JP2004023674A - Voice signal supply device and method therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To change the direction of a sound image outputted from an output device in a simple operation. <P>SOLUTION: The object is realized by providing voice signal inputs 31A, 31B, 31C, 31D, and 31E which input 3 or more voice signals making a sound image positioning at a different position from a position that makes a predetermined direction as a front direction when respective voices are output from 3 or more output devices 43, 44, 45, 46, and 47 placed in a predetermined space, a front direction designation part 48 which makes an arbitrary direction in the space where the output devices are placed as a front direction, a voice signal supply value adjusting part 32 which respectively adjusts signal supply value of inputted 3 or more voice signals to 3 or more output devices 43, 44, 45, 46, and 47 for respective output devices based on that the front direction is specified, and 3 or more output parts which respectively supply voice signals whose signal supply values are adjusted to 3 or more output devices 43, 44, 45, and 47. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to audio content supplied as a multi-channel, and more particularly to an audio signal supply device and an audio signal supply method for freely changing a sound image localization according to a user's listening position.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Playback media in which audio content is independently recorded in a plurality of channels (multi-channel) such as three front channels, two rear channels, and a low-frequency dedicated channel, for example, DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) -Audio, DVD-Video, and SACD (Super Audio). Compact Disc) has appeared.
[0003]
The playback media recorded in the multi-channel is played back by the playback system dedicated to the playback media, and the sound output from a plurality of speakers according to the number of channels provides an excellent sense of realism that could not be achieved in the conventional 2-channel stereo. Audible sound can be provided to the user.
[0004]
FIG. 11 shows an ITU-R (International Telecommunication Union-Radio communication sector) recommendation BS. This shows the speaker arrangement at the time of multi-channel reproduction recommended by the 775 standard. This speaker arrangement is based on five channels of three front channels (left front channel, right front channel, front center channel) and two rear channels (left surround channel, right surround channel).
[0005]
An LFE speaker that handles a low-frequency range from a low-frequency range dedicated channel (LFE: Low Frequency Effect) is omnidirectional with respect to sound localization, and can be freely installed in accordance with room space conditions.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in a playback system that plays back playback media recorded in multi-channel as described above, an output terminal that supplies a one-to-one audio signal to a speaker that outputs reproduced audio is, for example, “front left (left front). ) ", It is possible to supply only the audio signal of the left front component to the connected speaker.
[0007]
Here, in the reproduction system 300 shown in FIG. 12, a recording medium 350 corresponding to a multi-channel in which four-channel audio signals of a left front audio signal, a right front audio signal, a left surround audio signal, and a right surround audio signal are recorded. The case of reproduction will be described.
[0008]
The reproduction system 300 reproduces the recording medium 350 by a reproduction processing unit (not shown), performs predetermined signal processing on the reproduced audio signal in the signal processing unit 301, and outputs the left front channel 301A to the left front audio signal and the right front channel 301B. To the right front audio signal, the left surround signal from the left surround channel 301C, and the right surround signal from the right surround channel 301D to the speakers 306, 307, 308, 309 via the amplifiers 302, 303, 304, 305.
[0009]
Thus, in the reproduction system 300, each speaker outputs only the audio signal supplied from one channel. That is, the sound image formed by the sound output from each speaker of the reproduction system 300 is localized so that only one predetermined direction is front as shown in FIG. In this example, a sound image localization is obtained in which the direction in which the user faces the middle position between the left front speaker 306 and the right front speaker 307 is the front.
[0010]
However, since the lifestyles of the users vary, even when the user enjoys the above-described multi-channel recorded playback media, it cannot be guaranteed that the user enjoys viewing in a fixed position, that is, in only one direction. . For example, a user may at one time enjoy loud music while sitting on a sofa, and at another time, sit in front of a desk opposite to the sofa in the same room and have a small sound. It is also assumed that listening to music is possible.
[0011]
In order to adapt the conventional playback system to such a variety of lifestyles, each time the user changes the listening direction, the user must change the arrangement of the arranged speakers, change the connection and connection of the speakers, or change the speaker connection. However, there is a problem that a very complicated operation such as changing a connection connection at a stage prior to an output terminal for supplying an audio signal to the terminal has to be performed.
[0012]
In addition, several combinations of speakers with different sound image localization directions are prepared, and the number of output terminals on the audio signal supply side to the speakers is also increased accordingly. Although it is possible to cope with this by switching the combination of speakers that supply signals, there are problems that the number of speakers is required to be equal to or greater than the number of multi-channel channels, which increases costs and makes it difficult to secure a speaker arrangement space.
[0013]
Therefore, the present invention has been devised in order to solve the above-described problems, and when reproducing a recording medium on which a multi-channel audio signal is recorded, new wiring processing, movement of a speaker device, An object of the present invention is to provide an audio signal supply device and an audio signal supply method that can freely change the sound image direction of output audio without performing complicated work such as adding a speaker device.
[0014]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, an audio signal supply device according to the present invention is provided in a predetermined space, and outputs the audio signal to three or more output devices that output audio based on the supplied audio signal. An audio signal supply device for supplying three or more audio signals which, when output as audio from the three or more output devices, are sound images localized at different positions with a predetermined direction facing the front. Sound signal input means, a front direction designation means for designating an arbitrary direction in the space in which the output device is arranged as the front direction, and based on the fact that the front direction is designated by the front direction designation means. Audio signal supply for adjusting the signal supply amount of the three or more audio signals input by the audio signal input means to the three or more output devices for each of the output devices And an adjustment means, characterized in that said audio signal signal supply amount is adjusted by the sound signal supply amount adjusting means is adapted to supply each of the three or more output devices.
[0015]
Further, in order to achieve the above object, the audio signal supply method according to the present invention provides the audio signal supply method in three or more output devices arranged in a predetermined space and outputting audio based on the supplied audio signal. An audio signal supply method for supplying a signal, wherein three or more audio signals are sound images localized at different positions with a predetermined direction in front when output as audio from the three or more output devices, respectively. Is input, and an arbitrary direction in the space where the output device is arranged is designated as the front direction. Based on the fact that the front direction is designated by the front direction designation means, the three inputted directions are designated. The signal supply amounts of the above audio signals to the three or more output devices are adjusted for each of the output devices, and the audio signals with the adjusted signal supply amounts are supplied to the three or more output devices, respectively. Characterized in that it.
[0016]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of an audio signal supply device and an audio signal supply method according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0017]
First, a configuration of a reproduction system 10 shown as a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
[0018]
The reproduction system 10 includes a signal processing unit 11, an audio signal switching distributor 12, characteristic changers 13, 14, 15, 16, amplifiers 17, 18, 19, and 20, speakers 21, 22, 23, and 24. , An operation unit 25, and a control unit 26.
[0019]
The reproduction system 10 mounts the recording medium 1A, reproduces a signal recorded on the mounted recording medium 1A by a reproduction processing unit (not shown), and supplies the reproduced signal to the signal processing unit 11.
[0020]
The recording medium 1A is a recording medium on which audio contents are recorded. The audio content recorded on the recording medium 1A has three independent front channels (left front channel, front center channel, right front channel), two rear channels (left surround channel, right surround channel), and a low frequency range dedicated channel (LFE). It supports multi-channel recording as recorded channels.
[0021]
For example, the recording medium 1A is an SACD in which audio content corresponding to a multi-channel is recorded.
In the first embodiment, of audio signals reproduced from the recording medium 1A, processing of audio signals supplied on four channels of a left front channel, a right front channel, a left surround channel, and a right surround channel Is described.
[0022]
The signal processing unit 11 performs synchronization detection, signal demodulation, error correction processing, and decoding of an audio signal from a signal supplied from a reproduction processing unit (not shown), and supplies the decoded audio signal to the audio signal switching distribution unit 12.
[0023]
The audio signals supplied by the signal processing unit 11 to the audio signal switching distributor 12 are four audio signals supplied as a left front channel 11A, a right front channel 11B, a left surround channel 11C, and a right surround channel 11D.
[0024]
In the following description, audio signals supplied as the left front channel 11A, the right front channel 11B, the left surround channel 11C, and the right surround channel 11D are respectively referred to as a left front audio signal, a right front audio signal, a left surround audio signal, and a right surround audio signal. This is called an audio signal.
[0025]
The audio signal switching distribution unit 12 is supplied from the signal processing unit 11 through the left front channel 11A, the right front channel 11B, the left surround channel 11C, and the right surround channel 11D, and is supplied to the characteristic change units 13, 14, 15, and 16. The distribution of the signal supply amounts of the left front audio signal, the right front audio signal, the left surround audio signal, and the right surround audio signal is changed according to the control of the control unit 26 based on a user instruction input to the operation unit 25. .
[0026]
For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the audio signal switching distributor 12 determines the distribution of the signal supply amount to be supplied to the characteristic modifiers 13, 14, 15, 16 by the switches 101a, 102b, 103c, 104d, 111a, 112b, 113c. , 114d, 121a, 122b, 123c, 124d, 131a, 132b, 133c, and 134d.
[0027]
The left front audio signal supplied from the signal processing unit 11 through the left front channel 11A is supplied to any of the characteristic changers 13 to 16 by operating any of the switches 101a, 111a, 121a, and 131a. .
[0028]
The right front audio signal supplied from the signal processing unit 11 through the right front channel 11B is supplied to one of the characteristic changers 13 to 16 by operating one of the switches 102b, 112b, 122b, and 132b. .
[0029]
The left surround audio signal supplied from the signal processing unit 11 through the left surround channel 11C is supplied to any of the characteristic changers 13 to 16 by operating any of the switches 103c, 113c, 123c, and 133c. .
[0030]
The right surround audio signal supplied from the signal processing unit 11 through the left surround channel 11D is supplied to one of the characteristic changers 13 to 16 by operating any of the switches 104d, 114d, 124d, and 134d. .
[0031]
The characteristic changers 13, 14, 15, and 16 output the audio signals supplied from the audio signal switching distributor 12 (the left front audio signal, the right front audio signal, the left surround audio signal, and the right surround audio signal to the respective characteristic changers). Is supplied), the frequency characteristics and volume of the audio signal are adjusted so that the signals match the characteristics of the speakers 21, 22, 23, and 24 at the subsequent stage.
[0032]
When the characteristics of the speakers 21, 22, 23, and 24 are substantially the same, the characteristic changers 13, 14, 15, and 16 can of course be omitted.
[0033]
However, for example, the rear speakers to which the left surround audio signal and the right surround audio signal are supplied may be smaller than the front speakers, and may have different reproduction bands.
[0034]
Alternatively, even if the speakers 21, 22, 23, and 24 have the same characteristics, depending on the installation environment, not all of the speakers are always installed at the user's listening position. When not only the user's listening direction but also the listening position changes, the user's listening position is often shifted from the front direction of each speaker. Generally, a speaker has a directional characteristic, and in a direction deviated from the front direction of the speaker, a reproduction output particularly in a high-frequency range tends to decrease.
[0035]
Therefore, in such a case, the characteristic changers 13, 14, 15, and 16 process the audio signal supplied from the audio signal switching distributor 12 in accordance with the characteristics of the speakers 21, 22, 23, and 24 at the subsequent stage. Inserted to do.
[0036]
In addition, when the user wants to perform special processing on the audio signal supplied to each speaker based on his / her own preference, the characteristic changers 13, 14, 15, and 16 may use, for example, a bass boost to emphasize the bass range. It is also possible to execute a process such as turning on and a process of increasing the volume of the front speaker.
[0037]
When a large number of frequency characteristics and volume settings are made in the characteristic changers 13, 14, 15, and 16, it is desirable to implement the digital signal processor (DSP), for example.
[0038]
When a special process is performed according to the user's preference, the parameters set based on the user's preference are stored in a predetermined RAM (Random Access Memory) (not shown), so that the characteristic changers 13, 14, 15, and Even when the audio signal supplied from the audio signal switching distributor 12 is switched to 16, the parameters can be read from the RAM and loaded into, for example, a coefficient memory of the DSP to reflect the user setting.
[0039]
The amplifiers 17, 18, 19, and 20 amplify the audio signals supplied from the characteristic changers 13, 14, 15, and 16 and supply the amplified audio signals to the speakers 21, 22, 23, and 24, respectively.
[0040]
The speakers 21, 22, 23, and 24 are output units that output the audio signals amplified and supplied by the amplifiers 17, 18, 19, and 20 as audio. The speakers 21, 22, 23, and 24 are arranged in a space as shown in FIG. The space illustrated in FIG. 3 is, for example, a room where the user lives daily, a conference room, a presentation room, a theater, and the like.
[0041]
The operation unit 25 is a user interface for operating the playback system 10. The user controls the playback system 10 by inputting a predetermined command from the operation unit 25. In addition, the operation unit 25 may include a display panel that allows input of a command for controlling the reproduction system 10 to be operated using a GUI (Graphical User Interface) or the like.
[0042]
The operation unit 25 may be a remote controller that inputs the command and remotely controls the playback system 10.
[0043]
The control unit 26 is a control unit that comprehensively controls various functions of the reproduction system 10 in accordance with a command input by the user from the operation unit 25.
[0044]
Next, the operation of the audio signal switching distributor 12 of the reproduction system 10 will be described.
[0045]
As described above, it is assumed that the speakers 21, 22, 23, and 24 are arranged in the space shown in FIG. Considering the case where the user executes reproduction of the recording medium 1A in the space shown in FIG. 3 with the direction of arrow A facing forward, the speaker 21 is a left front speaker, the speaker 22 is a right front speaker, and the speaker 23 is a left speaker. The surround speaker and the speaker 24 are right surround speakers.
[0046]
Therefore, the speaker 21 has a left front audio signal from the left front channel 11A, the speaker 22 has a right front audio signal from the right front channel 11B, the speaker 23 has a left surround audio signal from the left surround channel 11C, and the speaker 24 has Needs to be supplied with a right surround sound signal from the right surround channel 11D.
[0047]
Therefore, when the user faces in the direction of arrow A as the front, the audio signal for localizing the sound image with the direction of arrow A, which is the user's listening direction, as the front is used as the characteristic changers 13, 14, 15, 16, amplifiers 17, 18, and Commands are input from the operation unit 25 so as to be supplied to the speakers 21, 22, 23, 24 via 19, 20.
[0048]
The command input from the operation unit 25 by the user is converted by the control unit 26 into a control signal for operating each switch included in the audio signal switching distribution unit 12, and the control signal is output from the control unit 26 to the audio signal switching distribution unit 12. Is done. The audio signal switching distributor 12 turns each switch ON or OFF according to the control signal.
[0049]
For example, in order to localize the sound image with the direction of arrow A shown in FIG. 3 as the front, the switch 101a, the switch 112b, the switch 123c, and the switch 134d are turned on, and the other switches are controlled to be turned off.
[0050]
As a result, the left front audio signal is supplied to the speaker 21 from the left front channel 11A, the right front audio signal is supplied to the speaker 22 from the right front channel 11B, and the left surround audio signal is supplied to the speaker 23 from the left surround channel 11C. Is supplied to the speaker 24, and a right surround audio signal is supplied from the right surround channel 11D.
[0051]
When the user changes the direction so that the arrow B direction shown in FIG. 3 is the front, that is, when localizing a sound image having the arrow B direction as the front, the switch 131a, the switch 122b, the switch 113c, and the switch Control is performed so that 104d is turned on and the other switches are turned off.
[0052]
Thereby, the left front audio signal is supplied from the left front channel 11A to the speaker 24, the right front audio signal is supplied from the right front channel 11B to the speaker 23, and the left surround audio signal from the left surround channel 11C is supplied to the speaker 22. Is supplied to the speaker 21, and a right surround audio signal is supplied from the right surround channel 11D.
[0053]
In this way, when the speakers 21, 22, 23, and 24 are arranged in the space as shown in FIG. 3, the reproduction system 10 allows the user to set the sound image by the sound output from each speaker to the front. Can be localized in any direction.
[0054]
The command input to the operation unit 25 described above may be, for example, directly specifying ON / OFF of each switch illustrated in FIG. 2 or specifying the combination of the type of audio signal and the speaker. It may be.
[0055]
It is also possible to preset various patterns of the audio signal supplied from the audio signal switching distributor 12 to the characteristic modifiers 13, 14, 15, 16 in a RAM (not shown). Thereby, when the user moves in the space and changes the direction of the front, the user inputs a command from the operation unit 25 and reads the pattern stored in the RAM, thereby changing the sound output from each speaker. It can be easily executed.
[0056]
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the audio signal switching distributor 12 is described using a switch group configured in a matrix. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a microcomputer or DSP controls distribution of each audio signal. It may be performed. Further, although the characteristic changers 13, 14, 15, 16 are connected to the subsequent stage of the audio signal switching distributor 12, it is needless to say that they may be configured to be connected to the preceding stage of the audio signal switching distributor 12. It is.
[0057]
Although the front center channel audio signal reproduced from the recording medium 1A is not handled in this embodiment, the left front audio signal is transmitted through a signal attenuator of about 3 dB as in the embodiment described later. Alternatively, it may be output in addition to the right front audio signal. Further, the low-frequency range dedicated channel (LFE) audio signal is not supplied to the above-mentioned audio signal switching distributor 12, but is supplied as it is to an amplifier and an LFE speaker (not shown). As described above, since the low frequency range component of the audio signal is omnidirectional with respect to the localization of the sound, there is no inconvenience in that the sound is emitted from the LFE speaker at the fixed position regardless of the change in the front direction.
[0058]
Next, the configuration of a reproduction system 10 'shown as a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
[0059]
The playback system 10 'is a system in which a monitor 27, a monitor 28, and a monitor switch 29 are added to the playback system 10 shown as the first embodiment.
[0060]
In addition, by adding the monitor 27, the monitor 28, and the monitor switch 29, the signal processing unit 11, the operation unit 25, and the control unit 26 of the playback system 10 can perform the signal processing unit 11 ′ having the video signal processing function, The operation is changed to an operation unit 25 ′ having an operation function related to the monitor 27 and the monitor 28 and a control unit 26 ′ having a function of controlling the monitor switch 29.
[0061]
The reproduction system 10 'can reproduce the recording medium 1B in which the audio content and the video content corresponding to the multi-channel are recorded in addition to the recording medium 1A in which the audio content corresponding to the multi-channel is stored as described above. .
[0062]
For example, the recording medium 1B is a DVD-Video on which video contents and audio contents corresponding to multi-channels are recorded.
[0063]
The monitors 27 and 28 output and display a video signal supplied from the signal processing unit 11 'via the monitor switch 29. The monitor 27 and the monitor 28 are, for example, a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, and the like, and the type of the monitor, the screen size, the resolution, and the like need not be the same. For example, the monitor 27 is a plasma display having a screen size of 50 inches, and the monitor 28 is a liquid crystal display having a screen size of 15 inches.
[0064]
The monitor switching unit 29 is a switch that switches input of a video signal to the monitors 27 and 28. The monitor switching unit 29 operates under the control of the control unit 26 'according to a command input by the user from the operation unit 25'.
[0065]
The video signal is supplied from the signal processing unit 11 to the monitor 27 or the monitor 28 by the switching operation by the monitor switching unit 29.
[0066]
Next, the operation of the audio signal switching distributor 12 of the reproduction system 10 'will be described.
[0067]
It is assumed that the speakers 21, 22, 23, 24, the monitor 27, and the monitor 28 of the reproduction system 10 'shown as the second embodiment of the present invention are arranged in a space as shown in FIG. The space illustrated in FIG. 5 is, for example, a room where the user lives daily, a conference room, a presentation room, a theater, and the like.
[0068]
When the user inputs a command to set the monitor for outputting an image to the monitor 27 from the operation unit 25 ', a control signal for controlling the audio signal switching distribution unit 12 and the monitor switching unit 29 is output from the control unit 26'.
[0069]
From the layout diagram of the speakers of the reproduction system 10 shown in FIG. 3, it can be seen that the monitor 27 is installed in the same direction as the direction in which the arrow A direction is the front. It is the same as pointing in the A direction.
[0070]
Therefore, in order to localize the sound image with the monitor 27 facing the front, the switch 101a, the switch 112b, the switch 123c, and the switch 134d of the audio signal switching distributor 12 are turned on, and the other switches are controlled to be turned off.
[0071]
At the same time as the switching operation is performed by the audio signal switching distributor 12, the monitor switching unit 29 switches so that the video signal is supplied to the monitor 27.
[0072]
Subsequently, when the user inputs a command to switch the monitor for outputting an image from the monitor 27 to the monitor 28 from the operation unit 25 ′, the control unit 26 ′ controls the audio signal switch distributor 12 and the monitor switch 29. A control signal for controlling is output.
[0073]
Since the monitor 28 is installed with the user facing the arrow C, the speaker 23 is a left front speaker, the speaker 21 is a right front speaker, the speaker 24 is a left surround speaker, and the speaker 22 is a right surround speaker. .
[0074]
Accordingly, the left front audio signal is supplied to the speaker 23 from the left front channel 11A, the right front audio signal is supplied to the speaker 21 from the right front channel 11B, and the left surround audio signal is supplied to the speaker 24 from the left surround channel 11C. The right surround sound signal needs to be supplied to the speaker 22 from the right surround channel 11D.
[0075]
The control unit 26 'turns on the switches 121a, 102b, 133c, and 114d of the audio signal switching distribution unit 12 in accordance with the control signal, and controls so that the other switches are turned off.
[0076]
At the same time as the switching operation is performed by the audio signal switching distributor 12, the monitor switching unit 29 switches so that the video signal is supplied to the monitor.
[0077]
Thereby, the left front audio signal is supplied to the speaker 23 from the left front channel 11A, the right front audio signal is supplied to the speaker 21 from the right front channel 11B, and the left surround audio signal is supplied to the speaker 24 from the left surround channel 11C. Is supplied to the speaker 22, and a right surround audio signal is supplied from the right surround channel 11D.
[0078]
In the above description, the audio signal switching distributor 12 is described to operate in conjunction with the command for switching the monitors 27 and 28. However, the switching operation of the monitors 27 and 28 and the audio signal switching are performed. The operation of the distributor 12 may be executed independently by inputting different commands from the operation unit 25 '.
[0079]
In this way, when the speakers 21, 22, 23, and 24 are arranged in a space as shown in FIG. 5, the monitors 27 and 28 are arranged in the reproduction system 10 to monitor the sound image of the sound output from each speaker. Can be localized in a direction in which the front direction is set as the front direction, or in an arbitrary direction in which the user sets the front direction.
[0080]
Next, the configuration of a reproduction system 30 shown in FIG. 6 as a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0081]
The reproduction system 30 includes a signal processing unit 31, an audio signal switching distributor 32, characteristic converters 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, amplifiers 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, speakers 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, an operation unit 48, a control unit 49, monitors 50, 51, and a monitor switch 52.
[0082]
The reproduction system 30 mounts the above-described recording medium 1A or recording medium 1B, reproduces a signal recorded on the mounted recording medium 1A or recording medium 1B by a reproduction processing unit (not shown), and a signal processing unit 31. To supply.
[0083]
In the following description, the recording medium 1B is used as a recording medium mounted on the reproduction system 30 and reproduced, and a video signal and an audio signal are supplied from a reproduction processing unit (not shown) to a signal processing unit 31 at a subsequent stage. Shall be done. In the third embodiment, processing of an audio signal supplied as the audio signal in five channels of a left front channel, a right front channel, a left surround channel, a right surround channel, and a front center channel will be described.
[0084]
The signal processing unit 31 performs synchronization detection, decoding and demodulation, error correction processing, audio signal and video signal decoding from a signal supplied from a not-shown reproduction processing unit, and decodes the decoded audio signal to the audio signal switching distribution unit 32. And a video signal to the monitor switch 52.
[0085]
The audio signal supplied by the signal processing unit 31 to the audio signal switching distributor 32 includes five audio signals supplied as a left front channel 31A, a right front channel 31B, a left surround channel 31C, a right surround channel 31D, and a front center channel 31E. It is.
[0086]
In the following description, audio signals supplied as the left front channel 31A, the right front channel 31B, the left surround channel 31C, the right surround channel 31D, and the front center channel 31E are respectively referred to as a left front audio signal, a right front audio signal, and a left surround. These are called audio signal, right surround audio signal, and front center audio signal.
[0087]
The audio signal switching distribution unit 32 is supplied from the signal processing unit 31 through the left front channel 31A, the right front channel 31B, the left surround channel 31C, the right surround channel 31D, and the front center channel 31E, and the characteristic change units 33, 34, and 35 are provided. , 36, and 37, the distribution of the signal supply amounts of the left front audio signal, the right front audio signal, the left surround audio signal, the right surround audio signal, and the front center audio signal is determined according to the user's instruction input to the operation unit 48. It is changed according to the control of the control unit 49 based on this.
[0088]
For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the audio signal switching distribution unit 32 includes a volume variable device group 200 including volume variable devices 201a, 202a, 203a, 204a, and 205a for adjusting the output volume of the supplied left front audio signal. And a volume changer group 210 including volume changers 211b, 212b, 213b, 214b and 215b for adjusting the output volume of the supplied right front audio signal, and adjusts the output volume of the supplied left surround audio signal. A group of volume controllers 220 including volume controllers 221c, 222c, 223c, 224c, and 225c, and volume controllers 231d, 232d, 233d, 234d, and 235d for adjusting the output volume of the supplied right surround sound signal. Volume changer group 230 and volume changer 2 for adjusting the output volume of the supplied front center audio signal 1e, and it includes 242e, 243e, 244e, and a volume varying unit group 240 having a 245e.
[0089]
Further, the audio signal switching distributor 32 adds an output from the volume controllers 201a, 211b, 221c, 231d and 241e and outputs the sum, and outputs signals from the volume controllers 202a, 212b, 222c, 232d and 242e. An adder 252 that adds and outputs the outputs, an adder 253 that adds and outputs the outputs from the volume controllers 203a, 213b, 223c, 233d, and 243e, and volume controllers 204a, 214b, 224c, 234d, and 244e. And an adder 255 for adding and outputting the outputs from the volume controllers 205a, 215b, 225c, 235d, and 245e.
[0090]
Outputs from the volume controllers 201a, 211b, 221c, 231d, and 241e are added by an adder 251 and supplied to a characteristic converter 33. Outputs from the volume controllers 202a, 212b, 222c, 232d, and 242e are added to adders. The output from the volume changers 203 a, 213 b, 223 c, 233 d, and 243 e is added by the adder 252 and supplied to the characteristic converter 35, and the output from the volume changers 204 a, 214 b, The outputs from 224c, 234d, and 244e are added by an adder 254 and supplied to a characteristic converter 36, and the outputs from the volume changers 205a, 215b, 225c, 235d, and 245e are added by an adder 255 and added to a characteristic converter. 37.
[0091]
When the volume is set to the maximum, the volume of each of the above-mentioned volume changers is equivalent to the state where the switch is turned on. When the volume is set to the minimum, the state is equivalent to the state where the switch is turned off. In addition, each of the above-mentioned volume controllers can be set to an arbitrary volume.
[0092]
The characteristic changers 33, 34, 35, 36, and 37 operate such that the audio signal supplied from the audio signal switching distributor 32 becomes a signal that matches the characteristics of the speakers 43, 44, 45, 46, and 47 at the subsequent stage. Adjust the frequency characteristics and volume of the signal.
[0093]
Also in this embodiment, when the characteristics of the speakers 43, 44, 45, 46, and 47 are almost the same, the characteristic changers 33, 34, 35, 36, and 37 can of course be omitted.
[0094]
However, for example, the rear speakers to which the left surround audio signal and the right surround audio signal are supplied may be smaller than the front speakers, and may have different reproduction bands.
[0095]
Therefore, in such a case, the characteristic changers 33, 34, 35, 36, and 37 convert the audio signal supplied from the audio signal switching distributor 32 into the characteristics of the speakers 43, 44, 45, 46, and 47 at the subsequent stage. Inserted for processing according to.
[0096]
When the user wants to perform special processing on the audio signal supplied to each speaker based on his / her own preference, the characteristic changers 33, 34, 35, 36, and 37 may use, for example, a bass for emphasizing a bass range. Processing such as applying a boost and processing such as increasing the volume of the front speaker can also be executed.
[0097]
When a special process is performed according to the user's preference, the parameters set based on the user's preference are stored in a predetermined RAM (not shown), so that the characteristic changers 33, 34, 35, 36, and 37 can transmit voice data. Even when the audio signal supplied from the signal switching distributor 32 is switched, the parameters can be read from the RAM and the user settings can be reflected.
[0098]
The amplifiers 38, 39, 40, 41, and 42 amplify the audio signals supplied from the characteristic changers 33, 34, 35, 36, and 37, and supply the amplified signals to the speakers 43, 44, 45, 46, and 47, respectively. I do.
[0099]
The speakers 43, 44, 45, 46, and 47 are output units that output audio signals amplified and supplied by the amplifiers 38, 39, 40, 41, and 42, respectively, as audio. The speakers 43, 44, 45, 46, 47 are arranged, for example, in a space as shown in FIG. The space illustrated in FIG. 8 is, for example, a room in which the user lives daily, a conference room, a presentation room, a theater, and the like.
[0100]
The operation unit 48 is a user interface for operating the reproduction system 30. The user inputs a predetermined command from the operation unit 48 to control the reproduction system 30. In addition, the operation unit 48 may include a display panel that allows input of a command for controlling the reproduction system 30 to be operated using a GUI or the like.
[0101]
The operation unit 48 may be a remote controller that inputs the command and remotely controls the playback system 30.
[0102]
The control unit 49 is a control unit that comprehensively controls various functions of the playback system 30 in accordance with a command input by the user from the operation unit 48.
[0103]
The monitors 50 and 51 output and display the video signal supplied from the signal processing unit 31 via the monitor switch 52. The monitor 50 and the monitor 51 are, for example, a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, or the like, and may not have the same screen size, resolution, and the like. For example, the monitor 50 is a plasma display having a screen size of 50 inches, and the monitor 51 is a liquid crystal display having a screen size of 15 inches.
[0104]
The monitor switch 52 is a switch for switching the input of video signals to the monitors 50 and 51. The monitor switch 52 operates under the control of the control unit 49 in accordance with a command input by the user from the operation unit 48.
[0105]
The video signal is supplied from the signal processing unit 31 to the monitor 50 or the monitor 51 by the switching operation by the monitor switching unit 52.
[0106]
Next, the operation of the audio signal switching distributor 32 of the reproduction system 30 will be described.
[0107]
As described above, it is assumed that the speakers 43, 44, 45, 46, and 47 are arranged in a space as shown in FIG. Considering the case where the user plays back the recording medium 1B in the space shown in FIG. 8 with the direction of arrow A facing forward, the speaker 43 is a left front speaker, the speaker 44 is a right front speaker, and the speaker 45 is a left front speaker. The surround speaker and the speaker 46 are right surround speakers, and the speaker 47 is a front center speaker.
[0108]
Therefore, the speaker 43 has a left front audio signal from the left front channel 31A, the speaker 44 has a right front audio signal from the right front channel 31B, the speaker 45 has a left front audio signal from the left surround channel 31C, and the speaker 46 has It is necessary to supply a right surround audio signal from the right surround channel 31D and a front center audio signal from the front center channel 31E to the speaker 47, respectively.
[0109]
When the user inputs a command to set the monitor for outputting an image to the monitor 50 from the operation unit 48, a control signal for controlling the audio signal switching distributor 32 and the monitor switching unit 52 is output from the control unit 49.
[0110]
As shown in FIG. 8, the monitor 50 is installed so that the direction of the arrow A is the front. Therefore, in order to localize a sound image with the direction of arrow A in FIG. 8 as the front, the volume variable device group 200 controls the volume variable device 201a to the maximum volume, and controls the other volume to the minimum volume. At 210, the volume variable device 212b is set to the maximum volume, and the others are controlled to be the minimum volume, and at the volume variable device group 220, the volume variable device 223c is set to the maximum volume, and the others are controlled to be the minimum volume, The volume changer group 230 controls the volume changer 234d to the maximum volume, and controls the others to the minimum volume. The volume changer group 240 sets the volume changer 245e to the maximum volume, and the others to the minimum volume. Control.
[0111]
At the same time as the control operation is performed by the audio signal switching distributor 32, the monitor switching unit 52 switches so that the video signal is supplied to the monitor 50.
[0112]
Thus, the left front audio signal is added to the adder 251, the right front audio signal is added to the adder 252, the left surround audio signal is added to the adder 253, the right surround audio signal is added to the adder 254, and the front center is added to the adder 255. Only the audio signal is supplied, and the sound image is localized in the direction facing the monitor 50 by the audio output from the speakers 43, 44, 45, 46, 47 via the characteristic changer and the amplifier at the subsequent stage. Will do.
[0113]
In this way, by controlling the volume changer provided in the audio signal switching distributor 32, the speaker 43 has a sound image 43a of the left front audio signal supplied from the left front channel 31A and a speaker 44 as shown in FIG. Is a sound image 44a of a right front audio signal supplied from the right front channel 31B, a speaker 45 is a sound image 45a of a left surround audio signal supplied from the left surround channel 31C, and a speaker 46 is supplied from a right surround channel 31D. The sound image 46a of the right surround sound signal and the sound image 47a of the front center sound signal supplied from the front center channel 31E are respectively localized on the speakers 47, and the sound image reproduced by all the five speakers is the arrow on which the monitor 50 is installed. Position in the direction of A as the front It will be.
[0114]
Subsequently, when the user inputs a command to switch the monitor for outputting an image from the monitor 50 to the monitor 51 from the operation unit 48, the control unit 49 controls the audio signal switching distribution unit 32 and the monitor switching unit 52. A control signal is output.
[0115]
Since the monitor 51 is installed with the user facing the arrow C, the speaker 45 is a left front speaker, the speaker 43 is a right front speaker, the speaker 46 is a left surround speaker, and the speaker 44 is a right surround speaker. There is a need.
[0116]
However, when five speakers are arranged in a space, the handling of the front center audio signal of the front center channel 31E is different from the case where four speakers are arranged.
[0117]
When the direction of arrow C is set to the front, the speaker 47 functioning as the front center speaker in the direction of arrow A becomes an unnecessary speaker. Further, a front center speaker that supplies a front center audio signal supplied from the front center channel 31E does not exist between the speaker 45, which is a front speaker, and the speaker 43.
[0118]
For this reason, the front center sound signal of the front center channel 31E is supplied to the speaker 45 serving as left and right front speakers when the user faces the direction of arrow B and the speaker 43, so that the sound image of the front center sound signal is supplied to the speaker 43. 45 and the speaker 43. At this time, the level of the front center audio signal is attenuated by 3 dB to 6 dB and added to the left front audio signal and the right front audio signal.
[0119]
Therefore, the control unit 49 sets the volume variable device 203a of the volume variable device group 200 of the audio signal switch distribution unit 32 to the maximum volume in response to a command by the user to switch from the monitor 50 to the monitor 51 of the operation unit 48. The other volume controllers are controlled to have the minimum volume, the volume controllers 211b of the volume controller 210 are set to the maximum volume, and the other volume controllers are controlled to have the minimum volume, and the volume controller group is controlled. The volume changer 224c of 220 is set to the maximum volume, the other volume changers are controlled to have the minimum volume, the volume changer 232d of the volume changer group 230 is set to the maximum volume, and the other volume changers are set to the minimum volume. And the volume of the volume changers 241e and 243e of the volume changer group 240 is set to the intermediate volume, and the other volume changers are set to the minimum volume. Cormorant control.
[0120]
At the same time as the control operation is performed by the audio signal switching distributor 32, the monitor switching unit 52 switches so that the video signal is supplied to the monitor 51.
[0121]
Thus, the left front audio signal is supplied to the adder 253, the right front audio signal is supplied to the adder 251, the left surround audio signal is supplied to the adder 254, and the right surround audio signal is supplied to the adder 252. Since the front center audio signal is supplied at a predetermined volume level to the adder 251, the sound is output from the speakers 43, 44, 45, 46, and 47 via a characteristic changer and an amplifier at the subsequent stage. The sound image is localized in a direction with 51 as the front.
[0122]
In this way, by controlling the volume changer provided in the audio signal switching distributor 32, the speaker 45 has a sound image 45b of the left front audio signal supplied from the left front channel 31A and a speaker 43 as shown in FIG. , The sound image 43b of the right front audio signal supplied from the right front channel 31B, the speaker 46 is supplied with the sound image 46b of the left surround audio signal supplied from the left surround channel 31C, and the speaker 44 is supplied from the right surround channel 31D. The sound image 44b of the right surround sound signal and the sound image 47b of the front center sound signal supplied from the front center channel 31E are respectively localized on the speakers 45 and 43, and the sound images reproduced by all four speakers are monitored. Arrow with 51 installed It will localize the direction of C as the front.
[0123]
Therefore, when the direction of arrow A, which is the direction in which the monitor 50 is installed, is set to the front, the sound image arrangement equivalent to the sound image arrangement obtained by the five speakers is changed to the direction of arrow C, which is the direction in which the monitor 51 is installed. In the case of the front, it can be realized by four speakers 43, 44, 45 and 46.
[0124]
In the above description, the audio signal switching distributor 32 operates in conjunction with the command for switching the monitors 50 and 51. However, the switching operation of the monitors 50 and 51 and the audio signal switching are performed. The operation of the distributor 32 may be executed independently by inputting different commands from the operation unit 48.
[0125]
In the reproduction system 10 shown as the first embodiment, the reproduction system 10 'shown as the second embodiment, and the reproduction system 30 shown as the third embodiment of the present invention, Although an audio signal reproduced from a recording medium (recording medium 1A or recording medium 1B) on which audio content is recorded is used, the present invention is not limited to this. The transmitted audio signal may be received and used.
[0126]
【The invention's effect】
As is clear from the above description, the audio signal supply device according to the present invention specifies an arbitrary direction in the predetermined space as a front direction with respect to an output device arranged in the predetermined space. Accordingly, the supply amount of three or more input audio signals to each of the above output devices is adjusted and supplied to each output device, thereby changing the arrangement location of the output device, changing the connection connection, and the like. It is possible to change the direction of the sound image by the sound output from the output device to the above-mentioned designated front direction by a simple operation without requiring a simple operation.
[0127]
As is apparent from the above description, the audio signal supply method according to the present invention specifies an arbitrary direction in the predetermined space as a front direction with respect to an output device arranged in the predetermined space. Accordingly, the supply amount of three or more input audio signals to each of the above output devices is adjusted and supplied to each output device, thereby changing the arrangement location of the output device, changing the connection connection, and the like. It is possible to change the direction of the sound image by the sound output from the output device to the above-mentioned designated front direction by a simple operation without requiring a simple operation.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a main configuration of a reproduction system shown as a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a configuration of an audio signal switching distributor of the reproduction system.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state where four speakers of the reproduction system are arranged in a predetermined space.
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a main configuration of a reproduction system shown as a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state in which five speakers of the reproduction system are arranged in a predetermined space.
FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a main configuration of a reproduction system shown as a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an audio signal switching distributor of the reproduction system.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a state in which five speakers and two monitors of the reproduction system are arranged in a predetermined space.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the concept of localization of a sound image with the direction of arrow A facing forward in the reproduction system.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the concept of localization of a sound image with the direction of arrow C facing forward in the same reproduction system.
FIG. 11 shows an ITU-R (International Telecommunication Union-Radio communication sector) recommendation BS. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a speaker arrangement at the time of multi-channel reproduction recommended by the 775 standard.
FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a main configuration of a reproduction system shown as a conventional technique.
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state where four speakers of the reproduction system are arranged in a predetermined space.
[Explanation of symbols]
1A, 1B recording medium, 10, 10 ', 30 playback system, 11, 11, 31' signal processing unit, 12, 32 audio signal switching distributor, 21, 22, 23, 24, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47 speaker, 25, 25 ', 48 operation unit, 26, 26', 49 control unit, 27, 28, 50, 51 monitor, 29, 52
Monitor switch

Claims (15)

An audio signal supply device that is arranged in a predetermined space and supplies the audio signal to three or more output devices that output audio based on the supplied audio signal,
Sound signal input means for inputting three or more sound signals which become sound images localized at different positions with a predetermined direction facing when output as sound from the three or more output devices, respectively;
Front direction designation means for designating any direction in the space where the output device is arranged as the front direction,
Based on the designation of the front direction by the front direction designation means, the signal supply amounts of the three or more audio signals input by the audio signal input means to the three or more output devices are output. Audio signal supply amount adjusting means for adjusting each of the devices,
The audio signal supply device, wherein the audio signal whose signal supply amount is adjusted by the audio signal supply amount adjusting means is supplied to each of the three or more output devices. A supply path for supplying the three or more audio signals input by the input means to any of the three or more output devices;
2. The audio signal supply device according to claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of switches for switching the supply path based on the designation of the front direction by the front direction designation means. The audio signal supply amount adjusting means is based on the fact that the front direction is specified by the front direction specifying means,
A volume adjuster for adjusting a volume of each of the three or more audio signals input by the input means to the three or more output devices;
An adding unit that adds the three or more audio signals whose supply volume is adjusted by the volume variable unit for each of the output devices;
The audio signal supply device according to claim 1, wherein the three or more audio signals added for each of the output devices by the adding means are supplied to the three or more output devices, respectively. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a characteristic changing unit configured to change a frequency characteristic based on the fact that the front direction is specified by the front direction specifying unit with respect to the audio signal supplied to the output device. Audio signal supply device. A reproducing unit that reproduces a recording medium on which three or more audio signals that become sound images localized at different positions with a predetermined direction facing the front when being output as audio from the three or more output devices, respectively; ,
2. The audio signal supply device according to claim 1, wherein the input unit inputs the three or more audio signals reproduced by the reproduction unit. A receiving unit configured to receive three or more audio signals serving as sound images localized at different positions with a predetermined direction in front when output as audio from the three or more output devices, respectively,
2. The audio signal supply device according to claim 1, wherein the input unit inputs the three or more audio signals received by the reception unit. Video signal input means for inputting a video signal,
The video signal input by the video signal input means is supplied, a plurality of video signal output display means arranged in the predetermined space to output and display a video based on the supplied video signal,
2. The audio device according to claim 1, further comprising: a selection unit that selects the video signal output display unit that supplies the video signal input by the video signal input unit from the plurality of video signal output display units. Signal supply device. 8. The front direction designation means for designating the selected video signal output display means as the front direction in response to the video signal output display means being selected by the selection means. An audio signal supply device according to claim 1. An audio signal supply method for supplying the audio signal to three or more output devices that are arranged in a predetermined space and output audio based on the supplied audio signal,
When three or more sound signals are output from the three or more output devices as sound images that are localized at different positions with a predetermined direction facing the front,
Designate any direction in the space where the output device is arranged as the front direction,
Adjusting the signal supply amounts of the input three or more audio signals to the three or more output devices for each of the output devices based on the designation of the front direction;
An audio signal supply method, wherein the audio signal whose signal supply amount is adjusted is supplied to each of the three or more output devices. Selecting a supply path for supplying the input three or more audio signals to any of the three or more output devices based on the designation of the front direction;
The audio signal supply method according to claim 9, wherein each of the three or more audio signals supplied by the selected supply path is supplied to the three or more output devices. Adjusting the supply volume of each of the three or more input audio signals to the three or more output devices based on the designation of the front direction;
The three or more audio signals whose supply volume has been adjusted are added for each of the output devices,
10. The audio signal supply method according to claim 9, wherein the three or more audio signals added for each of the output devices are supplied to the three or more output devices, respectively. 10. The audio signal supply method according to claim 9, wherein a frequency characteristic of the audio signal supplied to the output device is changed based on the designation of the front direction. When three or more audio signals are output from the three or more output devices and recorded as three or more audio signals that are sound images localized at different positions with a predetermined direction facing the front, a recording medium is reproduced.
10. The audio signal supply method according to claim 9, wherein the reproduced three or more audio signals are input. When three or more audio signals are output from the three or more output devices as sound images to be localized at different positions with a predetermined direction facing the front,
The audio signal supply method according to claim 9, wherein the received three or more audio signals are input. Input video signal,
From a plurality of video signal output display means arranged in the predetermined space to output and display a video based on the supplied video signal, select a predetermined video signal output display means for supplying the input video signal,
10. The audio signal supply method according to claim 9, wherein the selected video signal output display means is designated as the front direction.

Images