JP2003009298A - Sound reproduction device and sound reproduction method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a sound reproduction device that realizes synchronized reproduction of multi-channel sound signals by using a plurality of general purpose hardware sets. SOLUTION: The sound reproduction device 10 is provided with a trigger monitor site 12 that monitors an input of a trigger signal TGn , a plurality of sound output sites 21n which are asynchronous with each other for reproducing a sound signal and outputting it, and a word clock generator 14 for generating a clock in the unit of words. The sound output sites 20n reproduce the trigger signal TGn and output the signal to the trigger monitor site 12 respectively. The trigger monitor site 12 obtain a relative deviation time as to the input time of the trigger signal TGn as a delay sample number and informs each of the sound output sites 20n about delay sample number information denoting the delay sample number. Then each sound output sites 20n decides a timing when the reproduction of the sound signal is to be started on the basis of the delay sample number information.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an audio reproducing apparatus and an audio reproducing method for synchronously reproducing multi-channel audio signals.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, it has been considered to construct a voice reproduction system for reproducing a multi-channel voice signal so that the voice signal reproduced from an audio device can be heard while enhancing the realism. As such an audio reproducing system, for example, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) mainly for listening in a space such as a home room or a vehicle.
There is one that reproduces a multi-channel audio signal recorded on a recording medium such as a recording medium, and is output from each of five speakers installed in front of the listener, front of the front, front of the left, front of the left, rear of the right and rear of the left. That has 5 channels and a sub-channel in which only the low frequency component of the audio signal is recorded, that is, so-called Dolby AC-3 (trademark)
A so-called 5.1-channel system has been put into practical use. In this 5.1-channel audio reproduction system, five speakers and speakers for low-frequency reproduction that are actually installed in front of the listener's right front, front front, left front, right rear, and left rear are used. By reproducing, it is possible to perform realistic sound reproduction.

[0003]

By the way, in order to realize extremely precise control of directivity, sound field, sound image, and the like by the multi-speaker, the applicant of the present invention described in 5.
We are proceeding with the construction of a larger-scale audio reproduction system instead of an audio reproduction system that can reproduce sound from a small number of speakers, such as the one-channel system.

Considering the construction of such a large-scale audio reproduction system, it is of course possible to design completely new hardware, but it is desirable to construct it by using existing general-purpose hardware. This is because there are many existing inexpensive semiconductors that have the functions required for general-purpose hardware such as a so-called sound card that can be installed in a personal computer. This is because, compared with developing a processing mechanism, it is possible to improve the efficiency of designing man-hours, procure parts at low cost, and easily design.

Here, hardware including such a personal computer is often limited in the number of channels due to physical restrictions or system restrictions. Therefore, as an audio reproduction system, by connecting a plurality of hardware including a personal computer or the like capable of outputting an audio signal of one or a plurality of channels via a network,
It is possible to disperse and reproduce the audio signals from the plurality of pieces of hardware under a predetermined local control.
At this time, in the audio reproduction system, it is necessary to completely reproduce the audio signals output from the individual hardware, for example, in sample units.

Therefore, in the audio reproduction system, a so-called real-time OS (Operating System) is required to realize the synchronous reproduction, and it is special that communication can be performed while accurately time-synchronizing with an external signal. This required hardware, which was a factor of complicating the entire system and communication means.

Further, in the audio reproducing system, in order to realize the synchronous reproduction, it has been conventionally performed as a method of synchronizing the video and the like. It is also possible to match the clocks of.

However, in the voice reproduction system, due to the influence of traffic on the network,
The time it takes for the command to reach each piece of hardware varies. Further, in the audio reproduction system, since various pieces of hardware are connected to each other, the processing time varies depending on the difference between the pieces of hardware, and it is difficult to predict the processing time. Furthermore, in the audio reproduction system, there is also a difference in the clock of the sound card itself. Therefore, in the audio reproduction system,
It was difficult to specify the delay time between each hardware for each communication session, and we had to rely on statistical methods, which was very unstable. Therefore, such a method is not suitable for the case where the sample level synchronization is required in units of 1/44100 seconds, such as voice.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an audio reproducing apparatus and an audio reproducing apparatus which can accurately reproduce a multi-channel audio signal by using a plurality of general-purpose hardware. It is intended to provide a method.

[0010]

An audio reproducing apparatus according to the present invention for achieving the above object is an audio reproducing apparatus for synchronously reproducing audio signals of a plurality of channels, and a reference signal generating apparatus for generating a predetermined reference signal. Means and a plurality of audio output means for reproducing and outputting the audio signals through an audio output processor capable of output processing the audio signals of a plurality of channels in synchronization with the reference signal, and a plurality of audio output means not synchronized with each other. A signal which is supplied by at least one channel from each of the audio output means via an audio input processor capable of processing at least the number of audio signals of the audio output means in synchronization with the signal. And a dry running signal monitoring means for monitoring incoming of a dry running signal for giving a reproduction timing of the sound signal in each of them, and the dry running signal monitoring means is a sound output means. The relative deviation time with respect to the input time of the plurality of dry-run signals supplied from each is obtained, and time information indicating the deviation time is notified to each of the audio output means, and the audio output means respectively receives the time information. It is characterized in that the timing for starting the reproduction of the audio signal is determined based on the above.

The audio reproducing apparatus according to the present invention reproduces the audio signal based on the time information indicating the relative deviation time with respect to the input time of the plurality of dry run signals corresponding to each of the audio output means. Decide when to start.

The audio reproducing method according to the present invention which achieves the above-mentioned object is an audio reproducing method for synchronously reproducing audio signals of a plurality of channels, wherein the audio signals of a plurality of channels are synchronized with a predetermined reference signal. A signal that is supplied by at least one channel from each of a plurality of audio output means that reproduce and output an audio signal and are not synchronized with each other via an audio output processor capable of output processing. The dry-run signal for giving the playback timing of the sound signal in each of the means is synchronized with the reference signal, and at least the number of sound signals of the sound output means is inputted to the dry-run signal monitoring means through the sound input processor capable of input processing. Deviation time that is obtained by calculating the relative deviation time with respect to the input time of the plurality of dry run signals input to each of the audio output means. And output process, based on the time information indicating the time lag, is characterized by comprising a playback start timing determination step of determining when to start playing the audio signal.

In the audio reproducing method according to the present invention as described above, the audio signal is reproduced on the basis of the time information indicating the relative deviation time with respect to the input time of the plurality of dry run signals corresponding to each of the audio output means. The timing to start is determined.

[0014]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Specific embodiments to which the present invention is applied will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

This embodiment uses at least two pieces of hardware including a personal computer and the like.
An audio reproducing device capable of synchronously reproducing multi-channel audio signals of more than one channel. This audio reproducing apparatus uses multi-taskable general hardware or OS (Operating System) or a system equivalent to the OS which is not necessarily specialized in real-time processing, and uses an existing sound card or interface. By using a general-purpose audio processing means and communication means such as hardware conforming to this, it is possible to perform multi-channel synchronous reproduction of an audio signal existing over a plurality of hardware.

In the following, hardware means a memory for storing various programs and a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or DSP (D) for executing the various programs.
It will be described as being configured by an (igital Signal Processor) or the like. Further, in the following, unless otherwise specified, the audio signal existing in the hardware is, for example, an audio file existing in the storage means such as a hard disk, and whether the signal processing is performed on each hardware. The description will be made assuming that it sequentially indicates any of the audio streams existing in the memory regardless of whether or not the audio streams are present. further,
Hereinafter, the module indicating each functional unit is referred to as a "site". This site does not necessarily correspond to a unit such as hardware. That is, in the audio reproducing device, a plurality of sites may be mounted on one piece of hardware, or may be distributed and mounted on a plurality of pieces of hardware, and its configuration is arbitrary.

First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the audio reproducing apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 as the first embodiment, audio signals are distributed as audio files on each hardware, and audio signals of 56 channels are generated by using these audio files. Synchronous reproduction is performed.

As shown in the figure, the audio reproducing apparatus 10 is
Control site 11 which is a control means for controlling each part
And a trigger signal TG which is a dry run signal described later.₁, T
G_Two・ ・ ・ 、 TG₈Is a means for monitoring the dry run signal
Trigger monitoring site 12 that reproduces and outputs audio signals
Eight audio output sites 20 which are audio output means₁, 2
0 _Two・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ 20₈(Hereafter, voice output site 20
_n(N = 1, 2, ..., 8; site number)
It ) And a clock in word units as a predetermined reference signal
Word clock generation, which is a reference signal generation means for generating
Device 14 and voice output site 20_nThe voice signal output from
D / A that performs D / A (Digital / Analog) conversion for the number
A converter and an amplifier that amplifies the analog audio signal.
56 output devices 15₁₁, 15₁₂, 1
5_Thirteen, 15₁₄, 15₁₅, 15₁₆, 15₁₇, 1
5₂₁, 15₂₂・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ 15₈₄, 15₈₅, 15
₈₆, 15_{8 7}(Hereinafter, output device 15_nm(N = 1, 2,
・ ・ ・, 8, m = 1, 2, ・ ・ ・, 7; Channel number
No.) collectively. ) And these output devices 15_nmThat of
56 pieces that output the audio signal output from each to the outside
Speaker 16₁₁, 16₁₂, 16_Thirteen, 16₁₄，
16₁₅, 16₁₆, 16₁₇, 16₂₁, 16₂₂，
..., 16₈₄, 16₈₅, 16₈₆, 16₈₇(Below
Below, speaker 16_nm(N = 1, 2, ..., 8, m =
1, 2, ..., 7). ) And.

The control site 11 has a function of performing overall control of the audio reproducing device 10 and a function of an interface between the audio reproducing device 10 and a user. The control site 11 is, for example, TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / In).
ternet Protocol) and UDP (User Datagram Protoco)
It is possible to communicate with the outside according to a predetermined protocol such as l), and to transmit and receive signals between the trigger monitoring site 12 and the voice output site 20 _n via the network NT. It Audio playback device 1
0 does not need to prepare special hardware or newly construct by using such generally known and often used network resources and general-purpose communication protocols. The control site 11 has an environment capable of executing the control program Ct, and when a user issues a reproduction command through a user interface UI including a predetermined operation unit and a display unit, the control site Ct is controlled. Under the execution control of (1), control information indicating a reproduction instruction of the audio file is notified to the audio output site 20 _n via the network NT.

The trigger monitoring site 12 has at least voice.
Output site 20_nOr more, that is, 8 channels or more
Input processing of voice signal as trigger signal described later
A sound processor 13 such as a sound card
-Has hardware functions including a personal computer
To do. The trigger monitoring site 12 is a control
As with Lucite 11, TCP / IP, UDP, etc.
According to the protocol of
Control site 11 and audio output site 20 _nBetween
It is possible to send and receive signals. Also, the bird
The moth monitoring site 12 outputs a voice via the sound processing unit 13.
Output site 20_n1-channel audio output from
It is a signal and gives the playback timing of the audio file.
Signal TG which is a signal for₁, TG_Two・ ・ ・, T
G₈(Hereinafter, the trigger signal TG_n(N = 1, 2, ...,
8). ) Can be received. This
At this time, the trigger monitoring site 12 has the sound processing unit 13
The first channel in is the audio output site 20₁Connect with
And the second channel is the audio output site 20._TwoConnected with
Each channel has a voice output site 2
0_nAre connected in correspondence with each. Trigger monitoring service
The kit 12 can execute the monitoring program Sv
It is assumed that the environment is stable and is supplied from the word clock generator 14.
Each word clock WCLK to be supplied or in word units
Trigger enough to synchronize the sample.Synchronize to an external signal.
Then, the processing in the sound processing unit 13 is performed.

The trigger monitoring site 12 is a control server.
All audio output sites 20 from Ito 11_nAgainst voice
When the control information indicating the file playback instruction is output,
A voice output site under the execution control of the visual program Sv
20_nSignal TG output from each of_nEnter
Watch for coming. The trigger monitoring site 12 uses the trigger signal T
G_nWhen these are received, these trigger signals TG_nBased on
Voice output site 20_nCorresponding to each of
The number of delayed samples
Delayed sample number information is voiced via network NT
Output site 20 _nOutput to each. here,
The number of delayed samples is the number of samples for the trigger monitoring site 12.
Riga signal TG_nRelative shift time for input time of
Is obtained in units of word clock WCLK.

Although digital data is desirable as the type of the audio signal handled by the trigger monitoring site 12, the word clock WC is used in the sound processing section 13.
Analog data may be used as long as LK and the trigger signal TG _n can be accurately detected and can be transmitted and received. Further, at the trigger monitoring site 12, even when digital data is handled, any data format such as sampling rate or whether compressed or uncompressed may be used.

Each of the sound output sites 20 _n has a sound processing unit 21 ₁ , 21 ₂ , ..., 21 such as a sound card capable of outputting 8-channel sound signals.
₈ (hereinafter, sound processing unit 21 _n (n = 1, 2, ...
,, 8) collectively. ) Has a function of hardware including a personal computer. The voice output site 20 _n has the same TCP / IP as the control site 11 and the trigger monitoring site 12, respectively.
Signals can be transmitted and received between the control site 11 and the trigger monitoring site 12 via the network NT according to a predetermined protocol such as UDP or UDP. Further, each of the sound output sites 20 _n is connected to the trigger monitoring site 12 only, for example, the eighth channel in the sound processing section 21 _n , and one channel of audio is transmitted to the trigger monitoring site 12 using this channel. It is possible to output the trigger signal TG _n which is a signal. The audio output sites 20 _n are respectively reproduction processing programs A ₁ , A ₂ , ..., A ₈ (hereinafter collectively referred to as reproduction processing programs A _n (n = 1, 2, ..., 8)). The sound processing section 2 is synchronized with a word clock WCLK supplied from the word clock generator 14 or a trigger external signal sufficient to synchronize each sample in word units.
The process in 1 _n is performed. At this time, the voice output site 2
At 0 _n, it is assumed that the synchronization between the first channel to the eighth channel in the sound processing unit 21 _n is secured. That is, the voice output site 2
As described later, in 0 _n , when a reproduction instruction is received from the control site 11, the sound signals are simultaneously output from the first to eighth channels in the sound processing unit 21 _n . The voice output sites 20 _n are respectively stored in storage means (not shown).
Audio files AF ₁ , AF ₂ , ..., AF ₈ (hereinafter,
Collectively referred to as audio file AF _n (n = 1, 2, ..., 8). ) Is remembered.

When the audio output sites 20 _n respectively receive the control information indicating the reproduction instruction of the audio file AF _n supplied from the control site 11 via the network NT, the audio output sites 20 _n under the execution control of the reproduction processing program A _n. Then, the trigger signal TG _n is output to the trigger monitoring site 12 via the sound processing unit 21 _n . The trigger signal TG _n is a voice signal having a predetermined waveform that can be recognized as a trigger by the trigger monitoring site 12, and is preferably an impulse signal or the like. When the audio output site 20 _n receives the delay sample number information from the trigger monitoring site 12 via the network NT, the audio output site 20 _n outputs the audio file AF _n based on the delay sample number and the reproduction margin sample number described later. The timing at which the reproduction should be started is determined, the reproduction of the audio file AF _n is started at this timing, and the sound is outputted to the outside via the output device 15 _nm and the speaker 16 _nm . The sound output sites 20 _n are respectively connected to the sound processing units 21 ₁
1 to 7 are connected to the output device 15 _1m , the audio signals output from the respective channels are output to the corresponding output device 15 _1m.
Output to _nm .

As with the trigger monitoring site 12, digital data is desirable as the type of audio signal handled by each audio output site 20 _n, but the sound processing section 2
1 _n , word clock WCLK and trigger signal T
Analog data may be used as long as it can accurately detect G _n and can transmit and receive. In addition, even if each of the audio output sites 20 _n handles digital data, any data format such as sampling rate or whether compressed or uncompressed may be used.

The word clock generator 14 generates an accurate clock in word units. Word clock generator 1
4 supplies the generated word clock WCLK to the sound processing unit 13 at the trigger monitoring site 12 and the sound processing unit 21 _n at the audio output site 20 _n .
Note that the word clock generator 14 may generate a trigger external signal sufficient to synchronize each sample on a word basis.

The output device 15 _nm performs D / A conversion on the audio signal output from the audio output site 20 _n and then amplifies the audio signal. The output device 15 _nm outputs the amplified audio signal to the speaker 16 _nm , respectively.

The speaker 16 _nm is the output device 1 respectively.
The electric voice signal output from each of the 5 _nm is converted into acoustic energy and emitted to the outside.

A sound reproducing device 10 having such units.
From In, the control information indicating a reproduction instruction of the audio file AF _n stored in each of the audio output site 20 _n is given by the control site 11, each of the audio output site 20 _n, trigger monitoring site 1
The trigger signal TG _n is output to the signal No. 2. In the audio reproduction device 10, the trigger monitoring site 12 obtains the number of delay samples corresponding to each of the audio output sites 20 _n based on the trigger signal TG _n . Then, in the audio reproduction device 10, each audio output site 20 _n determines the timing at which the audio reproduction site 10 itself should start reproduction, based on the number of delay samples and the number of reproduction margin samples.
The reproduction of the audio file AF _n can be started at the time when this timing is reached. In the audio reproducing apparatus 10, in this way, the reproduction start timings of the audio files AF _n by all the audio output sites 20 _n can be matched. Then, in the audio reproducing device 10, thereafter, reproduction is advanced by the audio output site 20 _n on the basis of the word clock WCLK supplied from the word clock generator 14, whereby multi-channel synchronous reproduction can be performed. .

[0030] Incidentally, in the audio reproducing device 10, Kane備Ru For example, audio output site 20 ₁ combines the function of the control site 11 and / or trigger monitoring site 12, the other functions of the audio output site 20 ₂ As described above, a plurality of sites can be mounted on one piece of hardware or can be distributed and mounted on a plurality of pieces of hardware as described above.

In such a sound reproducing device 10,
The audio output sites 20 _n each execute the reproduction processing program A _n , and start reproduction of the audio file AF _n through the series of steps shown in FIG. 2.

First, the voice output site 20_nIs that
Then, as shown in FIG.
The number of resin samples Sm is set. This playback margin
The sample number Sm is the voice output site 20._nIn between
It is a common value. Specifically, the number of playback margin samples
Sm is the audio file AF from the reference sample described later. _n
It is a value that represents the time until the sample at the start of reproduction. Again
The raw margin sample number Sm is, for example, various types of processing described later.
Is a value calculated by allowing sufficient time for the
May be set by the user and is automatically set.
You may Voice output site 20_nRespectively set
A memory (not shown) for indicating the number of reproduction margin samples Sm
Etc.

Then, the audio output site 20 _n determines whether or not the control information indicating the reproduction instruction of the audio file AF _n has arrived from the control site 11 via the network NT in step S2. Note that the voice output site 20 _n is the control site 1
Since the reproduction instruction from No. 1 is given via the network NT, the absolute time when the control information arrives varies among the voice output sites 20 _n due to the influence of network traffic and the like. Voice output site 20
Each of the _n waits until the control information from the control site 11 arrives, and when the control information is received, the process proceeds to step S3.

In step S3, the audio output sites 20 _n respectively send, for example, impulse signals to, for example, the eighth channel (m = 8) in the sound processing section 21 _n , that is, the trigger channel connected to the trigger monitoring site 12. The trigger signal TG _n , which is an audio signal such as the above, is reproduced. Incidentally, absolute time when the trigger signal TG _n are reproduced from the respective sound output site 20 _n is the audio output site 20 _n, respectively, is if it has a different type of sound processing section 21 _n Even if the same type of sound processing unit 21 _n is installed, it is unpredictable due to a slight variation in processing capacity and the operating conditions of other tasks operating in multitasking.

At the same time, the voice output site 20 _n
In step S4, counting of the number of reproduction samples is started with reference to the sample S _n at the time when the trigger signal TG _n is reproduced and output to the trigger monitoring site 12. At the audio output site 20 _n , the audio file AF is based on the sample S _n.
The timing for starting the reproduction of _n will be determined.

At the same time, the voice output site 20
_nRespectively, in step S5,
Channels other than channel, that is, the first channel to
"0" is output to the seventh channel (m = 1 to 7). You
That is, voice output site 20 _nEach step
In S3, the trigger signal TG is output to the 8th channel._nRe
Corresponding to the live, channel 1 to channel 7
Mutes the file.

Then, the voice output sites 20 _n each continue counting the number of reproduction samples in step S6, and in step S7, the trigger monitoring site 1
Delayed from the corresponding 2 Sample number _Sd n (n = 1,2, ·
.., 8) Delayed sample number information is network N
It is determined whether or not it has reached via T. Since the delay sample number information from the trigger monitoring site 12 is given to the voice output site 20 _n via the network NT, the absolute time when the delay sample number information arrives depends on the influence of network traffic and the like. Due to this, variations occur between the voice output sites 20 _n .

Here, the delayed sample number information has arrived.
If there is no voice output site 20 _nAre each
The processing of steps S5 to S6 is repeated.

On the other hand, when the information on the number of delayed samples arrives, the voice output sites 20 _n respectively execute the step S.
In 8, - calculating the value of "(read margin sample number Sm) (delay sample number Sd _n)", and the count from the sample at the time of outputting the trigger signal TG _n relative trigger monitoring site 12, the calculated The reproduction of the audio file AF _n is started from the time when the sample having reached the elapsed time is reached, and the series of processes is ended.

In this way, in the audio reproduction device 10, the reproduction processing program A _n can be executed by each of the audio output sites 20 _n , and the reproduction of the audio file AF _n can be started at the same time. The audio reproduction device 1
At 0, thereafter, the audio output site 20 _n progresses the reproduction of the audio file AF _n based on the word clock WCLK supplied from the word clock generator 14, respectively, so that multi-channel synchronous reproduction is possible. Becomes

On the other hand, in the audio reproducing device 10,
The moth monitoring site 12 executes the monitoring program Sv and
A voice output site by going through the series of steps shown in 3.
20 _nSd corresponding to each of the delay sample number Sd₁, S
d_Two, ..., Sd₈(Hereinafter, the number of delayed samples Sd
_n(N = 1, 2, ..., 8). )
It

First, as shown in the figure, the trigger monitoring site 12 outputs the voice output site 2 in step S11.
The input of the trigger signal TG _n output from each 0 _n to each channel in the sound processing unit 13 is monitored.

Subsequently, the trigger monitoring site 12 determines in step S12 whether or not any of the trigger signals TG _n is supplied to any of the eight channels in the sound processing section 13.

Here, if any of the trigger signals TG _n is not supplied, the trigger monitoring site 12 shifts the processing to step S11 and monitors until one of the trigger signals TG _n is supplied. Keep doing

On the other hand, when any of the trigger signals TG _n is supplied, the trigger monitoring site 12 determines the step S.
At 13, it is determined whether the supplied trigger signal TG _n is the first supplied signal, that is, whether the trigger signal TG _n is supplied for the first time.

Here, if the trigger signal TG _n is not the one that was first supplied, the trigger monitoring site 12 shifts the processing to step S15. On the other hand, the trigger signal T
If G _n was supplied first, the trigger monitoring site 12 determines in step S14 the number of input samples with the sample at the time when the first detected trigger signal TG _n was input as the reference sample. Counting is started, and the process proceeds to step S15. At the trigger monitoring site 12, the input time of another trigger signal TG _n is measured by counting the number of input samples based on this reference sample.

Then, in step S15, the trigger monitoring site 12 outputs the trigger signal TG _n as the corresponding voice that outputs the trigger signal TG _n with the count value starting counting from the reference sample in step S14 as the delayed sample number Sd _n. For the output site 20 _n , the delay sample number information indicating the delay sample number Sd _n is provided to the network NT.
Output via. The trigger monitoring site 12 outputs the trigger signal TG _n to the voice output site 20 _n that first outputs the trigger signal TG _n.
Needless to say, the delay sample number Sd _n = 0 is notified.

Subsequently, the trigger monitoring site 12 continues counting the number of input samples in step S16, and in step S17 all the voice output sites 2
It is determined whether or not the trigger signal TG _n is received from 0 _n .

Here, when the trigger signal TG _n is not received from all the audio output sites 20 _n , the trigger monitoring site 12 repeats the processing of steps S11 to S16.

On the other hand, when the trigger signal TG _n is received from all the voice output sites 20 _n , the trigger monitoring site 12 ends the series of processing as it is.

The trigger signal TG _n is sent to the trigger monitoring site 1 due to a failure or the like of any of the voice output sites 20 _n.
However, in this case, the trigger monitoring site 12 has steps S17 to S11.
The loop processing for shifting to may be appropriately exited.

In this way, in the voice reproducing device 10, the monitoring program S is executed by the trigger monitoring site 12.
v is executed, it is possible to obtain the delay sample number Sd _n corresponding to each of the audio output site 20 _n, it is possible to realize the synchronous reproduction by the audio output site 20 _n.

[0053] In the sound reproducing apparatus 10 provided with a trigger monitoring site 12 and the audio output site 20 _n to execute such a program, the operation is performed in concert in accordance with the timing shown in FIG. 4, for example.

That is, in the audio reproducing device 10,
Based on the word clock WCLK generated by the word clock generator 14, the trigger monitoring site 12 and the voice output site 20 _n operate. In the audio reproducing device 10, as shown in the upper part of the figure, when a reproducing command is instructed through the user interface UI, the control information indicating the reproducing instruction is transmitted from the control site 11 to each of the audio output sites 20 _n via the network. Notified via NT. The absolute time at which this control information arrives varies among the voice output sites 20 _n due to the influence of network traffic and the like, as described above. Here, as shown in the middle part of the figure, it is assumed that the voice output site 20 ₁ receives the control information earliest, and the control information is received in the order of the voice output site 20 ₈ and the voice output site 20 ₂ .

Then, in the voice reproducing device 10,
As mentioned above, the voice output site 20 _nFrom the trigger monitoring service
Trigger signal TG_nIs given. this
Voice output site 20_nFrom each of the trigger signal TG_n
The absolute time at which the
Force site 20_nSound processing unit 21_nThe difference between
Voice output due to the processing capacity of a CPU (not shown)
Site 20_nThere will be variations among them. Here, the figure
As shown in the middle row, the voice output site 20₁Is the earliest
Sample S₁Trigger signal TG₁Play, and then
Sample S₈, S_TwoVoice output site 20 at₈,sound
Voice output site 20_TwoTrigger signal TG in the order of₈, TG_Two
Is reproduced. Voice output site 20_nIs it
These trigger signals TG_nIs output at the time
Sample S_nBased on the
Start. Also, here, the earliest trigger signal TG₁
Sample S reproduced₁Is used as a reference sample.

In response to this, in the audio reproducing apparatus 10, as described above, the trigger monitoring site 12 starts counting the number of input samples from the sample S ₁ which is the reference sample, and as shown in the lower part of FIG. , to calculate the delay sample number Sd _n. In the audio reproduction device 10,
These delay sample numbers Sd _n are notified to the corresponding voice output site 20 _n . The number of delayed samples Sd
As described above, the absolute time at which _n arrives varies among the voice output sites 20 _n due to the influence of network traffic and the like. Here, as shown in the drawing the middle, and those receiving the earliest delay sample number information sound output site 20 _1, the audio output site 20 _2, receives the sample number information delayed in the order of the audio output site 20 ₈ To do.

Then, in the audio reproducing apparatus 10, each of the audio output sites 20 _n counts from the sample S _n at the time when the trigger signal TG _n is output to the trigger monitoring site 12 (the reproduction margin sample number). Sm- from the delay sample number Sd _n) th sample, reproduction of the audio file AF _n is started all at once. The reproduction margin sample number Sm is at least the following steps, that is, the step of outputting the trigger signal TG _n by the audio output site 20 _n that receives the control information indicating the reproduction instruction, and the trigger monitoring site 12 of all the audio output sites. 20 _n receiving the trigger signal TG _n , the trigger monitoring site 12 notifying each of the voice output sites 20 _n of the delay sample number Sd _n , and all the voice output sites 2
0 _n receives the delay sample number Sd _n , and the audio file A
It is a value calculated in consideration of a time sufficient for performing the step of starting the reproduction operation of F _n .

In the audio reproduction device 10, the reproduction start position of the audio file AF _n between the audio output sites 20 _n is fixed, and thereafter, the word clock generator 14 is used.
The reproduction of the audio file AF _n proceeds while keeping the synchronization based on the word clock WCLK generated by.

As described above, the audio reproduction device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is provided with each audio output site 20.
using the voice file AF _n that exists distributed on _n, it is possible to perform synchronous reproduction of multi-channel.
In particular, the audio reproduction devices 10 are not secured in synchronization with each other, and the audio output sites 20 having various operating environments are diverse.
_{Even when n} is used, the synchronous reproduction can be surely realized. The audio reproducing device 10 is configured to configure the trigger monitoring site 12 and the n audio output sites 20 _n by using a sound processing unit capable of simultaneous reproduction of M channels, thereby (M−1) × n channels. It becomes possible to realize the synchronized reproduction of.

In the voice reproducing apparatus 10, the role of the control site 11 is to transmit control information indicating a reproduction instruction for reproducing at the timing when the user operates the user interface UI. However, the time from the timing when the user operates the user interface UI to issue a reproduction instruction to the start of reproduction is the time until the first trigger signal TG _n is reproduced and the set reproduction margin sample number S.
It is defined by the sum of m and m. Then, these times vary each time due to factors such as network traffic and processing load of hardware.
Therefore, note that the audio reproducing device 10 does not have a problem of the absolute time of the reproduction start, but aims to make the timing of the reproduction start coincide with each other, and is intended for the case where the absolute time does not cause a problem. I want to be done.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the description has been made assuming that only the reproduction instruction is given by the control site 11, but in the audio reproducing apparatus 10, for example,
It is also possible to give an instruction corresponding to a command corresponding to "stop", "pause", "rewind", "fast-forward", etc. as necessary. For example, in the audio reproducing apparatus 10, the reproduction sample counting is continued after the reproduction is started, and information such as at which point in each audio file AF _n the reproduction is stopped or the reproduction is reproduced is transmitted via the control site 11. To realize a unified operation under the execution control of the reproduction processing program A _n by the audio output site 20 _n by giving it to the audio output site 20 _n or designating the reproduction position of the audio file AF _n. You can

Further, in the audio reproducing device 10, the control site 11 does not necessarily have to be provided. Instead of including the control site 11, the audio reproduction device 10 can also use a timer or the like included in each of the audio output sites 20 _n to start synchronous reproduction at a preset time. However, in this case, in the audio reproduction device 10, the audio output site 20
_It is necessary to set the value of the reproduction margin sample number Sm assuming the shift time of the timer of each _n , or to adjust each timer via the network NT so as to be within the value of the reproduction margin sample number Sm. is there.

Furthermore, in the audio reproducing apparatus 10, it is sufficient to use hardware that can realize the function without using a personal computer as each site or using a sound card as a sound processing section.

Further, in the audio reproducing device 10, TC
Although it has been described that communication is performed via the network NT according to a predetermined protocol such as P / IP or UDP, if the delay sample number Sd _n can be notified from the trigger monitoring site 12 to the audio output site 20 _n . If
It goes without saying that any network hierarchy format may be used.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the fixed value is used as the reproduction margin sample number Sm, but in the audio reproducing apparatus 10, for example, the execution control of the monitoring program Sv by the trigger monitoring site 12 is also performed. In addition, after calculating the delay sample number Sd _n of each audio output site 20 _n , a value that fully considers the delay in communication and audio signal output is calculated as the reproduction margin sample number Sm, and each sound is output through the network NT. The output site 20 _n may be notified and set. At this time, the audio reproduction device 10 can also statistically measure the delay that occurs when communication is performed via the network NT, and use this statistical information to set the reproduction margin sample number Sm.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the sound processing unit is described as being synchronized with the word clock WCLK, but in the sound reproducing device 10, the synchronization is secured not only with the word clock but also with the sound processing unit. With such a mechanism, for example, a 256 times clock, a clock of 1/2 word unit, or SMPTE
(Society of Motion Picture and Television Enginee
It may correspond to a general code such as rs).

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the trigger signal TG _{n is} the earliest as the reference sample at which the counting of the number of input samples is started at the trigger monitoring site 12.
Although the sample S _n at the time when is reproduced is adopted, in the audio reproducing device 10, the specific sample at an arbitrary time can be defined by the trigger monitoring site 12, and the relative delay sample number Sd can be defined. ₁ , S
The reference sample may be of any time, as long as the time-retained information of d ₂ , ..., Sd ₈ can be notified to each audio output site 20 _n .

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the audio signal is described as being present as the audio file AF _n , but in the audio reproducing device 10, it is sequentially present as an audio stream in the memory. Good.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. As the second embodiment, the audio reproducing apparatus 30 shown in FIG. 5 has a group of 56-channel audio files, and uses eight audio output sites capable of outputting 8-channel audio signals. The 56-channel audio signal is reproduced synchronously. Therefore, each unit having the same function as that of the audio reproducing device 10 shown as the above-described first embodiment is denoted by the same reference numeral, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The audio reproducing device 30 is, as shown in FIG.
Trigger monitoring site 12 described above and word clock generation
Device 14 and 56 output devices 15_nmAnd 56 spies
Mosquito 16_nmIn addition to, the stored 56-channel audio
The distribution site 31 that distributes the file AF and the audio signal
Eight audio output sites 40 for playback and output₁, 4
0 _Two・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ 40₈(Hereafter, voice output site 40
_n(N = 1, 2, ..., 8; site number)
It ) And.

As with the control site 11, the distribution site 31 has a function of performing overall control of the audio reproducing device 30 and has a user interface UI between the audio reproducing device 30 and the user.
Further, the 56-channel audio file AF is stored in a storage means (not shown). This delivery site 31
The audio file AF stored in 1 may be compressed in a predetermined format or may be uncompressed.
The distribution site 31 can communicate with the outside according to a predetermined protocol such as TCP / IP or UDP, and via the network NT having a sufficient capacity to transmit the audio file AF of 56 channels. Therefore, it is possible to transmit and receive signals between the trigger monitoring site 12 and the voice output site 40 _n . The distribution site 31 has an environment in which the distribution program Ds can be executed, and when a reproduction command is instructed by a user via a user interface UI including a predetermined operation unit and a display unit, the distribution program Ds is distributed. based on the execution control, and notifies the audio output site 40 _n control information indicating a reproduction instruction of the audio file AF via a network NT, the 56-channel audio file AF as stream data, seven channels Each is delivered to the audio output site 40 _n . The audio stream transmitted via the network NT may be compressed in a predetermined format or may be uncompressed.

Voice output site 40_nRespectively, above
Audio output site 20_nSimilarly, for example, 8 channels
Sound cards that can output audio signals
Band processing unit 41₁, 41_Two, ・ ・ ・, 41₈(Hereafter,
Wound processing unit 41_n(N = 1, 2, ..., 8)
To do. ) Including a personal computer having
It has a software function. Voice output site 4
0_nAre the distribution site 31 and the trigger monitoring site, respectively.
In the same way as for the twelve, the
Distribution via the network NT according to Tokor
Transmission and reception of signals between the monitor 31 and the trigger monitoring site 12
It is possible to do. Also, the voice output site 40
_nRespectively, the sound processing unit 41_nFor example in
Connect only the 8th channel to the trigger monitoring site 12
Using this channel to trigger monitoring site 12
For the trigger signal TG_nIt is possible to output
It Voice output site 40_nIs a playback processing
Gram B₁, B_Two・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ B₈(Hereafter, playback processing professional
Gram B_n(N = 1, 2, ..., 8). )
It is supposed to be an environment that can execute
Clock WCLK supplied from the clock generator 14
Or enough to synchronize each sample in words
The sound processing unit 41 is synchronized with the trigger external signal._nTo
Perform processing to open. At this time, the voice output site 40_nTo
The sound processing unit 41 _nFirst in
The synchronization between channels 8 to 8 is ensured
Be present. That is, the voice output site 40_nTo
Each receive a playback instruction from the distribution site 31.
If taken, the sound processing unit 41_nNo. 1 in
Outputs audio signals from channels to channel 8 simultaneously
To do. Also, the voice output site 40_nRespectively delivered
Temporarily record the audio stream delivered from site 31
It has a buffer (not shown) to remember, and the distribution site 3
The audio stream delivered from 1 is sequentially stored in this buffer.
Remember. Voice output site 40_nIn the voice
If the stream is compressed in the given format
Will store these audio streams in a buffer
And a predetermined decoding process is performed via this buffer.
It And the voice output site 40_nIn the buff
If the audio stream is stored more than a predetermined capacity,
It is read and output to the outside. In the following, each
Voice output site 40_nThe audio stream delivered to
AS₁, AS_Two・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ AS₈(Hereafter, the sound
Voice stream AS_n(N = 1, 2, ..., 8)
To do. ).

Voice output site 40_nRespectively delivered
Re-supplied from site 31 via network NT
When the control information indicating the raw instruction is received, the playback processing program
Mu B _nUnder the execution control of the sound processing unit 41_nThrough
And trigger signal TG_nTo the trigger monitoring site 12
Output. During this time, the voice output site 40_nIs that
Audio stream AS_nHas been delivered and voice output
Site 40_nRespectively the delivered audio stream
AS_nAre stored in a buffer not shown in the order of streams.
It Also, the voice output site 40_nRespectively trigger
Delayed from monitoring site 12 via network NT
When the pull number information is received, this delay sample number Sd_nWhen
Based on the reproduction margin sample number Sm,
Audio stream AS decoded from the beginning point_nPlay of
Start the output device 15_nmAnd speaker 16_nmThrough
Sound to the outside.

A sound reproducing device 30 including such units
In the case where the control information indicating the reproduction instruction of the 56-channel audio file AF stored collectively in the distribution site 31 is given, the audio file AF is output as the 7-channel audio stream AS _n.
while being delivered to each of the _n, voice output site 4
A trigger signal TG _n is output from each of 0 _n to the trigger monitoring site 12. In the sound reproducing device 30, the trigger monitoring site 12 causes the trigger signal TG _n
The delay sample number Sd _n corresponding to each of the voice output sites 40 _n is calculated based on Then, in the audio reproduction device 30, the number of delay samples Sd _n and the number of reproduction margin samples Sm are set by each audio output site 40 _n.
Based on and, the timing at which the playback should start is calculated, and at the time when this timing is reached, the audio stream A
The playback of S _n can be started. Audio playback device 30
In this way, all voice output sites 4
0 _n can be matched to the timing of the start of reproduction of the audio stream AS _n by. Then, the audio reproduction device 3
At 0, thereafter, reproduction is advanced by the audio output site 40 _n on the basis of the word clock WCLK supplied from the word clock generator 14, whereby multi-channel synchronous reproduction can be performed.

Specifically, in the audio reproduction device 30, the audio output site 40 _n executes the reproduction processing program B _n , and reproduces the audio stream AS _n by going through the series of steps shown in FIG. To start.

[0076] First, the audio output site 40 _n, respectively, as shown in the figure, in step S21, read margin number of samples Sm is set. This reproduction margin sample number Sm is the same as in the case of the audio reproduction apparatus 10 described above, when the audio output site 40 _n that receives the control information indicating the reproduction instruction outputs the trigger signal TG _n , and the trigger monitoring site 12 is the same. receiving a trigger signal TG _n from the audio output site 40 _n of trigger monitoring site 12
Notifies each of the voice output sites 40 _n of the delay sample number Sd _n , all the voice output sites 40 _n
n receives the delayed sample number Sd _n , the audio stream A
This is a value calculated in addition to the time sufficient to start the process of starting the reproduction operation of S _n , and also for the time sufficient for storing the audio stream AS _{n in the} buffer at a predetermined capacity or more.

Then, in step S22, each of the audio output sites 40 _n determines whether or not the control information indicating the reproduction instruction of the audio file AF has arrived from the distribution site 31 via the network NT. Each of the voice output sites 40 _n waits until the control information from the distribution site 31 arrives, and when the control information is received,
The processing moves to step S23.

Each of the audio output sites 40 _n reproduces the trigger signal TG _n on the trigger channel in the sound processing section 41 _n in step S23.

At the same time, the voice output site 40 _n is
In step S24, the trigger signal TG _n
Is started and counting of the number of reproduced samples is started with reference to the sample S _n at the time of outputting to the trigger monitoring site 12. At the audio output site 40 _n , the timing at which the reproduction of the audio stream AS _n is started is determined with reference to the sample S _n .

At the same time, the voice output site 40
_In step S25, each _n outputs "0" to a channel other than the trigger channel.

Then, the voice output sites 40 _n each continue counting the number of reproduced samples in step S26, and in step S27, the delayed sample number information indicating the corresponding delayed sample number Sd _n is sent from the trigger monitoring site 12. It is determined whether or not it has arrived via the network NT.

Here, the delayed sample number information has arrived.
If there is no voice output site 40 _nAre each
The processing of steps S25 to S26 is repeated. one
On the other hand, when the information on the number of delayed samples arrives, audio output
Site 40_nRespectively, in step S28,
"(Reproduction margin sample number Sm)-(lag sample number
Sd_n) ”Is calculated and the trigger monitoring site 12
Trigger signal TG_nFrom the sample at the time of outputting
To reach the sample where this calculated value has passed
Audio stream stored in the buffer from the
AS_nPlayback is started and a series of processing is ended.

On the other hand, in the audio reproducing device 30, the trigger monitoring site 12 executes the monitoring program Sv, and the delay corresponding to each of the audio output sites 40 _n is executed by going through the series of steps shown in FIG. Number of samples Sd
_n can be obtained.

In this way, in the voice reproducing device 30, the monitoring program S is executed by the trigger monitoring site 12.
In addition to executing v, the reproduction processing program B _n can be executed by each of the audio output sites 40 _n , and the reproduction of the audio stream AS _n forming the audio file AF can be started at the same time. In the audio reproduction device 30, the audio output site 40 _n thereafter reproduces the audio stream AS _n based on the word clock WCLK supplied from the word clock generator 14, respectively. It becomes possible to perform synchronized playback of.

As described above, in the audio reproducing device 30 shown as the second embodiment of the present invention, the audio file AF existing on the distribution site 31 is transferred to each audio output site 40.
_n is distributed to each audio output site 40 _n after being divided into the number of channels capable of output processing, and the distributed audio stream A
Multi-channel synchronous reproduction can be performed using S _n . In particular, the audio reproducing devices 30 are not guaranteed to be synchronized with each other, and even if the audio output sites 40 _n having various operating environments are used, the synchronous reproduction can be surely realized.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. As the third embodiment, an audio reproducing device 50 shown in FIG. 7 performs predetermined signal processing on one source signal by each audio output site, and synchronously reproduces an audio signal of 56 channels. . In other words, the audio reproducing device 50 multicasts the audio file of 1 channel to each audio output site,
Controlling using a multi-speaker, for example, by performing individual signal processing for each channel by each audio output site on the delivered audio file and performing synchronous reproduction,
That is, it is possible to effectively realize the directivity, the sound field, and the sound image control, which have conventionally been less effective because only a small-scale system can be configured due to the capability of hardware and the limitation of the number of speaker channels. Note that, also here, the audio reproducing device 10 shown as the above-described first embodiment.
Alternatively, each unit having the same function as that of the audio reproduction device 30 shown as the second embodiment is denoted by the same reference numeral, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The audio reproducing device 50, as shown in FIG.
In addition to the trigger monitoring site 12, the word clock generator 14, the 56 output devices 15 _nm, and the 56 speakers 16 _nm , the stored audio file AF which is the source file of one channel is output. Source output site 51 and eight audio output sites 60 ₁ , 60 ₂ , ..., 60 ₈ (hereinafter, audio output sites 60 _n (n = 1, 2, ...) Which reproduce and output audio signals. , 8; site number)).

The source output site 51 has a function of performing overall control of the audio reproduction device 50, as well as the control site 11 or the distribution site 31 described above, and has a user interface UI between the audio reproduction device 50 and the user. In addition to having the audio file AF, the audio file AF is further stored in a storage unit (not shown). The audio file A stored in this source output site 51
Although F is described as having one channel, it may have a plurality of channels. The audio file AF may be compressed in a predetermined format or may be uncompressed. Source output site 51
Is capable of communicating with the outside according to a predetermined protocol such as TCP / IP or UDP, and transmits / receives signals between the trigger monitoring site 12 and the voice output site 60 _n via the network NT. It is possible to do. The source output site 51 is an environment capable of executing the source output program So,
When a user issues a reproduction command through a user interface UI including a predetermined operation unit and a display unit, the source output program So is controlled under execution.
The control information indicating the reproduction instruction of the audio file AF is notified to the audio output site 60 _n via the network NT, and the 1-channel audio file AF as it is or as stream data is sent to all the audio output sites 60 _n. Multicast delivery. The audio signal transmitted via the network NT may be compressed in a predetermined format or may be uncompressed. Here, it is assumed that the audio file AF is multicast distributed as it is to the audio output site 60 _n .

Voice output site 60_nRespectively, above
Audio output site 20_nOr audio output site 40_nWhen
Similarly, for example, output processing of 8-channel audio signal is possible
Sound processing unit 61 such as a sound card₁, 61_Two，
..., 61₈(Hereinafter, the sound processing unit 61_n(N =
1, 2, ..., 8). ) Having a persona
It has the function of hardware including computer
Of. Voice output site 60_nRespectively the source
Similar to the output site 51 and the trigger monitoring site 12, T
According to a predetermined protocol such as CP / IP or UDP
Source output site 51 and
It is possible to send and receive signals to and from the Riga monitoring site 12.
Made possible. Also, the voice output site 60_nIs that
Sound processing unit 61_nFor example in the 8th channel
This is connected to the trigger monitoring site 12 only
Trigger to trigger monitoring site 12 using channels
Signal TG_nCan be output. Audio output
Ito 60_nAre reproduction processing programs C₁, C
_Two・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ C₈(Hereinafter, the reproduction processing program C_n(N
, 1, 2, ..., 8). )
The word clock generator 14
Word clock WCLK or word unit supplied from
Trigger external signal sufficient to synchronize each sample with
In synchronization with the sound processing unit 61_nProcess in
U At this time, the voice output site 60_nIn that
The sound processing unit 61_nChannel No. in
It is assumed that the synchronization between the 8th and 8th channels is secured.
It That is, the voice output site 60 _nIn that
Each received a playback instruction from the source output site 51.
In this case, the sound processing unit 61_nFirst Channel in
The audio signals are simultaneously output from channels 8 to 8.
Also, the voice output site 60_nIn the audio file
If AF is compressed in the specified format,
This audio file AF is temporarily stored in a buffer (not shown)
It is stored and the predetermined decoding process is performed via this buffer.
Done. And the voice output site 60_nIn
From the buffer, the audio file AF is stored in a certain capacity or more
Will be read.

Further, the audio output sites 60 _n respectively perform predetermined signal processing on the audio files AF read from the buffer. As shown in FIG. 8, each of the audio output sites 60 _n has a signal processing unit 62 _nm (n = 1, 2, ..., 8, m = 1, 2, ...) Of 7 channels.
.., 7; channel number). These signal processing units 62 _nm can be configured as hardware or software such as a reproduction processing program C _n as shown in FIG. Audio output site 60 _n, respectively, and inputs the audio signal to the signal processing unit _{62 n m} for each channel. As the signal processing, for example, a digital filter such as a so-called FIR (Finite Impulse Responce) filter or an IIR (Infinite Impulse Responce) filter may be applied, and so-called crossfade processing may be performed as a whole. However, the delay amount in these signal processing units 62 _nm is known, and for simplicity, it is assumed to be constant between each channel.

Further, the parameter of the signal processing in the signal processing unit 62 _nm such as the filter coefficient in the digital filter can be changed according to the control information CNT for changing the signal processing method supplied from the outside. is there. For example, in the audio reproducing device 50, the parameter can be changed according to the operation of the user interface UI by the user, and the source output site 51 indicates to the audio output site 60 _n and the parameter value is indicated. The control information CNT is notified. More specifically, assuming an application that moves a sound image in conjunction with an image, for example, the control information CNT is changed as the user moves his / her position by operating a joystick or the like which is a user interface UI. Voice output site 6
The position of the reproduced sound image can be moved by notifying 0 _n and changing the parameter of the signal processing. In addition, each of the audio output sites 60 _n can change the signal processing parameter according to the application, such as changing the direction of directivity or changing the reverberation parameter of the sound field. Audio output site 6
At 0 _n , the audio signal subjected to the signal processing is temporarily stored in a buffer (not shown), and is read when it is stored in a predetermined capacity or more.

When each of the audio output sites 60 _n receives the control information indicating the reproduction instruction supplied from the source output site 51 via the network NT, the sound output site 60 _n performs sound processing under the execution control of the reproduction processing program C _n. Part 61
_The trigger signal TG _n is output to the trigger monitoring site 12 via _n . During this time, the voice output site 60 _n
The audio file AF is distributed to each of them, and the audio output site 60 _n performs signal processing on the distributed audio file AF by the signal processing unit 62 _nm . The audio output site 60 _n, respectively, when receiving the sample number information delayed trigger monitoring site 12 through the network NT, on the basis this delay sample number Sd _n to the read margin sample number Sm, after the signal processing The reproduction of the audio signal is started, and the sound is emitted to the outside through the output device 15 _nm and the speaker 16 _nm .

A sound reproducing device 50 having such units.
In the above, each of the audio output sites 60 _n can execute the reproduction processing program C _n and start the reproduction of the audio file AF by going through the series of steps shown in FIG. On the other hand, in the audio reproducing device 50, the trigger monitoring site 12 executes the monitoring program Sv, and the delay sample number Sd corresponding to each of the audio output sites 60 _n is executed by going through the series of steps shown in FIG. _n can be obtained.

In the audio reproducing device 50, when the control information indicating the reproduction instruction of the 1-channel audio file AF stored in the source output site 51 is given, the audio file AF is multicast to each of the audio output sites 60 _n. Along with being delivered, the audio output site 60 _n
From each of them, the trigger signal TG _n is output to the trigger monitoring site 12. In the audio reproduction device 50, the trigger monitoring site 12 obtains the delay sample number Sd _n corresponding to each of the audio output sites 60 _n based on the trigger signal TG _n . Then, in the audio playback apparatus 50 by the sound output site 60 _n, on the basis of the read margin sample number Sm and the delay sample number Sd _n, self determined when to start playing, it reaches this timing It is possible to start playing the audio signal at a time. In the audio reproducing device 50,
In this way, the reproduction start timings of the audio file AF by all the audio output sites 60 _n can be matched. Then, in the audio reproducing device 50, thereafter, reproduction is advanced by the audio output site 60 _n based on the word clock WCLK supplied from the word clock generator 14, whereby multi-channel synchronous reproduction can be performed. .

Further, in the audio reproducing apparatus 50, when changing the parameter of the signal processing in the middle, the above-mentioned control information CNT indicating the content of the signal processing is given from the source output site 51 to the audio output site 60 _n. , The signal processing parameters are changed. At this time, the audio reproduction device 5
At 0, like the reproduction instruction, by calculating the number of delay samples relating to the control information CNT, the time for changing the signal processing parameter can be synchronized.

In this way, in the audio reproducing device 50, the monitoring program S is executed by the trigger monitoring site 12.
In addition to executing v, the reproduction processing program C _n can be executed by each of the audio output sites 60 _n to simultaneously start the reproduction of the audio file AF.

As described above, the audio reproducing apparatus 50 according to the third embodiment of the present invention is provided with the source output site 51.
The audio file AF existing above is multicast-distributed to each audio output site 60 _n , and an audio signal obtained by performing signal processing on the distributed audio file AF is used.
Multi-channel synchronous playback can be performed. In particular, the audio reproduction devices 50 are not synchronized with each other, and the audio output sites 60 _n having various operating environments are diverse.
Even in the case of using, it is possible to surely realize the synchronous reproduction and, for example, it is possible to realize the directivity, the sound field and the sound image control using the multi-speaker with excellent effects.

Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The audio reproducing device 70 shown in FIG. 9 as the fourth embodiment is similar to the audio reproducing device 50 shown as the third embodiment described above, and one source file is specified by each audio output site. Is performed to synchronously reproduce a 56-channel audio signal. However, in order to avoid the influence of network traffic, a network NT that transmits information according to a predetermined protocol such as TCP / IP or UDP. No information is provided, and information is transmitted and received using only the sound processing unit. Therefore, each unit having the same function as that of the audio reproducing device 50 shown as the above-described third embodiment is denoted by the same reference numeral, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The audio reproducing device 70, as shown in FIG.
In addition to the word clock generator 14 described above, 56 output devices 15 _nm , and 56 speakers 16 _nm , a source output site 71 that outputs a stored audio file AF that is a 1-channel source file. , A trigger monitoring site 73 that monitors the trigger signal TG _n, and eight audio output sites 80 ₁ and 8 that reproduce and output audio signals.
0 ₂ , ..., 80 ₈ (hereinafter, voice output site 80
_n (n = 1, 2, ..., 8; site number). ) And.

The source output site 71, like the source output site 51 described above, has the function of performing overall control of the audio reproduction device 70, and also has a user interface UI between the audio reproduction device 70 and the user. Further, the audio file AF is stored in a storage means (not shown). The audio file AF stored in the source output site 71 is described as having one channel, but it may have a plurality of channels. The audio file AF may be compressed in a predetermined format or may be uncompressed.
The source output site 71 has a sound processing unit 72 such as a sound card capable of output processing audio signals of at least two channels. Through the sound processing unit 72, a reproduction instruction by the user via a user interface UI and It is possible to notify the audio output site 80 _{n of} control information indicating a change in a parameter of signal processing and to multicast-distribute the audio file AF as it is or as stream data to all the audio output sites 80 _n . To be done. At this time, in the source output site 71, the first channel in the sound processing section 72 is used for delivering the audio file AF, and the second channel is used for notifying the control information.

Further, the source output site 71 transmits / receives control information via the sound processing section 72. This control information may be any value as long as it can send and receive numerical values, parameters, etc., and may be any information if it is negotiated and used between sites that send and receive the generation and recognition mechanism. In particular, the source output site 71 and the voice output site 8
When 0 _n handles digital data, each site can handle the control information as a mere signal sequence, and the program for generation and recognition can be simplified. The source output site 71 is an environment capable of executing the source output program So,
The processing in the sound processing unit 72 is performed in synchronization with the word clock WCLK supplied from the word clock generator 14 or a trigger external signal sufficient to synchronize each sample in word units.

The trigger monitoring site 73 has at least voice.
Output site 80_nOr more, that is, 8 channels or more
A sound cover capable of input processing and output processing of the above audio signal
Sound processing unit 74 such as
Audio output site 80 via the unit 74_nOutput from
Riga signal TG_nIt is possible to receive. Also,
The trigger monitoring site 73 uses the sound processing unit 74
And the number of delayed samples Sd _nVoice output site 80_nAgainst
It will be possible to notify. At this time, the trigger supervisor
The viewing site 73 is the input side of the sound processing unit 74.
Channel 1 is audio output site 80₁Connected with the first
2 channels are audio output site 80_TwoWhen connected with
By the way, the first channel on the output side is the audio output site 80.₁
The second channel is connected to the audio output site 80_TwoWhen
Each channel has an audio output
Ito 80_nAre connected in correspondence with each. Trigger
The monitoring site 73 executes the monitoring program Sv
The word clock generator 14
Word clock WCLK or word unit supplied from
Trigger external signal sufficient to synchronize each sample with
The processing in the sound processing unit 74 is performed in synchronization with.

The trigger monitoring site 73 monitors the arrival of the trigger signal TG _n output from each of the audio output sites 80 _n under the execution control of the monitoring program Sv. Upon receiving the trigger signals TG _n , the trigger monitoring site 73 receives the trigger signals TG _n, and based on these trigger signals TG _n , the delay sample number S corresponding to each of the audio output sites 80 _n.
seeking d _n, respectively output to the audio output site 80 _n via the sound processor 74 delays samples number information indicating these delays sample number Sd _n.

Each of the sound output sites 80 _n can output sound signals of, for example, 8 channels, and can process input sound signals of at least 3 channels, such as sound cards 81 ₁ , 81 ₂ ,.・
, 81 ₈ (hereinafter, sound processing unit 81 _n (n = 1,
2, ..., 8). ) Has. The audio output site 80 _n outputs the audio file AF output from the source output site 71 via these sound processing units 81 _n.
And control information, and further, it is possible to receive delay sample number information output from the trigger monitoring site 73. For example, in the sound output site 80 _n , the sound processing unit 81 _{n is provided.}
The first channel on the input side in is the source output site 7
1 is used as the receiving unit for the audio file AF, the second channel is used as the receiving unit for the control information from the source output site 71, and the third channel is used as the receiving unit for the delayed sample number information from the trigger monitoring site 73. . In addition, each of the audio output sites 80 _n is connected to the trigger monitoring site 73 only on the output side of the sound processing unit 81 _n , for example, the eighth channel, and a trigger signal is sent to the trigger monitoring site 73 using this channel. It is possible to output TG _n . The audio output sites 80 _n are respectively reproduction processing programs D ₁ , D ₂ , ..., D ₈ (hereinafter, reproduction processing programs D _n (n = 1, 2, ...,
8). ) Is performed, and the sound processing unit is synchronized with a word clock WCLK supplied from the word clock generator 14 or a trigger external signal sufficient for synchronizing each sample in word units. The process at 81 _n is performed. Voice output site 8
At 0 _n , if the audio file AF is compressed in a predetermined format, the audio file AF is temporarily stored in a buffer (not shown), and a predetermined decoding process is performed via this buffer. Then, at the audio output site 80 _n , the audio file AF is read out from the buffer when the audio file AF is stored in a predetermined capacity or more.

The audio output site 80 _n , like the audio output site 60 _n , performs a predetermined signal processing on the audio file AF read from the buffer. At the audio output site 80 _n , the audio signal subjected to the signal processing is temporarily stored in a buffer (not shown) and is read out when it is stored at a predetermined capacity or more.

Upon receiving the control information indicating the reproduction instruction supplied from the source output site 71 via the sound processing section 81 _n , the audio output site 80 _n receives the control information under the execution control of the reproduction processing program D _n. , The trigger signal TG _n via the sound processor 81 _n , and the trigger monitoring site 7
Output to 3. During this period, the audio file AF is distributed to each of the audio output sites 80 _n , and each of the audio output sites 80 _n performs signal processing on the distributed audio file AF by a signal processing unit (not shown). Give. The audio output site 80 _n, respectively, based on the receipt through the sound processing section 81 _n the number of samples information delayed trigger monitoring site 73, and the delay sample number Sd _n and read margin sample number Sm, the signal The reproduction of the processed audio signal is started, and the sound is emitted to the outside through the output device 15 _nm and the speaker 16 _nm .

A sound reproducing device 70 including each section as described above.
In the above, each of the audio output sites 80 _n can execute the reproduction processing program D _n and start reproducing the audio file AF by going through the series of steps shown in FIG. On the other hand, in the audio reproduction device 70, the trigger monitoring site 73 executes the monitoring program Sv, and the delay sample number Sd corresponding to each of the audio output sites 80 _n is executed by going through the series of steps shown in FIG. _n can be obtained.

In the audio reproduction device 70, the audio reproduction device is
Stored in source output site 71, similar to
A control that indicates the playback instruction of the audio file AF of 1 channel.
When the information is given, the audio file AF will output the audio output.
Ito 80_nWhen multicast is delivered to each of
Momo, voice output site 80_nFrom each of the trigger supervision
Trigger signal TG for viewing site 73_nIs output.
In the audio playback device 70, the trigger monitoring site 73
From trigger signal TG_nBased on the voice output site 8
0_nSd corresponding to each of the delay sample number Sd_nSeeking
It Then, in the audio reproduction device 70, each audio output
Site 80_nTherefore, the number of delayed samples Sd_nAnd play
Based on the number of margin samples Sm, the self starts playback.
Find the timing to start and reach this timing
It is possible to start playing the audio signal at a time. Voice re
In the live device 70, in this way, all audio output is performed.
Force site 80_nTo start playing the audio file AF
You can match iming. And voice playback
In the device 70, the word clock generator is then used.
Based on the word clock WCLK supplied from 14
Voice output site 80 _nBy proceeding with playback by
Therefore, multi-channel synchronous playback can be performed.

Further, in the audio reproducing device 70, when the signal processing parameter is changed on the way, as in the audio reproducing device 50, the control information indicating the content of the signal processing is transmitted from the source output site 71 to the audio output site. 80 _n , the parameters of the signal processing are changed. At this time, in the audio reproducing device 70, the time for changing the parameter of the signal processing can be synchronized by calculating the number of delay samples regarding the control information, similarly to the reproduction instruction.

In this way, in the sound reproducing device 70, the monitoring program S is executed by the trigger monitoring site 73.
In addition to executing v, the reproduction processing program D _n is executed by each of the audio output sites 80 _n , and the reproduction of the audio file AF can be started at the same time.

As described above, the audio reproducing device 70 shown as the fourth embodiment of the present invention is provided with the source output site 71.
The audio file AF existing above is multicast-distributed to each audio output site 80 _n , and an audio signal obtained by performing signal processing on the distributed audio file AF is used.
Multi-channel synchronous playback can be performed. In particular, the audio reproducing device 70 is, for example, TCP / IP or UDP.
Since information transmission is not performed via a network that transmits information according to a predetermined protocol such as, it is possible to avoid the influence of network traffic and surely realize synchronous reproduction.

Finally, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. As a fifth embodiment, an audio reproducing device 90 shown in FIG. 10 outputs an audio signal instead of providing a dedicated trigger channel for outputting the above-mentioned trigger signal in a sound processing section at an audio output site. It is shared with the channel. That is, in the above-described embodiment, the trigger channel is used
It is only when the trigger signal is reproduced only once before the reproduction of the audio signal is started. Therefore, securing a dedicated channel for this purpose may be inefficient depending on the application. Therefore,
The audio reproducing device 90 is a device that operates on M audio output sites of n audio output sites.
Of the sound processing parts that can play channels simultaneously,
By using all channels for the output of the audio signal, it is possible to realize the synchronous reproduction of the audio signal of M × n channels, instead of the synchronous reproduction of the audio signal of (M−1) × n channels described above. . Here, the audio reproducing device 90 is capable of outputting and processing an audio signal of 8 channels.
The description will be made assuming that the audio reproduction of 32 channels is performed synchronously using one audio output site. Note that, also here, the same reference numerals are given to the respective units having the same functions as those of the audio reproducing device 10 and the like shown as the above-described first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The audio reproducing device 90, as shown in FIG.
The word clock generator 14 described above and 32 output devices
15₁₁, 15₁₂, 15_Thirteen, 15₁₄, 15₁₅，
15 ₁₆, 15₁₇, 15₁₈, 15₂₁, 15₂₂，
..., 15₄₅, 15₄₆, 15₄₇, 15₄₈(Below
Lower, output device 15_nm(N = 1, 2, 3, 4; site number
No., m = 1, 2, ..., 8; Channel number)
To do. ) And 32 speakers 16₁₁, 16₁₂, 1
6_Thirteen, 16₁₄, 16₁₅, 16₁₆, 16_{1 7}, 1
6₁₈, 16₂₁, 16₂₂, ・ ・ ・, 16₄₅, 16
₄₆, 16₄₇, 16₄₈(Hereinafter, speaker 16
_nm(N = 1, 2, 3, 4, m = 1, 2, ..., 8)
Collectively. ) And trigger signal TG_nTo monitor
Riga monitoring site 91 and reproduces and outputs audio signals 4
One voice output site 100₁, 100_Two・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ 10
0_Four(Hereafter, the voice output site 100_n(N = 1, 2,
3, 4). ) And. This audio playback device
90 is an entertainment theater such as a movie theater.
Assuming that it is applied to the ETH, the output device 15
_nmAnd speaker 16_nmIs the entertainment
Embedded in the 4 walls of Atta ETH, 32 channels
It is possible to construct a sound field with a realistic sensation by standing voice.
It It should be noted that in the audio reproduction device 90, four audio outputs are output.
Force site 100_n8 outputs corresponding to each
Bowl 15_nmAnd speaker 16_nmIs one block B
K_n(N = 1,2,3,4) and one wall surface is configured
Shall be.

The trigger monitoring site 91 has the same function as that of the trigger monitoring site 12 described above and also has the same function as that of the control site 11 described above, and further, a storage means (not shown) for storing the movie file MF consisting of a predetermined image. And also functions as a cinema distribution site for distributing this movie file MF. The trigger monitoring site 91 can communicate with the outside according to a predetermined protocol such as TCP / IP or UDP, and transmits / receives a signal to / from the audio output site 100 _n via the network NT. Is possible. The trigger monitoring site 91 has an environment in which the monitoring program Sv can be executed, and when the user issues a reproduction command via a user interface UI including a predetermined operation unit and a display unit, the monitoring program Sv is executed. Under the execution control of Sv, the audio file AF _n
While notifying the audio output site 100 _n with control information indicating the reproduction instruction of the movie file MF, the image processing unit 93 performs predetermined image processing on the movie file MF, and synchronizes with the audio file AF. ,
The image data IM is supplied to the projector PJ and projected on the screen of the entertainment theater ETH. The movie file MF stored in the trigger monitoring site 91 may be compressed in a predetermined format or may be uncompressed, and is decoded by the image processing unit 93.

Further, the trigger monitoring site 91 has a sound processing unit 92 such as a sound card capable of input processing sound signals of at least the number of sound output sites 20 _n , that is, four or more channels. 92
It is possible to receive the trigger signal TG _n output from the audio output site 100 _n via the. The trigger monitoring site 91 synchronizes with the word clock WCLK supplied from the word clock generator 14 or a trigger external signal sufficient to synchronize each sample in units of words,
The processing in the sound processing unit 92 is performed.

The trigger monitoring site 91 analyzes the waveform of the audio signal output from each of the audio output sites 100 _n under the execution control of the monitoring program Sv, and embeds it in this audio signal as described later. Trigger signal T
Monitor G _n . When the trigger monitoring site 91 detects the trigger signal TG _n , the trigger monitoring site 91 obtains the delay sample number Sd _n corresponding to each of the voice output sites 100 _n based on these trigger signals TG _n, and the delay sample number S
The delay sample number information indicating the d _n respectively output the audio output site 100 _n via the network NT.

Voice output site 100_nOn each,
Voice output site 20 mentioned_nSimilar to, for example, 8 chan
Channel such as a sound card that can output and process audio signals.
Sound processing unit 101₁, 101_Two, ・ ・ ・, 101
₈(Hereinafter, the sound processing unit 101 _n(N = 1, 2, ...
,, 8) collectively. ) Has. Voice output site 10
0 _nIs a predetermined protocol such as TCP / IP or UDP.
Trigger via network NT according to protocol
It is possible to send and receive signals to and from the monitoring site 91
It is said that Also, the voice output site 100_nIs that
Sound processing unit 101_nFor example in 8th Chan
Only the flannel output device 15_nmWith trigger monitoring site 9
1 is also connected, and trigger monitoring is performed using this channel.
Trigger signal TG for viewing site 91_nTo output
Is possible. In addition, this trigger signal TG_nWill be described later
So that the audio file AF as an audio signal_nBuried in
It is embedded. Voice output site 100_nIs
Reproduction processing program E ₁, E_Two・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ E
₈(Hereinafter, the reproduction processing program E_n(N = 1, 2, ...
,, 8) collectively. ) And an environment in which
And is supplied from the word clock generator 14.
Each sample in word clock WCLK or word unit
Sufficient trigger to synchronize
Sound processing unit 101 _nProcess. At this time,
Voice output site 100_nIn, respectively,
Processing unit 101_nChannels 1 to 8 in
It is assumed that the synchronization between the channels is secured. Sanawa
The voice output site 100_nIn the
If you receive a playback instruction from the Riga monitoring site 91
Is the sound processing unit 101_nChannel No. in
Audio signals are simultaneously output from the 8th to 8th channels. Well
Voice output site 100_nAre not shown respectively
8 channel audio file AF in storage means_nRemember
is doing.

Here, the audio file AF_nIs an example
As shown in FIG. 11, it is composed of audio signals of 8 channels.
Audio file AF_nShows that each time after the predetermined time tc
Audio signal C for movie content for each channel₁, C_Two・ ・ ・
.., C₈Is recorded. Furthermore, audio file A
F_nAt time tc in the audio signal of the eighth channel
The audio signal T for triggering at a time earlier than_nRecorded
Has been. Audio signal T for this trigger_nWill be described later
Sea urchin, each voice output site 100_nAudio files in
AF_nOutput device 15 by playing_nmOutput to
And each voice output site 100_nBy movie content
Voice signal C for₁, C_Two・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ C ₈Before playing
It will be heard by the user. Also, voice for trigger
Signal T_nFrom the trigger monitoring site 91 to the network N
When the control information indicating the reproduction instruction supplied via T arrives
Each voice output site 100_nof
It is something that is reproduced in pieces between. Therefore, the bird
Voice signal T for moth_nIs, for example,
There is no time difference such as a chime sound or a small bird humming.
Meaning that it will not be offensive to the listener even if it is played back
It is desirable that the audio signal be good. Especially the voice for the trigger
Signal T_nFor example, the sound reproducing device 90 is applied with the present invention
Active as a sound logo indicating that the system is
It is also possible to utilize the

Audio signal T for trigger_nFor example, electronic
Watermark trigger signal TG_nIs embedded,
Trigger detection site 91 and voice output site 100_nBy
Therefore, it can be detected with a specific sample value. Also voice
File AF_n, The trigger signal TG_nCan be detected
The time from the effective time tt to the time tc is the reproduction margin.
It is defined as the number of samples Sm0. This playback margin
The sample number Sm0 is the audio file AF_nWhen creating
In addition, for example, sufficient time to complete the various processes described below.
It is a value calculated in consideration of the above. The trigger signal TG
_nAs the audio signal T_n
It does not need to be embedded in the trigger monitoring site 9
1 and voice output site 100_nBut each is a voice signal
T_nOf the trigger signal by observing the waveform of
And the trigger sample of the trigger signal can be specified.
Audio signal T, if any_nWaveform itself is the trigger signal
TG _nMay be treated as

Voice output site 100_nAre the
Supplied from Riga monitoring site 91 via network NT
When the control information indicating the reproduction instruction to be received is received, the reproduction processing is performed.
Program E_nAudio file AF under the execution control of
_nThe sound processing unit 101._nOut through
Force machine 15_nmAnd speaker 16_nmSupply to the outside
The sound processing unit 101_nOke
Trigger monitoring of the audio signal output from the 8th channel
Supply to site 91. Voice output site 100 _nIs that
Audio file AF respectively_nWaveform analysis and trigger
Signal TG_nIs detected and its trigger signal TG_nEmbedded
Identified samples At this point, output
Bowl 15_nmAnd speaker 16_nmSound emitted through
The voice is the audio signal T output from the eighth channel._nonly
And the others are silent. Also, voice output site
100_nFrom the trigger monitoring site 91 respectively.
Receive delay sample number information via network NT
And the audio file AF based on the number of delayed samples
_nPlayback is skipped, playback is restarted, and output device 15
_nmAnd speaker 16_nmSound to the outside via
It

A sound reproducing device 90 including such units.
In the audio file AF_nControl that indicates the playback instruction of
Given information, voice output site 100_nThat's it
Audio file AF_nIs played. Audio playback device
90, the trigger monitoring site 91 and the voice output service
Ito 100_nBy audio file AF_nEmbedded in
Trigger signal TG_nIs detected and the trigger monitoring site 91
Voice output site 100_nAgainst the trigger signal TG_n
Output site 100 based on_nThat's it
Corresponding delay sample number Sd_nWill be notified. That
In the audio reproducing device 90, each audio output site 1
00_nTherefore, the number of delayed samples Sd _nOn the basis of,
Audio file AF_nSkips the playback of the
Resume playback from the point. In the audio playback device 90
In this way, all audio output sites 100_nTo
By audio file AF_nMatch the playback start timing
Can be made. Then, in the sound reproducing device 90
Is supplied from the word clock generator 14 thereafter.
Audio output site based on word clock WCLK
100_nMultiplay by proceeding with playback by
You can perform synchronized playback of channels.

[0122] Specifically, in the sound reproducing apparatus 90, the audio output site 100 _n, respectively, and executes the reproduction processing program _{E n,} playing an audio file AF _n Through the series of steps shown in FIG. 12 To do.

First, as shown in the figure, each of the audio output sites 100 _n has received control information indicating a reproduction instruction of the audio file AF _n from the trigger monitoring site 91 via the network NT in step S31. Determine whether or not. The voice output sites 100 _n are
The process waits until the control information from the trigger monitoring site 91 arrives, and when the control information is received, the process proceeds to step S32.

The audio output site 100 _n reproduces the audio file AF _n via the sound processing unit 101 _n in step S32.

At the same time, the voice output site 100
_In step S33, each _n detects the trigger signal TG _n embedded in the audio file AF _n .

Further, each of the audio output sites 100 _n starts counting the number of reproduction samples with reference to the sample specified as the sample in which the trigger signal TG _n was embedded in step S34. At the audio output site 100 _n , the reproduction start timing of the audio file AF _n is determined on the basis of the count start sample.

Then, the audio output sites 100 _n each continue counting the number of reproduced samples in step S35, and in step S36, the delayed sample number information indicating the corresponding delayed sample number Sd _n is sent from the trigger monitoring site 91. It is determined whether or not it has arrived via the network NT.

If the delay sample number information has not arrived, the audio output site 100 _n is
The process of step S35 is repeated.

[0129] On the other hand, if the delay sample number information reaches the audio output site 100 _n, respectively, at step S37, skipping the playback of audio files AF _n delayed sample number Sd _n, from the time of skipping The reproduction is restarted and the series of processes is ended.

[0130] Thus, in the audio playback apparatus 90, it executes the reproduction processing program E _n by the respective speech output site 100 _n, starts reproduction of the audio signal for movie content in the audio file AF _n simultaneously You can In the audio reproducing device 90,
After that, each of the audio output sites 100 _n receives the word clock W supplied from the word clock generator 14.
By proceeding with the reproduction of the audio file AF _n based on CLK, multi-channel synchronous reproduction becomes possible.

On the other hand, in the audio reproducing device 90, the trigger monitoring site 91 executes the monitoring program Sv and goes through a series of steps shown in FIG. 13 to obtain the delay sample number Sd corresponding to each of the audio output sites 100 _{n. n}
Can be asked.

First, as shown in the figure, the trigger monitoring site 91 notifies each of the audio output sites 100 _n of control information indicating a reproduction instruction in step S41.

Then, in step S42, the trigger monitoring site 91 monitors the incoming of the audio file AF _n output from each of the audio output sites 100 _n to each channel in the sound processing section 92.

Subsequently, the trigger monitoring site 91 determines in step S43 whether or not any of the audio files AF _n is supplied to any of the four channels in the sound processing section 92.

Here, if any of the audio files AF _n is not supplied, the trigger monitoring site 91
The processing moves to step S42, and the audio file AF _n
Continue to monitor until one of them is supplied.

On the other hand, when any of the audio files AF _n is supplied, the trigger monitoring site 91 detects the trigger signal TG _n embedded in the audio file AF _n in step S44.

Then, in step S45, the trigger monitoring site 91 determines whether or not the detected trigger signal TG _n was embedded in the audio file AF _n supplied first, that is, the trigger signal for the first time. TG _n is determined whether or not is detected.

Here, when the trigger signal TG _n is not the one detected first, the trigger monitoring site 91 shifts the processing to step S47. On the other hand, the trigger signal T
If G _n is the first detected one, the trigger monitoring site 91 determines in step S46 the number of input samples with the sample at the time when the first detected trigger signal TG _n is input as the reference sample. Counting is started, and the process proceeds to step S47. At the trigger monitoring site 91, the input time of another trigger signal TG _n is measured by counting the number of input samples based on this reference sample.

Then, in step S47, the trigger monitoring site 91 sets the count value, which has started counting from the reference sample in step S46, as the delayed sample number Sd _n, and outputs the trigger signal TG _n for the corresponding voice. the output site 100 _n, the delay sample number information indicating the delay sample number Sd _n network n
Output via T. The trigger monitoring site 91 is
Audio output site 1 that first output audio file AF _n
It goes without saying that the delay sample number Sd _n = 0 is notified to 00 _n .

Subsequently, the trigger monitoring site 91 continues counting the number of input samples in step S48, and in step S49, all the voice output sites 1
It is determined whether or not the trigger signal TG _n is received from 00 _n .

Here, when the trigger signal TG _n is not received from all the audio output sites 100 _n , the trigger monitoring site 91 has the steps S42 to S48.
The process of is repeated.

On the other hand, when the trigger signal TG _n is received from all the audio output sites 100 _n , the trigger monitoring site 91 ends the series of processing as it is.

It is possible that one of the voice output sites 100 _n does not give the trigger signal TG _n to the trigger monitoring site 91 due to a failure or the like. In this case, the trigger monitoring site 91 starts from step S49. S4
The loop processing for shifting to 2 may be appropriately omitted.

In this way, in the sound reproducing device 90, the monitoring program S is executed by the trigger monitoring site 91.
v is executed, it is possible to obtain the delay sample number Sd _n corresponding to each of the audio output site 100 _n, it is possible to realize the synchronous reproduction by the audio output site 100 _n. During this series of processing, the trigger monitoring site 91 performs the image processing on the movie file MF by the image processing unit 93, and starts the reproduction of the audio signal for the movie content in the audio file AF _n by the audio output site 100 _n. In synchronization with each other, the image data IM is projected on the screen of the entertainment theater ETH via the projector PJ.

[0145] In the audio reproducing apparatus 90 provided with a trigger monitoring site 91 and the audio output site 100 _n to perform such a program, the operation is performed in concert in accordance with the timing shown in FIG. 14 for example.

That is, in the audio reproducing device 90,
The trigger monitoring site 91 and the audio output site 100 _n operate based on the word clock WCLK generated by the word clock generator 14. Audio playback device 90
As shown in the upper part of the figure, when a reproduction command is instructed via the user interface UI, control information indicating this reproduction instruction is transmitted from the trigger monitoring site 91 to each of the audio output sites 100 _n via the network NT. Will be notified. The absolute time at which the control information arrives varies among the voice output sites 100 _n due to the influence of network traffic and the like, as described above. Here, as shown in the middle part of the figure, it is assumed that the voice output site 100 ₁ receives the control information earliest, and the control information is received in the order of the voice output site 100 ₄ and the voice output site 100 ₂ .

Then, in the audio reproducing device 90, the audio file AF _n is reproduced from the audio output site 100 _n as described above. CPU The absolute time at which the audio file AF _n are reproduced from the respective sound output site 100 _n, as described above, that do not differ or illustrated sound processing unit 101 _n in the audio output site 100 _n
Variations occur between the voice output sites 100 _n due to processing capabilities such as. Here, as shown in the middle part of the figure, the audio output site 100 ₁ starts playing the audio file AF ₁ at the earliest, and thereafter the audio output site 10 ₁ starts playing.
Audio file A in the order of 0 ₄ , audio output site 100 ₂
It is assumed that the reproduction of F ₄ and AF ₂ has started.

Then, in the audio reproducing device 90,
As mentioned above, the voice output site 100_nEach of
Tte audio file AF_nSignal TG embedded in the
_nIs detected and triggered by the trigger monitoring site 91.
Even trigger signal TG_nIs detected. Here, the bottom of the figure
As shown in the column, the trigger monitoring site 91
Sample S₁Trigger signal TG₁Is detected and
After that, the trigger signal TG_Four, TG_TwoDetected in the order of
To do. Voice output site 100_nRespectively these
Trigger signal TG_nS at the time when the_nBased on
As a quasi-condition, the counting of the number of reproduction samples is started. Well
Here, the earliest trigger signal TG₁Was detected
Sample S₁Is used as a reference sample. Also trigger
The monitoring site 91 uses the sample S, which is a reference sample.₁Or
The counting of the number of input samples was started from
Thus, the number of delayed samples Sd_nTo calculate. Audio playback device
In the storage 90, the number of these delayed samples Sd_nIs a pair
Corresponding voice output site 100 _nBe notified to. This
Delayed sample number Sd_nIs the absolute time
As mentioned above, it is caused by the influence of network traffic.
Therefore, the voice output site 100_nVariations occur between
It Here, as shown in the middle part of the figure, the audio output site
100₁Received the earliest delayed sample count information,
Output site 100_Two, Voice output site 100_FourIn the order of
It is assumed that the delayed sample number information is received.

Then, in the audio reproducing device 90, the reproduction of the audio file AF _n is skipped by the delay sample number Sd _n by each of the audio output sites 100 _n , and the reproduction is restarted from the skip destination time point. At this time, the above-described reproduction margin sample number Sm0 is at least the following steps, that is, the audio output site 100 _n receiving the control information indicating the reproduction instruction is the audio file AF _n.
, The trigger monitoring site 91 receives the trigger signal TG _n from all the audio output sites 100 _n , and the trigger monitoring site 91 notifies each of the audio output sites 100 _n of the delay sample number Sd _n . If all the audio output sites 100 _n receive the delay sample number Sd _n and the time is calculated in consideration of a time sufficient for performing the process of correcting the sample being reproduced, it is skipped. The sample is an audio signal unrelated to the movie content, that is, an audio signal included from the time tt to the time tc shown in FIG. In the audio reproduction device 90, the number of reproduction margin samples Sm0 is counted from the sample S _n at the time when the trigger signal TG _n is first detected by the trigger monitoring site 91.
, The audio signals C ₁ , C ₂ , ..., C for the movie content in the audio file AF _n
Playback of ₈ is started all at once.

In the audio reproducing device 90, the audio signal C for movie contents between the audio output sites 100 _n is displayed.
The reproduction start positions of ₁ , C ₂ , ..., C ₈ are made constant, and thereafter, reproduction of the audio file AF _n proceeds while maintaining synchronization based on the word clock WCLK generated by the word clock generator 14. To do.

As described above, the fifth embodiment of the present invention
The audio reproduction device 90 shown as is the audio output site 100.
_nSound processing unit 101_nOut of the trigger signal
TG _nWithout providing a dedicated trigger channel to output
Efficient audio sharing with channels that output audio signals
Synchronous reproduction of signals can be performed.

As described above, the audio reproducing apparatus shown as the first to fifth embodiments of the present invention can be inexpensively configured by using a plurality of general-purpose hardware, Synchronous reproduction of multi-channel audio signals, which could not be realized in the past, can be accurately performed due to the limitation of the capacity and the number of channels. Therefore, by applying the sound reproducing device to an entertainment system such as a movie theater or a game, it is possible to realize highly realistic sound reproduction with a simple configuration.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made, for example, as described at the end of the above-described first and second embodiments. It is possible, and this is applicable to other embodiments as needed.

Further, in the present invention, any one of the above-described first to fifth embodiments may be appropriately combined within a possible range.

As described above, it goes without saying that the present invention can be appropriately modified without departing from the spirit thereof.

[0156]

As described in detail above, the audio reproducing apparatus according to the present invention is an audio reproducing apparatus for synchronously reproducing audio signals of a plurality of channels, and includes a reference signal generating means for generating a predetermined reference signal. , A plurality of audio output means for reproducing and outputting an audio signal through an audio output processor capable of output processing audio signals of a plurality of channels in synchronization with the reference signal It is a signal that is supplied from each of the audio output means by at least one channel through an audio input processor capable of synchronously processing at least the audio signals of at least the number of the audio output means. And a dry running signal monitoring means for monitoring the incoming dry running signal for giving the reproduction timing of the sound signal, and the dry running signal monitoring means includes the respective sound output means. The relative deviation time with respect to the input time of the plurality of dry-run signals supplied from each is obtained, and the time information indicating the deviation time is notified to each of the audio output means, and the audio output means respectively outputs the time information. On the basis of,
The timing to start the reproduction of the audio signal is determined.

Therefore, the audio reproducing apparatus according to the present invention starts the reproduction of the audio signal based on the time information indicating the relative deviation time with respect to the input time of the plurality of dry run signals corresponding to each of the audio output means. By determining the timing to be performed, the synchronous reproduction of the multi-channel audio signal can be accurately performed even when using a plurality of general-purpose hardware.

The audio reproducing method according to the present invention is an audio reproducing method for synchronously reproducing the audio signals of a plurality of channels, and is an audio output capable of outputting the audio signals of a plurality of channels in synchronization with a predetermined reference signal. A signal which is supplied for at least one channel from each of a plurality of audio output means which are not synchronized with each other and which reproduces and outputs an audio signal via the processor, and is an audio signal in each of the audio output means. The dry running signal for giving the reproduction timing is input to the dry running signal monitoring means through a sound input processor capable of input processing at least as many sound signals as the sound output means in synchronization with the reference signal. A deviation time calculating step for obtaining a relative deviation time for input times of a plurality of dry running signals supplied from each of the output means, and a deviation time Based on to the time information, and a playback start timing determination step of determining when to start playing the audio signal.

Therefore, in the audio reproducing method according to the present invention, the reproduction of the audio signal is started based on the time information indicating the relative deviation time with respect to the input time of the plurality of dry run signals corresponding to each of the audio output means. By determining the timing to be performed, it is possible to accurately perform the synchronized reproduction of the multi-channel audio signal even when using a plurality of general-purpose hardware.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an audio reproducing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a series of steps until the reproduction of an audio file is started at an audio output site included in the audio reproduction device.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a series of steps for obtaining a delay sample number corresponding to each audio output site in a trigger monitoring site included in the audio reproduction device.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an operation timing of each unit in the audio reproducing device.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an audio reproducing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a series of steps until the reproduction of an audio stream is started at an audio output site included in the audio reproduction device.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an audio reproducing device shown as a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the audio reproduction device, and particularly a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a signal processing unit included in the audio output site.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an audio reproducing device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an audio reproducing device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the structure of an audio file.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a series of steps for reproducing an audio file at an audio output site included in the audio reproduction device.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a series of steps for obtaining the number of delay samples corresponding to each of the audio output sites in the trigger monitoring site included in the audio reproduction device.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining an operation timing of each unit in the audio reproducing device.

[Explanation of symbols]

10, 30, 50, 70, 90 audio reproduction device, 11
Control site, 12, 73, 91 Trigger monitoring site, 13, 21 _n , 41 _n , 61 _n , 72, 7
4, 81 _n , 92, 101 _n sound processing unit, 14
Word clock generator, 15 _nm output device, 16
_nm speaker, 20 _n , 40 _n , 60 _n , 80 _n ,
100 _n audio output site, 31 distribution site, 5
1,71 source output site, 62 _nm signal processing unit,
93 Image processing unit

Claims (19)

[Claims] 1. An audio reproducing apparatus for synchronously reproducing audio signals of a plurality of channels, wherein reference signal generating means for generating a predetermined reference signal and output processing of audio signals of a plurality of channels in synchronization with the reference signal. Multiple audio output means for reproducing and outputting the audio signals via the audio output processor, which are not synchronized with each other, and at least the number of audio output means in synchronization with the reference signal. A signal for supplying at least one channel from each of the audio output means via an audio input processor capable of input processing, and providing a reproduction timing of the audio signal in each of the audio output means. And a dry signal monitoring means for monitoring incoming signals, wherein the dry signal monitoring means are provided by a plurality of audio output means. The relative deviation time with respect to the input time of the dry run signal is obtained, and the time information indicating the deviation time is notified to each of the audio output means, and the audio output means is respectively based on the time information. An audio reproducing apparatus, characterized in that it determines a timing at which reproduction of the audio signal should be started. 2. The audio according to claim 1, wherein the dry running signal monitoring means notifies the time output information to each of the audio output means via a general-purpose network according to a predetermined protocol. Playback device. 3. The dry running signal monitoring means outputs the time information as the voice output through a voice output processing device capable of performing output processing of at least the number of voice signals of the voice output means in synchronization with the reference signal. Notifying each of the means, the audio output means, respectively, via the audio input processor capable of input processing the audio signal in synchronization with the reference signal,
The audio reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the time information is input. 4. The audio output means is provided with a dedicated channel for outputting the dry run signal among the channels capable of being output processed by the audio output processor. The audio reproduction device described. 5. The audio output means outputs the dry run signal to the dry run signal monitoring means when control information indicating a reproduction instruction of the sound signal is input. Audio playback device. 6. The audio reproducing apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising control means for notifying each of the audio output means of the control information via a general-purpose network according to a predetermined protocol. 7. The audio output means is exclusively provided with a channel for outputting the dry run signal among the channels capable of being output processed by the audio output processor. 3. The audio output processor according to claim 1, further comprising storage means for storing the audio signals for the number of channels obtained by subtracting the number of channels for outputting the dry run signal from the number of channels that can be output processed. Audio playback device. 8. A distribution means for distributing the audio signal is provided, wherein each of the audio output means is dedicated to a channel for outputting the dry run signal among channels that can be output processed by the audio output processor. The audio output means is provided with audio signals of the number of channels obtained by subtracting the number of channels for outputting the dry run signal from the number of channels that can be output processed by the audio output processor. The audio reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the audio reproducing apparatus is distributed from. 9. The audio reproducing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the distribution means distributes the audio signal to each of the audio output means via a general-purpose network according to a predetermined protocol. . 10. A source output means for delivering an audio signal to be a source signal of a predetermined channel to each of the audio output means, wherein each of the audio output means is delivered from the source output means. The audio reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of signal processing means for performing a predetermined signal processing on the audio signal in units of channels. 11. The audio reproduction according to claim 10, wherein the source output unit distributes the audio signal to each of the audio output units via a general-purpose network according to a predetermined protocol. apparatus. 12. The source output means delivers the audio signal to each of the audio output means via an audio output processor capable of output processing the audio signal in synchronization with the reference signal, The audio output means, respectively, via an audio input processor capable of input processing the audio signal in synchronization with the reference signal,
11. The audio reproducing device according to claim 10, wherein the audio signal distributed from the source output means is input. 13. The source output means notifies each of the audio output means of control information indicating the content of signal processing in each of the signal processing means, and each of the signal processing means has each of the control information. 11. The audio reproducing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the parameter of the signal processing is changed according to the above. 14. The audio reproduction according to claim 13, wherein the source output means notifies the control information to each of the audio output means via a general-purpose network according to a predetermined protocol. apparatus. 15. The source output means notifies each of the audio output means of the control information via an audio output processor capable of output processing an audio signal in synchronization with the reference signal, The audio output means, respectively, via an audio input processor capable of input processing the audio signal in synchronization with the reference signal,
14. The audio reproducing device according to claim 13, wherein the control information is input. 16. The dry running signal is embedded in the sound signal, and the dry running signal monitoring means inputs the sound signal reproduced from each of the sound output means via the sound input processor. 2. The audio reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the dry running signal embedded in the audio signal is detected and the shift time is obtained. 17. The audio reproducing apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the dry run signal is embedded in the audio signal by a digital watermark. 18. The audio output means shares a channel for outputting the dry run signal and a channel for outputting the audio signal in the audio output processor, respectively. The audio reproducing device according to claim 1. 19. A sound reproducing method for synchronously reproducing sound signals of a plurality of channels, wherein the sound signal is processed through a sound output processor capable of outputting the sound signals of the plurality of channels in synchronization with a predetermined reference signal. A signal which is supplied from at least one channel from each of a plurality of audio output means that are not synchronized with each other for reproducing and outputting a signal, and for giving a reproduction timing of the audio signal in each of the audio output means. The dry running signal is input to the dry running signal monitoring means through a sound input processor capable of processing at least the number of sound signals of the sound output means in synchronization with the reference signal, A deviation time calculating step for obtaining a relative deviation time for the input times of a plurality of dry-run signals supplied from each of them, and the above deviation time are shown. Based on the information during the voice reproduction method characterized by comprising a playback start timing determination step of determining a timing to start the reproduction of the audio signal.