WO2006085401A1

WO2006085401A1 - Sound body-sensing device

Info

Publication number: WO2006085401A1
Application number: PCT/JP2005/015136
Authority: WO
Inventors: Masahiko Inami; Maki Sugimoto; Hideaki Nii
Original assignee: The University Of Electro-Communications
Priority date: 2005-02-14
Filing date: 2005-08-19
Publication date: 2006-08-17
Also published as: JP2008182286A; JPWO2006085401A1

Abstract

A device for enabling a listener to bodily sense a marked sound effect easily. The device comprises a section (23) for detecting a beat from an audio signal stored in an audio signal storage section (21), a stimulus signal generating section (24) for generating an electric signal according to the detected beat, and a section (33) for imparting a vestibule sense stimulus to the listener by the generated electric signal.

Description

Specification

Sound experience device

Technical field

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to an acoustic experience device for transmitting sound and causing the listener to experience an acoustic effect.

Background art

[0002] There are several types of devices that send out sound, such as speakers and headphones, and let the listeners (listeners) of this sound experience the acoustic effect. One example is the installation of vibration elements in headphones and chairs. The above-described element is vibrated in accordance with the music that is transmitted, and this vibration causes the listener to experience the acoustic effect (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0003] However, the acoustic sensation apparatus as described above is relatively large in size and has a limited installation location. In addition, a listener needs to sit on a chair constituting the apparatus in order to experience the acoustic effect. It is hard to say that you can easily experience the acoustic effect.

[0004] There is also a demand for improving the quality of the bodily sensation obtained by the apparatus.

In view of such circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide an acoustic sensation apparatus that enables a listener to easily experience a high acoustic effect.

Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2004-146944

Disclosure of the invention

[0006] The present invention according to claim 1 is an acoustic sensation apparatus for transmitting an audio signal and causing the listener to experience the acoustic effect, and detecting a specific signal component included in the audio signal. Component detection means, electrical signal generation means for generating an electrical signal based on the detected specific signal component, and vestibular sensation stimulation by the generated electrical signal attached to the listener's ear or the periphery of the ear And a stimulus imparting means for imparting a gist.

[0007] The present invention according to claim 2 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein the stimulus applying means generates at least one of a change in the visual perception of the listener and a movement of the center of gravity of the listener by a vestibular sense stimulus. By sending electrical signals earlier than audio signals. It is necessary to synchronize music with at least one of visual changes and body centroid movement.

[0008] The present invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein the electrical signal generating means includes polarity changing means for changing the polarity of the stimulus applying means at a predetermined time interval. And

[0009] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to the first aspect, the electrical signal generating means has a differential value constant key means for keeping the differential value of the current value variation in the electrical signal constant. The gist is to do.

[0010] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the electrical signal generating means is based on at least one of a frequency and an amplitude of a specific signal component and a reproduction volume of the audio signal. The gist of the invention is to have amplitude determining means for determining the amplitude of the electrical signal.

[0011] The present invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the frequency and amplitude of the specific signal component and the reproduction volume of the audio signal exceeds a predetermined value. The gist of the present invention is to have an amplitude suppression means for suppressing the amplitude of the electric signal to a predetermined upper limit value or less.

[0012] The gist of the present invention described in claim 7 is that, in the invention described in claim 1, there is provided stimulus application stopping means for stopping the application of the vestibular sensory stimulus when a predetermined time elapses.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an acoustic sensation apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing details of the stimulus signal generation unit of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a structure of an ear part of a human body.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the frequency of the stimulus signal and the audible area of the sound.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a waveform of a stimulus signal.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing stimulation signals and the degree of head inclination.

FIG. 7 is a view showing a mounting portion according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a view showing a mounting portion according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a view showing a mounting portion according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a view showing a mounting portion according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a view showing a mounting portion according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a view showing a mounting portion according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a view showing a mounting portion according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0014] The following is a description of the embodiments of the present invention. These embodiments are merely illustrative of the present invention, and do not limit the scope of the present invention. Therefore, those skilled in the art can employ various embodiments including each or all of these elements. These embodiments are also included in the scope of the present invention.

[0015] (Example 1)

In the acoustic sensation apparatus of the present invention, the acoustic effect is experienced by a vestibular sensory stimulation (GVS: Galvanic Vestibular Simulation). This GVS is to stimulate the human vestibule sensation with an artificial means, and the stimulated human body moves the center of gravity (body center of gravity) along with the vestibular sensation, that is, the movement of the body (particularly the head). Visual changes occur. The details will be described below.

[0016] The vestibular sensation is a sensation of receiving the spatial position (static position) and acceleration of the head, that is, each acceleration and linear acceleration, which are governed by the following organs.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a structure of an ear part of a human body. The ear part includes an auricle 41, a combined external auditory canal 42, an eardrum 43, an ossicle 44, an ear canal 45, and a half-tube 46. , Otolith 47, Cochlea 48, Vestibular nerve 49, Cochlear nerve 50.

[0018] The above vestibular sensation is caused by the semicircular canal 46 and the oval and spherical sac (not shown) of the otolith tool 47.

[0019] The vestibular nerve 49 is connected to the abductor nerve and the fundus nerve (not shown). This makes it possible to fixate even when the body is rotating or moving.

[0020] GVS makes use of the physical properties described above, and causes the movement of the center of gravity and the change in vision by applying electrical stimulation to these organs.

[0021] In the present invention, electrical stimulation is applied to the organ through the ear or the periphery of the ear. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an acoustic sensation apparatus 1 according to a first example (Example 1) of the present invention. This acoustic sensation device 1 sends music to the listener and, at the same time, applies DVS to the listener, thereby causing the movement of the center of gravity and the change of vision. And a mounting portion 3 to be mounted.

[0022] The main body 2 includes an audio signal storage unit 21, an audio signal reproduction unit 22, and a beat detection unit.

23, a stimulation signal generation unit 24, a superimposition unit 25, and an output unit 26.

[0023] It should be noted that the main body 2 includes a CP for controlling the operation timing and the like in addition to the above-described units.

Force with U (Central Processing Unit) Description is omitted in this figure.

[0024] The mounting unit 3 includes an amplifying unit 31, a low-pass filter (LPF) unit 32, two stimulus applying units 33, a band-pass filter (BPF) unit 34, and an audio sending unit 35. .

[0025] The audio signal storage unit 21 stores an audio signal such as music in a compressed state.

Note that the compression format of the audio signal in this embodiment is MP3 (Moving Picture Coordination Experts Audio Layer-3).

[0027] The beat detection unit 23 reads out the audio signal from the audio signal storage unit 21, decompresses it, and analyzes it to analyze the low-frequency signal component corresponding to the beat of the music (including its timing and strength). ) Is detected. In order to detect this beat, a pattern match or the like is used.

[0028] The stimulus signal generator 24 generates a stimulus signal (electrical signal) based on the previously detected beat. The stimulation signal is composed of an alternating current whose polarity is inverted at a predetermined time interval in synchronization with the beat. Details of this electrical signal generation process will be described later.

The audio signal reproduction unit 23 reads out and decompresses the audio signal stored in the audio signal storage unit 21 and reproduces it. The audio signal reproduction unit 23 corresponds to an audio player or an audio decoder.

The superimposing unit 25 superimposes the stimulation signal generated by the stimulation signal generating unit 24 and the audio signal reproduced by the audio signal reproducing unit 23.

[0031] The output unit 26 outputs the signal superimposed by the superimposing unit 25 to the mounting unit 3. The amplifying unit 31 amplifies the signal output from the output unit 26.

[0033] The LPF unit 32 passes only the low frequency component of the signal amplified by the amplification unit 31, that is, the stimulation signal.

[0034] The stimulus imparting unit 33 is the left and right ears of the listener (for example, the pinna 41 and the external auditory canal 42 in FIG. 3) or the peripheral part of the ears (the mastoid portion at the rear lower part of the pinna 41). And apply electrical stimulation to these organs through these parts.

On the other hand, the BPF unit 34 passes only the audio signal among the signals amplified by the amplifying unit 31.

[0036] The voice sending unit 35 has a speaker that sends the reproduced audio signal to the listener.

[0037] The mounting unit 3 having the above-described configuration can be a headphone type or an earphone type. Details of this will be described later.

[0038] Next, the details of the stimulation signal generation unit 24 will be described with reference to FIG.

The stimulation signal generation unit 24 includes an input unit 241, a waveform control processing unit 242, and a high-voltage power supply unit 24.

3, a constant current control unit 244, and an output unit 245.

The waveform control processing unit 242 is a constant current control unit 24 having a current mirror circuit (not shown).

The amount of current supplied from the high-voltage power supply unit 243 via 4 and the polarity are controlled.

[0040] The output unit 245 outputs the current subjected to the above processing as a stimulus signal. The output unit 245 includes an H bridge circuit (not shown). For this reason, a stimulus applying unit with a single power source

33 polarities can be selected arbitrarily.

[0041] Further, as shown in 51 of FIG. 4, the frequency of the stimulation signal is set to a value of about 0.5 Hz or more and less than about 20 Hz (the minimum frequency of the audible region 52).

[0042] If the frequency of the stimulus signal is about 0.5 Hz or more and less than about 1 OHz, the position of the center of gravity of the listener moves, and if it is about 1. OHz or more and less than 20 Hz, the vision changes. To do. Therefore, the listener can freely select a method for experiencing the acoustic effect by selecting the frequency.

[0043] In addition, the waveform control processing unit 242 and the constant current control unit 244 provide a differential value of the amount of change in current per unit time in order to prevent the listener from being burdened by excessive electrical stimulation. Keep it constant. In addition, 53 in FIG. 5 is the waveform of the electrical stimulation subjected to the above processing, and 54 is the original waveform.

[0044] Further, the waveform control processing unit 242 and the constant current control unit 244 determine the amplitude of the stimulation signal, that is, the degree of GVS given to the listener, from at least the amplitude of the beat and the reproduced sound volume of the audio signal. Decide based on one.

[0045] When at least one of the amplitude of the beat and the reproduction volume of the audio signal exceeds a predetermined value, the amplitude of the stimulus signal is set to be predetermined in order to prevent a burden on the listener. Suppress below the upper limit.

[0046] In addition, the waveform control processing unit 242 includes means for stopping the provision of GVS to the listener by stopping the output of the stimulation signal when a predetermined time has elapsed. Therefore, this can also prevent the burden on the listener.

[0047] In addition, in GVS, it takes time until an effect (movement of the center of gravity position, change in vision) appears after electrical stimulation is applied. This delay time changes according to the waveform strength of the stimulus signal. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a waveform 53 of electrical stimulation and a waveform 55 representing the inclination of the head. This figure shows the case where the delay time is about 1 second, and the following explanation will be made by taking this as an example.

[0048] In view of the above points, in the acoustic sensation apparatus 1 of the present invention, the beat is detected in advance by the beat detection unit 23 as described above, and the beat is detected by the waveform control processing unit 242 and the stimulus applying unit 33. Electrical stimulation is applied about 1 second before the sound is transmitted, so that the sound transmission timing of the beat coincides (synchronizes) with the timing when the listener's center of gravity moves and the viewpoint changes.

[0049] In addition, when an electrical stimulus is applied and the above delay time elapses, the listener's body (particularly the head) and the viewpoint are tilted toward the stimulus imparting unit having a negative polarity. For this reason, by inverting the polarities of the two stress applying portions at predetermined time intervals as described above, the listener's body and visual point can be swung left and right.

[0050] As described above, the acoustic sensation apparatus 1 of the present invention can cause the listener to feel the vestibular sensation synchronized with the music, the movement of the center of gravity of the body, and the change in the visual sensation. Can be experienced. [0051] Further, since the acoustic experience device 1 of the present invention does not require a chair or the like having a vibration element, the entire device can be reduced in size, and the listener can easily experience the acoustic effect regardless of the location.

[0052] (Example 2)

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the mounting portion 3a according to the second embodiment (Example 2) of the present invention.

The mounting portion 3a is a headphone type having a structure for fixing to the listener's head, and includes a sound transmitting portion (speaker portion) 35a and a stimulus applying portion 33a integrated therewith.

[0053] The stimulus applying unit 33a is for applying electrical stimulation to the milky protrusion, and appropriately applies electrical stimulation to the milky protrusion when the listener wears the wearing part 3a. In order to do this, the dimensions, shape, position of attachment to the voice sending part 35a, etc. are adjusted in advance.

[0054] Note that there is a slight individual difference in the optimal position for applying electrical stimulation.

In addition, a means for adjusting the position of the stimulus applying unit 33a, for example, an expansion / contraction mechanism can be provided.

[0055] The mounting portion 3a having the above configuration is small in size and easy to handle, so that the listener can easily experience a high acoustic effect regardless of the location.

[0056] (Example 3)

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the mounting portion 3b according to the third embodiment (Example 3) of the present invention.

In the second embodiment, the force showing the case where the stimulus applying section 33a and the voice sending section 35a of the mounting section 3a are integrally configured. In the mounting section 3b according to the present embodiment, the stimulus applying section 33b and the headphone body 36 are configured separately.

[0057] The stimulus applying part 33b has a support part 37, and is thereby fixed to the sound sending part 35b. The support portion 37 is configured to be detachable from the audio sending portion 35b. Therefore, the listener can easily experience a high acoustic effect using existing headphones.

Note that the position adjusting means can also be provided in the mounting portion 3b.

[Example 4]

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the mounting portion 3c according to the fourth embodiment (Example 4) of the present invention.

In the above Examples 2 and 3, the case where the mounting portions 3a and 3b are of the headphone type is shown, but the mounting portion 3c according to the present embodiment has a structure for fixing to the auricle of the listener. The earphone type includes an audio transmission unit 35c and a stimulus applying unit 33c integrated therewith.

[0060] It should be noted that the mounting portion 3c includes two earphone forces. In the figure, only the earphone mounted on the left ear is described. The earphone attached to the other left ear has a symmetrical shape to that shown in the figure.

[0061] Further, the above-mentioned adjusting means can be provided also in the mounting portion 3c.

[0062] The mounting portion 3c having the above configuration is further compact and easy to handle, so that the listener can easily experience a high acoustic effect regardless of location.

[0063] (Example 5)

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the mounting portion 3d according to the fifth embodiment (embodiment 5) of the present invention. In the above Example 4, the force showing the case where the stimulus applying part 33c and the sound sending part 35c of the mounting part 3c are integrally configured. In the mounting part 3d according to the present example, the stimulus applying part 33d and earphone body 38 are configured separately! RU

[0064] The stimulus applying part 33d has a support part 39, and is thereby fixed to the sound sending part 35d.

. The support portion 39 is configured to be detachable from the voice sending portion 35d. For this reason, the listener can easily experience the acoustic effect using existing earphones.

[0065] It should be noted that the mounting portion 3d has two earphone forces as in the mounting portion 3c. In the figure, only the earphone mounted on the left ear is shown. The earphone attached to the other left ear has a symmetrical shape to that shown in the figure.

[0066] Further, the adjusting means can be provided also in the mounting portion 3d.

[0067] (Example 6)

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the mounting portion 3e according to the sixth embodiment (embodiment 5) of the present invention. In the above Examples 1 to 5, the force indicating the case where the stimulus applying part 33 is for applying electrical stimulation to the milky protrusion, as described above, the electric power is applied to the part other than the milky protrusion. Applying stimuli can also cause vestibular sensations, shifts in the center of gravity, and visual changes.

[0068] The headphone-type wearing unit 3e according to the present embodiment is based on the above points in mind, and includes a voice sending unit 35e and a stimulus applying unit for applying electrical stimulation to the auricle 41 of FIG. 33e and Prepare.

[0069] The stimulus applying unit 33e is provided inside the sound sending unit 35e, and is dimensioned to appropriately apply an electrical stimulus to the auricle 41 when the listener wears the mounting unit 3e. The shape, the mounting position to the audio transmission part 35e, etc. are adjusted in advance.

[0070] (Example 7)

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the mounting portion 3f according to the seventh embodiment (embodiment 5) of the present invention.

In Example 6 described above, the mounting portion 3e is a headphone type, and the force is shown for applying electrical stimulation to the auricle 41. The mounting portion 3f according to the present example is an earphone type. The voice transmitting unit 35f and the stimulus applying unit 33f for applying electrical stimulation to the pinna 41 are provided.

[0071] The stimulus applying unit 33f has dimensions, a shape, an attachment position to the sound sending unit 35f, etc. in advance in order to appropriately apply electrical stimulation to the auricle 41 when the listener wears the mounting unit 3f. It has been adjusted.

[Example 8]

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the mounting portion 3g according to the eighth embodiment (Example 5) of the present invention. In Examples 2 to 5 described above, an electric signal is applied to the milky protrusion, and in Examples 6 and 7, the force shown in the case of applying electrical stimulation to the auricle 41 is as described above. By applying an electrical signal to the road 42, vestibular sensation, movement of the center of gravity, and visual changes can be caused.

[0073] The inner earphone-type mounting portion 3g according to the present embodiment has the above-mentioned points in mind, and the sound transmitting portion 35g having a structure to be accommodated in the ear canal 42 and the external ear canal 42 are electrically stimulated. A stimulus applying unit 33g for applying

[0074] The size and shape of the stimulus applying unit 33g, the attachment position to the sound sending unit 35g, and the like are adjusted in advance in order to appropriately apply electrical stimulation to the auricle 41 when the attaching unit 3g is attached. ing.

[0075] <Other configuration>

In the above first to eighth embodiments, a MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) signal can also be used as the audio signal. In this case, without analyzing the waveform directly In other words, the beat can be detected.

[0076] Further, the sound transmission unit is not limited to the above-described headphone or earphone, and a wall-mounted speaker or a floor-mounted speaker independent of the stimulus applying unit can also be used.

[0077] In addition, a gel electrode can be used as the electrode of the stimulus applying unit.

In the above-described embodiment, the stimulus imparting unit 33 is attached to the headphones and the inner earphones. However, the stimulus imparting unit 33 is attached to the tightly attached member to the head separately from the headphones and the inner earphones. Alternatively, the stimulating unit 33 may be directly attached to the listener's ear or the periphery of the ear with an adhesive or an adhesive tape.

[0079] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an acoustic sensation apparatus that allows a listener to experience a realistic sound effect without choosing a location or the like.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] An acoustic experience device that sends out an audio signal and makes the listener experience the acoustic effect.

Signal component detection means for detecting a specific signal component included in the audio signal; and an electric signal generating means for generating an electric signal based on the detected specific signal component;

A stimulus applying means that is attached to an ear portion of the listener or a peripheral portion of the ear portion and applies a vestibular sensory stimulus by the generated electric signal;

An acoustic sensation apparatus characterized by comprising:

[2] The stimulus applying means includes:

Means for causing at least one of a change in the visual perception of the listener and a movement of the center of gravity of the listener by the vestibular sense stimulus,

Synchronizing the music with at least one of the visual change and the movement of the body center of gravity by sending the electrical signal earlier than the audio signal

The acoustic sensation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

[3] The acoustic sensation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the electrical signal generating means includes polarity changing means for changing the polarity of the stimulus applying means at a predetermined time interval.

4. The acoustic sensation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the electrical signal generating means includes differential value constanting means for maintaining a differential value of a current value change amount in the electrical signal constant.

[5] The electric signal generating means includes amplitude determining means for determining the amplitude of the electric signal based on at least one of the frequency and amplitude of the specific signal component and the reproduction volume of the audio signal. The acoustic sensation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein

[6] When at least one of the frequency and amplitude of the specific signal component and the reproduction volume of the audio signal exceeds a predetermined value, the amplitude of the electric signal is suppressed to a predetermined upper limit value or less. 2. The acoustic sensation apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising amplitude suppression means.

[7] Stimulation stopping hand that stops applying the vestibular sensory stimulation after a predetermined time has elapsed The acoustic sensation apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a step.