EP0895702B1 - Audio system that can be mounted on the body of a user - Google Patents

Abstract

PCT No. PCT/EP97/00605 Sec. 371 Date Jan. 25, 1999 Sec. 102(e) Date Jan. 25, 1999 PCT Filed Feb. 10, 1997 PCT Pub. No. WO97/41709 PCT Pub. Date Nov. 6, 1997A sound reproduction arrangement having at least one sound transducer and a holding means carrying the at least one sound transducer, for support on the body of a user is disclosed. Such an arrangement has been known hitherto as a headset. The headset has two ear caps, in each of which is arranged at least one respective sound transducer. The headset is supported on the body of the user by virtue of it being fitted on to the head so that a respective ear cap bears with its open side directly on an ear of the user or encloses same, and thus the sound transducer or transducers disposed in the ear cap output the acoustic signals directly to the ear (the known headset would therefore in itself be more correctly identified as a |earphone|). It is characteristic of a headset that the left ear receives only the left audio signal and the right ear receives only the right audio signal of the headset. The disclosed sound reproduction arrangement makes it possible to achieve high-quality sound reproduction with improved spatial association, in particular in the case of multi-channel sound reproduction, in a structurally simple manner and without involving the need for a relatively large amount of space, without the installation problems which occur in relation to loudspeaker systems and without being influenced by the acoustics of the roan, while reproduction is also to be possible with relatively high sound volumes, without disturbing the environment. This is done by making the holding portion of such a configuration that it can be supported on a part of the body of the user, which is different from the head, and in that situation the at least one sound transducer can be positioned adjacent and at a spacing relative to the head of the user so that the head of the user remains freely movable with respect to the holding means and thus with respect to the at least one sound transducer.

Description

The invention relates to a sound reproduction device with at least a sound transducer and one of the at least one sound transducer carrying bracket for storage on a user's body and goes from DE-A-32 14 080.

Such a device has hitherto been known as headphones. The headphone has two auricles, in each of which at least one transducer is arranged. Storage of the headphones on the user's body takes place in such a way that it is placed on the head, so that one at a time Ear cup with its open side directly on one ear of the user rests or surrounds it and thus the one or more in the auricle arranged transducers the acoustic signals directly to the ear (- the known headphones should therefore be more accurate than "Earphones" are called). It is characteristic of the headphones that the left ear only the left audio signal, and the right ear only that right audio signal of the headphones.

Especially when playing multi-channel sound recordings using multi-channel Headphones, in particular the playback of multi-channel Dolby Surround encoded Music and film sound recordings with a corresponding Dolby surround headphones, it has been found to be a disadvantage exact spatial allocation of the multi-channel sound reproduction because of the input described direct wiring of the ears, unfortunately, only with difficulty or not at all is possible.

From US-A 3,900,707 a sound reproduction device is known in which the Sound reproduction device from a user's head largely surrounding pillow, in which several transducers are inserted. In the Movement of the head moves the pillow with the head.

Furthermore, from DE-A 32 14 080 a device for playback, stereophonic, especially known head-related signals, in which two sound transducers from one Bracket are worn, the bracket for storage on the body of the user is designed such that it can be stored on the shoulder of the user and thereby the two transducers can be placed at a distance from the user's head, so that the user's head against the bracket and thus against the Sound transducers remains free to move. The first of the two transducers is that left, the second transducer assigned to the right ear of the user and both transducers are on the side of the user's head.

It is true that multi-channel sound reproduction with better spatial allocation with the help of an appropriate number of discretely distributed in a room installed speakers achievable; however, such speakers require one higher installation effort and a larger space requirement, with the room acoustics has considerable influence on the playback quality, the high volume Disturb the environment and, last but not least, high-quality systems in particular are expensive.

It is therefore an object of the present invention, the sound reproduction device of the type mentioned in such a way that a high quality Sound reproduction with improved spatial allocation, especially with multi-channel Sound reproduction, in a structurally simple manner and without taking up much space, without the installation problems encountered with speaker systems and can be achieved without being influenced by the room acoustics, including a reproduction should be possible at relatively high volumes without disturbing the environment.

This task is accomplished by a sound reproduction device with the features solved according to claim 1.

It is characteristic of the solution according to the invention that the left and the respective right ear can record all played channels, so that the individual Transfer function of a user's head included in the playback becomes. Thus, as when listening in the natural environment, the Sound incidence clearly from the listener be determined. This is also supported by the fact that with fixed Device a head rotation is made possible, which as in the natural Listening to the location of a sound source is simplified.

With the help of the solution according to the invention, a so-called head-related Sound reproducing device created by on the body of the user mounted bracket or transducers themselves not directly on the head but are arranged at a distance from it and thus allow the head to rotate, with the transducer or transducers don't move your head. Thus, the inventive Construction achieve an exact spatial assignment.

Furthermore, by the sound reproduction device according to the invention take advantage of the overall transfer function of the head while this is not possible with headphones because headphones are not "headphones", but rather "earphones" because their ear cups are directly on the Lay on the ear or enclose it and thus the ones in it Sound transducers deliver the acoustic signals directly to the ear. In contrast takes place in the sound reproduction device according to the invention due to the arrangement of the transducer or transducers at a distance from In addition to the direct acoustic radiation to the ear, there is also a structure-borne sound transmission instead of. But above all by including the Transfer function of the user's head appears the sound perception more "natural" for the listener.

Thus, one can with the sound reproduction device according to the invention high quality sound reproduction without taking up much space, without the Installation problems and without influence achieved by the room acoustics, the user having an exact spatial Perceives location.

Finally, the invention allows sound reproduction at a very high level Noise perception without the environment and especially the Neighbors are disturbed because the transducers are very close to the ears are arranged by the user and therefore already relatively low sound pressures on the playback converter are sufficient to achieve a high user To achieve volume impression.

Preferably, the bracket can be designed such that it is easy on the shoulder of the user can be placed and thus fixed.

The sound reproduction device according to the invention is suitable because of its Advantage of improved spatial reproduction, especially for one Multi-channel playback, for example in Dolby Surround mode, for what then several sound transducers are to be arranged on the holder.

In a further development of the multi-channel version should preferably a pair of sound transducers can each be arranged on the holder in such a way that it is in front of and / or behind the bracket mounted on the body of the user the frontal plane of a coordinate system related to the user's head lies, where expediently the one transducer one pair on one side and the other transducer on the other Median level side of the user’s head Coordinate system is arranged.

In another development of the multi-channel version, the Bracket at least one additional sound transducer can be arranged such that he is in front of the head of the User lies and preferably between the two transducers and especially in the median level of the user's head Coordinate system can be placed. This additional transducer should especially in the case of a Dolby Surround system as a center channel be provided.

Furthermore, at least one additional woofer can be attached to the bracket be arranged, preferably such that he at am Body of the user mounted bracket behind his head and in particular at the median level of the user's head Coordinate system lies. Because a low-frequency signal from psychoacoustic Reasons cannot be assigned a clear direction, is the Playback via a woofer is sufficient. In addition this measure reduces the weight of the device. The The transmission range of the woofer should be appropriate are below 200 to 400 Hz.

In a preferred development, the holder can be acoustic lines have, which is mounted on the body of the user from the holder Lead low frequency transducers to the user's two ears and preferably end below this. In this way, the low frequency transducer generated low-frequency sound component directed to both ears. A further construction that is particularly useful in terms of construction is characterized in that the holder consists of a molded body, in which the acoustic lines are contained.

By the between the acoustic lines and the membrane of the Low-frequency transducer occurring acoustic short circuit will Surroundings not burdened with deep tones.

Finally, the bracket itself should be made of sound absorbing material exist so that it is not stimulated to vibrate itself and thus contributes to sound reproduction in an uncontrolled manner.

Fig. 1

eine erste Ausführung der Schallwiedergabevorrichtung in perspektivischer Darstellung;

Fig. 2

die Ausführung gemäß Fig. 1 (auf den Schultern eines Benutzers gelagert) in Draufsicht;

Fig. 3

die Ausführung gemäß Fig. 1 (auf den Schultern eines Benutzers gelagert) in Vorderansicht;

Fig. 4

eine zweite Ausführung der Schallwiedergabevorrichtung;

Fig. 5

die Ausführung gemäß Fig. 4 (auf den Schultern eines Benutzers gelagert) in Draufsicht;

Fig. 6

eine Vorderansicht der Schallwiedergabevorrichtung;

Fig. 7

eine Seitenansicht mit einem Teilschnitt durch die Schallwiedergabevorrichtung; und

Fig. 8

eine Ansicht von oben der Schallwiedergabevorrichtung.

A preferred exemplary embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawing. Show it:

Fig. 1

a first embodiment of the sound reproduction device in a perspective view;

Fig. 2

the embodiment of Figure 1 (stored on the shoulders of a user) in plan view.

Fig. 3

the embodiment of Figure 1 (stored on the shoulders of a user) in front view.

Fig. 4

a second embodiment of the sound reproduction device;

Fig. 5

the embodiment of Figure 4 (stored on the shoulders of a user) in plan view.

Fig. 6

a front view of the sound reproducing device;

Fig. 7

a side view with a partial section through the sound reproduction device; and

Fig. 8

a top view of the sound reproduction device.

The first embodiment of the sound reproduction device shown in FIG. 1 has a frame 2, which consists of a rear part 4 and two on both sides adjoining curved side parts 5 and 6, which are in free End sections 7 and 8 end. The frame 2 is thus a shaped body formed, which in plan view (see Fig. 2) essentially the shape of a interrupted "O" or a "U" with free ends bent inwards owns.

In the frame 2 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 are front first and second Sound transducers 10 and 11, rear third and fourth sound transducers 12 and 13 and a rear woofer 14 is arranged. So that serves Frame 2 for holding the transducers 10 to 14. The transducers 10 to 14 form a multi-channel Dolby Surround playback system, whereby the front first and second sound converters 10 and 11 as main converters to reproduce the front right and left information and the rear third and fourth sound transducers 12 and 13 as rear Converter for reproducing the additional room information (surround channel) are provided while the rear woofer 14 den reproduces low-frequency portion. There are also two acoustic in frame 2 Lines 15 and 16 formed, one of which is an acoustic line 1 5 extends from the rear bass transducer 14 into one side part 5 and there adjacent to the rear third sound transducer 12 in one outlet opening 17 arranged on the inside ends and the other ends Acoustic line 16 from the rear bass transducer 14 in the other Side part 6 extends and there adjacent to the rear fourth transducer 13 likewise ends in an inward opening 18.

For acoustic reasons, the transducers 10 to 14 are sunk arranged to avoid edges that would otherwise reflect sound and thus also interference with that emitted directly by the sound transducer Cause sound.

The first to fourth transducers 10-13 aligned so that the Sound through appropriately trained on the inside of the frame 2 (Not shown in more detail) openings in the 2 enclosed by the frame Deliver interior, the frame 2 at least at those openings, but preferably as a whole of one (not shown) Textile layer is covered, which is however not absolutely necessary. The Frame 2 itself is made of a highly damping material, so it does not itself contribute to sound generation and conduction. In addition, the rear bass transducer 14 and the associated acoustic lines 15 and 16 arranged and designed such that between the outlet openings 17 and 18 of the acoustic lines 15 and 16 and the rear Exit opening of the woofer 14 each substantially acoustic short circuit for the low-frequency sound components results.

1, the frame 2 is designed as a molded body however, other constructions for mounting the transducers 10-14 and formation of the acoustic lines 15 and 16 conceivable. If desired, can also dispense with the acoustic lines 15 and 16 become; this naturally also applies in principle to the number and training of the individual sound transducers.

FIGS. 2 and 3 now show how the previously described embodiment the sound reproducing device mounted on a user's body becomes. The frame 2 is not only used to arrange the sound transducers 10 - 14, but also for storing this arrangement on the body of a User by using the undersides 5a and 6a of the side parts 5 and 6 (see Fig. 1) rests on the shoulders 20 of the user while it is with the Underside 4a of the rear part 4 (see FIG. 1) on the (not specified) Back of the user is supported. The frame 2 is designed and on the shoulders 2 and possibly on the back of the user and fixable that the frame 2 a short distance from the head 22 of the Has user and thus the head 22 remains free to move. Alternatively the frame can also be designed so that it is on another Body part is storable. It is only important that it is on one of the 22nd different body part of the user can be stored, so that the head 22nd compared to the frame 2 and thus compared to those arranged therein Sound transducers 10-14 and outlet openings 17 and 18 of the acoustic Lines 15 and 16 remain freely movable. As can be seen in FIGS. 1 to 3 leave, the frame 2 of the embodiment shown there has the shape of a Collar when it rests on the shoulders 20 of the user. Therefore the described sound reproduction device can also be used as a "hearing collar" be designated.

The storage is preferably designed so that the focus of the Central storage in the support area between the shoulders of the user trains. If necessary, weights 7 and 8 can be accommodated for this purpose be (not shown).

Furthermore, the sound transducers 10 - 14 and the outlet openings 17 and 18 of the acoustic lines 15 and 16 arranged in the frame 2 so that at on the body of the user frame 2, the front first and second transducers 10 and 11 in front of the frontal plane F one on the head 22 user-related coordinate system in the area of the chin below ear level and the rear third and fourth transducers 12 and 13 lie behind the frontal plane F and the outlet openings 17 and 18 of the acoustic lines 15 and 16 just below the ears 24 and 25 are arranged while the rear woofer 14 behind the Head 22 lies, as can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 3. Besides, they are front first and second transducers 10 and 11 and the rear third and fourth sound transducers 12 and 13 each symmetrical to Median plane M of the coordinate system related to the user's head 22 arranged while the rear woofer 14 in the median plane M lies, as can also be seen in FIG. 2.

The described sound reproduction device accordingly forms a head-related one multi-channel playback system. The transducers 10-14 are over arranged around the head 22, but not directly on the head 22 but at least a short distance from it are arranged and thus do not move when the head 22 rotates. The user's head 22 is thus exposed himself, which leads to that as with loudspeakers set up in the room, a spatial Playback is enabled. Due to the spatial distance of the transducers from ears 24 and 25 is the transfer function of the user head included in the sound field and there is also a structure-borne sound transmission instead, so that the perception of the reproduced Sound sounds more "natural" to the user.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show a second embodiment of the sound reproduction device shown, which differ from the first embodiment according to the figures 1 to 3 differs in that in addition a front sound transducer 30 is arranged, the on the shoulders 20 of the user Frame 2 approximately in the median plane M in the area of the chin of the user lies. To hold this additional sound transducer 30 is one End section 7 compared to the first embodiment with an extension 7a provided and extended accordingly or the device is after closed at the front (O-shaped).

Claims (15)

1. A sound reproduction system for multi-channel sound reproduction, characterized in that the sound reproduction system has at least a first, second and third sound transducer (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 30) and a holder for the sound transducers which is for mounting on the user's body, the holder (2) being constructed such that it may be mounted on a part of the user's body other than the head and in so doing the sound transducers may be positioned adjacent to, and at a spacing from, the user's head so that the user's head remains able to move independently of the holder and therefore the sound transducers, in that the first sound transducer is associated with the left ear and the second sound transducer is associated with the right ear, and in that the third sound transducer is located in front of the user's face.
2. A sound reproduction system according to Claim 1, characterized in that the sound transducer is arranged approximately at or below mouth level in front of the user's face (22).
3. A sound reproduction system according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that two sound transducers are arranged such that they are located in front of the user's head (22), the one sound transducer being arranged to the left of the median plane (M) and the other sound transducer being arranged to the right of the median plane (M), and the sound transducers being located approximately at chin level in front of the user's face (22).
4. A sound reproduction system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sound transducer(s) is/are located in front of the user's face at a spacing in front of the frontal plane (F) of a coordinate system based on the user's head.
5. A sound reproduction system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that four sound transducers are arranged on the holder (2), two of them being arranged such that they are located in front of the user's face (22) and two others being arranged such that they are placed in the immediate vicinity of the user's ears (24, 25).
6. A sound reproduction system according to Claim 4 or 5, characterized in that one pair of sound transducers (12, 13) is arranged on the holder (2) such that it is at the user's body (20) located behind the frontal plane (F) of a coordinate system based on the user's head (22).
7. A sound reproduction system according to Claim 5 and/or 6, characterized in that the sound transducer (10; 12) of one pair is arranged on the one side of the median plane (M) of the coordinate system based on the user's head (22), and the other sound transducer (11; 13) is arranged on the other side.
8. A sound reproduction system according to Claim 7, characterized in that the sound transducers (10 - 13) may be positioned symmetrically with respect to the median plane (M).
9. A sound reproduction system according to at least one of Claims 4 to 8, characterized in that at least one additional sound transducer (30) is arranged on the holder (2) such that it is located in approximately the median plane (M) when the holder (2) is mounted on the user's body (20).
10. A sound reproduction system according to at least one of Claims 4 to 9, characterized in that at least one additional low-frequency sound transducer (14) is arranged on the holder (2).
11. A sound reproduction system according to Claim 10, characterized in that the additional low-frequency sound transducer (14) is arranged on the holder (2) such that it is located behind the user's head (22) when the holder (2) is mounted on the user's body (20).
12. A sound reproduction system according to Claim 11, characterized in that the additional low-frequency sound transducer (14) is located in the median plane (M) of the coordinate system based on the user's head (22).
13. A sound reproduction system according to at least one of Claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the holder (2) has acoustic lines (15, 16) which, when the holder (2) is mounted on the user's body (20), lead from the low-frequency sound transducer (14) to both ears (24, 25) of the user and preferably end therebelow.
14. A sound reproduction system according to Claim 13, characterized in that the holder (2) comprises a moulded body in which the acoustic lines (15, 16) are contained.
15. A sound reproduction system according to at least one of Claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the holder (2) is made of sound-absorbing material.

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