JP2000201400A - Device and method for sound image localization - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a sound image localization device which actualizes virtual speakers having different angles by using a small number of parameter and to provide a sound image localization device which can be actualized with a smaller arithmetic quantity and smaller memory capacity even for a multichannel system. SOLUTION: The output signal of an input signal source 1 is processed by multipliers 10a to 10c by using a coefficient outputted from a coefficient controller 3, and the outputs of a 1st signal processing means 5a and a 2nd signal processing means 5b which process the output of the multiplier 10b and the outputs of the multipliers 10a and 10b are added by using adders 7a and 7b and outputted. Consequently, the position of a virtual speaker 8 changes by adjusting the coefficients of the multiplies 10a, 10b, and 10c.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a sound image localization apparatus and a sound image localization method, and more particularly to a structure for localizing a virtual sound image at an arbitrary position in an AV (audio or visual) device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, in the field of movies and broadcasting, digital sound compression technology has been used to record or reproduce multi-channels such as 5.1 channels. However, even if an attempt is made to reproduce a multi-channel audio signal in a general home, the sound output of a normal home television is often two or less. Therefore, it is expected that a multi-channel reproduction effect can be obtained even in an AV device having a two-channel sound reproduction function by using techniques such as sound field control and sound image control.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration of a conventional sound image localization device (sound image reproducing device). First, the listener 9 uses the speakers of the output units 6a and 6b placed in front.
A method for localizing the sound image to the right front of the image will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the sound image localization apparatus includes a signal source 1, signal processing units 5a and 5b, and output units 6a and 6b.

The signal source 1 is signal input means for inputting a PCM audio signal S (t). The localization angle input device 2 is an input device for localization information of the virtual speaker 8. The coefficient control device 3 sets filter coefficients for localizing the virtual speaker at the angle of the localization angle input device 2 from the coefficient memory according to the information from the localization angle input device 2 in the signal processing means 5a and 5b. The signal processing unit 5a is a digital filter having a filter characteristic (transfer characteristic) hL (n) set by the coefficient control device 3, and the signal processing unit 5b is a filter characteristic (transfer characteristic) set by the coefficient control device 3. hR
(n) is a digital filter. Signal processing means 5
The digital output a is converted into an analog audio signal by the output unit 6a and output. Similarly, the digital output of the signal processing unit 5b is configured to be converted into an analog audio signal by the output unit 6b and output.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the structure of the signal processing means 5a or 5b. The signal processing means 5a or 5b includes n-stage delay units (D) 13a to 13n and n + 1
This is an FIR filter including the multipliers 14a to 14 (n + 1) and the adder 15. Delay unit 13 at each stage
The multipliers 14 are connected to input and output terminals respectively, and their outputs are added by an adder 15 and output.

The operation of the conventional sound image localization apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. In FIG. 2, the head-related transfer function between the speaker and the listener's ear is called an impulse response, and the value between the output unit 6a and the listener's left ear is h1 (t). Hereinafter, when the description is made in the time domain, an impulse response is used. This impulse response h1 (t) is exactly the response at the position of the eardrum of the left ear of the listener when an audio signal is input to the output unit 6a.
It shall be performed at the position of the entrance of the ear canal. It should be noted that similar results can be obtained even in the frequency domain.

Similarly, let h2 (t) be the impulse response between the output speaker 6a and the right ear of the listener. further,
h3 (t) is an impulse response between the output unit 6b and the listener's left ear, and h4 (t) is an impulse response between the output unit 6b and the listener's right ear.

[0008] The virtual speaker 8 is a virtual sound source localized to the front right of the listener. Let h5 (t) be the impulse response between the virtual speaker 8 and the left ear of the listener. Let h6 (t) be the impulse response between the virtual speaker 8 and the right ear of the listener.

In such a configuration, when sound is emitted from the virtual speaker 8 using the audio signal S (t) from the signal source 1, the sound reaching the ear of the listener 9 is expressed by the following equation (1).
(2) It is expressed by the equation. In the left ear, L (t) = S (t) * h5 (t) (1) In the right ear, R (t) = S (t) * h6 (t) (2) Here, * represents a convolution operation. In practice, the transfer function of the loudspeaker itself is multiplied, but is ignored here for simplicity of description, or the transfer function of the loudspeaker is h5 (t), h6
(t).

The impulse response and the signal S (t) are
Time is considered as a discrete digital signal, and L (t) → L (n) R (t) → R (n) h5 (t) → h5 (n) h6 (t) → h6 (n) S (t ) → Notation like S (n). Here, n represents an integer, and if T is a sampling time, n in parentheses is exactly nT. Here, T is omitted.

At this time, the expressions (1) and (2) are represented as the following expressions (3) and (4), respectively, and the symbol * of the convolution operation is replaced by the multiplication symbol x. L (n) = S (n) × h5 (n) (3) R (n) = S (n) × h6 (n) (4)

Similarly, the signal S (t) is output to the output units 6a and 6a.
The sound radiated from b and reaching the listener's left ear is expressed by the following equation (5). L '(t) = S (t) * hL (t) * h1 (t) + S (t) * hR (t) * h3 (t) (5)

The sound that the signal S (t) is radiated from the output units 6a and 6b and reaches the right ear of the listener is expressed by the following equation (6). R '(t) = S (t) * hL (t) * h2 (t) + S (t) * hR (t) * h4 (t) (6)

When the above equations (5) and (6) are expressed by using the impulse response with (n), the following equation (8) is obtained.
Equation (9) is obtained. L ′ (n) = S (n) × hL (n) × h1 (n) + S (n) × hR (n) × h3 (n) (8) R ′ (n) = S (n) × hL (n) × h2 (n) + S (n) × hR (n) × h4 (n) (9) where hL (n) is a transfer characteristic of the signal processing means 5a,
hR (n) is a transfer characteristic of the signal processing means 5b.

If the head related transfer functions are equal, it is assumed that the sound can be heard from the same direction. This assumption is generally correct. Here, assuming the relationship of the following equation (10),
Equation (11) holds. L (n) = L ′ (n) (10) h5 (n) = hL (n) × h1 (n) + hR (n) × h3 (n) (11)

Similarly, assuming the relationship of equation (12),
Equation (13) holds. R (n) = R ′ (n) (12) h6 (n) = hL (n) × h2 (n) + hR (n) × h4 (n) (13) Output Unit 6a and Output In order for the listener to hear a predetermined sound from the right front, which is the position of the virtual speaker 8, using the unit 6b, hL (n) is set so as to satisfy Expressions (11) and (13). ), HR (n) may be determined. For example, if Expressions (11) and (13) are rewritten in the frequency domain expression, the convolution operation is replaced by multiplication, and the impulse response is FFT-converted to a transfer function. Since transfer functions other than the FIR filter are obtained by measurement, the transfer function of the FIR filter can be obtained from these two equations.

HL (n) and hR (n) thus determined
From the output section 6a, the signal S (n) and hL (n) are radiated and the output section 6b radiates the signal S (n) and hL (n).
By radiating the convolution of R (n), the listener 9 can feel that the sound is sounding from the right front without actually sounding the virtual speaker 8 on the right front. FIG.
The FIR filter shown in (1) can localize a sound image at an arbitrary position by the above signal processing.

Next, consider a case where it is desired to change the angle of the virtual speaker 8 in this sound image localization apparatus. In order to localize the virtual speaker 8 at a desired angle, it is necessary to set the filter coefficients hL (n) and hR (n) of the signal processing means 5a and 5b so as to localize at the desired angle. Since this filter coefficient differs depending on the angle, the number of set filter coefficients is required.

Therefore, all the filter coefficients of the set angle are set in the coefficient memory 4, and the filter coefficients for realizing the virtual speaker 8 are stored in the coefficient memory 4 according to the angle of the virtual speaker 8 from the signal processing means. 5a and 5b to perform sound image localization processing. This makes it possible to cope with a case where the angle of the virtual speaker changes.

[0020]

The conventional sound image localization apparatus and sound image localization method are configured as described above, and can perform localization by changing the angle of the virtual speaker. As the number of angle settings increases,
Accordingly, since all filter coefficients must be stored, when the number of localization angles increases, a large coefficient memory is required. Further, when a plurality of virtual speakers are realized in a multi-channel system, it is necessary to provide as many sound image localization devices as a conventional example as the number of virtual speakers, and as a result, the necessary amount of computation, memory, and There is a problem that the system size becomes large.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its object to provide a sound image localization apparatus capable of realizing virtual speakers at a plurality of angles using a small number of parameters. It is another object of the present invention to provide a sound image localization device and a sound image control method that can realize a device with a smaller amount of calculation and less memory in a system.

[0022]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sound image localization apparatus, comprising: a signal source for outputting an acoustic signal; a localization angle input means for inputting an angle of a sound image to be localized; and the localization angle input means. From the coefficient memory based on the sound image localization angle information, and the first, second, and third coefficients output from the coefficient control means. A first multiplier, a second multiplier, a third multiplier, and an output of the second multiplier, which multiply and output the output signal of the signal source, respectively. A first signal processing means for performing signal processing using a filter having a first frequency characteristic; and an output of the second multiplier, and performing signal processing using a filter having a predetermined second frequency characteristic. Second signal processing to be performed A stage, a first adder for receiving an output of the first multiplier and an output of the first signal processing means, adding these, and outputting the added result; an output of the third multiplier; A second adder that inputs the outputs of the second signal processing means, adds them, and outputs the sum, a first output unit that outputs the output of the first adder, and a second adder that outputs the output of the second adder. And a second output unit for outputting an output.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sound image localization apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein
The predetermined first and second frequency characteristics correspond to the first and second signal processing means, respectively.
When the first virtual sound image is directly output from the output unit of the listener, the first virtual sound image is localized at a predetermined position diagonally forward or to the side of the listener. Then, the coefficients of the first, second and third multipliers are changed to localize the desired second virtual sound image at the position of the input angle, and are input to the localization angle input means. The sound image localization angle is a position at which the output of the first output unit is emitted to space, a position at which the output of the second output unit is emitted to space, and a predetermined position of the first virtual sound image. Of these three positions, the position can be set arbitrarily within the range connecting the two farthest points.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the sound image localization apparatus according to the first aspect,
And a filter means for receiving a filter coefficient having a predetermined frequency characteristic from the coefficient control means and processing a signal from a signal source. The first, second, and third multipliers each include Instead of the output signal of the signal source, the output of the filter means is multiplied using the first, second and third coefficients from the coefficient control means and output.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sound image localization apparatus according to the third aspect, wherein:
The predetermined first and second frequency characteristics are such that, when the outputs of the first and second signal processing means are directly output from the first and second output units, respectively, the diagonally forward or side of the listener. Is adjusted so that the first virtual sound image is localized at a predetermined position of the first virtual sound image, and the coefficients of the first, second, and third multipliers are changed based on the localization angle input means. The desired second position is located at the position of the angle input to the input means.
The sound image localization angle input to the localization angle input means is determined by the position at which the output of the first output unit is emitted to the space and the output of the second output unit at the space. And the predetermined position of the first virtual sound image, which can be arbitrarily set within a range connecting two distant points.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sound image localization apparatus according to the third aspect, wherein:
The filter coefficient of the predetermined frequency characteristic in the filter means is determined by the first to third multipliers and the first to third multipliers.
And at least one of sound quality, volume change, phase characteristic, and delay characteristic among the frequency characteristics of the signal processing unit including the first and second adders. is there.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sound image localization apparatus, comprising: a signal source for outputting an acoustic signal; a localization angle input means for inputting an angle of a sound image to be localized; and a sound image localization from the localization angle input means. A coefficient control unit that receives angle information and reads and outputs a coefficient from a coefficient memory based on the sound image localization angle information, and first, second, and third coefficients output from the coefficient control unit. A first multiplier, a second multiplier, and a third multiplier for multiplying output signals of a signal source and outputting the multiplied signals, respectively, and a filter having a predetermined frequency characteristic, to which the output of the second multiplier is input , A signal processing means for performing signal processing using, an output of the third multiplier and an output of the signal processing means, an adder for adding these outputs, and an output of the first multiplier. Output And an output unit, in which a second output unit for outputting the output of said adder.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the sound image localization apparatus according to the sixth aspect,
The predetermined frequency characteristic of the signal processing means is that the output when the coefficient of the first and second multipliers is 1.0 and the coefficient of the third multiplier is 0.0 is the first and second output, respectively. When the sound is directly output from the unit, the first virtual sound image is localized at a predetermined position diagonally forward or to the side of the listener, and based on the sound image localization angle input to the localization angle input means. The first, second, and third multipliers are changed in coefficient to localize a desired second virtual sound image at the position of the input angle. A sound image localization input to the localization angle input means is provided. There are three angles: a position where the output of the first output unit is emitted to space, a position where the output of the second output unit is emitted to space, and a predetermined position of the first virtual sound image. Can be set arbitrarily within the range connecting the two farthest points among the positions It is one that has become a thing.

The sound image localization apparatus according to claim 8 of the present invention is the sound image localization apparatus according to claim 6,
Filter means for receiving a filter coefficient of a frequency characteristic from the coefficient control means and processing a signal from a signal source; the first multiplier, the second multiplier, and the third multiplier include In place of the output signal of the source, the output of the filter means is output from the first, second and third signals from the coefficient control means.
And output by multiplying by using the coefficient.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the sound image localization apparatus according to the eighth aspect,
The predetermined frequency characteristic of the signal processing means is such that the output when the coefficient of the first and second multipliers is 1.0 and the coefficient of the third multiplier is 0.0 is the first and second output units, respectively. When the first virtual sound image is directly output from the sound source, the first virtual sound image is localized at a predetermined position diagonally forward or to the side of the listener. A first virtual sound image is localized at the position of the input angle by changing coefficients of first, second, and third multipliers; and a sound image localization angle input to the localization angle input means. Is a position where the output of the first output unit is emitted to the space, a position where the output of the second output unit is emitted to the space, and a predetermined position of the first virtual sound image. Can be set arbitrarily within the range connecting the two farthest points One in which has become a thing.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the sound image localization apparatus according to the eighth aspect, a filter coefficient of a predetermined frequency characteristic in the filter means is the first to third multiplication. And correcting at least one of a sound quality, a volume change, a phase characteristic, and a delay characteristic among frequency characteristics of the signal processing unit including the signal processing unit and the adder.

The sound image localization apparatus according to claim 11 of the present invention comprises: a plurality of signal sources for outputting acoustic signals; a localization angle input means for inputting an angle of a sound image to be localized; Receives sound image localization angle information,
Coefficient control means for reading and outputting a coefficient from a coefficient memory based on the sound image localization angle information; and first and second and third coefficients provided from the coefficient control means are provided for each of the signal sources. A first multiplier, a second multiplier for multiplying and outputting the output signal of the signal source, respectively,
A signal input unit having a third multiplier, a first adder summing all outputs of the first multipliers of all the input units, and an output of a second multiplier of all the input units. A second adder for summing all the outputs, a third adder for summing all the outputs of the third multipliers of all the input units, and an output of the second adder, and a predetermined first A first signal processing means for performing signal processing using a filter having a frequency characteristic of (2), and a second signal processing means for receiving an output of the second adder and performing signal processing using a filter having a predetermined second frequency characteristic. , A fourth adder that inputs the output of the first adder, and the output of the first signal processing unit, adds and outputs these, and the third multiplication unit. The output of the signal processor and the output of the second signal processing means are input, and a fifth signal is added and output. And adder, those having a first output section for outputting the output of said fourth adder, and a second output section for outputting the output of the fifth adder.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the sound image localization apparatus according to the eleventh aspect, the predetermined first and second frequency characteristics are equal to each other.
And when the output of the second signal processing means is directly output from the first and second output units, respectively, the first sound image is localized at a predetermined position diagonally forward or lateral to the listener. The localization angle input means receives sound image localization information corresponding to the number of the input units, and the first, second, and third input terminals of each of the input units are based on the sound image localization angles input to the localization angle input means. Is changed so that a desired virtual sound image is localized at the position of each of the input angles. The sound image localization angle input to the localization angle input means is determined by the first output unit. Where the output of the second output is emitted into space, and where the output of the second output is emitted into space.
In addition, the predetermined position of the first virtual sound image can be set arbitrarily within a range connecting the two farthest points among the three positions.

A sound image localization apparatus according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention is the sound image localization apparatus according to the eleventh aspect, wherein the filter coefficient is provided for each signal source and has a predetermined frequency characteristic from the coefficient control means. And a filter means for processing a signal from each signal source, wherein the first multiplier, the second multiplier, and the third multiplier replace the output signal of the signal source with The output of the filter means is multiplied by using the first, second and third coefficients from the coefficient control means and output.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the sound image localization apparatus according to the thirteenth aspect, the predetermined first and second frequency characteristics are equal to each other.
And when the output of the second signal processing means is directly output from the first and second output units, the first virtual sound image is localized at a predetermined position diagonally forward or lateral to the listener. The sound localization information of the number of the input units is input to the localization angle input means, and the coefficients of the first, second, and third multipliers of the input units are changed based on the sound image localization information. And a desired virtual sound image is localized at the position of each of the input angles. The sound image localization angle input to the localization angle input means is such that the output of the first output unit is emitted to space. Arbitrarily set in the range connecting the two most distant points among the three positions of the first position, the position where the output of the second output unit is emitted to space, and the predetermined position of the first virtual sound image. It is something that is possible.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the sound image localization apparatus according to the thirteenth aspect, a filter coefficient of a predetermined frequency characteristic in the filter means is a first to a third one of the input unit. 3 of the frequency characteristics of the signal processing unit including the multiplier, the first and second signal processing means, and the fourth and fifth adders. Is to be corrected.

A sound image localization apparatus according to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of signal sources for outputting acoustic signals, localization angle input means for inputting an angle of a sound image to be localized, and Receiving the sound image localization angle information,
Coefficient control means for reading and outputting coefficients from a coefficient memory based on the sound image localization angle information; and first, second, and third signals provided from the coefficient control means and provided in correspondence with the respective signal sources. A signal input unit having a first multiplier, a second multiplier, and a third multiplier for respectively multiplying and outputting the output signals of the signal sources by using the coefficients; 1, a first adder summing all outputs of the multipliers, a second adder summing all outputs of the second multipliers of all the inputs, and a third adder summing the outputs of all the inputs. A third adder that sums up all outputs of the multipliers, a signal processing unit that receives an output of the second adder, and performs signal processing using a filter having a predetermined frequency characteristic; Input of the output of the device and the output of the signal processing means, A fourth adder that adds and outputs them, a first output unit that outputs the output of the first adder, and a second output unit that outputs the output of the fourth adder. It is provided with.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the sound image localization apparatus according to the sixteenth aspect, the predetermined frequency characteristic is such that a coefficient of the first and second multipliers is 1.0. When the output when the coefficient of the third multiplier is 0.0 is directly output from the first and second output units, respectively, the first virtual position is located at a predetermined position diagonally forward or lateral to the listener. It is to localize the sound image,
The sound image information corresponding to the number of the input units is input to the localization angle input unit, and the first, second, and third multipliers of each of the input units are based on the sound image localization angle input to the localization angle input unit. Is changed, and a desired virtual sound image is localized at the position of each angle input to the localization angle input means. The sound image localization angle input to the localization angle input means is the first image. The position at which the output of the output is emitted to space, and the position at which the output of the second output is emitted to space,
And three predetermined positions of the first virtual sound image, which can be arbitrarily set within a range connecting two distant points.

The sound image localization apparatus according to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention is the sound image localization apparatus according to the sixteenth aspect, provided for each signal source, and provided with a filter coefficient having a predetermined frequency characteristic from the coefficient control means. And a filter means for processing a signal from each signal source, wherein the first multiplier, the second multiplier, and the third multiplier replace the output signal of the signal source with The output of the filter means is multiplied using the first, second, and third coefficients from the coefficient control means and output.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, in the sound image localization apparatus according to the eighteenth aspect, the predetermined frequency characteristic is such that the first and second multipliers have a coefficient of 1.0. When the output of the third multiplier when the coefficient is 0.0 is directly output from the first and second output units, respectively, the first virtual sound image is provided at a predetermined position diagonally forward or to the side of the listener. The sound localization angle input means receives the sound image information of the number of the input units, and based on the sound image localization angle inputted to the localization angle input means, the first of the input units. , The second and third multipliers are varied to localize a desired virtual sound image at the position of each angle input to the localization angle input means, and is input to the localization angle input means. The sound image localization angle is determined by the first output Position output of is released into the space,
And the position at which the output of the second output unit is emitted to space, and the predetermined position of the first virtual sound image. Is what it is.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, in the sound image localization apparatus according to the eighteenth aspect, a filter coefficient of a predetermined frequency characteristic of each input part in the filter means is provided by the input part. 1st, 2nd, 3rd
, And at least one of sound quality, volume change, phase characteristic, and delay characteristic among the frequency characteristics of the signal processing unit including the multiplier, the first and second signal processing means, and the fourth adder. Is to be corrected.

A sound image localization method according to claim 21 of the present invention is the sound image localization method in the sound image localization device according to any one of claims 1, 3, 11, and 13, wherein the sound image localization angle input means includes The position of the desired virtual sound image to be inputted is determined by a first output unit, a second output unit, and a filter having the predetermined first and second frequency characteristics, which are arranged in the left and right spaces of the listener. Is determined by adjusting the ratio of the coefficients of the respective multipliers according to the distance from the two closest points among the three points of the position of the virtual sound image realized using
When it is close to the output unit, the coefficient of the first multiplier is emphasized. When it is close to the second output unit, the third multiplier is used.
In the case where the coefficient of the multiplier is emphasized so as to be close to the virtual sound image, the coefficient is controlled so as to emphasize the coefficient of the second multiplier.

A sound image localization method according to claim 22 of the present invention is the sound image localization method in the sound image localization apparatus according to any one of claims 6, 8, 16, and 18, wherein the sound image localization angle input means includes: The position of the desired virtual sound image to be input is realized by using the first output unit, the second output unit, and the filter having the predetermined frequency characteristic, which are arranged in the left and right spaces of the listener. It is determined by adjusting the ratio of the coefficients of the respective multipliers according to the distance from the closest two points among the three points of the position of the virtual sound image. In the case where the coefficient of the multiplier of 2 is reduced to be closer to the second output unit, the coefficient of the third multiplier is emphasized, and in the case of being closer to the virtual sound image, the value of the second multiplier is increased.
The coefficient is controlled so as to emphasize the coefficient of the multiplier.

A sound image localization method according to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention includes a step of setting a coefficient of a filter means in the sound image localization device according to any one of the third, eighth, thirteenth, and eighteenth aspects. In accordance with an input from the localization angle input means, the first, second, and
A change in the frequency characteristic of the sound image caused by a change in each coefficient of the third multiplier, or a change in volume due to the position of the sound image;
The coefficient of the filter means is set so as to correct at least one of the phase characteristic change and the delay characteristic change.

[0045]

(Embodiment 1) A sound image localization apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the sound image localization apparatus according to the first embodiment. The same reference numerals as those in FIG. 2 denote the same or corresponding parts. In the sound image localization apparatus shown in FIG. The first multiplier 10c, the second multiplier 10b, the third multiplier 10a, the first adder 7a, and the second adder 7b
Are newly provided, and the coefficient controlled by the coefficient control device 3 is the first signal processing means 5a and the second signal processing means 5b in the related art.
0a, 10b, and 10c.

In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG.
With respect to the front front of the listener 9, the first output unit 6a is the front left front of the listener, the second output unit 6b is the front right front of the listener, and the virtual speaker 8 (desired second virtual sound image) is It is assumed that the virtual speaker 8V (first virtual sound image) is positioned on the right side of the listener 9 from the front right and diagonally forward.

Next, the operation will be described. In FIG. 1, a digitally converted (PCM) audio signal is input from a signal source 1. This audio signal is input to multipliers 10a, 10b, and 10c, respectively. Also,
Desired angle information of the virtual speaker 8 is input to the localization angle input device 2. Based on the angle information from the localization angle input device 2, the coefficient control device 3
A coefficient for localizing the virtual speaker 8 is read, and the coefficient is set in the multipliers 10a, 10b, and 10c.

The output of the multiplier 10b is supplied to the signal processing means 5a,
5b, and each is filtered by a predetermined frequency characteristic. Here, the predetermined frequency characteristics of the signal processing means 5a and 5b will be described.

The frequency characteristics are determined by the first signal processing means 5.
a, when the output of the second signal processing unit 5b is directly output from the first output unit 6a and the second output unit 6b, respectively, a predetermined virtual speaker 8V (first The sound image is localized at the position of the virtual sound image of FIG.
Become an R filter. FIG. 20 shows an example of this filter coefficient. The same applies to the case where this filter is realized using an IIR type and a hybrid type of FIR + IIR. The calculation method of the filter coefficient for localizing the virtual sound image at the position of the virtual speaker 8V (first virtual sound image) is based on h5 (n) and h6 in the conventional example.
The transfer characteristic of (n) is the transfer characteristic at the position of the virtual speaker 8V.
It can be calculated by replacing h7 (n) and h8 (n).

The signal processed by the signal processing means 5b is added to the output of the multiplier 10a by the adder 7b, and the output
It is converted to more analog and output. The signal processed by the signal processing means 5a is added to a multiplier 10c by an adder 7a.
, And converted into an analog signal by the output unit 6a.

Here, a method of controlling the coefficients of the multipliers 10a, 10b and 10c will be described. Only the coefficient of the multiplier 10a
When the coefficient is set to 1.0 and the coefficients of the multipliers 10b and 10c are set to 0.0, the input signal is output to the output section 6b as it is. In this case, the virtual speaker 8 is located at the position of the output unit 6b. Similarly, when only the coefficient of the multiplier 10c is set to 1.0 and the coefficients of the multipliers 10a and 10b are set to 0.0, the output unit 6a
, The input signal is output as it is. In this case, the virtual speaker 8 is located at the position of the output unit 6a. Multiplier 10b
Is set to 1.0 and the coefficients of the multipliers 10a and 10c are set to 0.0, the output unit 6b outputs the signal processing means 5b
The output signal filtered by
Outputs the input signal filtered by the signal processing means 5a. In this case, the virtual speaker 8 is located at the position of the virtual speaker 8V.

When the coefficient of the multiplier 10c is set to 0.0 and the coefficients of the multipliers 10a and 10b are changed, the position of the virtual speaker 8 is changed according to the ratio of the coefficients of the multiplier 10a and the multiplier 10b. And the virtual speaker 8V. This ratio varies depending on the predetermined frequency characteristics of each of the signal processing means 5a and 5b. In general, if the coefficient of the multiplier 10a becomes relatively larger than the coefficient of the multiplier 10b, the ratio of the virtual speaker 8 The position approaches the position of the output unit 6b. Conversely, if the coefficient of the multiplier 10b becomes relatively larger than the coefficient of the multiplier 10a, the position of the virtual speaker 8 approaches the position of the virtual speaker 8V. Similarly, multiplier 1
By setting the coefficient of 0b to 0.0 and adjusting the relative magnitudes of the coefficients of the multipliers 10a and 10c, the virtual speaker 8 can be localized between the output sections 6b and 6a.

As described above, the first multiplier 10a, the second multiplier 10b, and the second multiplier 10b are set according to the angle to be set for the virtual speaker 8, that is, based on the sound image localization angle input to the localization angle input means. By controlling each coefficient of the third multiplier 10c, the virtual speaker 8 (desired second virtual sound image)
Can be localized at the position of the input angle. Further, the sound image localization angle input to the localization angle input means is a position at which the output of the first output unit 6a is emitted to space,
The position where the second output unit 6b is emitted into space and the predetermined position of the virtual speaker 8V (the first virtual sound image) can be arbitrarily set within a range connecting the two farthest two points. It is.

As described above, in the conventional example, in order to change the sound image of the virtual speaker 8, the signal processing means 5b, 5a
Of the signal processing means 5
A filter of about 128 tap is used for b and 5a.
Here, if the angle adjustment of the virtual speaker 8 (desired second virtual sound image) is performed at five points, if a filter of n tap is used in the conventional example, n * 2 * 5 (the number of adjustment angles) = While 10n coefficients are required in the coefficient memory 4, in the first embodiment, only 3 (three parameters of the multiplier) * 5 + n * 2 (left and right signal processing means) = 15 + 2n. As a result, the required size of the coefficient memory 4 can be set to (15 + 2n) / 10n = 3 / 2n + ／. Here, as described above, when the number of taps of the filter is n = 128, a reduction of about 79% is possible. In addition, by performing reproduction while changing the multipliers 10a, 10b, and 10c, the movement of the sound image of the virtual speaker 8 can be easily realized.

In this case, the increment of the processing can be realized by simply increasing the sum of the product: the number of operation data * 1 and the product sum: the number of operation data * 2. In contrast,
The operation amount of the signal processing means (5a, 5b) is as follows: product using n tap filter: product sum: number of operation data * 2n.

As a result, the increase in the amount of calculation is 3 / 2n compared to the conventional configuration. As described above, when the number of taps of the filter is set to n = 128, the increment of the computation amount is extremely small at 1.1%.
Embodiment 1 can be realized.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the multipliers 10a, 10b,
10c, the input signal from the input signal source 1 is multiplied and output, and the output of the multiplier 10b is input to the signal processing means 5a and 5b, and the signal processing means 5b
And the output of the multiplier 10a are combined by the adder 7b, and the output of the signal processing means 5a and the output of the multiplier 10b are combined by the adder 7b.
a so that the multipliers 10a, 10a
By simply controlling the coefficients of the multipliers 10b and 10c,
The position of the virtual speaker 8 can be changed, and the sound image can be moved almost in the same manner as in the related art with an extremely small increase in the amount of operation and a smaller coefficient memory than in the conventional method. A localization device can be realized.

(Embodiment 2) Embodiment 2 of the present invention
Will be described with reference to the drawings. In the method of the first embodiment, the first multiplier 1
0c, the second multiplier 10b, the third multiplier 10a, the first
Since the overall transfer characteristic of the signal processing unit including the signal processing unit 5a, the second signal processing unit 5b, the first adder 7a, and the second adder 7b may change, the virtual speaker 8 ( The sound quality of the desired second virtual sound image) may change. Therefore, in the second embodiment, a configuration for compensating for a change in the overall transfer characteristic by the signal processing unit is added. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the sound image localization device according to the second embodiment. The same reference numerals as those in FIG.
A filter unit that receives a filter coefficient having a predetermined frequency characteristic from the coefficient control device 3 and processes a signal from the input signal source 1. The filter unit 11 can be realized by a device such as an equalizer, for example.

Next, the operation will be described. In FIG. 4, angle information of the virtual speaker 8 is input to the localization angle input device 2. The coefficient control device 3 reads a coefficient for localizing the virtual speaker 8 from the coefficient memory 4 based on the angle information from the localization angle input device 2, and sets the coefficient in the filter unit 11 and the multipliers 10a, 10b, and 10c. I do. The multipliers 10a, 10b, and 10c multiply and output the output of the filter unit 11 using the first, second, and third coefficients from the coefficient control device 3, instead of the output signal of the input signal source 1. .

Also, the digital conversion (PC
The audio signal M) is input. This audio signal is processed by the filter unit 11 with predetermined frequency characteristics, and is input to the multipliers 10a, 10b, and 10c, respectively. The output of the multiplier 10b is input to the signal processing unit 5a and the signal processing unit 5b, and is subjected to a filtering process with a predetermined frequency characteristic. Here, the predetermined frequency characteristics of the signal processing means 5a and 5b will be described.

The frequency characteristics are determined by the first signal processing means 5
a and the output of the second signal processing means 5b are output directly from the output units 6a and 6b, respectively. A sound image is localized, and the configuration of the filter is an FIR filter as shown in FIG.
FIG. 20 shows an example of this filter coefficient. The same applies to the case where this filter is realized using an IIR type and a hybrid type of FIR + IIR. The calculation method of the filter coefficient for localizing the virtual sound image at the position of the virtual speaker 8V is as follows.
Can be calculated by substituting the transfer characteristics h7 (n) and h8 (n) at the position of.

The signal processed by the signal processing means 5b is added to the output of the multiplier 10a by the adder 7b, converted into an analog signal by the output unit 6b, and output. Further, the signal processed by the signal processing means 5a is added to the output of the multiplier 10c by the adder 7a, converted into an analog signal by the output unit 6a, and output.

Here, a method of controlling the coefficients of the multipliers 10a, 10b and 10c will be described. Only the coefficient of the multiplier 10a
When the coefficient is set to 1.0 and the coefficients of the multipliers 10b and 10c are set to 0.0, the input signal is output to the output unit 6b as it is. In this case, the sound image of the virtual speaker 8 is localized at the position of the output unit 6b. Similarly, when only the coefficient of the multiplier 10c is set to 1.0 and the coefficients of the multipliers 10a and 10b are set to 0.0, the output unit 6a
, The input signal is output as it is. In this case, the sound image of the virtual speaker 8 is localized at the position of the output unit 6a. When only the coefficient of the multiplier 10b is set to 1.0 and the coefficients of the multipliers 10a and 10b are set to 0.0, the signal processing means 5b
The output signal filtered by
Outputs the input signal filtered by the signal processing means 5a. In this case, the sound image of the virtual speaker 8 is localized at the position of the virtual speaker 8V.

When the coefficient of the multiplier 10c is set to 0.0 and the coefficient of the multipliers 10a and 10b is changed, the position of the virtual speaker 8 is shifted to the output unit 6b according to the ratio of the coefficients of the multipliers 10a and 10b. It is located at an angle between the speakers 8V. This ratio varies with a predetermined frequency characteristic of each of the signal processing means 5b and 5a.
If the coefficient of “a” becomes relatively large with respect to the coefficient of the multiplier 10b, the position of the virtual speaker 8 approaches the position of the output section 6b, and conversely, the coefficient of the multiplier 10b becomes relatively When the virtual speaker 8 becomes larger, the position of the virtual speaker 8 approaches the position of the virtual speaker 8V. Similarly, by setting the coefficient of the multiplier 10b to 0.0 and adjusting the relative sizes of the coefficients of the multipliers 10a and 10c, the output unit 6b and the output unit 6
The virtual speaker 8 can be localized during a.

Here, the total transfer characteristic of the signal processing unit composed of the multipliers 10a, 10b, 10c, the signal processing means 5a, 5b, and the adders 7a, 7b when the above sound image localization processing is performed. think about. Multipliers 10a, 10
When the coefficient of c is set to 0.0 and the coefficient of the multiplier 10b is set to 1.0, the frequency characteristics of the virtual speaker 8 at the left and right ear positions of the listener 9 are as shown in FIG. FIG. 11A shows the frequency characteristic of the listener 9 at the left ear, and FIG. 11B shows the frequency characteristic of the listener 9 at the right ear. Here, when the coefficients of the multipliers 10a and 10b are set to 0.5, the frequency characteristics at the right and left binaural positions of the listener 9 change as shown in FIG. FIG. 12A shows the frequency characteristics of the listener 9 at the left ear, and FIG. 12B shows the frequency characteristics at the right ear. As can be seen by comparing FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, the frequency characteristic of the virtual speaker, that is, the sound quality is changed by the change in the coefficients of the multipliers 10a and 10b. In the present embodiment, a decrease in low-frequency components of 500 Hz or less is observed, and it is considered that the sound quality is degraded accordingly.

Therefore, this change in the frequency characteristic is corrected using the filter unit 11. FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of the filter unit 11. This filter unit 11
Are delay units (D) 13a, 13b and three multipliers 14
a, 14b, 14c and an adder 15
It is an IR filter. A multiplier is connected to the input and the output terminal of each stage delay device, and their outputs are
5 and output. In the second embodiment, the first-order IIR filter is used. However, the configuration of the filter is not limited to this.
An R filter, nth-order IIR filter, or FIR + IIR filter may be used. However, the amount of processing increases or decreases depending on the configuration of the filter unit. Further, the filter coefficient of the predetermined frequency characteristic in the filter unit 11 is determined by the first multiplier 10c, the second multiplier 10b, the third multiplier 10a, the first signal processing unit 5a, and the second signal processing. It corrects at least one of sound quality, volume change, phase characteristic, and delay characteristic among the frequency characteristics of the signal processing unit including the means 5b and the first adder 7a and the second adder 7b. .

FIG. 14 shows an example of the frequency characteristic of the filter section 11. When the frequency characteristics of the input signal are corrected with these frequency characteristics and the coefficients of the multipliers 10a and 10b are set to 0.5, the frequency characteristics at the left and right binaural positions of the listener 9 are as shown in FIG.
become that way. From FIG. 15, the frequency characteristics of the listener 9 at the left and right binaural positions (FIGS. 15 (a) and 15 (b), respectively).
Is close to the frequency characteristic diagram shown in FIG.
It was confirmed that the reduction of the low frequency component below 00 Hz was improved. Thus, it can be considered that the sound quality deterioration by the sound image localization device has been improved.

As described above, the first multiplier is used in accordance with the angle of the virtual speaker 8 (desired second virtual sound image) to be set, that is, based on the sound image localization angle input to the localization angle input means. 10c, the second multiplier 10b, and the third multiplier 10c, by controlling the respective coefficients, the virtual speaker 8
Can be localized at the position of the input angle. Further, the sound image localization angle input to the localization angle input means is a position at which the output of the first output unit 6a is emitted to space,
The position where the second output unit 6b is emitted into space and the predetermined position of the virtual speaker 8V (the first virtual sound image) can be arbitrarily set within a range connecting the two farthest two points. It is.

In the conventional example, it is necessary to change the coefficients of the signal processing means 5a and 5b in order to change the virtual speaker 8, and the signal processing means 5a and 5b usually have 128 taps.
A degree filter is used. Here, if the angle adjustment of the virtual speaker 8 (desired second virtual sound image) is performed at five points, if a filter of n tap is used in the conventional example, the coefficient of n * 2 * 5 = 10n becomes: In the second embodiment, only 6 (three multipliers + three multipliers included in the filter unit 11) * 5 + n * 2 = 30 + 2n are required for the coefficient memory 4. As a result, the required size of the coefficient memory 4 can be set to (30 + 2n) / 10n = 3 / n + ／. Here, as described above, when the number of taps of the filter is n = 128, it is possible to reduce about 78%. In addition, by performing reproduction while changing the multipliers 10a, 10b, and 10c, movement of the sound image of the virtual speaker 8 can be easily realized.

The increment of the processing amount in this case is as follows: product: number of operation data * 2 (because the filter unit 11 also includes a multiplier) Sum of products: number of operation data * 4 (adder is also used in the filter unit 11) Is included). It is feasible only by increasing by minutes.

On the other hand, the signal processing means (5a, 5b)
Is calculated by using an n tap filter. Product, product sum: number of operation data * 2n

As a result, the increase in the amount of calculation is 6 / 2n compared to the conventional configuration. As described above, when the number of taps of the filter is set to n = 128, the increment of the calculation amount is extremely small at 2.2%.
Embodiment 2 can be realized.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, in the first embodiment, the coefficient control device 3 and the input signal source 1
Is provided as an input, and the filter unit 1
1 is input to each of the multipliers 10a, 10b, and 10c. Thus, as in the first embodiment, the amount of calculation is extremely small compared to the conventional system, and is smaller than that of the conventional system. The coefficient memory can realize a sound image localization device capable of moving a sound image almost in the same manner as the conventional one, and also has multipliers 10a, 10b, 10c and signal processing means 5
a, 5b, and a change in the overall transfer characteristic of the signal processing unit composed of the adders 7a, 7b can also be corrected, and a sound image localization device with good sound quality can be realized.

(Embodiment 3) Embodiment 3 of the present invention
Will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the entire configuration of the sound image localization apparatus according to the third embodiment. The same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 denote the same or corresponding parts, and the sound image localization apparatus shown in FIG. In the localization device, the second multiplier 1
The difference is that a signal processing means 12 is provided in place of the first signal processing means 5a and the second signal processing means 5b connected to 0b, and the second adder 7b is removed.

Next, the operation will be described. In FIG. 5, a digitally converted (PCM) audio signal is input from a signal source 1. This audio signal is input to multipliers 10a, 10b, and 10c, respectively.

Further, angle information of the virtual speaker 8 is input to the localization angle input device 2. The coefficient control device 3 reads a coefficient for localizing the virtual speaker 8 from the coefficient memory 4 based on the angle information from the localization angle input device 2, and sets the coefficient in the multipliers 10a, 10b, and 10c. The output of the multiplier 10b is input to the signal processing means 12, and is filtered by a predetermined frequency characteristic. Here, the predetermined frequency characteristic of the signal processing means 12 will be described.

The frequency characteristic is such that the coefficient of the first multiplier 10c and the coefficient of the second multiplier 10b are 1.0 and the third multiplier 1c
When the output when the coefficient of 0a is 0.0 is directly output from the first output unit 6a and the second output unit 6b, respectively, a predetermined virtual speaker 8V diagonally forward or lateral to the listener.
The sound image is localized at the position of (first virtual sound image), and the configuration of the filter is an FIR filter as shown in FIG. FIG. 20 shows an example of this filter coefficient. The same applies to the case where this filter is realized using an IIR type and a hybrid type of FIR + IIR. The calculation method of the filter coefficient for localizing the virtual sound image at the position of the virtual speaker 8V is as follows. By replacing with (n), G (n) = hL (n) / hR (n) using the calculated hL (n) and hR (n).

The signal processed by the signal processing means 12 is added to the output of the multiplier 10c by the adder 7a, and is added to the output section 6a.
It is converted to more analog and output. Also, multiplier 1
The signal processed in 0a is converted into an analog signal from the second output unit 6b and output.

Here, the multipliers 10a, 10b, 10c
A method for controlling the coefficient will be described. Only the coefficient of the multiplier 10a is set to 1.0, and the coefficients of the multipliers 10b and 10c are set to 0.0.
In this case, the input signal is output to the output section 6b as it is. In this case, the sound image of the virtual speaker 8 is localized at the position of the output unit 6b. Similarly, when only the coefficient of the multiplier 10c is set to 1.0 and the coefficients of the multipliers 10a and 10b are set to 0.0, the input signal is output to the output unit 10a as it is. In this case, the sound image of the virtual speaker 8 is localized at the position of the output unit 6a.

When only the coefficients of the multipliers 10a and 10b are set to 1.0 and the coefficient of the multiplier 10c is set to 0.0, the output unit 6b
Outputs the input signal processed by the multiplier 10a,
The input signal filtered by the signal processing unit 12 is output to the output unit 6a. In this case, the sound image of the virtual speaker 8 is localized at the position of the virtual speaker 8V.

The coefficient of the multiplier 10c is set to 0.0, and the multiplier 1
When the coefficient of 0a is set to 1.0 and the coefficient of the multiplier 10b is changed to be smaller than 1.0, the position of the virtual speaker 8 is set at the angle between the output unit 6b and the virtual speaker 8V according to the coefficient of the multiplier 10b. Localize. Although this ratio changes with a predetermined frequency characteristic of the signal processing means 12, the multiplier 10
When the coefficient of b approaches 0.0, the position of the virtual speaker 8 approaches the position of the output unit 6b, and conversely, the coefficient of the multiplier 10b becomes 1.
When the distance approaches 0, the position of the virtual speaker 8 approaches the position of the virtual speaker 8V.

By setting the coefficient of the multiplier 10b to 0.0 and adjusting the relative magnitudes of the coefficients of the multipliers 10a and 10c, the virtual speaker 8 can be localized between the output sections 6b and 6a. it can. In the coefficient adjustment of the multipliers 10a, 10b, 10c according to the third embodiment, the position of the virtual speaker 8 is determined by the ratio of the multipliers 10a, 10b, 10c. Therefore, the value of each multiplier used in the third embodiment is not limited to 1.0 or the like.

As described above, the first multiplier is set according to the angle of the virtual speaker 8 (desired second virtual sound image) to be set, that is, based on the sound image localization angle input to the localization angle input means. 10c, the second multiplier 10b, and the third multiplier 10a are controlled by controlling the respective coefficients.
(A desired second virtual sound image) can be localized at the position of the input angle. The sound image localization angle input to the localization angle input means includes a position at which the output of the first output unit 6a is emitted to the space, a position at which the second output unit 6b is emitted to the space, and the virtual speaker 8V. It can be set arbitrarily within a range connecting the two farthest points among the three predetermined positions of the (first virtual sound image).

In the conventional example, it is necessary to change the coefficients of the signal processing means 5a and 5b in order to change the sound image of the virtual speaker 8, and usually the signal processing means 5a, 5b
A filter of about 128 tap is used for the signal processing means 5b. Here, if the angle adjustment of the virtual speaker 8 (desired second virtual sound image) is performed at five points, n
When a tap filter is used, n * 2 * 5 = 10n coefficients are required in the coefficient memory 4, whereas in the third embodiment, only 3 (three parameters of the multiplier) * 5 + n. As a result, the required size of the coefficient memory 4 can be set to (15 + n) / 10n. Here, as described above, when the number of taps of the filter is n = 128, it is possible to reduce about 89%. In addition, by performing reproduction while changing the multipliers 10a, 10b, and 10c, movement of the sound image of the virtual speaker 8 can be easily realized.

In this case, the increment of the processing is as follows: product: number of operation data * 1 sum of products: number of operation data * 2 , Multiply-accumulate: The number of operation data * n. On the other hand, the amount of operation of the signal processing means (5a, 5b) is, when an n tap filter is used, the product, the product sum: the number of operation data * 2n. As a result, the increase in the amount of computation is
(3-n) / 2n. Here, when n = 128, the calculation amount is reduced by about 48%.

As described above, with a configuration simpler than that of the first embodiment, the amount of calculation can be reduced to about half that of the conventional system, and the sound image can be moved almost in the same manner as that of the conventional system with less coefficient memory than the conventional system. A sound image localization device can be realized.

(Embodiment 4) Embodiment 4 of the present invention
Will be described with reference to the drawings. In the method of the third embodiment, the first multiplier 10
c, the total transfer characteristic of the signal processing unit composed of the second multiplier 10b, the third multiplier 10a, the signal processing means 12, and the adder 7a is changed, and the output to the first embodiment is changed. Has a frequency characteristic of 1 / Hr (n), so that the virtual speaker 8 (the desired second
Sound quality of the virtual sound image) may change. Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, a configuration for compensating for a change in the overall transfer characteristic due to the signal processing unit is added. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the sound image localization apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. The same reference numerals as those in the third embodiment denote the same or corresponding parts. Is a filter unit that receives a filter coefficient having the frequency characteristic of (1) and processes a signal from the input signal source 1.

Next, the operation will be described. 6, angle information of the virtual speaker 8 is input to the localization angle input device 2. The coefficient control device 3 reads a coefficient for localizing the virtual speaker 8 from the coefficient memory 4 based on the angle information from the localization angle input device 2, and stores the coefficient in the filter unit 11 and the multipliers 10a, 10b, and 10c. Set each. First multiplier 10c, second multiplier 10
b, the third multiplier 10 a multiplies the output of the filter unit 11 by using the first, second, and third coefficients from the coefficient control device 3 in place of the output signal of the input signal source 1 and outputs I do.

Also, a digital conversion (PC
M) The processed audio signal is processed by the filter unit 11 with a predetermined frequency characteristic, and is input to the third multiplier 10a, the second multiplier 10b, and the first multiplier 10c.

The output of the second multiplier 10b is input to the signal processing means 12, where it is filtered by a predetermined frequency characteristic. Here, the predetermined frequency characteristic of the signal processing means 12 will be described.

When the output of the signal processing means 12 is directly output from the first output unit 6a and the second output unit 6b, respectively, the frequency characteristics are determined by a predetermined virtual speaker 8V (diagonally forward or lateral to the listener). The sound image is localized at the position of the first virtual sound image), and the configuration of the filter is an FIR filter as shown in FIG. FIG. 20 shows an example of this filter coefficient. This filter is IIR type and FI
The same applies to the case of realization using the hybrid type of R + IIR. A method of calculating a filter coefficient for localizing the virtual sound image at the position of the virtual speaker 8V (first virtual sound image) is as follows.
Using hL (n) and hR (n) calculated by replacing the transfer characteristics h7 (n) and h8 (n) at the position of the (first virtual sound image), G (n) = hL ( n) / hR (n).

The signal processed by the signal processing means 12 is added to the output of the multiplier 10c by the adder 7a, and the result is output to the output section 6a.
It is converted to more analog and output. The multiplier 10
The signal processed by c is converted into an analog signal by the output unit 6b and output.

Here, the multipliers 10a, 10b, 10c
A method for controlling the coefficient will be described. When only the coefficient of the multiplier 10a is set to 1.0 and the coefficients of the multipliers 10b and 10c are set to 0.0, the input signal is output to the output unit 6b as it is. In this case, the sound image of the virtual speaker 8 is localized at the position of the output unit 6b. Similarly, when only the coefficient of the multiplier 10c is set to 1.0 and the coefficients of the multipliers 10a and 10b are set to 0.0, the input signal is output to the output unit 6a as it is. In this case, the sound image of the virtual speaker 8 is localized at the position of the output unit 6a.

When only the coefficients of the multipliers 10a and 10b are set to 1.0 and the coefficient of the multiplier 10c is set to 0.0, the output unit 6b
Outputs the input signal processed by the multiplier 10a,
The input signal filtered by the signal processing unit 12 is output to the output unit 6a. In this case, the sound image of the virtual speaker 8 is localized at the position of the virtual speaker 8V.

The coefficient of the multiplier 10c is set to 0.0,
When the coefficient of the multiplier 10b is changed so as to be smaller than 1.0, the position of the virtual speaker 8 is localized at the angle between the output unit 6b and the virtual speaker 8V according to the coefficient of the multiplier 10b. I do. This ratio changes with a predetermined frequency characteristic of the signal processing unit 12, but the multiplier 10
When the coefficient of b approaches 0.0, the position of the virtual speaker 8 approaches the position of the output unit 6b, and conversely, the coefficient of the multiplier 10b decreases.
When the distance approaches 1.0, the position of the virtual speaker 8 approaches the position of the virtual speaker 8V. The coefficient of the multiplier 10b is set to 0.
By adjusting the relative magnitudes of the coefficients of the multipliers 10a and 10c to 0, the virtual speaker 8 can be localized between the output unit 6b and the output unit 6a. In the coefficient adjustment of the multipliers 10a, 10b, and 10c according to the fourth embodiment, the position of the virtual speaker 8 is
It is determined by the ratio of a, 10b and 10c. Therefore, the value of each multiplier used in the fourth embodiment is not limited to 1.0 or the like.

Here, consider the overall transfer characteristics of the signal processing section composed of the multipliers 10a, 10b, 10c, the signal processing means 12, and the adder 7a when the above sound image localization processing is performed. FIG. 16 shows the frequency characteristics of the virtual speaker 8 at the left and right ear positions of the listener 9 when the coefficient of the multiplier 10c is 0.0 and the coefficients of the multipliers 10a and 10b are 1.0. FIG. 16A shows the listener 9
16B shows the frequency characteristics of the listener 9 at the right ear, and FIG. 16B shows the frequency characteristics of the listener 9 at the right ear. Here, the coefficient of the multiplier 10b is
In the case of 0.5, the frequency characteristics at the right and left binaural positions of the listener 9 change as shown in FIG. FIG. 17A shows the frequency characteristic of the listener 9 at the left ear, and FIG. 17B shows the frequency characteristic of the right ear. As can be seen by comparing FIGS. 16 and 17, the frequency characteristics of the virtual loudspeaker, that is, the sound quality is changed by the change in the coefficients of the multipliers 10a and 10b. In the present embodiment, a decrease in low-frequency components of 500 Hz or less is observed, and it is considered that the sound quality is degraded accordingly.

Therefore, the change in the frequency characteristic is corrected using the filter unit 11. FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of the filter unit 11. This filter unit 11
Are delay units (D) 13a, 13b and three multipliers 14
This is an IIR filter composed of a to c and an adder 15. A multiplier is connected to each of the input and the output terminal of the delay unit at each stage, and their outputs are added by the adder 15 and output. Although the first-order IIR filter is used in the fourth embodiment, the configuration of the filter is not limited to this. For example, an FIR filter, an n-order IIR filter, or a FIR + IIR filter may be used. However, the amount of processing increases or decreases depending on the configuration of the filter unit. The filter coefficient of the predetermined frequency characteristic in the filter unit 11 is determined by the first multiplier 10c, the second multiplier 10b, the third multiplier 10a, and the signal processing unit 1.
2, and corrects at least one of sound quality, volume change, phase characteristic, and delay characteristic among the frequency characteristics of the signal processing unit including the adder 7a.

FIG. 18 shows an example of the frequency characteristic of the filter unit 11. When the frequency characteristics of the input signal are corrected with these frequency characteristics and the coefficients of the multipliers 10a and 10b are set to 0.5, the frequency characteristics at the left and right binaural positions of the listener 9 are as shown in FIG.
become that way. From FIG. 19, the frequency characteristics at the left and right binaural positions of the listener 9 (FIGS. 19 (a) and 19 (b), respectively).
Is close to the frequency characteristic diagram shown in FIG.
It was confirmed that the reduction of the low frequency component below 00 Hz was improved. Thus, it can be considered that the sound quality deterioration by the sound image localization device has been improved.

As described above, the first multiplier is set in accordance with the angle of the virtual speaker 8 (desired second virtual sound image) to be set, that is, based on the sound image localization angle input to the localization angle input means. 10c, the second multiplier 10b, and the third multiplier 10a are controlled by controlling the respective coefficients.
(A desired second virtual sound image) can be localized at the position of the input angle. The sound image localization angle input to the localization angle input means includes a position at which the output of the first output unit 6a is emitted to the space, a position at which the second output unit 6b is emitted to the space, and the virtual speaker 8V. It can be set arbitrarily within a range connecting the two farthest points among the three predetermined positions of the (first virtual sound image).

In the conventional example, the virtual speaker 8 (the desired second
Signal processing means 5 for changing the sound image of the virtual sound image
It is necessary to change the coefficients of a and 5b, and usually a filter of about 128 tap is used for the signal processing means 5a and 5b. Here, if the angle adjustment of the virtual speaker 8 is performed at five points, a coefficient of n * 2 * 5 = 10n is required for the coefficient memory 4 by using an n tap filter in the conventional example. In the embodiment 4, only 6 * 5 + n = 30 + n. As a result, the required size of the coefficient memory 4 can be set to (30 + n) / 10n = 3 / 2n + 1/10. If n = 128, about 88% reduction is possible. In addition, by performing reproduction while changing the multipliers 10a, 10b, and 10c, movement of the sound image of the virtual speaker 8 can be easily realized.

In this case, the increment of the processing is as follows: product: number of operation data * 2 sum of products: number of operation data * 4 Further, the signal processing means 12 and the signal processing means (5a, 5b)
Compared with, the reduction in the processing amount is the product sum: number of operation data * n. On the other hand, the amount of operation of the signal processing means (5a, 5b) is, when an n tap filter is used, the product, the product sum: the number of operation data * 2n. As a result, the increase in the calculation amount is (6
-n) / 2n. In the case of n = 128, the calculation amount is reduced by about 46%.

As described above, similar to the third embodiment,
Compared to the conventional method, the amount of calculation can be reduced to about half, and a sound image localization device that can move the sound image almost in the same way as the conventional one can be realized with less coefficient memory than the conventional method. Is also corrected, and a sound image localization apparatus having good sound quality can be realized.

(Embodiment 5) Embodiment 5 of the present invention
Will be described with reference to the drawings. The fifth embodiment has a configuration to cope with the case where a plurality of input signal sources are provided in the first embodiment. That is, FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the sound image localization apparatus according to the fifth embodiment. The same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 denote the same or corresponding parts, and in the sound image localization apparatus shown in FIG. Source 1
a, first multiplier 10c, second multiplier 10b, third multiplier 10a, first signal processing means 5a, second signal processing means 5b, fourth adder 7a, fifth addition Assuming that the portion composed of the device 7b, the first output portion 6a, the second output portion 6b, the localization angle input device 2, the coefficient control device 3, and the coefficient memory 4 is the first device, the first device is implemented. The configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, and realizes the sound image localization device shown in the first embodiment.

Similarly, an input signal source 1b, a first multiplier 10f, a second multiplier 10e, a third multiplier 10d,
First signal processing means 5a, second signal processing means 5b, fourth adder 7a, fifth adder 7b, first output unit 6
a, the second output unit 6b, the localization angle input device 2, the coefficient control device 3, and the coefficient memory 4 as a second device, the second device also has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment. Thus, the sound image localization device described in Embodiment 1 is realized.

In the fifth embodiment, as shown in FIG.
With respect to the front front of the listener 9, the output unit 6a is the front left front of the listener 9, the output unit 6b is the front right front of the listener 9, and the virtual speakers 8a and 8b (the desired second virtual sound image) are the front right. The virtual speaker 8V (first virtual sound image) is positioned diagonally forward and on the right side of the listener 9.

Next, the operation will be described. In FIG. 7, two types of digitally converted (PCM) audio signals are input from input signal sources 1a and 1b. This audio signal is obtained by converting the signal from the input signal source 1a into a multiplier 1
0a, the multiplier 10b, and the multiplier 10c, and the signal from the input signal source 1b is input to the multiplier 10d, the multiplier 10e, and the multiplier 10f, respectively.

The localization angle input device 2 receives two types of angle information of the virtual speakers 8a and 8b. The coefficient control device 3 reads a coefficient for localizing the virtual speakers 8a and 8b from the coefficient memory 4 based on the angle information from the localization angle input device 2, and multiplies the coefficient for localizing the virtual speaker 8a by the multiplier 10a. , 10b, 10c
In addition, coefficients for localizing the virtual speaker 8b are set in the multipliers 10d, 10e, and 10f.

The output of the multiplier 10b is added to the output of the multiplier 10e by the adder 7d, and is filtered by the signal processing means 5a and 5b. The predetermined frequency characteristics of the signal processing means 5a and 5b are the same as in the first embodiment. The output of the multiplier 10a is added to the output of the multiplier 10d by the adder 7c. Similarly, the multiplier 10
The output of c is added to the output of multiplier 10f by adder 7e.

The signal processed by the signal processing means 5b is added to the output of the third adder 7c by the adder 7b,
b is converted to analog and output. The signal processed by the signal processing means 5a is added by an adder 7a to an adder 7e.
, And converted into an analog signal by the output unit 6a. Here, a control method when the virtual speakers 8a and 8b are localized between the output unit 6a and the virtual speaker 8V will be considered.

The localization method of the virtual speaker 8a can be realized by controlling the multipliers 10a, 10b and 10c shown in the first embodiment. When two or more sound images are localized in a normal sound image localization device, it can be realized by configuring two sets of sound image localization devices and adding each output unit at an output stage.
However, in the sound image localization apparatus according to the fifth embodiment, by adjusting the coefficient of each multiplier according to the angle of the virtual speaker, various angles can be obtained without changing the predetermined frequency characteristics of the signal processing units 5a and 5b. Virtual speaker can be realized. Thus, by integrating the signal processing means that do not need to be changed into one, it is possible to reduce the amount of calculation processing for the second and subsequent channels. In the fifth embodiment, the signal processing means of the virtual speaker 8b is
a and signal processing means. The angle of the virtual speaker 8b can be freely set between the output unit 6a and the virtual speaker 8V by adjusting the coefficients of the multipliers 10d, 10e, and 10f.

As described above, the virtual speakers 8a and 8b
(Desired second virtual sound image)
That is, based on the sound image localization angle input to the localization angle input means, the first multiplier 10c, the second multiplier 10b, the third multiplier 10a, the first multiplier 10f, and the second multiplier By controlling the coefficients of the 10e and the third multiplier 10d, the plurality of virtual speakers 8a and 8b (desired second virtual sound image) can be localized at the position of the input angle. Also, the sound image localization angle input to the localization angle input means is a position at which the output of the first output unit 6a is emitted to the space, a position at which the second output unit 6b is emitted to the space,
And the predetermined position of the virtual speaker 8V (the first virtual sound image) can be set arbitrarily within a range connecting the two most distant points. As described above, even in the case where a plurality of virtual speakers are provided, similarly to the first embodiment, a smaller amount of calculation and a smaller coefficient memory than the conventional method are used.
A sound image localization device capable of localizing a plurality of sound images capable of moving a sound image in substantially the same manner as in the related art can be realized.

(Embodiment 6) Embodiment 6 of the present invention
Will be described with reference to the drawings. Also in the method of the fifth embodiment, the sound quality of the virtual speaker 8 (the desired second virtual sound image) may change depending on the coefficient of the multiplier, as described in the second embodiment. is there. Therefore, in the sixth embodiment,
Embodiment 5 is different from Embodiment 5 in that a configuration for compensating for a change in the overall transfer characteristic due to the signal processing unit is added. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the sound image localization apparatus according to the sixth embodiment.
The same reference numerals denote the same or corresponding parts, and a filter unit 11a having the coefficient control device 3 and the input signal source 1a as inputs.
And a filter unit 11b having the coefficient controller 3 and the input signal source 1b as inputs are provided in the configuration of FIG.

In the sound image localization apparatus shown in FIG. 8, the input signal source 1a, the filter section 11a, the first multiplier 10c, the second multiplier 10b, the third multiplier 10a, the first signal processing means 5a, Second signal processing means 5b, fourth adder 7
a, a fifth adder 7b, a first output unit 6a, a second output unit 6b, a localization angle input device 2, a coefficient control device 3, and a coefficient memory 4 are defined as a first device. The first device has the same configuration as that of the second embodiment, and implements the sound image localization device described in the second embodiment.

Similarly, the input signal source 1b, the filter unit 11b, the first multiplier 10f, the second multiplier 10e,
First multiplier 10d, first signal processing means 5a, second signal processing means 5b, fourth adder 7a, fifth adder 7
b, if the portion composed of the first output unit 6a, the second output unit 6b, the localization angle input device 2, the coefficient control device 3, and the coefficient memory 4 is the second device, the second device is also implemented. Form 2
This realizes the sound image localization device described in the second embodiment.

Next, the operation will be described. In FIG. 8, two types of digitally converted (PCM) audio signals are input from input signal sources 1a and 1b. This audio signal is obtained by converting the signal from the input signal source 1a into a multiplier 1
0a, 10b, and 10c, and signals from an input signal source 1b are input to multipliers 10d, 10e, and 10f, respectively. The first multiplier 10c, the second multiplier 10b, and the third multiplier 10a use the output of the filter unit 11a instead of the output signal of the input signal source 1a as the first and second signals from the coefficient control device 3. And a third multiplier 10f, a second multiplier 10e, and a third multiplier 10d replace the output signal of the input signal source 1b with the filter unit 11b. Output from the coefficient control device 3 to the first and second
And the third coefficient, and output.

The localization angle input device 2 receives two types of angle information of the virtual speakers 8a and 8b. The coefficient control device 3 reads a coefficient for localizing the virtual speakers 8a and 8b from the coefficient memory 4 based on the angle information from the localization angle input device 2, and multiplies the coefficients for localizing the virtual speakers 8a by the multipliers 10a and 10b. , 10c and a coefficient for localizing the virtual speaker 8b.
d, 10e, and 10f, and the coefficient control device 3
Are filter units 11a and 11b that receive filter coefficients having predetermined frequency characteristics and process signals from the input signal source 1.
Set to.

The output of the multiplier 10b is added to the output of the multiplier 10e by the adder 7d, and the first signal processing means 5a,
The signal is filtered by the second signal processing means 5b. The predetermined frequency characteristics of the first signal processing means 5a and the second signal processing means 5b are the same as in the first embodiment. Also, multiplier 1
The output of 0a is added by the adder 7c to the output of the multiplier 10d. Similarly, the output of the multiplier 10c is added by the adder 7e to the output of the multiplier 10f. The signal processed by the signal processing means 5b is added to the output of the adder 7c by the adder 7b, converted into an analog signal by the output unit 6b, and output. Further, the signal processed by the signal processing means 5a is added to the output of the adder 7e by the adder 7a, converted into an analog signal by the output section 6a, and output.

Here, a control method when the virtual speakers 8a and 8b are localized between the output section 6a and the virtual speaker 8V will be considered. The localization method of the virtual speaker 8a can be realized by controlling the multipliers 10a, 10b, and 10c described in the first embodiment. As described above, when two or more sound images are localized in a normal sound image localization device, it can be realized by configuring two sets of sound image localization devices and adding each output unit at an output stage. However, Embodiment 6
In the sound image localization apparatus of (1), by adjusting the coefficient of the multiplier according to the angle of the virtual speaker, virtual speakers of various angles can be realized without changing the predetermined frequency characteristics of the signal processing means 5a and 5b. Can be. Thus, by integrating the signal processing means that do not need to be changed into one, it is possible to reduce the amount of calculation processing for the second and subsequent channels. In the sixth embodiment, the signal processing means of the virtual speaker 8b is combined with the signal processing means of the virtual speaker 8a. The angle adjustment of the virtual speaker 8b is performed by the multiplier 1
By adjusting the coefficients of 0d, 10e, and 10f, it is possible to freely set between the output unit 6a and the virtual speaker 8V.

In the case of the above sound image localization device, as described in the second embodiment, in the sound image localization devices of the first device and the second device, the sound quality of the virtual speakers 8a and 8b is equal to that of the multiplier. It depends on the coefficient. This is corrected by the filter units 11a and 11b. Thus, good sound quality can be maintained even when the angles of the virtual speakers 8a and 8b are changed.

As described above, the virtual speakers 8a and 8b
(Desired second virtual sound image)
That is, based on the sound image localization angle input to the localization angle input means, the filter units 11a and 11b, the first multiplier 10c, the second multiplier 10b, the third multiplier 10a, and the first multiplier By controlling the coefficients of 10f, the second multiplier e, and the third multiplier d, a plurality of virtual speakers 8 are controlled.
a, 8b (desired second virtual sound image) can be localized at the position of the input angle. The sound image localization angle input to the localization angle input means is determined by the first output unit 6a.
Where the output of the second is output to the space, and the second output unit 6b
Is released to the space, and the virtual speaker 8V (first
Can be set arbitrarily within a range connecting the two farthest points among the three predetermined positions of the virtual sound image.

As described above, even in the case where a plurality of virtual speakers are provided, as in the first embodiment, the sound image can be moved in a similar manner to the conventional method with a small amount of calculation and a small amount of coefficient memory. In addition to realizing a sound image localization device capable of localizing a plurality of sound images, it is also possible to realize a sound image localization device having good sound quality by correcting a change in overall transfer characteristics of a signal processing unit.

(Embodiment 7) Embodiment 7 of the present invention
Will be described with reference to the drawings. The seventh embodiment has a configuration for coping with the case where a plurality of input signal sources are provided in the third embodiment. That is, FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the sound image localization device according to the seventh embodiment. The same reference numerals as those in FIG. Source 1
a, a first multiplier 10c, a second multiplier 10b, a third multiplier 10a, a signal processing unit 12, a fourth adder 7a,
Assuming that a portion including the first output unit 6a, the second output unit 6b, the localization angle input device 2, the coefficient control device 3, and the coefficient memory 4 is a first device, the first device is the third embodiment. This realizes the sound image localization device described in the third embodiment.

Similarly, the input signal source 1b, the first multiplier 10f, the second multiplier 10e, the third multiplier 10d,
Signal processing means 12, fourth adder 7a, first output unit 6
a, the second output unit 6b, the localization angle input device 2, the coefficient control device 3, and the coefficient memory 4 as the second device, the second device also has the same configuration as the third embodiment. Thus, the sound image localization device described in the third embodiment is realized.

Next, the operation will be described. In FIG. 9, two types of digitally converted (PCM) audio signals are input from input signal sources 1a and 1b. This audio signal is obtained by multiplying the signal from the signal input source 1a by the multiplier 10
a, 10b, and 10c, and signals from the input signal source 1b are input to multipliers 10d, 10e, and 10f, respectively.

Further, two kinds of angle information of the virtual speakers 8a and 8b (desired second virtual sound image) are input to the localization angle input device 2. The coefficient control device 3 reads a coefficient for localizing the virtual speakers 8a and 8b from the coefficient memory 4 based on the angle information from the localization angle input device 2, and multiplies the coefficient for localizing the virtual speaker 8a by the multiplier 10a. , 10b, and 10c, and multipliers 10d, 10e, and 10f for localizing the virtual speaker 8b.
Set to.

The output of the multiplier 10b is added to the output of the multiplier 10e by the adder 7d and filtered by the signal processing means 12. The predetermined frequency characteristics of the signal processing means 12 are the same as in the third embodiment. The output of the multiplier 10a is added to the output of the multiplier 10d by the adder 7c. Similarly, the output of the multiplier 10c is added to the output of the multiplier 10f by the adder 7e. The output of the adder 7c is converted into an analog signal by the output unit 6b and output. The signal processed by the signal processing means 12 is added to the output of the adder 7e by the adder 7a, converted into an analog signal by the output unit 6a, and output.

Here, a control method when the virtual speakers 8a and 8b are localized between the output unit 6a and the virtual speaker 8V will be considered. The localization method of the virtual speaker 8a can be realized by controlling the multipliers 10a, 10b, and 10c described in the first embodiment. When two or more sound images are localized by a normal sound image localization device, the sound image localization device is set to 2
It can be realized by constructing a set and adding each output unit at the output stage. However, in the sound image localization apparatus according to the seventh embodiment, by adjusting the coefficient of the multiplier according to the angle of the virtual speaker, virtual speakers having various angles can be realized without changing predetermined frequency characteristics of the signal processing unit 12. can do. Thus, by integrating the signal processing means that do not need to be changed into one, it is possible to reduce the amount of calculation processing for the second and subsequent channels. In the seventh embodiment, the signal processing means of the virtual speaker 8b is combined with the signal processing means of the virtual speaker 8a. The angle of the virtual speaker 8b can be freely set between the output unit 6a and the virtual speaker 8V by adjusting the coefficients of the multipliers 10d, 10e, and 10f.

As described above, the virtual speakers 8a and 8b
(Desired second virtual sound image)
That is, based on the sound image localization angle input to the localization angle input means, the first multiplier 10c, the second multiplier 10b, the third multiplier 10a, the first multiplier 10f, and the second multiplier By controlling the coefficients of the 10e and the third multiplier 10d, the plurality of virtual speakers 8a and 8b (desired second virtual sound image) can be localized at the position of the input angle. Also, the sound image localization angle input to the localization angle input means is a position at which the output of the first output unit 6a is emitted to the space, a position at which the second output unit 6b is emitted to the space,
And the predetermined position of the virtual speaker 8V (the first virtual sound image) can be set arbitrarily within a range connecting the two most distant points.

As described above, even in the case where a plurality of virtual speakers are provided, the configuration is simpler than in the first embodiment, and as in the first embodiment, the amount of calculation is smaller than that of the conventional method. A sound image localization apparatus capable of localizing a plurality of sound images capable of moving a sound image in substantially the same manner as in the related art can be realized using a coefficient memory.

Embodiment 8 Embodiment 8 of the present invention
Will be described with reference to the drawings. Also in the method of the seventh embodiment, the sound quality of the virtual speaker 8 may change depending on the coefficient of the multiplier, as described in the second embodiment. Therefore, in the eighth embodiment, a configuration for compensating for a change in the overall transfer characteristics due to the signal processing unit is added to the seventh embodiment. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the sound image localization apparatus according to the eighth embodiment. The same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 6 and 9 denote the same or corresponding parts, and the coefficient controller 3 and the input signal source 1a 9 is provided in the configuration of FIG. 9, and a filter unit 11 b having the coefficient control device 3 and the input signal source 1 b as inputs is provided.

In the sound image localization apparatus shown in FIG. 10, an input signal source 1a, a filter section 11a, a first multiplier 10c,
Second multiplier 10b, third multiplier 10a, signal processing means 12, fourth adder 7a, first output section 6a, second output section 6b, localization angle input device 2, coefficient control device 3 If the portion constituted by the coefficient memory 4 is a first device, the first device has the same configuration as that of the fourth embodiment, and realizes the sound image localization device shown in the fourth embodiment. ing.

Similarly, the input signal source 1b, the filter section 11b, the first multiplier 10f, the second multiplier 10e, the third multiplier 10d, the signal processing means 12, and the fourth adder 7
a, the first output unit 6a, the second output unit 6b, the localization angle input device 2, the coefficient control device 3, and the coefficient memory 4 are defined as a second device, and the second device is also implemented. Form 4
This realizes the sound image localization apparatus described in the fourth embodiment.

Next, the operation will be described. In FIG. 10, two types of digitally converted (PCM) audio signals are input from input signal sources 1a and 1b. This audio signal is obtained by converting the signal from the signal input source 1a into a multiplier 1
0a, 10b, and 10c, and signals from the signal input source 1b are input to multipliers 10d, 10e, and 10f, respectively. The first multiplier 10c, the second multiplier 10b, and the third multiplier 10a use the output of the filter unit 11a instead of the output signal of the input signal source 1a as the first and second signals from the coefficient control device 3. And a third multiplier 10f, a second multiplier 10e, and a third multiplier 10d replace the output signal of the input signal source 1b with the filter unit 11b. Output from the coefficient control device 3 to the first and second
And the third coefficient, and output.

Further, two kinds of angle information of the virtual speakers 8a and 8b (desired second virtual sound image) are input to the localization angle input device 2. The coefficient control device 3 reads a coefficient for localizing the virtual speakers 8a and 8b (desired second virtual sound image) from the coefficient memory 4 based on the angle information from the localization angle input device 2, and reads the virtual speaker 8a ( Coefficients for localizing a desired second virtual sound image) are assigned to a third multiplier 10a, a second multiplier 10b, and a first multiplier 10c.
And a virtual speaker 8b (a desired second virtual sound image)
Are set in the third multiplier 10d, the second multiplier 10e, and the first multiplier 10f.
The coefficient control device 3 receives filter coefficients having predetermined frequency characteristics and sets the filter coefficients in the filter units 11a and 11b that process signals from the input signal source 1.

The output of the multiplier 10b is added to the output of the multiplier 10e by the adder 7d and filtered by the signal processing means 12. The predetermined frequency characteristics of the signal processing means 12 are the same as in the fourth embodiment. The output of the multiplier 10a is added to the output of the multiplier 10d by the adder 7c. Similarly, the output of the multiplier 10c is output to the multiplier 10f by the adder 7e.
Is added to the output of Further, the output of the adder 7c is converted into an analog signal by the output unit 6b and output. Also,
The signal processed by the signal processing means 12 is supplied to a fourth adder 7a.
Is added to the output of the adder 7e, and converted into an analog signal from the output unit 6a and output.

Here, a control method when the virtual speakers 8a and 8b are localized between the output unit 6a and the virtual speaker 8V will be considered. The localization method of the virtual speaker 8a is based on the multipliers 10a, 10b, 10 shown in the first embodiment.
This can be realized by controlling c. When two or more sound images are localized in a normal sound image localization device, it can be realized by configuring two sets of sound image localization devices and adding each output unit at an output stage. However, in the sound image localization apparatus according to the eighth embodiment, by adjusting the coefficient of each multiplier according to the angle of the virtual speaker, virtual speakers having various angles can be used without changing the predetermined frequency characteristics of the signal processing unit 12. Can be realized. Thus, by integrating the signal processing means that do not need to be changed into one, it is possible to reduce the amount of calculation processing for the second and subsequent channels. In the eighth embodiment, the signal processing means of the virtual speaker 8b is
a and signal processing means. The angle of the virtual speaker 8b can be freely set between the output unit 6a and the virtual speaker 8V by adjusting the coefficients of the multipliers 10d, 10e, and 10f.

In the case of the above sound image localization device, as described in the second embodiment, in the sound image localization devices of the first device and the second device, the sound quality of the virtual speakers 8a and 8b is changed by the multiplier. It depends on the coefficient. This is corrected by the filter units 11a and 11b. Thus, good sound quality can be maintained even when the angles of the virtual speakers 8a and 8b are changed.

As described above, the virtual speakers 8a and 8b
(Desired second virtual sound image)
That is, based on the sound image localization angle input to the localization angle input means, the filter units 11a and 11b, the first multiplier 10c, the second multiplier 10b, the third multiplier 10a, and the first multiplier By controlling the coefficients of 10f, the second multiplier e, and the third multiplier d, a plurality of virtual speakers 8 are controlled.
a, 8b (desired second virtual sound image) can be localized at the position of the input angle. The sound image localization angle input to the localization angle input means is determined by the first output unit 6a.
Where the output of the second is output to the space, and the second output unit 6b
Is released to the space, and the virtual speaker 8V (first
Can be set arbitrarily within a range connecting the two farthest points among the three predetermined positions of the virtual sound image.

As described above, even in the case where a plurality of virtual speakers are provided, the configuration is simpler than that of the first embodiment. In addition to realizing a sound image localization device capable of localizing a plurality of sound images capable of moving a sound image almost in the same manner as in the past using a coefficient memory, in addition to correcting for changes in the overall transfer characteristics of the signal processing unit, excellent sound quality Can be realized.

[0140]

As described above, according to the sound image localization apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, three multipliers for multiplying an input signal according to a coefficient and one of the signals after the multiplication processing are processed. And two adders for adding the two signals processed by the signal processing means and the signal multiplied by the remaining two multipliers, respectively. By controlling only the coefficient of the multiplier, the virtual speaker can be arranged at an arbitrary place, and the capacity of the coefficient memory is smaller than the conventional method, and the position of the virtual speaker can be reduced with a small amount of calculation. There is an effect that an adjustable sound image localization device can be realized.

According to the sound image localization apparatus of the sixth aspect of the present invention, three multipliers for multiplying the input signal according to the coefficient, and one signal processing for processing one of the signals after the multiplication processing Means, a signal processed by the signal processing means,
An adder for adding the signal multiplied by one of the remaining two multipliers is provided, and the signal processing is performed only on one channel. Therefore, the coefficient of the multiplier depends on the angle of the virtual speaker. By controlling only the virtual speaker, it is possible to arrange the virtual speaker at an arbitrary place, and the sound image localization can reduce the capacity of the coefficient memory and adjust the position of the virtual speaker with a small amount of calculation as compared with the conventional method. The device can be realized, and the configuration can be simplified.

According to the sound image localization apparatus of the present invention, a plurality of signal sources for outputting acoustic signals, a localization angle input means for inputting an angle of a sound image to be localized, and the localization angle input means A coefficient control means for receiving the sound image localization angle information from the CPU and reading and outputting a coefficient from a coefficient memory based on the sound image localization angle information;
And a signal input unit having a first multiplier, a second multiplier, and a third multiplier for multiplying and outputting the output signal of the signal source using the second and third coefficients, respectively, A first adder for summing all the outputs of the first multipliers at the inputs of the first and second inputs, a second adder for summing all the outputs of the second multipliers at all the inputs, and all the inputs A third adder for summing all the outputs of the third multipliers of the unit, and a first adder that receives the output of the second adder and performs signal processing using a filter having a predetermined first frequency characteristic. Signal processing means, second signal processing means for receiving the output of the second adder, and performing signal processing using a filter having a predetermined second frequency characteristic, and output of the first adder And the output of the first signal processing means, and a fourth addition for adding and outputting these. , The output of the third multiplier, and the output of the second signal processing means, a fifth adder that adds and outputs these, and an output of the fourth adder. Since the apparatus includes the first output unit that outputs the signal and the second output unit that outputs the output of the fifth adder, the virtual speaker can be arranged at an arbitrary position. The effect is obtained that the capacity of the coefficient memory is smaller than that of the conventional method, and it is possible to realize a sound image localization device that can adjust the position of the virtual speaker with a small amount of calculation even in a multi-channel system.

A sound image localization apparatus according to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention comprises: a plurality of signal sources for outputting acoustic signals; a localization angle input means for inputting an angle of a sound image to be localized; Coefficient control means for receiving sound image localization angle information and reading and outputting coefficients from a coefficient memory based on the sound image localization angle information; and a first coefficient control means provided corresponding to each of the signal sources and output from the coefficient control means. And a signal input unit having a first multiplier, a second multiplier, and a third multiplier for respectively multiplying and outputting the output signal of the signal source using the second and third coefficients, A first adder for summing all outputs of the first multipliers of all the input units, a second adder for summing all outputs of the second multipliers of all the input units, Of the input section of the third A third adder for summing all outputs of the arithmetic unit, signal processing means for inputting the output of the second adder, and performing signal processing using a filter having a predetermined frequency characteristic; A fourth adder that inputs the output of the adder and the output of the signal processing means, adds and outputs them, a first output unit that outputs the output of the first adder, And the second output unit that outputs the output of the adder, the virtual speaker can be arranged at an arbitrary place, and the capacity of the coefficient memory is smaller than that of the conventional method. Further, even in a multi-channel system, it is possible to realize a sound image localization device capable of adjusting the position of a virtual speaker with a small amount of calculation, and furthermore, it is possible to obtain an effect that the configuration can be simplified.

According to the sound image localization apparatus of the third aspect of the present invention, in the sound image localization apparatus of the first, sixth, eleventh and sixteenth aspects, filter means is provided at a stage preceding the multiplier, and By performing sound quality adjustment for changes in sound quality due to the addition of the adder, the capacity of the coefficient memory is smaller than in the conventional method, and the position of the virtual speaker can be adjusted with a small amount of calculation. There is an effect that it is possible to realize a sound image localization device having a sound quality of the order.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a sound image localization device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a conventional sound image localization apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of an FIR filter used for a signal processing unit in each embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a sound image localization apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a sound image localization apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a sound image localization apparatus according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a sound image localization apparatus according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a sound image localization apparatus according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a sound image localization device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a sound image localization apparatus according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a frequency characteristic of a sound of a virtual speaker 8V at a listener's ear in the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a frequency characteristic of a sound of a virtual speaker 8 at a listener's ear in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a filter unit constituting a sound image localization apparatus according to Embodiments 2, 4, 6, and 8 of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating frequency characteristics of a filter unit according to the second and sixth embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a frequency characteristic of a sound of a virtual speaker 8 at a listener's ear when correction is performed in a filter unit according to Embodiments 2 and 6 of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a frequency characteristic of a sound of a virtual speaker 8V at a listener's ear in Embodiments 4 and 8 of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a frequency characteristic of a sound of a virtual speaker 8 at a listener's ear in Embodiments 4 and 8 of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating frequency characteristics of a filter unit according to Embodiments 4 and 8 of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a frequency characteristic of a sound of a virtual speaker 8 at a listener's ear when correction is performed in a filter unit according to Embodiments 4 and 8 of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of filter coefficients of an FIR filter.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 1a, 1b Signal input source 2 Localization angle input device 3 Coefficient control device 4 Coefficient memory 5a, 5b Signal processing means 6a, 6b Output part 7a-7e Adder 8, 8a, 8b, 8V Virtual speaker 9 Listener 10a- 10f multiplier 11, 11a, 11b filter unit 12 signal processing means 13a to 13n delay unit 14a1 to 14 (n + 1) multiplier 15 adder

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Masahiro Sueyoshi 1006 Kazuma Kadoma, Osaka Prefecture Inside Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. 72) Inventor Takeshi Fujita 1006 Kadoma Kadoma, Kadoma City, Osaka Prefecture Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. 1006 Kadoma, Kadoma Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.

Claims (23)

[Claims] 1. A signal source for outputting an acoustic signal, localization angle input means for inputting an angle of a sound image to be localized, receiving sound image localization angle information from the localization angle input means, and based on the sound image localization angle information. Coefficient control means for reading and outputting coefficients from a coefficient memory; first, second and third coefficients output from the coefficient control means.
A first multiplier, a second multiplier, a third multiplier, which multiplies the output signal of the signal source by using each of the coefficients, and outputs an output of the second multiplier. A first signal processing means for performing signal processing using a filter having a predetermined first frequency characteristic, and a filter having an input of the output of the second multiplier and having a predetermined second frequency characteristic. Second signal processing means for performing signal processing by means of: a first adder which receives an output of the first multiplier and an output of the first signal processing means, adds these, and outputs the result; A second adder which receives the output of the third multiplier and the output of the second signal processing means, adds these outputs, and outputs a first output which outputs the output of the first adder And a second output unit that outputs the output of the second adder. That the sound image localization apparatus. 2. The sound image localization apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined first and second frequency characteristics are obtained by changing an output of the first and second signal processing means to the first and second signal processing means, respectively.
When the first virtual sound image is directly output from the output unit of the listener, the first virtual sound image is localized at a predetermined position diagonally forward or to the side of the listener, based on the sound image localization angle input to the localization angle input means. And changing the coefficients of the first, second, and third multipliers to localize a desired second virtual sound image at the position of the input angle, which is input to the localization angle input means. The sound image localization angle is a position where the output of the first output unit is emitted to space, a position where the output of the second output unit is emitted to space, and a predetermined position of the first virtual sound image. A sound image localization device, which can be arbitrarily set within a range connecting two distant points among the three positions. 3. The sound image localization apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a filter unit that receives a filter coefficient having a predetermined frequency characteristic from the coefficient control unit and processes a signal from a signal source. , A second multiplier and a third multiplier multiply the output of the filter means by using the first, second and third coefficients from the coefficient control means instead of the output signal of the signal source. A sound image localization apparatus characterized in that the sound image localization apparatus outputs the sound image. 4. The sound image localization apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the predetermined first and second frequency characteristics include an output of the first and second signal processing means, respectively, as a first and a second output unit. Is adjusted so that the first virtual sound image is localized at a predetermined position diagonally forward or to the side of the listener when the sound is directly output from the first and second sound sources. , Third
Is changed, and the desired second virtual sound image is localized at the position of the angle input to the localization angle input means. The sound image localization angle input to the localization angle input means is: Among three positions, a position where the output of the first output unit is emitted to space, a position where the output of the second output unit is emitted to space, and a predetermined position of the first virtual sound image. A sound image localization device, which can be set arbitrarily within a range connecting two distant points. 5. The sound image localization apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the filter coefficient of the predetermined frequency characteristic in the filter means is the first to third multipliers, and the first and second multipliers.
Of the signal processing means and the signal processing section comprising the first and second adders, for correcting at least one of sound quality, volume change, phase characteristic and delay characteristic. Characteristic sound image localization device. 6. A signal source for outputting an acoustic signal, localization angle input means for inputting an angle of a sound image to be localized, receiving sound image localization angle information from the localization angle input means, and based on the sound image localization angle information. Coefficient control means for reading and outputting coefficients from a coefficient memory; first, second and third coefficients output from the coefficient control means.
A first multiplier, a second multiplier, a third multiplier, which multiplies the output signal of the signal source by using the respective coefficients of the signal sources and outputs the multiplied signals, and an output of the second multiplier. A signal processing means for performing signal processing using a filter having a predetermined frequency characteristic; and an adder for inputting an output of the third multiplier and an output of the signal processing means, adding these, and outputting the result. A sound image localization apparatus comprising: a first output unit that outputs an output of the first multiplier; and a second output unit that outputs an output of the adder. 7. The sound image localization apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the predetermined frequency characteristic of the signal processing means is such that the coefficients of the first and second multipliers are 1.0 and the coefficients of the third multiplier are 1.0. When the output of 0.0 is output directly from the first and second output units, the first virtual sound image is localized at a predetermined position diagonally forward or lateral to the listener. Changing the coefficients of the first, second, and third multipliers based on the sound image localization angle input to the localization angle input means;
A desired second virtual sound image is localized at the position of the input angle. The sound image localization angle input to the localization angle input means is such that the output of the first output unit is emitted to space. The position, the position where the output of the second output unit is emitted to space, and the predetermined position of the first virtual sound image are arbitrarily set within a range connecting two points that are farthest from each other. A sound image localization device characterized in that it is possible. 8. The sound image localization apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising: a filter unit that receives a filter coefficient having a frequency characteristic from the coefficient control unit and processes a signal from a signal source. The second and third multipliers multiply the output of the filter means by using the first, second and third coefficients from the coefficient control means instead of the output signal of the signal source. A sound image localization device characterized in that the sound image is localized. 9. The sound image localization apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the predetermined frequency characteristic of the signal processing means is such that the coefficient of the first and second multipliers is 1.0 and the coefficient of the third multiplier is 0.0. Wherein the first virtual sound image is localized at a predetermined position diagonally forward or to the side of the listener when the output in the case of (1) is directly output from the first and second output units, respectively. Changing the coefficients of the first, second, and third multipliers based on the sound image localization angle input to the angle input means;
A desired second virtual sound image is localized at the position of the input angle. The sound image localization angle input to the localization angle input means is such that the output of the first output unit is emitted to space. The position, the position at which the output of the second output unit is emitted into space, and the predetermined position of the first virtual sound image can be arbitrarily set within a range connecting the two most distant points. A sound image localization device characterized in that: 10. The sound image localization apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the filter coefficient of the predetermined frequency characteristic in the filter means is constituted by the first to third multipliers, the signal processing means, and the adder. A sound image localization device for correcting at least one of a sound quality, a volume change, a phase characteristic, and a delay characteristic among frequency characteristics of a signal processing unit. 11. A plurality of signal sources for outputting acoustic signals, localization angle input means for inputting an angle of a sound image to be localized, receiving sound image localization angle information from said localization angle input means, and receiving said sound image localization angle information. Coefficient control means for reading and outputting a coefficient from a coefficient memory on the basis of each of the signal sources; and a signal source provided using the first, second and third coefficients from the coefficient control means. And a signal input unit having a first multiplier, a second multiplier, and a third multiplier for multiplying and outputting the output signals of the first and second outputs, and summing all outputs of the first multipliers of all the input units. A first adder, a second adder summing all outputs of the second multipliers of all the input units, and a third adder summing all outputs of the third multipliers of all the input units. And the second addition described above. A first signal processing means for inputting the output of the second adder and performing the signal processing using a filter having a predetermined first frequency characteristic; A second signal processing means for performing signal processing using a filter, an output of the first adder, and an output of the first signal processing means, a fourth signal processing means for adding and outputting these outputs; A fifth adder which receives the output of the third multiplier and the output of the second signal processing means, adds them, and outputs the sum, and the fourth adder A sound image localization device comprising: a first output unit that outputs an output of the fifth adder; and a second output unit that outputs an output of the fifth adder. 12. The sound image localization apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the predetermined first and second frequency characteristics include outputs of the first and second signal processing means, respectively.
When the sound is directly output from the output unit, the first sound image is localized at a predetermined position diagonally forward or to the side of the listener, and the localization angle input means includes the sound image localization of the number of the input units. Information is input, and the coefficients of the first, second, and third multipliers of each of the input units are changed based on the sound image localization angle input to the localization angle input means, A desired virtual sound image is localized at a position. The sound image localization angle input to the localization angle input means is a position at which the output of the first output unit is emitted into space, and a position of the second output unit. It is characterized in that the output can be arbitrarily set within a range connecting two points that are farthest from among the position where the output is emitted into space, the predetermined position of the first virtual sound image, and the three positions. Sound image localization device. 13. A sound image localization apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said filter is provided for each signal source, receives a filter coefficient having a predetermined frequency characteristic from said coefficient control means, and processes a signal from each signal source. Means, wherein the first multiplier, the second multiplier, and the third multiplier output the output of each of the filter means in place of the output signal of the signal source to the first and second signals from the coefficient control means. A sound image localization device characterized in that the sound image localization device is configured to multiply and output using a second coefficient and a third coefficient. 14. The sound image localization apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the predetermined first and second frequency characteristics are obtained by changing an output of the first and second signal processing means to the first and second signal processing means, respectively.
When the sound is directly output from the output unit, the first virtual sound image is localized at a predetermined position diagonally in front of or at the side of the listener. Localization information is input, and the coefficients of the first, second, and third multipliers of each of the input units are changed based on the sound image localization information, and a desired virtual sound image is formed at each of the input angles. The sound image localization angle input to the localization angle input means is a position at which the output of the first output unit is emitted to the space, and an output of the second output unit is emitted to the space. A sound image localization device, which can be arbitrarily set within a range connecting two distant points among a position and a predetermined position of the first virtual sound image. 15. The sound image localization apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the filter coefficient of the predetermined frequency characteristic in the filter means is a first to a third multiplier of the input unit, and the first and second signals. Among the frequency characteristics of the signal processing unit comprising the processing means and the fourth and fifth adders, the sound quality,
A sound image localization device for correcting at least one of a volume change, a phase characteristic, and a delay characteristic. 16. A plurality of signal sources for outputting acoustic signals, localization angle input means for inputting an angle of a sound image to be localized, receiving sound image localization angle information from the localization angle input means, and Coefficient control means for reading and outputting a coefficient from a coefficient memory based on the first and second and third coefficients provided corresponding to each of the signal sources and output from the coefficient control means, respectively. A signal input unit having a first multiplier, a second multiplier, and a third multiplier for respectively multiplying and outputting the output signals of the signal source; and outputs of the first multipliers of all the input units , A second adder summing all the outputs of the second multipliers of all the input units, and a summation of the outputs of the third multipliers of all the input units. A third adder to sum Inputting the output of the second adder, performing signal processing using a filter having a predetermined frequency characteristic, inputting the output of the third multiplier, and inputting the output of the signal processing means; A fourth adder that adds and outputs them, a first output unit that outputs the output of the first adder, and a second output unit that outputs the output of the fourth adder. A sound image localization device comprising: 17. The sound image localization apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the predetermined frequency characteristic is such that the coefficient of the first and second multipliers is 1.0 and the coefficient of the third multiplier is 0.0. When the output is directly output from the first and second output units, the first virtual sound image is localized at a predetermined position diagonally forward or to the side of the listener. Receives the sound image information of the number of the input units, and changes the coefficients of the first, second, and third multipliers of each of the input units based on the sound image localization angle input to the localization angle input unit. A desired virtual sound image is localized at each angle position input to the localization angle input means. The sound image localization angle input to the localization angle input means is determined by the output of the first output unit. Location to be released into space, and a second output Out of the three positions of the position where the output of the first virtual sound image is emitted to the space and the predetermined position of the first virtual sound image. Characteristic sound image localization device. 18. A sound image localization apparatus according to claim 16, wherein said filter is provided for each signal source, receives a filter coefficient having a predetermined frequency characteristic from said coefficient control means, and processes a signal from each signal source. Means, wherein the first multiplier, the second multiplier, and the third multiplier output the output of each of the filter means in place of the output signal of the signal source to the first and second signals from the coefficient control means. A sound image localization device characterized in that the sound image localization device is configured to multiply and output using a second coefficient and a third coefficient. 19. The sound image localization apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the predetermined frequency characteristic is such that the coefficient of the first and second multipliers is 1.0 and the coefficient of the third multiplier is 0.0. When the output is directly output from the first and second output units, the first virtual sound image is localized at a predetermined position diagonally forward or to the side of the listener. Receives the sound image information of the number of the input units, and changes the coefficients of the first, second, and third multipliers of each of the input units based on the sound image localization angle input to the localization angle input unit. A desired virtual sound image is localized at each angle position input to the localization angle input means. The sound image localization angle input to the localization angle input means is determined by the output of the first output unit. The position to be released into space, and the second output The most distant two of the three positions of the position where the output is emitted to space and the predetermined position of the first virtual sound image
A sound image localization device, which can be set arbitrarily within a range connecting points. 20. The sound image localization apparatus according to claim 18, wherein a filter coefficient of a predetermined frequency characteristic of each input unit in the filter means is a first, a second, and a third multiplier of the input unit; First
And at least one of a sound quality, a sound volume change, a phase characteristic, and a delay characteristic among the frequency characteristics of the signal processing unit including the second signal processing means and the fourth adder. Characteristic sound image localization device. 21. The sound image localization method in the sound image localization device according to claim 1, wherein a position of a desired virtual sound image input to the localization angle input means is a listener. A first output unit disposed in the left and right spaces of
Out of the three points of the position of the virtual sound image realized using the filter having the predetermined first and second frequency characteristics and the distance from the nearest two points. It is determined by adjusting the coefficient ratio. When the coefficient is close to the first output unit, the coefficient of the first multiplier is emphasized. When the coefficient is close to the second output unit, the third multiplier is set. A sound image localization method for a sound image localization apparatus, characterized in that the coefficient of the multiplier is controlled so as to emphasize the coefficient of the second multiplier when the coefficient approximates the virtual sound image. 22. The sound image localization method in the sound image localization device according to claim 6, wherein a position of a desired virtual sound image input to the localization angle input means is a listener. A first output unit disposed in the left and right spaces of
Among the three points of the virtual sound image realized by using the output unit and the filter having the predetermined frequency characteristic, the coefficient ratio of each multiplier is adjusted in accordance with the distance from the nearest two points. When the distance is close to the first output unit, the coefficient of the second multiplier is reduced. When the distance is close to the second output unit, the coefficient of the third multiplier is A sound image localization method for a sound image localization apparatus, comprising: controlling a coefficient so as to emphasize the coefficient of the second multiplier when emphasizing the sound and approaching the virtual sound image. 23. A sound image localization method including a step of setting a coefficient of a filter means in the sound image localization apparatus according to any one of claims 3, 8, 13, and 18, wherein the sound image localization method according to an input from the localization angle input means. A change in the frequency characteristic of the sound image caused by a change in the coefficient of each of the first, second, and third multipliers, or any one or more of a change in volume, a change in phase characteristic, and a change in delay characteristic depending on the position of the sound image. A sound image localization method for a sound image localization apparatus, wherein a coefficient of the filter means is set so as to be corrected.