EP1499158A2 - Audio reproduction system with data return channel - Google Patents

Abstract

The system has an audio signal generator (S,VCR), a data generator (S,A) for control and/or test data generation, a mixer (M) for mixing the audio signal and data before common reproduction, at least one loudspeaker (L1-L5), a sound signal receiver (MIC,C) and a receiver-side data processing device (C) for processing data in the sound signal and triggering corresponding actions. The data processing device with receiver forms a data return channel for the data with a device before the loudspeaker for control and/or monitoring. Independent claims are also included for the following: (a) a method of reproducing at least one audio signal; and (b) a surround- sound signal using components of a system according to the invention.

Description

The invention relates to an audio playback system with a data return channel with the above conceptual features of Patent claim 1 or to a method for reproducing at least one audio signal.

From DE 698 07 499 T2 an audio reproduction system is known, which is an audio signal providing device for Providing an acoustically reproduced sound signal, a transmitter-side data providing device for Providing data for control and / or Monitoring purposes and a speaker to play having an acoustic sound signal as an audio signal. A sound signal is output via the loudspeaker, in which besides usual music signals data or a corresponding data signal are mixed in such a way that for if necessary, a person picking up the sound waves Pseudo-noise code is perceptible. This Audio playback system serves to from a central Computer from data information to LCD displays on one Transfer supermarket shelf, taking on the LCD displays Data and prices for corresponding products on the shelf according to the transmitted data. According to Another embodiment of the Audio playback system alarms received from a sensor be generated, encoded as data and by means of Transmit sound waves to a central alarm system. The Receiver device, which one such mixed with data Sound signal receives, has a receiver side Data processing device for processing in the Sound signal contained data and trigger accordingly actions to be performed.

Essentially, in this system, the transmitter side and the receiver-side facilities structurally similar built to enable two-way communication enable.

The transmitter-side devices also each have one internal noise level monitoring device for monitoring the local noise level, with the noise level too Time points is detected when the corresponding facility does not transmit data to the remote device. Dependent from the noise level detected in such time phases a power adjustment circuit for controlling the power triggered subsequent data transfers. The Facilities are thus either on the one hand in a receiving or local noise level receiving state or otherwise in one data to one remote device transmitting state.

From "Electronics Wireless", October 2002, pages 70 - 72, "Sound as a medium" is the use of sound as Disk known. In doing so, a data signal becomes so transformed to resemble an atonal component, and then masked psycho-acoustically, before it becomes an actual Audio signal is added. The audio signal is for example, a signal, as is the case with conventional applications a surround sound system over one or more Speaker is transmitted. In particular, the audio signal from an audio CD, a DVD or a Radio receiver available.

The audio signal thus mixed with a data signal becomes from a microphone with a downstream decoder which receives the data from the pure audio signal and from Separate ambient noise. Areas of application are For example, toys in the form of a figure, which depending on the data signal. The data signal It corresponds to the directional instructions, which are parallel to are matched to a screen movie. Be according to another scope Mobile phones via their microphone with information about the Powered display on the mobile phone display, which via a public address system can be transmitted in the environment.

In such embodiments, data signals are thus as sound waves transmitted to a remote device to in the remote device to be carried out accordingly Trigger actions.

Audio playback systems usually have a unidirectional Data connection from a data source via required intermediate devices, e.g. Amplifier, to one or several speakers as terminals or data sinks on, which the audio signals corresponding sound waves radiate. Ggfs.laufen of upstream devices required control data for downstream devices in the same direction as broadcasting or music distribution (Streaming) and can be used especially in digital methods transmitted together with the user data stream. in the However, an individual case with such streaming methods is also a return channel to control the functionality of upstream Equipment required. Although such a return channel for Control and tax purposes a much lower Data rate as the downlink requires is the structural Effort big, which is why usually for cost reasons is waived.

In the case of realization of a control channel with the technique Not only does the construction work increase in the future but it also doubles the cost of Transmission link. If you do not use a control channel, there is no way with the payload to influence upstream devices.

For example, it is not possible from the amplifier one upstream data source such as a computer, a CD player or to control a radio receiver. It is also not possible, from a speaker, which is in can be located in the immediate vicinity of the listener, upstream Devices such as amplifiers, CD players or Radio receivers, which may be further from the Handset are located to control.

In the case of a wireless audio playback system Transmission, for example by radio or infrared, to a removed speakers, eliminating the possibility of one Feedback in the event of a faulty transmission.

The object of the invention is to provide an improved Propose audio playback system, which with low structural effort provides a data return channel.

This task is accomplished by an audio playback system with the Features of claim 1 or by a method for Playing an audio signal with the characteristics of the Patent claim 8 solved.

Such an audio playback system has an audio signal providing device to provide a Audio signal as a payload audio signal, for example one Sound from a video film or a compact disc (CD), a data providing device for providing Data for control and / or verification purposes, one Mixer for mixing together the useful audio signal and the data to a common audio signal and at least a speaker for playing the from the common Audio signal generated acoustic sound signal. Audio signal is widely interpreted and includes Signal components whose associated sound waves are in for People and animals are perceptible and imperceptible Area lie. The receiver device is a microphone for receiving the mixed or common sound signal. Sufficient is a microphone in the extreme case, which only sound waves in the frequency domain of the data signal components receives. The signal received by the microphone is in implemented in the usual way and a receiver side Data processing device for processing in the common sound signal containing data and for triggering supplied according to actions to be performed. To one Checking the functionality of downstream devices, the Speaker and / or the signal transmission in the direction of Speaker from an upstream facility of the To enable audio playback system is the Data processing device for monitoring the Playback conditions formed in the manner of a return channel. In addition to additional data for verification purposes can also directly mixed control data into the payload audio signals become. In such an arrangement are thus transmitter-side monitoring or control data as data in the Mixed audio signal and then from the speaker as Transmit sound waves. The from the receiver device received sound waves are then analyzed and the supplied to further transmitter-side components, so that transmitter side e.g. a check can be made whether the original data is correctly forwarded and were transferred.

If the data is not transmitted correctly, for example, because the transmission distance between Audio signal providing device and mixing device or between mixing device and loudspeaker or between Speaker and sound receiver device is disturbed, can be troubleshooting measures to be performed Actions are triggered. This is in a broad sense too understand, so under disturbed or faulty Transmission also an improper arrangement of the speakers within the room. By such Arrangement can be the transmission of signals to the speaker be disturbed. It is possible to use several loudspeakers but also an inappropriate positioning relative to one usual location of a person hearing the sound signals, if necessary, only a dynamic correction at one or to make several of the speakers. Ggfs is enough a simple spatial displacement of a loudspeaker.

In a corresponding method for playing at least of an audio signal is corresponding to the at least one Audio signal provided for playback, at least one Data value provided as data, the sound signal and the Data value is mixed, the mixed signal is over at least one speaker as an acoustic signal output and the acoustic signal is from a Receiver device receive, whereupon the receiver side in the received mixed signal data for Trigger accordingly actions to be performed are processed. To achieve a return channel for Steuerund Verification purposes of the corresponding Audio playback system itself are the receiver side in The data contained in the received sound waves for monitoring or controlling the reproduction conditions at the transmitter side Facilities and process steps taken into account.

An implementation of the audio playback system or the method is especially used in a surround sound system with or in a computer or video / DVD player Play multi-dimensional or multi-channel audio signals advantageous. Such surround sound systems will be usually for playing the sound of films (videos) used.

Advantageous embodiments are the subject of dependent Claims.

Advantageously, the data providing device to the sender-side providing and, if necessary, also Mixing up the data and the Data processing device for the receiver side Processing the data received via the sound waves be formed by an integral device.

Particularly advantageous is the use in conjunction with Speakers, which with the audio signal providing device and / or the mixing device for Transfer the audio signal and data to the speaker are coupled via a radio interface. In case of a fault the radio interface will be by means of the microphone Sound waves with disturbed or missing data so that via the feedback to the transmitter-side facilities troubleshooting can be executed or initiated. For example, can another radio channel can be selected or via a Display device to the operator of the audio playback system to be given an instruction.

The mixing device is expediently psychoacoustic Encoding and merging the data in such a way trained that the data of a human or animal listeners are not consciously perceived to be one to allow undisturbed listening pleasure.

In audio playback systems with a variety of Loudspeakers, in particular a multiplicity of loudspeakers, which each have their own and the other audio signals playback independent audio signal, allows one Feedback or feedback in the audio signals mixed data after transmission as sound waves too a listener automatically balancing the Audio signal intensities. To control this is the Receiver means the sound waves, i. one corresponding microphone, in a central location or preferably arranged at the place where the person which are the ones emitted by the speakers Sound waves are heard. This can be an adaptation of the individual Audio signals for the various speakers such be made that at the place of the hearing person balanced and from all sides overlooking a Unit volume even audio signal is heard.

In particular radio-supported loudspeaker boxes, the spatially and structurally separate from the audio signal providing device be arranged have a Signal processing device for in particular payload audio signals and expediently the mixing device for Providing the mixed audio signal in the Speaker on.

According to the method is with such an audio playback system especially when using a variety of speakers an audio signal preprocessing possible which Arrangement error of each speaker relative to each other or a specific position of a hearing person balance out. In addition to dynamic changes of the individual Audio signals are also interfering interference formations by such an audio signal preprocessing compensated.

In the case of error messages, which one of the Be transmitted to the audio playback system operator is, in addition to the use of a display device, in particular a display device of the Audio playback system or an overlay of instructions in the image signal of a television, also an acoustic Transmission of error messages via at least one of the Loudspeaker possible. Appropriately, this is at a Variety of available speakers determines which of the Speakers due to the returned data an optimal or output the best possible sound signal to over at least this speaker also acoustic Output error messages.

In such an audio playback system in local Audio applications, in particular with wireless loudspeakers and an audio transmission between the different ones It is appropriate for audio components, for a limited Data return channel to any existing audio components use and the data return channel as an audio track perform. On page of the payload audio source is just an additional microphone, if not already. present, and a data encoding and a Data decoding device as a data providing device or a general data processing device provided.

For a home audio system, the data source, For example, a computer (PC), CD player (CD: Compact Disk) or radio as a music source, the audio data in analog or digital form. Is it necessary to check the status of the Data sink, a wireless speaker or an active one Speakers, learn to determine if this present, ready, switched on and problem-free offers it is about, such information in the from the speaker output audio signal as data with. Because the Data rate is very small, the return data can be processed be that through a signal processing device in the normal audio signal inside or outside of the Listening area can be hidden. In the device of Data source is a microphone that controls the audio signals receives, and a signal processing device, which the data from the audio signal recovered, formed.

Advantageously, it is also possible in devices and Devices between the audio signal or music source and the speakers or within this one input for Integrate user interactions, so for example switch or IR receiver (IR: infrared signal) to integrate. These data are then also called Data signal on the acoustic path from the speaker to Microphone transmitted, which with the appropriate device the audio signal source is coupled.

Fig. 1

schematisch eine Anordnung mit einem Computer als Audiosignalquelle und einer Benutzereingabeeinrichtung im Bereich der Audiosignal-Empfangseinrichtung bei den Lautsprechern zur Wiedergabe eines entsprechenden Audiosignals;

Fig. 2

eine Musikquelle mit Funkschnittstellen zu Lautsprechern;

Fig. 3

eine Anordnung eines Audiowiedergabesystems in Verbindung mit einem Surround-Sound-System und

Fig. 4 - 7

verschiedene Modifikationen solcher Anordnungen.

An embodiment and modifications will be explained in more detail with reference to the drawing. Show it:

Fig. 1

schematically an arrangement with a computer as an audio signal source and a user input device in the region of the audio signal receiving device in the speakers for reproducing a corresponding audio signal;

Fig. 2

a music source with radio interfaces to speakers;

Fig. 3

an arrangement of an audio playback system in conjunction with a surround sound system and

Fig. 4-7

various modifications of such arrangements.

As can be seen from Fig. 1, there is a simple Arrangement of an audio or sound reproduction system from a Audio delivery device in the form of a computer PC, a data processing device, also called Mixer M is used, an input device IN as User input unit and to the Data processing device M connected speakers L4 and from a receiver device in the form of a to the Computer PC directly connected microphone MIC.

The computer PC serves as an audio signal source and supplies for example, audio signals in the form of music. The Audio signal is in the manner of a data streaming over a Interface to the data and audio signal conditioning device transferred with the mixer M. These Transmission takes place unidirectionally, in detail Audio signals, response signals and data are transmitted. The Transmission can be done in the usual way, in particular electromagnetically electrical or optical. there can the interface according to particular as Radio interface, cable-based interface or optical Be formed interface. The data and audio signal conditioning device with the mixer device M receives this data stream in particular the audio signal r as a useful audio signal and prepares the audio signal as entire or mixed audio signal for playback via the connected speaker L4. In addition, the Data and audio signal conditioning device with the Mixer M Data d from the User input device IN. The user input device IN, for example, a known per se remote control be how they operate televisions, music systems and standalone surround sound systems is known.

In the mixer M, these data become d or a corresponding data signal mixed into the audio signal r. The interference is expediently psychoacoustic Criteria such that a listener, while the acoustically reproduced audio signals sw, but not the acoustically reproduced data signals sd aware perceives.

About the receiver device MIC the sound waves are sw + sd with the audio signal component sw and the data signal component sd received and that as a general Data processing device serving computer PC as received sound signal supplied. In the Data processing device PC, the data d, the in the mixing device M mixed into the sound signal r or were encoded from the received sound signal sw + sd pulled out and decoded. Below is a Evaluation of the received data d instead of, if necessary. perform actions to be performed.

In particular, the decoding can be done by itself be supported known correlation method. The Evaluation may be subject to various purposes. For example, it can be determined with the help of the evaluation whether the speakers are L4 at all or right function. Also, incorrect positioning of the Speakers are taken into account. With the wrong ones Positioning and use of a stereo microphone can it is e.g. to swap a right and a left act as a speaker to be arranged, which then as Corrective action transmitted the other sound signal to get. It is also possible to correct interferences, which due to incorrect positioning or structural different speakers result. Another Exemplary correction option consists in the control different speakers with each individual Signal intensity to a speaker farther from one central location is removed as another speaker, with a higher signal intensity to control. such Corrective actions may preferably be performed automatically by the Audio playback system, in particular automatically by the Data processing device or Data providing device PC are made.

Additionally or alternatively, also a manual correction possible after the operator an appropriate note on a malfunction or a meaningful correction was communicated. Such communications can for example, via the display of the computer PC, via a Screen of a connected TV, special Display elements on the data and sound processing device or acoustically via the speakers to be provided.

Fig. 2 shows an embodiment in which as a sound signal providing device S a music system with a Music source, such as a CD player is used. The sound signal providing device S has a radio interface transmitter TX which is connected to Transmission of sound signals r and a data signal d via a radio interface to radio interface receivers RX4 serves. The radio interface receivers RX4 receive the Sound signal r and pass this to a speaker L4 further, which with an upstream Pre-processing device received the corresponding Sound signal r as useful audio signal with the data signal d mixed or encoded and outputs a sound signal sw + sd, which Tonsignalanteile sw as Nutz-Tonsignalanteile and Contains data signal components sd. Used for feedback again a microphone MIC as a receiver device, which is connected to a data processing device, the a decoding, correlation, evaluation and Initiating action. These Data processing device C is expediently Component of the sound signal providing device or with this coupled to be issued subsequently or sound signals r to be supplied as required in advance modify.

Fig. 3 illustrates an audio playback system as part of a Video playback device for playing movies with Surround sound audio signals and a corresponding one Variety of speakers L1 - L5 as another Embodiment. With respect to the individual components and Procedures are generally also based on the two Figs. 1 and 2 described embodiments referenced. The illustrated audio signal providing device S represents a video signal in addition to the audio signal r, which z. B. from a DVD player (DVD: Digital Versatile Disc) or a video player in Art a video recorder VCR is provided. For controlling includes the audio signal and image signal providing device S, VCR a control device C on which advantageously also the functions of Data providing device and optionally the Mixture M takes over. In addition, this central features Unit of the audio playback system expediently a Display and input device A, via the one Plant operator P receives information and Can enter control statements. One to the central Device S connected microphone MIC serves as Receiver device to the at the location of the microphone MIC record incoming sound waves sw + sd and one to supply the receiver-side data processing device, which in turn by the control device C according to preferred embodiment is formed.

The audio signal providing device and the Data supply device lead an audio signal s or a data signal d to the mixer M, which a correspondingly outputs mixed signal. Such a signal s + d is then fed to the loudspeakers L1 - L3, L5. at the illustrated embodiment is the first Speaker L1 with a cable to the central arrangement with the mixing device M connected and gets over it directly the mixed-in to be converted into sound waves Signal s + d supplied. Other speakers L2, L3, L5 get that in the mixing device M already mixed Signal r + rd with a sound signal r and a data signal rd supplied via a radio interface. The radio interface is controlled by a radio interface transmitter TX and a Radio interface receiver RX2, RX3, RX5 formed. The Radio interface receivers RX2, RX3, RX5 lead a Preprocessing the received mixed signal r + rd with Help a controller C through and then introduce suitable signal to the addressed speaker L2, L3 or L5 too. These convert accordingly received mixed Signal in sound waves sw + sd and enter them into the Environment. Be in the manner already described these sound waves are then picked up by the microphone MIC and in the manner of a feedback or feedback via the return channel to the receiver-side data processing device C for Decoding, evaluation and, if necessary, initiation of Corrective action forwarded.

Corrective action can be done in a variety of ways be required, as already described. The case of an obstacle is also shown by way of example X, which is the radio link between the Radio interface transmitter TX and one of the radio interface receivers RX5 bothers. Due to the disorder of the mixed Radio signal sends the corresponding speaker L5 according to a changed or disturbed Sound wave pattern sw + sd off. This is from the microphone MIC recorded and the control device in the central Unit supplied. About appropriate ads at the Display and input device A, audible warning messages via one or more of the speakers L1 - L5 or for example, a corresponding Warning message display or message display in It will be the screen of a connected TV TV allows the music system operator to know if it is is a recoverable disorder, and if so how this disturbance can be best remedied. So far possible, automation can also be provided Becoming an automatic introduction of corrections performs, such as Change channel or increase the Transmission power.

The microphone MIC as a receiver device is in the central arrangement device with the Sound providing device and the Data processing device arranged and at this connected shown. However, it is also possible variable positioning of the microphone MIC, with the Data processing device with a long Cable connection or optionally also with a Wireless interface, transmitting and receiving device connected is. Such a mobile microphone MIC can be used at a selected place of reception or when taking the Microphones through a music person P always listening to their music current receiving location for optimal playback enable. These are the audio signals r, the usually for the different speakers L1 - L5 are different, each also specifically assigned Associated with data signals rd. About the microphone MIC are the corresponding mixed sound waves sw + sd received and for evaluation to the data processing device C forwarded. The data processing device C can based on runtime variations or Signal intensity variations as exemplified Parameters the signal intensity of the sound waves sd the determine individual speakers. Accordingly, then z. B. the audio signal r for a close to the location of the Microphone MIC speakers in terms of Intensity can be reduced while the audio signal r far away loudspeaker accordingly in terms of intensity is increased.

As illustrated by these examples, one is Variety of applications with such Audio playback system or corresponding procedure possible. On the one hand, application-related actions be performed as a dynamics correction and on the other hand, audio playback system verification measures triggered and performed. Possible is z. B. the Move a speaker L5 or its Radio interface receiver RX5 in case of the Data transmission between this obstructive obstacle X.

During the described speakers L1 - L3, L5 respectively an already centrally in a central mixing device M from Tone signal and data signal mixed signal s + d, r + rd is supplied in the present and preferred Embodiment another speaker L4 or its radio interface receiver RX4 the sound signal r as independent signal forwarded. The encoding or the Mixing with a data signal rd takes place in the Preprocessing device RX4 with the connected Radio interface receiver before the then mixed signal the speaker L4 for conversion into sound waves sw + sd is supplied. The data signal or the data rd can parallel to the sound signal from central Device components to the speaker preprocessing device RX4 can be transmitted but also in this one from a store or over one suitable input device for mixing in one M mixing device M are provided, wherein the Mixing device M in the speaker preprocessing device RX4 is located.

In the embodiments, there is thus one Sound source whose sound signal mixed with a Data signal is output from speakers. The Sound waves from the speakers form the data return channel a microphone connected to a data processing device connected. This serves to control and / or Monitoring the sound signal playback.

Further exemplary arrangements for implementing the Audio playback system and the procedure are based on Figures 4 - 8 illustrated. Again, by the for based on known basis that from a source Q a useful audio signal is output and in one Mixer M a psychoacoustic Data preprocessing and mixing of this useful audio data s with additional data d, dx is performed. Over possibly further Devices G, TX, RX become the so mixed common audio data supplied to a speaker L1 and above this as mixed sound waves sw + sd, sw + sd + sdx output. These mixed sound waves are from one Microphone NIC received and implemented accordingly Audio signal or supplied as an audio data stream as a detector. The detector may preferably have a general Data processing device C, which e.g. by Correlation of the additional data stream from the received Extracted sound signal. This allows thus the advantageous monitoring and / or control of Subordinate devices by mitübertrage in the data stream Additional data d, dx. In principle, are various Method possible, in particular time, frequency and Code multiplexing used. This procedure is correct the direction of the control or transmission of control data d, dx as additional data with the direction of audio streaming match.

In particular, is also by these arrangements Data return channel provided, i. a controller upstream devices by downstream or subsequent Allows devices via a loop, which through the Sound path between speaker L1 and microphone MIC is closed.

In particular, this allows for control and control of Transmission path and the sound emission. can be used such a data channel in particular as a return channel for External interfaces, for example a User interface on e.g. Radio or infrared base, wherein the user signal d at a downstream device fed and over the switching distance to one of the opposite the feed point M upstream device is transmitted. In particular, it is preferably a controller upstream devices by downstream devices with a Combination of soundtrack and combined Streaming channel.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 4 are Useful audio data as audio signal s from the data source Q provided and another subordinate institution N supplied. The subordinate institution N becomes the Audio data s modified or re-modified to a Means mixer M forwarded. In the Mixer M are external additional data dx in the Audio signal or the audio data s mixed. The Interference takes place according to psychoacoustic criteria. The thus mixed audio signal s + dx becomes another one Mixer M supplied, in which more Additional data d be mixed. With these others Additional data d is, for example, internal Additional data for checking the transmission link to a another subordinate institution G or one downstream device G via the speaker L1 to Microphone MIC. Spent from the speaker L1 thus mixed sound waves with a useful audio signal component sw, a first additional data sound wave component sw and a second additional data sound wave component sdx. From the microphone MIC will receive these mixed sound waves and as Audio signal a detector, such as a central Control device C of a music system or a computer fed. From the controller C, the received Analyzed data and according to control instructions to the upstream of the mixer devices M, M Facilities Q, N issued. In particular, it is there possible, different facilities Q, N separately einzusteuern.

5 shows an exemplary embodiment in which a useful audio signal s from the signal source Q as Data provisioning device directly one Mixing device M are supplied. In this will be Additional data d mixed. The mixed signal s + d then becomes a transmitting device TX supplied, which is a conversion of the received mixed signal s + d into a radio signal r + rd performs and this radio signal over a radio link to a receiver device RX transmits. Of the Receiver device RX is the received radio signal r + rd ideally converted back into the audio signal s + d. Provided A fault has occurred on the radio link is from the Receiver device RX, however, a modified audio signal provided. This audio signal will be another one Device G, for example an amplifier, supplied, which processes the audio signal and a loudspeaker L1 supplies. This generates sound waves, which in turn both the audio signal data as well as the additional data contain and be recorded by the microphone MIC. The microphone MIC in turn represents corresponding mixed received Audio signal data for the data processing device C ready. In the illustrated embodiment, the serve Additional data preferably for monitoring the radio link, why the control device C or Data processing device C with the transmitter device STX connected to transfer these control statements. The For example, control statements can be used to to change the transmission power on a high frequency channel.

6 shows an embodiment similar to that of FIG. 4, why with respect to the individual structural components, Signaund Data shares and procedural steps on the Description of Fig. 4 is referenced. In the illustrated Embodiment, the input additional data d come from a remote control, which a user the Input of control signals for the relative to Mixing device M upstream facilities or Devices Q, N of the audio playback system allows. One User can thus use an input device, for example, an infrared remote control, wireless remote control or mechanical input elements on the Control mixer upstream devices Q, N control.

Fig. 7 illustrated in embodiment, in which the Mixer M a relative to other facilities or device downstream device, which is for input of control instructions d serves as additional data. About the Loop from sound path and the streaming channel will be the upstream devices of the mixer device M controlled as a downstream device. It will For example, not the data provider as Data source Q but only one of these downstream Device N and / or other upstream devices N2 controlled.

Fig. 8 illustrates a further embodiment, in which a user of an audio playback system with the help a remote control F via a corresponding remote control counter interface FI can control the audio playback system. In this embodiment, a speaker is about an interface, in particular radio or infrared interface from other components of the Audio playback system discontinued. Of the Receiver device RX of the speaker is thus a Receive audio signal r, whereby the receiver device RX the speaker B in the ideal case, a correct reconstructed audio signal s to a mixer device M leads. The mixer M is data d as additional data supplied. This additional data comes from from a direct input device to the loudspeaker box B or the remote terminal FI. The Mixer M mixes this additional data d into the Audio signal s and performs the mixed or common Signal to another device G to which, for example makes a gain to the amplified signal a To supply speaker L1. The speaker L1 is in already described a mixed way Sound signal sw + sd off, which is received by the microphone MIC and in a mixed signal of the audio signal components s and the data shares d implemented. This mixed signal is in turn supplied to the data processing device. ever if necessary, this can be individual or all of upstream devices Q, N, TX of the Audio playback system in front of the radio interface to the Activate loudspeaker B.

Claims (17)

Audio playback system with a data return channel with an audio signal providing device (PC, S, VCR) for providing an audio signal (s, r), a data providing device (S, A) for providing data (d, rd) for control and / or verification purposes, a mixer (M) for mixing together the audio signal (r) and the data (rd) before their common reproduction, at least one loudspeaker (L1 - L5) for reproducing an acoustic sound signal (sw + sd) generated from the audio signal (r) and the data (rd), a receiver device (MIC, C) for receiving the sound signal (sw + sd) and a receiver-side data processing device (PC; C) for processing the data (sd) contained in the sound signal (sw + sd) and for triggering corresponding actions to be carried out, characterized in that the data processing device (PC; C) with the receiver device in the manner of a data return channel for the data (rd, sd) with a device upstream of the loudspeaker, in particular the audio signal providing device (PC; S, VCR) and / or the data providing device (S, A ), is designed to control and / or monitoring. The audio playback system of claim 1, wherein the Data providing device and the Data processing device by an integral Device (C; PC) are formed. An audio reproduction system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said at least one loudspeaker (L2 - L5) with the audio signal providing device (S, VCR) and / or the Mixing device (M) for transmitting the sound signal (r) and the data (rd) via an air or radio interface is coupled. Audio playback system according to any preceding claim, in the at least one speaker (L4) spatially and structurally own signal processing device (C) and the mixing device (M) as a loudspeaker pre-processing device assigned. Audio playback system according to any preceding claim, in which the mixing device (M) for psycho-acoustic Coding and merging of the data (rd, sd) formed in such a way is that the data is from a human or animal Listener (P) can not be consciously perceived. Audio playback system according to any preceding claim a display device (A; TV) for displaying required measures of an operator (P) to Enabling or improving the playback conditions. Audio playback system according to any preceding claim, in which the data processing device (C) and the Audio signal providing device for automatic regulating the equalization of audio signal intensities for different of a variety of audio signals for different speakers (L1 - L5) relative to each other are formed. Method for reproducing at least one audio signal (r) with an audio reproduction system, in particular with an audio reproduction system according to any preceding claim, in which the at least one audio signal (r) is provided for reproduction, at least one data value or data signal is provided as data (rd), the audio signal (r) and the data value (rd) are mixed, the mixed signal (r + rd, s + d) is transmitted via at least one loudspeaker (L1-L5) as an acoustic signal (sw + sd), the acoustic signal (sw + sd) is received by a receiver device (MIC) and on the receiver side the contained data (sd, rd) are processed to trigger corresponding actions to be performed, characterized in that the data contained in the receiver (sd, rd) in the form of feedback data are taken into account in the transmitter-side method steps. Method according to claim 8, wherein by means of the monitoring Arrangement error of individual loudspeakers (L1 - L5) at one Variety of used in the audio playback system Speakers detected and displayed or by Corresponding audio signal preprocessing be remedied in particular with regard to dynamics and / or phase position be managed. A method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein by means of Monitoring disruptive interference formation of individual Loudspeaker (L1 - L5) in a variety of in the Audio playback system used to detect and use speakers displayed or by appropriate audio signal preprocessing is corrected. Method according to one of claims 8 - 10, wherein the Receiver device (MIC) at the desired location a handset (P) arranged and the audio signal playback via individual speakers (L1 - L5) in a variety of loudspeakers used in the audio playback system is regulated accordingly, in particular with regard to dynamics and / or phasing. Method according to one of claims 8 - 11, in which Error messages visually via a display device (A; TV) or acoustically over at least one as functional determined loudspeakers (L1 - L4) of the audio playback system be issued. Method according to one of claims 8 - 11, wherein the acoustic signal (sw + sd) as data return channel for control from the speaker L1-L5) upstream devices is used Method according to one of claims 8-13, wherein the receiver-side data (sd, rd, d) for checking and / or control of the transmission path and the Sound transmission can be used. Method according to one of claims 8 - 14, wherein the acoustic signal (sw + sd) as return channel for a Speaker L1 - L5) upstream data input device (F, Fi) used to control upstream facilities becomes. Method according to one of claims 8 - 15, in which upstream institutions by subordinate institutions (M) through a combination of sound path and Streaming channel controlled to form a data return channel become. Surround sound system with components of one An audio reproduction system according to any one of claims 1-7 or for performing a method according to any one of claims 8-15 for use with or in a computer (PC) or a computer Video / DVD player.

Images