EP1023817B1 - Sound-reproducing device mountable on the body of a user - Google Patents

Abstract

A sound reproducing device for multiple channel sound reproduction has at least three sound transducers (10; 11; 12; 13; 14; 30) driven each by an electric signal and a holder (2) that carries the sound transducers and can be mounted on the body of the user. The holder (2) is designed in such a way that it can be mounted on a part (20) of the body of the user other than the head (22), placing the sound transducers (10; 11; 12; 13; 14; 30) next to each other and at such a distance from the head (22) of the user that the head (22) of the user remains free to move relative to the holder (2) and therefore relative to the sound transducers (10; 11; 12; 13; 14; 30). The holder carries an electronic circuit for processing the electric signals.

Description

The invention relates to a sound reproduction device for a multi-channel Sound reproduction with a bracket carrying the transducer for storage on the Body of the user, wherein the holder is designed such that it on a body part of the user different from the head can be stored and the sound transducers are adjacent and can be placed at a distance from the user's head, so that the user's head towards the bracket and thus towards the Sound transducers remains freely movable and is based on DE-A-3 214 080.

In addition to the multi-channel loudspeaker reproduction is the headphone reproduction known. A headphone has two ear cups, each of which has at least one a sound transducer is arranged. The headphones will be on the user's head put on, so that one ear cup with its open side directly on rests on or surrounds an ear of the user and thus the in the acoustic transducer arranged the acoustic signals directly to the Give ear. In this case, only the left audio signal and only the right audio signal is fed to the right ear.

Especially when playing multi-channel sound recordings using multi-channel Headphones, especially when playing multi-channel Dolby Surround encoded Music and film sound recordings with an appropriate 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 sound of the ears unfortunately only with difficulty or not at all is possible.

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 a significant influence on the playback quality, the high volume Disturb the environment and, last but not least, high quality systems are expensive.

DE-A-32 14 080 describes a device for reproducing stereophonic signals known with two speakers that are slanted in front of a listener's ear cups are attached symmetrically with respect to its median plane, and the two Loudspeakers on one that is supported on the neck and trunk of the listener Bracket are attached so that the head of the handset is relative to the speakers remains flexible.

The present invention has for its object the sound reproduction device of the type mentioned in the introduction such that a qualitative high quality sound reproduction with improved spatial allocation, in particular is achievable with multi-channel sound reproduction, without that with loudspeaker systems installation problems occurring and without being influenced by the room acoustics, wherein the sound reproduction device in particular take up little space and should be easy to handle.

This object is achieved in that in the case of a sound reproduction device type mentioned at least three driven by an electrical signal Sound transducers are provided, one of which is the left transducer Ear and a transducer assigned to the right ear and at least one another transducer is in front of the user's face, and that the bracket carries an electronic circuit for processing the electrical signals.

It is characteristic of the solution according to the invention that the left and the 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 at the body of the User mounted bracket or the transducer itself not directly rest on the head, but are arranged at a distance from it and thus allow a rotation of the head, whereby the or the Do not move the transducer with your head. Thus, the Construction according to the invention 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 the sound event appears for the listener more "natural".

Thus, with the sound reproduction device according to the invention a high quality sound reproduction without taking up much space without the installation problems with loudspeaker systems and without Achieve influence through the room acoustics, the user being an exact perceives spatial 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.

A particular advantage of the playback device is that in its Bracket an electronic circuit for processing the electrical Signals for the sound transducer is integrated. This is made possible precisely by that the holder is not supported on the head, but e.g. on the much stronger shoulders. The integration of the circuit in the Bracket eliminates the need for a corresponding external device and makes it easier Manageability of the sound reproduction device essential.

A great advantage of the circuit integrated in the holder is that the Circuit filters and subcircuits to equalize the transducers can have. This allows the transducers to be particularly effective Way to be electronically equalized, resulting in increased playback quality allows.

A circuit having amplifier stages is particularly preferred, so that the sound reproducing device directly to a signal source, such as a CD player, can be connected.

If the circuit is a partial circuit in a preferred embodiment for decoding encrypted multichannel signals they are used, for example, to decrypt Dolby Surround signals and make a corresponding external decoder superfluous. In this If it is enough, the sound reproduction device directly to a CD player connect, for example using the Dolby Surround method recorded CDs in true Dolby Surround quality without any additional equipment listen.

Fig. 1

eine erste Ausführung der Schallwiedergabevorrichtung in perspektivischer Darstellung;

Fig. 1a

eine alternative Ausführungsform der Schallwiedergabevorrichtung aus Fig. 1 für den drahtlosen Tonsignalempfang;

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. 4a

eine alternative Ausführungsform der Schallwiedergabevorrichtung aus Fig. 1 für den drahtlosen Tonsignalempfang;

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. 1a

an alternative embodiment of the sound reproduction device of Figure 1 for wireless sound signal reception.

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. 4a

an alternative embodiment of the sound reproduction device of Figure 1 for wireless sound signal reception.

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 housing or frame 2, which consists of a rear part 4 and two there are curved side parts 5 and 6 adjoining on both sides, which end in free end sections 7 and 8. The frame 2 is thus formed as a shaped body, the top view (see Fig. 2) essentially the shape of an interrupted "O" or a "U" with cranked inwards has free ends.

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 transducers to play the additional room information (surround channel) are provided, while the rear low-frequency transducer 14 the low-frequency Share reflects. There are also two acoustic in frame 2 Lines 15 and 16 formed, one of which is an acoustic line 15 from the rear bass transducer 14 into one side part 5 extends and there adjacent to the rear third transducer 12 in an internally arranged outlet opening 17 ends and the another acoustic line 16 from the rear woofer 14 in the extends other side part 6 and there adjacent to the rear fourth Sound transducer 13 also in an inward opening 18 ends.

In the frame 2 there is also an electronic circuit 40 to which the Sound transducers 10 to 14 via electrical lines 42, 43, 44, 45 and 46 are connected. Another electrical line 47 is used for connection the sound reproducing device to a signal source.

The control circuit 40 can have different subcircuits, namely those for equalizing the individual sound transducers 10 to 14, such for decoding an encrypted multi-channel audio signal and the like to amplify the signals for the individual transducers. The encrypted Multi-channel audio signal is through line 47 of circuit 40 fed and decoded and amplified there. The signal for the individual sound transducers taking into account those for the sound transducers characteristic distortions processed so that the sound transducers in Play a largely undistorted signal.

The difference between the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 1 the sound reproducing device is that the sound signals the circuit 40 'is not supplied via a line 47, but wireless. For this purpose, the circuit has a corresponding receiver 48, e.g. an infrared receiver or RF receiver. Besides, that is Switching also with its own battery-powered energy supply fitted. This makes it the wearer of the sound reproducing device possible to move freely in the room.

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

The first to fourth sound transducers 10-13 are oriented so that they the sound by correspondingly 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 or other protective layer is covered, which however not is imperative. The carrier 2 itself consists of a highly damping Material so that it is not itself used for sound generation and conduction contributes.

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) not necessarily on 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 user has and thus the head 22 remains freely movable. Alternatively, you can the frame can also be designed so that it is on another part of the body is storable. It is only important that it is different from the head 22 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 let, the frame 2 of the embodiment shown there has the shape 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 formed. 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 when the frame 2 is mounted on the body of the user, the front first and second transducer 10 and 1 1 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. Also are the front first and second transducers 10 and 11 and the rear third and fourth sound transducers 12 and 13 each symmetrical to the median plane M of the coordinate system related to the user's head 22 arranged while the rear woofer 14th lies in the median plane M, 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 abut, but arranged at least a short distance from it are and thus do not move when the head 22 is rotated. The user's head 22 is thus free himself, which leads to how with loudspeakers installed in the room, a spatial reproduction is made possible. Due to the spatial distance of the transducers from the Ears 24 and 25 will transfer the user head into that Sound field included and there is also a structure-borne sound transmission instead, so that the perception of the reproduced sound for the User sounds more "natural".

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 accordingly extended or the device is closed towards the front (O-shaped).

Sound transducer 30 is also connected to circuit 40 'via a line 49. connected, through which the signal for the transducer 30 to the Fig. 1 described way is processed.

Just like the sound reproduction device from FIG. 1, the sound reproduction device can also 4 prepared for wireless operation become. This is shown in Fig. 4a.

Claims (5)

1. A sound-reproducing device for multiple-channel sound-reproduction having a holder (2) for carrying sound transducers on the user's body, where the holder (2) is so-constructed that it can be mounted on a part (20) of the user's body other than the head (22), and thus the sound transducers (10;11;12;13;14;30) can be placed adjacent to one another and at such a distance from the user's head (22) that the user's head (22) remains free to move relative to the holder (2) and therefore relative to the sound transducers (10;11;12;13;14;30) characterised in that at least three sound transducers (10;11;12;13;14;30) are provided, each driven by an electric signal, one sound transducer (13) of which being associated with the left ear and one sound transducer (12) of which being associated with the right ear, and at least one further sound transducer (10;11;30) being located in front of the user's face, and that the holder carries an electronic circuit for processing the electric signal.
2. A sound-reproducing device according to claim 1, characterised in that the circuit has a high-and low-pass filter.
3. A sound-reproducing device according to claims 1 or 2, characterised in that the circuit has amplification stages.
4. A sound-reproducing device according to claims 1-3, characterised in that the circuit has a partial circuit for rectification of the sound transducers.
5. A sound-reproducing device according to any of claims 1-4, characterised in that the circuit has a partial circuit for decoding the encoded multiple-channel signals.

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