す。よって、本発明に係るＡＶ機器は、指向性を有する音声に対する音声方向表示機能と音声方向変更機能を有する。無論、スピーカアレイから指向性のない音声を出力することもできる。本発明に係るＡＶ機器としては、テレビ装置等の表示装置や、オーディオシステム等の音声信号再生装置などの機器が挙げられる。 The AV device according to the present invention is a device including a speaker array that outputs directional sound, and the sound output direction can be changed while presenting to the user. Here, sound having directivity refers to sound output as a beam-like radiation wave called a so-called sound beam and sound output as a plane wave. Therefore, the AV device according to the present invention has a sound direction display function and a sound direction change function for sound having directivity. Of course, it is also possible to output non-directional sound from the speaker array. Examples of the AV device according to the present invention include devices such as a display device such as a television device and an audio signal reproduction device such as an audio system.
　図１は、本発明に係るＡＶ機器の一構成例を示すブロック図である。
　図１で例示するＡＶ機器１０は、デコーダ１１ａ、Ａ／Ｄコンバータ１１ｂ、音声信号抽出部１２、音声信号処理部１３、Ｄ／Ａコンバータ１４、複数の増幅器１５、そして複数のスピーカ１６でなるスピーカアレイ１７から構成される。なお、増幅器１５とスピーカ１６の数は基本的に同じとする。 FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an AV device according to the present invention.
1 includes a decoder 11a, an A / D converter 11b, an audio signal extraction unit 12, an audio signal processing unit 13, a D / A converter 14, a plurality of amplifiers 15, and a plurality of speakers 16. It is composed of an array 17. The number of amplifiers 15 and speakers 16 is basically the same.
　デコーダ１１ａは、音声のみあるいは音声付き映像のコンテンツを復号化し、信号処理可能な形式に変換し音声信号抽出部１２に出力する。そのコンテンツは、放送局から送信されたデジタル放送のコンテンツや、ネットワークを介してデジタルコンテンツを配信するサーバからインターネット経由でダウンロードしたり、あるいは外部記憶装置等の記録媒体から読み込んだりすることによって取得する。 The decoder 11a decodes the content of the audio only or the video with audio, converts it into a signal processable format, and outputs it to the audio signal extraction unit 12. The content is acquired by downloading digital broadcast content transmitted from a broadcasting station, a server that distributes digital content via a network via the Internet, or reading from a recording medium such as an external storage device. .
　Ａ／Ｄコンバータ１１ｂは、アナログの入力音声信号をサンプリングしてデジタル信号に変換し、音声信号抽出部１２に出力する。その入力音声信号は、アナログ放送の信号であったり、音楽再生装置から出力されたものであったりする。なお、音声信号は、いわゆる音声を記録した信号に限ったものではなく、音響信号全般を意味している。 The A / D converter 11b samples the analog input audio signal, converts it to a digital signal, and outputs it to the audio signal extraction unit 12. The input audio signal may be an analog broadcast signal or output from a music playback device. Note that the audio signal is not limited to a signal in which a so-called sound is recorded, but means an entire acoustic signal.
　このように、図１では図示しないが、ＡＶ機器１０は、マルチチャネルの入力音声信号を含むコンテンツを入力するコンテンツ入力部を備える。デコーダ１１ａは、ここで入力されたデジタルコンテンツを復号化し、Ａ／Ｄコンバータ１１ｂは、ここで入力されたアナログコンテンツをデジタルコンテンツに変換することになる。音声信号抽出部１２では、得られた信号から音声信号を分離、抽出する。ここでは、抽出する音声信号を２ｃｈステレオ信号とし、音声信号抽出部１２はその２チャネル分の信号を音声信号処理部１３に出力する。 Thus, although not shown in FIG. 1, the AV device 10 includes a content input unit for inputting content including a multi-channel input audio signal. The decoder 11a decodes the digital content input here, and the A / D converter 11b converts the analog content input here into digital content. The audio signal extraction unit 12 separates and extracts an audio signal from the obtained signal. Here, the audio signal to be extracted is a 2ch stereo signal, and the audio signal extraction unit 12 outputs the signals for the two channels to the audio signal processing unit 13.
　従って、入力音声信号が５.１ｃｈなど、２ｃｈを越えるチャネル数である場合には、音声信号抽出部１２は、例えばＡＲＩＢ　ＳＴＤ－Ｂ２１「デジタル放送用受信装置　標準規格」によって定められているような、次式の通常のダウンミックス方法によって２ｃｈにダウンミックスし、音声信号処理部１３に出力する。 Therefore, when the input audio signal has a channel number exceeding 2 ch, such as 5.1 ch, the audio signal extraction unit 12 is defined by, for example, ARIB STD-B21 “Digital Broadcasting Receiver Standard”. Then, it is downmixed to 2ch by a normal downmix method of the following formula and output to the audio signal processing unit 13.
Figure JPOXMLDOC01-appb-M000001
Figure JPOXMLDOC01-appb-M000001
　ここで、Ｌt、Ｒtはダウンミックス後の左右チャネル信号、Ｌ、Ｒ、Ｃ、ＬS、ＲSはそれぞれ５.１ｃｈの各信号（左フロントチャネル信号、右フロントチャネル信号、センターチャネル信号、左リアチャネル信号、右リアチャネル信号）、ａはオーバーロード低減係数で例えば１／√２、ｋｄはダウンミックス係数で例えば１／√２、または１／２、または１／２√２、または０となる。 Here, L t and R t are left and right channel signals after downmixing, and L, R, C, L S and R S are 5.1ch signals (left front channel signal, right front channel signal, center channel signal). , rear left channel signal, right rear channel signal), a overload reduction factor, for example, 1 / √2, k d is the downmix coefficients for example 1 / √2 or 1/2, or 1 / 2√2,, Or it becomes 0.
　このように、マルチチャネルの入力音声信号は、３以上のチャネルをもつマルチチャネル再生方式の入力音声信号であってもよく、その場合、音声信号処理部１３では、マルチチャネルの入力音声信号を２つのチャネルの音声信号にダウンミックスした後の２つのチャネルの音声信号について、後述の音声方向変更の対象としてもよい。なお、ここでは、２つのチャネルの音声信号を音声方向変更の対象とすることを前提に説明しているが、それに限ったものではなく、出力の結果として指向性をもつ音声となるような複数の音声信号を音声方向変更の対象とすればよい。例えば３以上のチャネルをもつマルチチャネル再生方式の入力音声信号の全てを、音声方向変更の対象としてもよいし、そのうちの一部を音声方向変更の対象としてもよい。 As described above, the multi-channel input audio signal may be an input audio signal of a multi-channel reproduction method having three or more channels. In this case, the audio signal processing unit 13 converts the multi-channel input audio signal to 2 The audio signals of the two channels after being downmixed to the audio signals of the two channels may be subject to audio direction change described later. Here, the explanation is made on the assumption that the audio signals of the two channels are to be subjected to the change of the audio direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of audio signals having directivity as a result of output are provided. The voice signal may be the target of the voice direction change. For example, all of the input audio signals of the multi-channel reproduction method having three or more channels may be the target of the voice direction change, or some of them may be the target of the voice direction change.
　例えば、入力されたマルチチャネルの音声信号から指向性のない低周波数域を抜き取って指向性のある音声信号だけについて音声方向の表示、変更受付を行ってもよい。その場合でも抜き取った低周波数域の音声信号は出力時に加算してスピーカアレイ１７から出力するか別途設けた低周波数域用のスピーカから出力すればよい。 For example, the low-frequency region having no directivity may be extracted from the input multi-channel audio signal, and the audio direction may be displayed and changed only for the directional audio signal. Even in such a case, the extracted low frequency range audio signals may be added at the time of output and output from the speaker array 17 or may be output from a separately provided low frequency range speaker.
　音声信号処理部１３では、得られた２チャネル信号から、指向性を有するようなマルチチャネルの音声信号であって、スピーカアレイ１７で出力するための音声信号を生成する。具体的には、スピーカアレイ１７に含まれる各スピーカ１６間で出力を遅延させることで、スピーカアレイ１７から所定の音声方向で（音声ビームとしてまたは平面波出力音声として）音声が出力されるような音声信号群を生成する。 The audio signal processing unit 13 generates a multi-channel audio signal having directivity from the obtained 2-channel signal and is output by the speaker array 17. Specifically, by delaying the output between the speakers 16 included in the speaker array 17, sound that outputs sound from the speaker array 17 in a predetermined sound direction (as a sound beam or as a plane wave output sound). Generate a group of signals.
　音声出力方向と各スピーカ１６での遅延量（及び出力レベル）の関係は、その音声をビーム状の放射波として出力するのか、平面波として出力するかによって異なるが、遅延量（及び出力レベル）をどのように求めるかについては既存の技術を適用すればよい。音声ビームとして出力する場合には、例えば特許文献１に記載のように基本的に出力レベルを同じくして空間の任意の点で焦点を結ぶように遅延制御すればよい。平面波として出力する場合には、例えば基本的に出力レベルを同じくして一番端のスピーカ１６から逆側の一番端のスピーカ１６に向けて一定の割合で遅延量を増加させていけば、合成により平面波を形成することができる。 The relationship between the sound output direction and the delay amount (and output level) at each speaker 16 differs depending on whether the sound is output as a beam-like radiation wave or a plane wave, but the delay amount (and output level) is different. The existing technology can be applied as to how it is determined. In the case of outputting as an audio beam, for example, as described in Patent Document 1, delay control may be performed so that the output level is basically the same and a focal point is formed at an arbitrary point in space. When outputting as a plane wave, for example, if the output level is basically the same and the delay amount is increased at a constant rate from the farthest speaker 16 toward the farthest speaker 16 on the opposite side, A plane wave can be formed by synthesis.
　そして、音声信号処理部１３は、それらの音声信号をＤ／Ａコンバータ１４に出力する。Ｄ／Ａコンバータ１４では得られた信号をアナログ信号に変換し、それぞれの信号を増幅器１５に出力する。各増幅器１５では入力されたアナログ信号は増幅されて各スピーカ１６に伝送され、各スピーカ１６でなるスピーカアレイ１７から空間中に、所定の音声方向に指向性をもつ音として出力される。 The audio signal processing unit 13 outputs these audio signals to the D / A converter 14. The D / A converter 14 converts the obtained signals into analog signals and outputs the respective signals to the amplifier 15. In each amplifier 15, the input analog signal is amplified and transmitted to each speaker 16, and is output as a sound having directivity in a predetermined sound direction from the speaker array 17 composed of each speaker 16 into the space.
　スピーカアレイ１７において、スピーカ１６は一列または複数列に配置されており、その１つ１つの形状は円形や楕円形や菱形などどのような形状であってもよい。また、配列の方向も直線状に限らず、曲線状に各スピーカ１６の中心を配列しておいてもよい。音声信号処理部１３では、スピーカアレイ１７における各スピーカ１６の配置に応じて各スピーカ１６に対する遅延量や出力レベルを決定すればよい。 In the speaker array 17, the speakers 16 are arranged in one or a plurality of rows, and each shape thereof may be any shape such as a circle, an ellipse, or a rhombus. Further, the direction of arrangement is not limited to a straight line, and the centers of the speakers 16 may be arranged in a curved line. The audio signal processing unit 13 may determine the delay amount and output level for each speaker 16 according to the arrangement of each speaker 16 in the speaker array 17.
　本発明に係るＡＶ機器１０は、その主たる特徴として、スピーカアレイ１７のほかに、方向表示部１８、操作部１９、及び方向変更部１３ａを備える。図１の例では、方向変更部１３ａは音声信号処理部１３の一部として設けられている。 The AV device 10 according to the present invention includes a direction display unit 18, an operation unit 19, and a direction change unit 13a in addition to the speaker array 17 as main features. In the example of FIG. 1, the direction changing unit 13 a is provided as a part of the audio signal processing unit 13.
　方向表示部１８は、スピーカアレイ１７が出力する音声の方向（向き）を表示する。スピーカアレイ１７が出力する音声の方向とは、スピーカアレイ１７から出力された音波の進む方向を指し、音声ビームでの出力の場合にはその音声ビームの方向、平面波での音声出力の場合にはその平面波の進む方向を指す。 The direction display unit 18 displays the direction (orientation) of the sound output from the speaker array 17. The direction of sound output from the speaker array 17 refers to the direction in which sound waves output from the speaker array 17 travel. In the case of output by a sound beam, the direction of the sound beam, in the case of sound output by a plane wave. The direction in which the plane wave travels.
　方向表示部１８での表示に関し、ＡＶ機器１０がテレビ装置などの映像表示部を備えた機器であった場合には、その映像表示部の画面にＯＳＤ（On Screen Display）表示により音声方向（音声方向を示す情報）を表示させることができる。また、映像表示部を備えている場合、備えていない場合に拘わらず、スピーカアレイ１７のそばにＬＥＤ（Light Emitting Diode）を配設しておき、対応する箇所のＬＥＤを点灯や点滅させることで音声方向を表示させることもできる。 Regarding the display on the direction display unit 18, when the AV device 10 is a device having a video display unit such as a television device, the audio direction (audio) is displayed on the screen of the video display unit by OSD (On Screen Display) display. Information indicating the direction) can be displayed. Further, regardless of whether or not the video display unit is provided, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) is arranged near the speaker array 17 and the corresponding LED is turned on or blinked. The voice direction can also be displayed.
　操作部１９は、音声方向を変化させるユーザ操作（以下、方向変更操作）を受け付け、方向変更部１３ａにその方向変更操作を伝える。操作部１９では、方向表示部１８での方向表示を行うためのユーザ操作や方向表示を消すためのユーザ操作を受付可能としておくことが好ましい。これにより、ユーザが手動で音声出力方向を変えたいときにだけ、音声方向をユーザに表示することができる。 The operation unit 19 receives a user operation (hereinafter referred to as a direction change operation) for changing the voice direction, and transmits the direction change operation to the direction change unit 13a. The operation unit 19 preferably accepts a user operation for displaying a direction on the direction display unit 18 and a user operation for turning off the direction display. Thereby, the voice direction can be displayed to the user only when the user wants to manually change the voice output direction.
　方向変更部１３ａは、操作部１９で受け付けた方向変更操作に応じて、音声方向を変更すると共に、その変更後の音声方向を方向表示部１８に伝えて表示を変更させる。音声方向の変更は、方向変更操作に合った音声方向になるように、スピーカアレイ１７の各スピーカ１６への位相を変更する（各スピーカ１６への遅延量を変更する）ことで実行することができる。 The direction changing unit 13a changes the voice direction in accordance with the direction changing operation received by the operation unit 19, and transmits the changed voice direction to the direction display unit 18 to change the display. The change of the sound direction can be executed by changing the phase of the speaker array 17 to each speaker 16 (changing the delay amount to each speaker 16) so that the sound direction matches the direction changing operation. it can.
　以上、本発明によれば、指向性をもった音声を出力することが可能なスピーカアレイ１７を備えたＡＶ機器１０において、方向表示部１８によりユーザに音声出力方向を提示することができ、ユーザは容易に自分の方に音声出力方向を向けることが可能となる。よって、ユーザに音声の出力方向を確認させながらユーザ操作でその出力方向を変更できるようになる。 As described above, according to the present invention, in the AV device 10 provided with the speaker array 17 capable of outputting sound with directivity, the direction display unit 18 can present the sound output direction to the user. Makes it possible to easily turn the sound output direction toward the user. Therefore, the user can change the output direction by a user operation while confirming the output direction of the sound.
　次に、ＡＶ機器１０がテレビ装置である場合の具体的な方向変更操作について、図２～図５及び図６Ａ～図６Ｃを参照しながら説明する。図２は、本発明に係るテレビ装置の一構成例を示す概観図である。 Next, a specific direction changing operation when the AV device 10 is a television device will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5 and FIGS. 6A to 6C. FIG. 2 is an overview diagram showing a configuration example of the television apparatus according to the present invention.
　また、図３は、本発明において音声を平面波として出力するの音声出力方向を示すマーカの表示位置の一例を説明するための図、図４は、本発明において音声をビーム状の放射波として出力する際の音声出力方向を示すマーカの表示位置の一例を説明するための図である。図５は、図２のテレビ装置に付属のリモートコントローラ（リモコン）の一例を示す概観図である。図６Ａ～図６Ｃは、図２のテレビ装置において表示パネルに表示させる音声出力方向を表現するマークの一例を示す図である。 FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of a marker display position indicating a sound output direction of outputting sound as a plane wave in the present invention, and FIG. 4 outputting sound as a beam-like radiation wave in the present invention. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the display position of the marker which shows the audio | voice output direction at the time of doing. FIG. 5 is an overview diagram showing an example of a remote controller (remote controller) attached to the television apparatus of FIG. 6A to 6C are diagrams showing an example of a mark expressing the sound output direction displayed on the display panel in the television apparatus of FIG.
　図２で例示するテレビ装置２０は、表示装置の一例であり、この表示装置は、音声信号を再生しスピーカアレイ１７に渡す再生部（図示せず）と、映像信号が示す映像を表示する表示パネル２１とを備えている。スピーカアレイ１７は、図１で説明したように複数のスピーカ１６が配列されてなる。 The television device 20 illustrated in FIG. 2 is an example of a display device. The display device reproduces an audio signal and passes it to the speaker array 17, and a display for displaying an image indicated by the video signal. A panel 21 is provided. The speaker array 17 is formed by arranging a plurality of speakers 16 as described in FIG.
　テレビ装置２０にスピーカアレイ１７が内蔵された例を挙げているが、外部に接続されていてもよい。外部に接続される場合、スピーカアレイ１７を含むＡＶ機器は、テレビ台（テレビボード）に埋め込むこともでき、またサウンドバーと呼ばれるテレビ装置の下に置く一体型のスピーカーシステムとして埋め込むこともできる。いずれの場合でもＡＶ機器におけるスピーカアレイ１７を除く部分についてはテレビ装置側に設けておくことができる。なお、この例では、スピーカアレイ１７を画面の下側に設けているが、上側、あるいは上側及び下側に設けるなどしてもよい。 Although an example in which the speaker array 17 is built in the television device 20 is given, it may be connected to the outside. When externally connected, the AV device including the speaker array 17 can be embedded in a TV stand (TV board), or can be embedded as an integrated speaker system placed under a TV device called a sound bar. In any case, the portion other than the speaker array 17 in the AV device can be provided on the television device side. In this example, the speaker array 17 is provided on the lower side of the screen, but may be provided on the upper side, or on the upper side and the lower side.
　方向表示部１８は、表示装置における表示パネル２１の表示画面に音声の方向を示す画像を表示させる。より具体的には、表示パネル２１の表示画面に表示した画像２２により、音声の方向を表現する。この画像２２は、ＯＳＤ画像として映像に重畳することができ、画面上での表示位置または表示形状によってその音声方向が表現できる。 The direction display unit 18 displays an image indicating the direction of sound on the display screen of the display panel 21 in the display device. More specifically, the direction of the sound is expressed by the image 22 displayed on the display screen of the display panel 21. The image 22 can be superimposed on the video as an OSD image, and the audio direction can be expressed by the display position or display shape on the screen.
　図２の例では、スピーカアレイ１７から出力可能な全範囲の方向を示すための方向表示バー２２ａと、実際に現在出力している音声出力方向を表すためのマーカ２２ｂとを表示させている。例えば、方向表示バー２２ａの中央部分にマーカ２２ｂが表示されていた場合には丁度スピーカアレイ１７に垂直に音声が出力されていること、つまり丁度正面から垂直方向に音声が出力されていることを意味する。マーカ２２ｂが右に行けば行くほど、その出力方向が正面より右側に変化する。左側も同様である。 In the example of FIG. 2, a direction display bar 22a for indicating the direction of the entire range that can be output from the speaker array 17 and a marker 22b for indicating the voice output direction that is actually output are displayed. For example, when the marker 22b is displayed at the center portion of the direction display bar 22a, it is confirmed that the sound is output vertically to the speaker array 17, that is, the sound is output vertically from the front. means. The more the marker 22b goes to the right, the more the output direction changes from the front to the right. The same applies to the left side.
　ここで、平面波として音声出力を行う場合、マーカ２２ｂの表示位置は、例えば図３のように、スピーカアレイ１７と鉛直方向に並んだ表示画面の奥側に仮想の基準点Ｋを設け、そこから平面波Ｓの進行方向に伸ばした線（破線）Ｄと表示画面の交点の位置Ｐを計算し、その位置Ｐにマーカ２２ｂを表示する。音声ビームとして音声出力を行う場合、マーカの表示位置は、例えば図４のように、同じく画面の奥側に仮想の基準点Ｋを設け、そこから音声ビームの進行方向に相当する焦点Ｆに伸ばした線（破線）と画面の交点の位置Ｐを計算し、その位置Ｐにマーカ２２ｂを表示する。いずれを採用した場合にも、さらに分かり易く正確に、表示パネル２１に音声の出力方向を表示させることができる。 Here, in the case of outputting sound as a plane wave, the display position of the marker 22b is provided, for example, as shown in FIG. 3 by providing a virtual reference point K on the back side of the display screen aligned with the speaker array 17 in the vertical direction. The position P of the intersection of the line (broken line) D extended in the traveling direction of the plane wave S and the display screen is calculated, and the marker 22b is displayed at the position P. When audio output is performed as an audio beam, the marker display position is extended to a focal point F corresponding to the traveling direction of the audio beam by providing a virtual reference point K on the back side of the screen as shown in FIG. The position P of the intersection of the line (broken line) and the screen is calculated, and the marker 22b is displayed at the position P. In any case, the output direction of the sound can be displayed on the display panel 21 more easily and accurately.
　このようなテレビ装置２０において、ユーザは、例えば付属のリモコンを用いて方向変更操作を行えばよい。無論、テレビ装置２０の本体に設けたボタンにより方向変更操作を行うように構成することもできる。 In such a television device 20, the user may perform a direction changing operation using, for example, an attached remote controller. Of course, the direction changing operation can be performed by a button provided on the main body of the television apparatus 20.
　図５で例示したリモコン３０には、電源ボタン３１のほかに、音声出力方向変更ボタン３２が設けられており、音声出力方向変更ボタン３２としては、左方向に変更するための左方向ボタン３２Ｌと右方向に変更するための右方向ボタン３２Ｒとが設けられている。音声出力方向変更ボタン３２は、図１に示す操作部１９の１つの具体例である。 In addition to the power button 31, the remote control 30 illustrated in FIG. 5 is provided with an audio output direction change button 32. The audio output direction change button 32 includes a left direction button 32L for changing to the left direction. A right direction button 32R for changing to the right direction is provided. The audio output direction change button 32 is one specific example of the operation unit 19 shown in FIG.
　例えば、ユーザにより左方向ボタン３２Ｌか右方向ボタン３２Ｒのいずれかが押下されると、表示パネル２１に画像２２を表示させる。そして、画像２２を表示させた状態から、左方向ボタン３２Ｌが押下された場合には所定の角度ずつ左方向に出力方向をずらし、右方向ボタン３２Ｒが押下された場合には所定の角度ずつ右方向に出力方向をずらせばよい。 For example, when either the left button 32L or the right button 32R is pressed by the user, the image 22 is displayed on the display panel 21. When the left button 32L is pressed from the state in which the image 22 is displayed, the output direction is shifted to the left by a predetermined angle. When the right button 32R is pressed, the output direction is shifted to the right by a predetermined angle. The output direction may be shifted in the direction.
　画像２２では、方向表示バー２２ａ上のマーカ２２ｂの位置からおおよその音声の出力方向が把握でき、出力方向の微調整を、自分の聴覚を頼りに最も音の大きく聞こえるところまで左方向ボタン３２Ｌまたは右方向ボタン３２Ｒを押下することによって行えばよい。これにより、ユーザはマーカ２２ｂの位置を確認しながら容易に自分の方向に音声を向けることができる。このように、音声方向を画面上で表示させることにより、表示パネル２１に分かり易く音声の出力方向を表示させながらユーザ操作でその出力方向を変更できるようになる。 In the image 22, the approximate output direction of the sound can be grasped from the position of the marker 22b on the direction display bar 22a, and the left direction button 32L or the fine adjustment of the output direction can be performed until the sound is heard loudly depending on the user's own hearing. This may be done by pressing the right button 32R. Thus, the user can easily direct the voice in his / her direction while confirming the position of the marker 22b. Thus, by displaying the voice direction on the screen, the output direction can be changed by a user operation while displaying the voice output direction in an easy-to-understand manner on the display panel 21.
　なお、音声出力方向変更ボタン３２のように音声出力方向を変更するための専用ボタンを設けておく必要はなく、例えばリモコンに設定メニュー表示用のボタンを用意しておき、設定メニューを表示させて、その中に音声方向設定の項目を設けておけばよい。そして、この項目が選択された時点で画像２２を表示させ、左右キーにより音声方向を変更させ、決定キーによりその方向での設定を行えばよい。 It is not necessary to provide a dedicated button for changing the sound output direction like the sound output direction change button 32. For example, a button for setting menu display is prepared on the remote controller, and the setting menu is displayed. In this case, an audio direction setting item may be provided. Then, when this item is selected, the image 22 is displayed, the sound direction is changed with the left and right keys, and the setting in that direction is performed with the enter key.
　また、音声出力方向の表示は、方向表示バー２２ａとマーカ２２ｂとによる表示に限らず、例えば図６Ａ～図６Ｃに示すような矢印の画像によって音声出力方向を表示してもよい。図６Ａに示す矢印の画像は、正面に向かって右側に出力方向が向いているときの画像であり、図６Ｂに示す矢印の画像は、正面に出力方向が向いているときの画像であり、図６Ｃに示す矢印の画像は、正面に向かって左側に出力方向が向いているときの画像である。無論、矢印の画像による音声出力方向の表示は、このような３つの段階だけではなく、より細かく音声出力方向に合うような矢印の方向に変えていけばよい。また、矢印の方向は、図３や図４で示したような破線の角度に応じた方向に合わせるなどすればよい。 Further, the display of the voice output direction is not limited to the display by the direction display bar 22a and the marker 22b, and the voice output direction may be displayed by an arrow image as shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C, for example. The image of the arrow shown in FIG. 6A is an image when the output direction is directed to the right side toward the front, and the image of the arrow shown in FIG. 6B is an image when the output direction is directed to the front, The image of the arrow shown in FIG. 6C is an image when the output direction is on the left side when facing the front. Of course, the display of the audio output direction by the arrow image is not limited to these three stages, but may be changed to the direction of the arrow that more closely matches the audio output direction. Further, the direction of the arrow may be adjusted to the direction corresponding to the angle of the broken line as shown in FIGS.
　次に、図１のＡＶ機器１０がオーディオシステムである場合の具体的な方向変更操作について、図７及び図８を参照しながら説明する。図７は、本発明に係るオーディオシステムの一構成例を示す概観図で、図８は、本発明に係るカーオーディオシステムの一構成例を示す概観図である。 Next, a specific direction changing operation when the AV device 10 of FIG. 1 is an audio system will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 is an overview diagram showing one configuration example of the audio system according to the present invention, and FIG. 8 is an overview diagram showing one configuration example of the car audio system according to the present invention.
　図７で例示するオーディオシステム５０は、複数のスピーカ１６でなるスピーカアレイ１７を設けたエンクロージャに、光ディスク５４やポータブルプレーヤ５５あるいはネットワークメディアサーバ５６から提供される音楽コンテンツを入力・再生する音楽コンテンツ再生装置が設けられている。ここでは、音楽コンテンツ再生装置としては、光ディスク５４用に光ディスク読取装置５１が、ポータブルプレーヤ５５用にプレーヤ接続端子５２が、ネットワークメディアサーバ５６との通信用に無線通信装置５３が、それぞれ搭載された例を挙げている。 The audio system 50 illustrated in FIG. 7 is a music content reproduction that inputs and reproduces music content provided from the optical disc 54, the portable player 55, or the network media server 56 in an enclosure provided with the speaker array 17 including a plurality of speakers 16. A device is provided. Here, as the music content playback apparatus, an optical disk reading device 51 for the optical disk 54, a player connection terminal 52 for the portable player 55, and a wireless communication device 53 for communication with the network media server 56 are mounted. An example is given.
　そして、このようなオーディオシステム５０における図１の方向表示部１８として、スピーカアレイ１７の下側（無論上側でもよい）に複数のＬＥＤ５７が設けられており、音声方向はそのうちの少なくとも１つのＬＥＤ（この例ではＬＥＤ５７ａ）を点灯または点滅させることで表示する。なお、ＬＥＤに限らず他種の発光部を設けることもできる。 In the audio system 50, as the direction display unit 18 in FIG. 1, a plurality of LEDs 57 are provided below the speaker array 17 (which may of course be the upper side), and the sound direction is at least one LED ( In this example, the LED 57a) is turned on or blinked for display. In addition, not only LED but another kind of light emission part can also be provided.
　このように、方向表示部１８は、スピーカアレイの長手方向に沿って並べられた複数の発光部を有し、これらの発光部のうち音声方向に対応した位置の発光部を点灯または点滅させてもよい。これにより、表示パネルを具備しないＡＶ機器であっても、ユーザは音声の出力方向を分かり易く表示させながら音声の出力方向を変更できるようになる。複数の発光部は方向インジケータとして機能するが、出力方向を明確に示すために、所定間隔で並べられていることが好ましい。 As described above, the direction display unit 18 includes a plurality of light emitting units arranged along the longitudinal direction of the speaker array, and turns on or blinks the light emitting unit at a position corresponding to the sound direction among these light emitting units. Also good. As a result, even if the AV device does not have a display panel, the user can change the sound output direction while displaying the sound output direction in an easy-to-understand manner. The plurality of light emitting units function as direction indicators, but are preferably arranged at predetermined intervals in order to clearly indicate the output direction.
　なお、表示パネルを具備しないＡＶ機器であっても、平面波での音声出力について図３で例示したように、スピーカアレイ１７と鉛直方向に並んだ複数の発光部の配置面（表示パネルにおける表示画面に相当する面）の奥側に仮想の基準点Ｋを設け、そこから平面波Ｓの進行方向に伸ばした線（破線）Ｄと画面の交点の位置Ｐを計算し、その位置Ｐに最も近い発光部を点灯または点滅させるようにすることが好ましい。また、表示パネルを具備しないＡＶ機器であっても、音声ビームとしての音声出力について図４で例示したように、同じく上記の配置面の奥側に仮想の基準点Ｋを設け、そこから音声ビームの進行方向に相当する焦点Ｆに伸ばした線（破線）と画面の交点の位置Ｐを計算し、その位置Ｐに最も近い発光部を点灯または点滅させるようにしてもよい。 Note that, even in an AV device that does not include a display panel, as illustrated in FIG. 3 with respect to audio output in a plane wave, an arrangement surface of a plurality of light emitting units arranged in the vertical direction with the speaker array 17 (display screen on the display panel) A virtual reference point K is provided on the back side of the plane corresponding to (3), a line P (broken line) D extending in the traveling direction of the plane wave S and the position P of the intersection of the screen are calculated, and light emission closest to the position P is calculated. It is preferable to light or blink the part. Further, even in an AV device that does not include a display panel, as illustrated in FIG. 4 for audio output as an audio beam, a virtual reference point K is similarly provided on the far side of the arrangement surface, and an audio beam is generated therefrom. It is also possible to calculate the position P of the intersection of the screen and the line (broken line) extended to the focal point F corresponding to the traveling direction, and to light or blink the light emitting part closest to the position P.
　方向変更操作は、テレビ装置と基本的に同様であり（但し、上述したような設定メニュー表示が必要な操作を除く）、リモコン３０やその代わりとなる本体に設けられたボタンにより行うことができる。 The direction changing operation is basically the same as that of the television apparatus (except for the operation that requires the setting menu display as described above), and can be performed by the buttons provided on the remote controller 30 or an alternative main body. .
　また、本発明に係るオーディオシステムはカーオーディオとして自動車に搭載することもできる。例えば、図８で例示する自動車６０のように、車内のダッシュボード６１の表面に、複数のスピーカ１６を曲線状に並べてなるスピーカアレイを埋め込むようにしてもよい。そして、そのスピーカアレイを配列した曲線に沿って複数のＬＥＤ６２を設けておき、音声方向はそのうちの少なくとも１つのＬＥＤ（この例ではＬＥＤ６２ａ）を点灯または点滅させることで表示する。方向変更操作は、カーナビゲーションシステムに付属のカーオーディオシステムの場合にはテレビ装置と基本的に同様であり、リモコン３０や本体に設けられたボタンの操作により行うことができる。表示パネルを備えない場合には、オーディオシステム５０と同様に、リモコン３０やその代わりとなる本体に設けられたボタンなどにより行うことができる。 Also, the audio system according to the present invention can be installed in a car as car audio. For example, as in the automobile 60 illustrated in FIG. 8, a speaker array in which a plurality of speakers 16 are arranged in a curved shape may be embedded on the surface of the dashboard 61 in the vehicle. A plurality of LEDs 62 are provided along a curve in which the speaker array is arranged, and the sound direction is displayed by lighting or blinking at least one of the LEDs (in this example, the LED 62a). In the case of the car audio system attached to the car navigation system, the direction changing operation is basically the same as that of the television device, and can be performed by operating the remote control 30 or buttons provided on the main body. When the display panel is not provided, similarly to the audio system 50, it can be performed by a button provided on the remote controller 30 or an alternative main body.
　また、図１で例示した音声信号処理部１３など、本発明に係るＡＶ機器の各構成要素は、スピーカアレイ１７を除き、例えばマイクロプロセッサ（またはＤＳＰ：Digital Signal Processor）、メモリ、バス、インターフェイス、リモコン等の周辺装置などのハードウェアと、これらのハードウェア上にて実行可能なソフトウェアとにより実現できる。上記ハードウェアの一部は集積回路／ＩＣ（Integrated Circuit）チップセットとして搭載することができ、その場合、上記ソフトウェアは上記メモリに記憶しておければよい。また、本発明の各構成要素の全てをハードウェアで構成してもよく、その場合についても同様に、そのハードウェアの一部を集積回路／ＩＣチップセットとして搭載することも可能である。 Further, each component of the AV apparatus according to the present invention such as the audio signal processing unit 13 illustrated in FIG. 1 is, for example, a microprocessor (or DSP: Digital Signal Processor), a memory, a bus, an interface, This can be realized by hardware such as a peripheral device such as a remote controller and software executable on the hardware. A part of the hardware can be mounted as an integrated circuit / IC (Integrated Circuit) chip set. In this case, the software may be stored in the memory. In addition, all the components of the present invention may be configured by hardware, and in that case, a part of the hardware can also be mounted as an integrated circuit / IC chip set.
　また、上述した様々な構成例における機能を実現するためのソフトウェアのプログラムコードを記録した記録媒体を、ＡＶ機器となるテレビ装置や汎用コンピュータ等の、スピーカアレイが内蔵または接続された装置に供給し、その装置内のマイクロプロセッサまたはＤＳＰによりプログラムコードが実行されることによっても、本発明の目的が達成される。この場合、ソフトウェアのプログラムコード自体が上述した様々な構成例の機能を実現することになり、このプログラムコード自体や、プログラムコードを記録した記録媒体（外部記録媒体や内部記憶装置）であっても、そのコードを制御側が読み出して実行することで、本発明を構成することができる。外部記録媒体としては、例えばＣＤ－ＲＯＭまたはＤＶＤ－ＲＯＭなどの光ディスクやメモリカード等の不揮発性の半導体メモリなど、様々なものが挙げられる。内部記憶装置としては、ハードディスクや半導体メモリなど様々なものが挙げられる。また、プログラムコードはインターネットからダウンロードして実行することや、放送波から受信して実行することもできる。 In addition, a recording medium on which a program code of software for realizing the functions in the various configuration examples described above is recorded is supplied to a device having a built-in or connected speaker array, such as a television device or a general-purpose computer as an AV device. The object of the present invention is also achieved by executing the program code by a microprocessor or DSP in the apparatus. In this case, the software program code itself realizes the functions of the above-described various configuration examples. Even if the program code itself or a recording medium (external recording medium or internal storage device) on which the program code is recorded is used. The present invention can be configured by the control side reading and executing the code. Examples of the external recording medium include various media such as an optical disk such as a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM and a nonvolatile semiconductor memory such as a memory card. Examples of the internal storage device include various devices such as a hard disk and a semiconductor memory. The program code can be downloaded from the Internet and executed, or received from a broadcast wave and executed.
　以上、本発明に係るＡＶ機器について説明したが、その処理の手順を説明したように、本発明は、指向性をもつ音声を出力するスピーカアレイを備えたＡＶ機器における音声方向変更方法としての形態も採り得る。この音声方向変更方法は、方向表示部が、スピーカアレイが出力する音声の方向を表示するステップと、操作部が、音声の方向を変化させるユーザ操作を受け付けるステップと、方向変更部が、そのユーザ操作に応じて、音声の方向を変更するステップと、を有する。その他の応用例については、ＡＶ機器について説明した通りであり、その説明を省略する。 As described above, the AV device according to the present invention has been described. As described in the processing procedure, the present invention is a form as a method for changing the sound direction in an AV device including a speaker array that outputs directional sound. Can also be taken. In this audio direction changing method, the direction display unit displays the direction of the audio output from the speaker array, the operation unit receives a user operation for changing the audio direction, and the direction changing unit Changing the direction of the sound according to the operation. Other application examples are the same as those described for the AV device, and a description thereof will be omitted.
　なお、上記プログラムコード自体は、換言すると、この音声方向変更方法を、コンピュータに実行させるためのプログラムである。すなわち、このプログラムは、コンピュータに、スピーカアレイが出力する音声の方向を表示するステップと、音声の方向を変化させるユーザ操作を受け付けるステップと、そのユーザ操作に応じて、音声の方向を変更するステップと、を実行させるためのプログラムである。その他の応用例については、ＡＶ機器について説明した通りであり、その説明を省略する。 The program code itself is a program for causing a computer to execute the voice direction changing method. That is, this program displays on the computer the direction of the sound output from the speaker array, the step of accepting a user operation for changing the direction of the sound, and the step of changing the direction of the sound according to the user operation. And a program for executing. Other application examples are the same as those described for the AV device, and a description thereof will be omitted.
　以上のように、本発明に係るＡＶ機器は、指向性を有する音声を出力するスピーカアレイを備えたＡＶ機器であって、前記スピーカアレイが出力する前記音声の方向を表示する方向表示部と、前記音声の方向を変化させるユーザ操作を受け付ける操作部と、該ユーザ操作に応じて、前記音声の方向を変更する方向変更部と、を備えたことを特徴としたものである。これにより、指向性をもった音声を出力することが可能なスピーカアレイを備えたＡＶ機器において、ユーザに音声の出力方向を確認させながらユーザ操作でその出力方向を変更できるようになる。 As described above, the AV device according to the present invention is an AV device including a speaker array that outputs sound having directivity, and a direction display unit that displays a direction of the sound output from the speaker array; An operation unit that receives a user operation for changing the direction of the voice and a direction changing unit that changes the direction of the voice according to the user operation are provided. As a result, in an AV device equipped with a speaker array capable of outputting sound with directivity, the output direction can be changed by a user operation while allowing the user to confirm the sound output direction.
　また、前記ＡＶ機器は、音声信号を再生し前記スピーカアレイに渡す再生部と、映像信号が示す映像を表示する表示パネルと、を備えた表示装置であり、前記方向表示部は、前記表示装置の表示画面に前記音声の方向を示す画像を表示させるようにしてもよい。これにより、表示パネルに分かり易く音声の出力方向を表示させながらユーザ操作でその出力方向を変更できるようになる。 In addition, the AV device is a display device including a reproduction unit that reproduces an audio signal and passes it to the speaker array, and a display panel that displays an image indicated by the video signal, and the direction display unit includes the display device. An image showing the direction of the sound may be displayed on the display screen. This makes it possible to change the output direction by a user operation while displaying the voice output direction in an easy-to-understand manner on the display panel.
　ここで、前記スピーカアレイは、前記音声を平面波として出力し、前記方向表示部は、前記スピーカアレイと鉛直方向に並んだ前記表示画面の奥側に仮想の基準点を設け、該基準点から平面波の進行方向に伸ばした線と前記表示画面の交点の位置を計算し、該交点の位置に前記音声の方向を示す画像を表示させるようにしてもよい。これにより、さらに分かり易く正確に、表示パネルに音声の出力方向を表示させることができる。 Here, the speaker array outputs the sound as a plane wave, and the direction display unit provides a virtual reference point on the back side of the display screen aligned in the vertical direction with the speaker array, and the plane wave is generated from the reference point. It is also possible to calculate the position of the intersection of the line extending in the traveling direction and the display screen and display an image indicating the direction of the sound at the position of the intersection. Thereby, it is possible to display the voice output direction on the display panel more easily and accurately.
　あるいは、前記方向表示部は、前記スピーカアレイの長手方向に沿って並べられた複数の発光部を有し、該複数の発光部のうち前記音声の方向に対応した位置の発光部を点灯または点滅させるようにしてもよい。これにより、表示パネルを具備しないＡＶ機器であっても、ユーザは音声の出力方向を分かり易く表示させながら、音声出力方向を変更できるようになる。 Alternatively, the direction display unit includes a plurality of light emitting units arranged along the longitudinal direction of the speaker array, and turns on or blinks a light emitting unit at a position corresponding to the direction of the sound among the plurality of light emitting units. You may make it make it. As a result, even for an AV device that does not include a display panel, the user can change the audio output direction while displaying the audio output direction in an easy-to-understand manner.
１０…ＡＶ機器、１１ａ…デコーダ、１１ｂ…Ａ／Ｄコンバータ、１２…音声信号抽出部、１３…音声信号処理部、１３ａ…方向変更部、１４…Ｄ／Ａコンバータ、１５…増幅器、１６…スピーカ、１７…スピーカアレイ、１８…方向表示部、１９…操作部。 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... AV apparatus, 11a ... Decoder, 11b ... A / D converter, 12 ... Audio signal extraction part, 13 ... Audio signal processing part, 13a ... Direction change part, 14 ... D / A converter, 15 ... Amplifier, 16 ... Speaker 17 ... Speaker array, 18 ... Direction display unit, 19 ... Operation unit.

Claims (4)

  1. 　指向性をもつ音声を出力するスピーカアレイを備えたＡＶ機器であって、
    　前記スピーカアレイが出力する前記音声の方向を表示する方向表示部と、前記音声の方向を変化させるユーザ操作を受け付ける操作部と、該ユーザ操作に応じて、前記音声の方向を変更する方向変更部と、を備えたことを特徴とするＡＶ機器。     An AV device including a speaker array that outputs directional sound,
    A direction display unit that displays a direction of the sound output from the speaker array, an operation unit that receives a user operation that changes the direction of the sound, and a direction change unit that changes the direction of the sound according to the user operation. AV equipment characterized by comprising
  2. 　前記ＡＶ機器は、音声信号を再生し前記スピーカアレイに渡す再生部と、映像信号が示す映像を表示する表示パネルと、を備えた表示装置であり、
    　前記方向表示部は、前記表示装置の表示画面に前記音声の方向を示す画像を表示させることを特徴とする請求項１に記載のＡＶ機器。     The AV device is a display device including a reproduction unit that reproduces an audio signal and passes the audio signal to the speaker array, and a display panel that displays an image indicated by the video signal.
    The AV apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the direction display unit displays an image indicating the direction of the sound on a display screen of the display device.
  3. 　前記スピーカアレイは、前記音声を平面波として出力し、
    　前記方向表示部は、前記スピーカアレイと鉛直方向に並んだ前記表示画面の奥側に仮想の基準点を設け、該基準点から平面波の進行方向に伸ばした線と前記表示画面の交点の位置を計算し、該交点の位置に前記音声の方向を示す画像を表示させることを特徴とする請求項２に記載のＡＶ機器。     The speaker array outputs the sound as a plane wave,
    The direction display unit provides a virtual reference point on the back side of the display screen aligned with the speaker array in the vertical direction, and indicates the position of the intersection of the line and the line extending from the reference point in the traveling direction of the plane wave. 3. The AV device according to claim 2, wherein the AV device calculates and displays an image indicating the direction of the sound at the position of the intersection.
  4. 　前記方向表示部は、前記スピーカアレイの長手方向に沿って並べられた複数の発光部を有し、該複数の発光部のうち前記音声の方向に対応した位置の発光部を点灯または点滅させることを特徴とする請求項１に記載のＡＶ機器。 The direction display unit includes a plurality of light emitting units arranged along the longitudinal direction of the speaker array, and turns on or blinks a light emitting unit at a position corresponding to the direction of the voice among the plurality of light emitting units. The AV device according to claim 1.
PCT/JP2013/082787 2013-02-15 2013-12-06 A/v apparatus WO2014125705A1 (en)

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