JP2004159037A - Automatic sound adjustment system, sound adjusting device, sound analyzer, and sound analysis processing program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To simply and accurately, and further, quickly execute correction of adjustment to the sound signals without applying a large load on an audio device. <P>SOLUTION: Test signals are generated by an AV amplifier 1 to apply prescribed adjustment processing to the sound signals to be supplied to a speaker. The test signals and collected sound signals are provided to a home server device 2 by receiving the supply of the collected sound signals from a measuring microphone MC at a listening position to collect the test sounds from the speaker corresponding to the test signals. Sound analysis and generation of adjustment parameters are executed in the home server device 2. The generated adjustment parameters are provided to the AV amplifier 1. Adjustment is executed to the sound signals to be outputted in the AV amplifier 1 corresponding to the adjustment parameters. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
According to the present invention, for example, in an environment where a multi-channel content such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) is enjoyed at home, automatic adjustment is performed on an output audio signal so as to provide an optimal sound reproduction environment. The present invention relates to an automatic acoustic adjustment system, an acoustic adjustment device, an acoustic analysis device, and an acoustic analysis processing program used in this system.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art It is becoming widely practiced to build a so-called home theater system in a home to prepare an environment for enjoying contents such as multi-channel movies provided on DVDs and the like. Here, the so-called multi-channel content has a multi-channel audio signal, and includes a Dolby Digital AC-3 (registered trademark) system, a DTS (Digital Theater System (registered trademark)) system, and the like.
[0003]
For example, in the case of a home theater system capable of supporting 5.1-channel multi-channel content, a center speaker (C), a left speaker (L), a right speaker (R), and a viewer arranged in front of a listener. Sound (sound) from six speakers, a left rear speaker (SL), a right rear speaker (SR), and a subwoofer (Sub) disposed in front of the listener. An audio reproduction environment capable of listening to sound with a sense of reality is formed.
[0004]
Then, in the case of a multi-channel home theater system, in order to form a good reproduction sound field at a target listening position (listening position), adjustment for audio signals of each channel (audio channel) is performed. It has been considered that the setting of the adjustment parameter is automatically performed. As one example, there is an AV (Audio and Visual) amplifier device that supports a multi-channel and is equipped with an automatic sound adjustment function.
[0005]
For example, as shown in FIG. 8, a 5.1-channel compatible AV amplifier device 100 having an automatic sound adjustment function is realized. Here, each of L, C, R, SL, SR, and Sub indicates a speaker installed around the listener. This AV amplifier device 100 is configured as shown in FIG. 9, and has a microphone input terminal 101a for receiving supply of an audio signal collected by a microphone Mic installed at a listening position.
[0006]
In the case of the AV amplifier device 100, a test sound is emitted by sequentially changing the speaker that emits the sound, and the test sound is collected by the measurement position microphone Mic at the listening position. The data is supplied to the RAM 100 and stored in the RAM of the DSP (Digital Signal Processor) 105 or the RAM of the control unit 108 via the microphone amplifier 102 and the A / D converter 103.
[0007]
Using the stored sound collection test signal (sound collection data) and the original test signal (reference signal), the DSP 105 performs sound analysis by signal processing, and generates adjustment parameters for each channel based on the analysis result. Then, the generated adjustment parameters are set in the DSP 105 that performs adjustment processing on the audio signal, so that the audio signal of each channel can be optimally adjusted.
[0008]
In FIG. 9, input terminals 101b to 101e accept input of audio signals from various AV devices, and output terminals 109a to 109f are audio signal output terminals corresponding to respective channels. The D / A converter 106 converts the audio signal of each channel into an analog signal, and the amplifier 107 amplifies the analog signal of each channel.
[0009]
The technology for mounting the automatic audio adjustment function in the AV amplifier device described above is described in Non-Patent Document 1 (Web page information) described later.
[0010]
There is also a system in which acoustic analysis is performed by an external device, for example, a personal computer. An automatic acoustic adjustment system using an external computer is formed, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, and the AV amplifier device 200 used here is configured, for example, as shown in FIG. Also in FIG. 10, each of L, C, R, SL, SR, and Sub indicates a speaker installed around the listener.
[0011]
Also in this example, as shown in FIG. 10, the measurement microphone Mic is placed at the listening position. However, in the case of this example, the measurement microphone Mic is not connected to the AV amplifier device 200, but is connected to the personal computer 302 via the microphone amplifier 301. Then, the personal computer 302 and the AV amplifier 200 are also connected. Analog, USB, IEEE1394 and the like are used for connection between these devices.
[0012]
The test signal used for the measurement is supplied from the personal computer 302 to the AV amplifier 200 as, for example, an analog signal. A test signal from the personal computer 302 is received through the analog input terminal 201b of the AV amplifier device 200, supplied to the DSP 204 through the A / D converter 202, and the speakers that emit sounds are sequentially changed to emit test sounds. To be done.
[0013]
The test sound emitted from the speaker is picked up by the measurement microphone Mic installed at the listening position, and is supplied to the personal computer 302 through the microphone amplifier 301 as a sound pickup test signal. The personal computer 302 performs an acoustic analysis using the sound pickup test signal from the measurement microphone Mic and the test signal (reference signal) held by the personal computer 302, and forms adjustment parameters for the AV amplifier device 200. Is supplied to the AV amplifier 200.
[0014]
The AV amplifier 200 receives an adjustment parameter from the personal computer 302 through the input terminal 201a, and supplies the adjustment parameter to the DSP 204 through the control unit 210, and the DSP 204 sets the DSP 204 so that the audio signal of each channel can be optimally adjusted. Will be able to.
[0015]
In the case of this example, the load of the AV amplifier can be reduced because the AV amplifier apparatus 200 does not perform the test signal generation processing, the acoustic analysis processing, and the adjustment parameter formation processing. Since it is not necessary to provide the input terminal of the measurement microphone Mic in the device 200, an automatic sound adjustment system can be easily constructed.
[0016]
In FIG. 11, input terminals 201c to 201f accept input of audio signals from various AV devices, and output terminals 213a to 213f are audio signal output terminals corresponding to the respective channels. The D / A converter 205 converts the audio signal of each channel into an analog signal, and the amplifier 206 amplifies the analog signal of each channel.
[0017]
Using the technology described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, at least one of the distance from the speaker to the listener, the frequency characteristic, and the sound pressure level is simply measured and analyzed. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. H10-163,873 discloses a technique for providing an audio device with an audio device.
[0018]
[Non-patent document 1]
Thorough research “Automatic sound field correction function MCACC”, [online], Pioneer Corporation, [searched on November 1, 2002], Internet <URL: http: // www. pioneer. co. jp / des-contents / contents / homeheater / a / av-amp / ax10_topic / mcacc / mcacc_1. htm
[0019]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2001-352600 A
[0020]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the case of the system in which the automatic adjustment function is installed inside the AV amplifier device described above with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, all the processing related to the sound adjustment can be performed in the AV amplifier device 00, but the AV amplifier device has In addition, a test signal generator, a measurement data analysis program, an analysis memory area, and the like are required. In other words, an extra storage capacity of the ROM is required for the analysis program, and a large memory area for storing data in the analysis process is required, so that extra costs are required for the ROM, the RAM, and the DSP.
[0021]
Further, the extent to which the analysis program for the measurement data can be performed depends on the capability of the CPU 108 of the AV amplifier 100, and it is difficult to perform complicated processing such as averaging using the results of many FFTs. In addition, analysis programs cannot be easily replaced or updated.
[0022]
In the case of the method of connecting the AV amplifier device 200 and the personal computer 302 described above with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, the personal computer 302 also performs acquisition of measurement data, acoustic analysis, formation of adjustment parameters, and transmission. Do. The personal computer 302 has ample room for processing capacity, memory, program capacity, and the like, and can easily perform complicated processing such as averaging using results of many FFTs.
[0023]
However, a plurality of interfaces such as an interface between the personal computer 302 and the AV amplifier device 00 and an interface between the measurement microphone and the computer are required, and the usability is complicated in terms of connection and the like. Further, if the delay time of the test signal for supplying the test signal from the personal computer 302 to the AV amplifier device 200 is not accurately grasped, the accuracy of the analysis processing in the personal computer 302 may be reduced.
[0024]
In view of the above, the present invention has been made to eliminate the above problems, and to easily, accurately, and quickly perform appropriate adjustments to an audio signal without imposing a large load on an audio device. It is an object to provide an automatic sound adjustment system, a sound adjustment device, a sound analysis device, and a sound analysis processing program.
[0025]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an acoustic adjustment system according to the first aspect of the present invention includes:
An automatic sound adjustment system formed by connecting the sound adjustment device and the sound analysis device through a communication path,
The sound adjustment device,
Sound adjustment means for performing desired adjustment processing on the output audio signal;
A test signal generating means for generating a test signal during a test;
An input terminal of a sound pickup signal from a microphone that is installed at a target listening position during a test and that picks up a test sound according to the test signal from the test signal generation unit emitted from a speaker.
A measurement information providing unit for providing the sound collection signal and the test signal received through the input end to the acoustic analysis device through the communication path;
Adjustment information receiving means for receiving adjustment information provided through the communication path from the acoustic analysis device;
An adjustment control unit that controls the sound adjustment unit to perform an adjustment process based on the adjustment information received through the adjustment information reception unit;
With
The acoustic analyzer,
Measurement information receiving means for receiving the sound pickup signal and the test signal provided from the acoustic adjustment device through the communication path,
Acoustic analysis unit that performs a target acoustic analysis based on the sound pickup signal and the test signal received through the measurement information reception unit, and forms the adjustment information to be provided to the acoustic adjustment device,
Adjustment information providing means for providing the adjustment information formed by the sound analysis means to the sound adjustment means through the communication path;
It is characterized by having.
[0026]
According to the automatic sound adjusting system of the first aspect of the present invention, in the sound adjusting apparatus, the test signal is generated by the test signal generating means, and a test sound corresponding to the test signal is emitted from the speaker. To be done. The test sound from the speaker is collected by the microphone, and the collected sound signal is supplied to the acoustic adjustment device. Then, the test signal and the sound pickup signal from the microphone are provided to the acoustic analyzer through the measurement information providing means.
[0027]
In the acoustic analysis device, a test signal and a sound pickup signal, which are measurement information from the acoustic adjustment device, are received through the measurement information reception unit, and the acoustic analysis unit performs an acoustic analysis using these to form adjustment information. The adjustment information is provided to the sound adjustment device through the adjustment information providing device, is received through the adjustment information reception device of the sound adjustment device, is set to the adjustment device by the adjustment control device of the sound adjustment device, and the sound to be output is output. Appropriate adjustment processing can be performed on the signal.
[0028]
As described above, the acoustic adjustment device transmits the test signal generation function, the test signal, and the collected sound from the microphone that collects the sound corresponding to the test signal emitted from the speaker to the acoustic analysis device. With the function of providing, it is not necessary to consider the delay in the supply path of the test audio signal in the acoustic analysis.
[0029]
Also, since the acoustic analysis is performed by the acoustic analysis device, without applying a large load to the acoustic adjustment device that performs the adjustment process on the output sound, utilizing the high capacity and sufficient resources of the acoustic analysis device, Acoustic analysis can be performed quickly and accurately to form adjustment information. In addition, there is no trouble in connecting the acoustic adjustment device and the acoustic analysis device.
[0030]
That is, it is possible to obtain the adjustment information for the audio signal easily, accurately, and quickly without imposing a large load such as performing an analysis process on the acoustic adjustment device, which is an important function of performing the audio adjustment. In addition, it is possible to perform appropriate adjustment on the audio signal output from the audio adjustment device.
[0031]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of an automatic sound adjustment system, a sound adjustment device, a sound analysis device, and a sound analysis processing program according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the embodiment described below, a case will be described as an example in which a system is constructed using an AV amplifier device capable of supporting a 5.1-channel multi-channel audio signal.
[0032]
[Example of configuration of automatic sound adjustment system]
FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an automatic sound adjustment system according to the present embodiment to which the automatic sound adjustment system according to the present invention is applied and which is configured in a home. As shown in FIG. 1, the automatic sound adjustment system according to the present embodiment is roughly divided into a 5.1-channel compatible AV amplifier device 1 to which the sound adjustment device according to the present invention is applied, and a sound analysis device according to the present invention. And a home server device (personal computer) 2 to which an acoustic analysis processing program is applied.
[0033]
In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the AV amplifier device 1 is installed in a room A (for example, a home theater room provided in a basement or the like), and the home server device 2 is installed in a room B (for example, a system management such as a study). Each of them is installed in a different room. Further, in this embodiment, the AV amplifier device 1 and the home server device 2 are connected via a communication line 3 such as Ethernet (registered trademark).
[0034]
Although not shown, various AV devices such as a DVD device, a CD (Compact Disc) player, a VTR (Video Type Recorder), and a satellite broadcast receiver are connected to the AV amplifier device 1. A signal is provided. In this embodiment, a video signal processing system is omitted.
[0035]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram conceptually showing the configuration of the automatic sound adjustment system shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2 and also in FIG. 1, the 5.1-channel loudspeakers SP1 to SP6 are connected to the AV amplifier apparatus 1, and are installed at a listening position (listening position) during a test. The measurement microphone MC to be measured is connected.
[0036]
The start of the automatic sound adjustment processing for measuring the characteristics of the sound emitted from the speaker and setting adjustment parameters for adjusting the sound signal of the sound channel of the speaker based on the measurement result is performed by the AV amplifier. An instruction can be given from either the device 1 or the home server device 2.
[0037]
That is, the automatic sound adjustment process is started by pressing a predetermined operation button of a key operation unit provided on the front panel surface of the AV amplifier device 1, or by a remote control commander (hereinafter referred to as a remote control) of the AV amplifier device 1. )), Or the home server device 2 activates the automatic sound adjustment processing software and performs a start operation to start the operation.
[0038]
In the case where the automatic audio adjustment processing is started from the AV amplifier apparatus 1, a request is transmitted from the AV amplifier apparatus 1 to the home server apparatus 2 via a communication line, so that the home server apparatus 2 executes automatic audio adjustment processing software. Is started.
[0039]
When the automatic sound adjustment process is started, the AV amplifier device 1 generates a test signal, causes a speaker connected to the specified sound channel to emit sound corresponding to the test signal, and sets a listening position. And collects the test signal (reference signal) and the collected sound signal as measurement information to the home server device 2 through the communication line 3.
[0040]
The AV amplifier device 1 switches the sound channel in response to an instruction from the home server device 2 to execute the sound emission and the sound collection of the test sound and the transmission of the collected sound to the home server device 2.
[0041]
Then, the home server device 2 performs an acoustic analysis process using the test signal and the collected voice provided from the AV amplifier device 1 to form an adjustment parameter (adjustment information) to be supplied to the AV amplifier device 1, This is transmitted to the AV amplifier device 1 through the communication line 3. The AV amplifier device 1 adjusts the audio signal of each audio channel using the adjustment parameters from the home server device 2, so that a good reproduction sound field can be formed at the listening position. To
[0042]
As described above, in the automatic sound adjustment system according to the present embodiment, the AV amplifier device 1 performs (1) a function of generating a test signal and (2) a test sound corresponding to a test signal emitted from a speaker. It has a function of receiving supply of a sound pickup signal from the measurement microphone MC that picks up sound at the listening position (listening position). However, (3) the function of forming acoustic adjustment parameters by performing acoustic analysis based on the test signal and the picked-up signal is handled by the home server device 2, and the AV amplifier device 1 has a large function for automatic acoustic adjustment. I try not to put a load.
[0043]
Further, since the measurement microphone MC is connected to the AV amplifier device 1 and the AV amplifier device 1 and the home server device 2 can be connected through a predetermined communication line such as Ethernet, the connection is not complicated. There is no need to install the AV amplifier device 1 and the home server device 2 adjacent to each other, so that the automatic sound adjustment system can be configured relatively easily.
[0044]
[Configuration Example of AV Amplifier Device 1]
Next, a configuration example of the AV amplifier device 1 according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining a configuration example of the AV amplifier device 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the AV amplifier device 1 of this embodiment includes a microphone input terminal IN1, an analog input terminal IN2, an input terminal IN3 of an output audio signal from a DVD device, a CD player, a VTR, a satellite broadcast receiver, and the like. , IN4, IN5, IN6.
[0045]
As shown in FIG. 3, the AV amplifier device 1 includes a microphone amplifier unit 11, an A / D conversion unit 12, an input selector 13, a DSP 14, and a D / A conversion unit 15 (1) provided for each audio channel. ) To 15 (6), amplifying sections 16 (1) to 16 (6) provided corresponding to each audio channel, output terminals OT1 to OT6 corresponding to each audio channel, and a test signal generating section 17, respectively. Is provided with a control unit 18 for controlling.
[0046]
The control unit 18 is a microcomputer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 181, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 182, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 183 connected via a CPU bus 184. As shown in FIG. 3, a key operation unit 19, a remote control signal light receiving unit 20, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 21, and a communication interface (hereinafter, referred to as a communication I / F) 22 are connected to the control unit 18. I have. Further, the communication I / F 22 is connected to the communication input / output terminal 23.
[0047]
The picked-up signal from the measuring microphone MC received through the microphone input terminal IN1 is amplified in the microphone amplifier unit 11, is supplied to the A / D conversion unit 12, and is converted into a digital signal. Supplied. Similarly, the analog audio signal input through the analog input terminal IN2 is supplied to the input selector 13 after being converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 12.
[0048]
The input selector 13 is also configured to input audio signals received through the input terminals IN3 to IN6. The input selector 13 selects an audio signal to be supplied to the downstream DSP 14 according to an instruction input from a user received through the key operation unit 19 or the remote control signal light receiving unit 20.
[0049]
The DSP 14 performs various processes on the audio signal supplied thereto. The DSP 14 performs, for example, a process of decoding an audio signal encoded in a multi-channel system and dividing the audio signal into audio signals of respective audio channels. The DSP 14 also performs various adjustment processes on the audio signal of each audio channel, such as adjusting the volume level, adjusting the sense of distance between the speaker and the listening position, and adjusting the frequency characteristics. In FIG. 3, the audio channel is described as ch.
[0050]
The DSP 14 is controlled by the control unit 18, receives adjustment parameters for audio adjustment from the control unit 18, and sets various parameters to change various adjustment processes performed on the audio signal for each audio channel. You can do it. Then, the audio signal of each audio channel formed in the DSP 14 is converted into an analog signal in the D / A conversion units 15 (1) to 15 (6) corresponding to each audio channel, and the corresponding amplification unit 16 (1) The signals are amplified at ６16 (6), output through the corresponding output terminals OT1 to OT6, and supplied to the respective speakers.
[0051]
As described above, the AV amplifier device 1 according to this embodiment includes the test signal generator (reference signal generator) 17 that generates a test signal (reference signal) for the automatic sound adjustment processing. The test signal generator 17 generates a predetermined test signal in accordance with the control from the controller 18 and supplies the generated test signal to the DSP 14.
[0052]
The DSP 14 outputs a test signal through the designated audio channel in accordance with the control from the control unit 18. At this test, the adjustment parameters for the sound adjustment set in the DSP 14 are cleared, The audio signal processed by the DSP 14 in the initial state is output.
[0053]
Then, the test signal is emitted from a speaker connected to the designated audio channel, which is picked up by the microphone MC for measuring the listening position. As described above, the microphone input terminal IN1, the microphone amplifier The signal is supplied to the DSP 14 through the unit 11, the A / D converter 12, and the input selector 13, and is stored in the RAM 141 of the DSP 14. In this embodiment, the test signal is also stored in the RAM 141 of the DSP 14.
[0054]
Thereafter, the control unit 18 reads out the test signal stored in the RAM 141 of the DSP 14 and the sound pickup signal from the measurement microphone MC, and uses them as measurement information as the communication I / F 22 and the input / output terminal 23. Is transmitted to the home server device 2 through an Ethernet (registered trademark) communication path connected to the Internet.
[0055]
Then, as described above, the home server device 2 performs a predetermined acoustic analysis from the test signal from the AV amplifier device 1 and the collected sound so that a good reproduction sound field can be formed. , An adjustment parameter to be supplied to the AV amplifier device 1, and this is returned via an Ethernet (registered trademark) communication path.
[0056]
The AV amplifier device 1 receives the adjustment parameters from the home server device 2 through the input / output terminal 23 and the communication I / F 22 and supplies them to the control unit 18. The control unit 18 sets the adjustment parameters received from the home server device 2 for the DSP 14. In this way, the AV amplifier device 1 of this embodiment automatically adjusts the audio signal of each audio channel of the AV amplifier device 1 without bothering the user. To be able to.
[0057]
The LCD 21 displays information indicating the state of the audio signal to be output and various information such as a guidance message and a warning message in accordance with the control of the control unit 18.
[0058]
[Overall flow of automatic sound adjustment processing]
Next, an example of the overall flow of the automatic sound adjustment processing performed in the automatic sound adjustment system including the AV amplifier device 1 and the home server device 2 described above will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining automatic sound adjustment processing performed by the automatic sound adjustment system according to this embodiment.
[0059]
As described above, in the automatic sound adjustment system according to the present embodiment, sound analysis is performed in the home server device 2 based on the test signal from the AV amplifier device 1 and the sound pickup signal. Upon receiving the measurement information including the test signal and the sound pickup signal from the AV amplifier device 1, the home server device 2 first checks for the presence or absence of a speaker (step S101).
[0060]
The specific processing in step S101 is to emit, for example, a sound corresponding to a test signal including a mid-range component from the speaker of the test target audio channel, and the test sound is collected by the measurement microphone MC. This is a process for checking whether sound has been produced. If there is no return of the test sound, it is determined that the speaker of the sound channel does not exist, and measures such as not performing the subsequent processing or removing consideration of the sound channel are taken. If the test sound can be collected by the measurement microphone MC at a predetermined level or more, the level or gain of the collected signal is stored in the RAM 141.
[0061]
Next, the speaker size is determined and the cross frequency is determined (step S102). Specifically, for example, when a low-frequency test signal of about 80 Hz to 100 Hz is used and the gain of the collected signal is flat compared to the gain of the collected signal in the midrange obtained in step S101, If the size is reduced by about several dB, it is determined to be small, and if it is determined to be small, such a low-frequency audio signal cannot be output. And provide it to the AV amplifier device 1.
[0062]
Next, the distance and polarity between the speaker and the listening position are detected by looking at the impulse response using the test signal having at least the middle and high frequency components, and the delay time of the audio signal is calculated. It is supplied to the AV amplifier device 1 as an adjustment parameter, and the delay time of the sound emitted from the speaker is adjusted (step S103).
[0063]
Next, the sound volume level is measured from the level of the picked-up sound signal, and an adjustment parameter for adjusting the sound volume level to an appropriate volume level is formed. The adjustment parameter is supplied to the AV amplifier device 1 to adjust the sound volume. (Step S104). Thereafter, the frequency characteristics of the speaker are analyzed for the entire band, and parameters for adjusting an equalizer (EQ) function for making the sound emitted from the speaker a signal of an appropriate frequency band are set. The audio signal is formed and supplied to the AV amplifier device 1, so that the sound emitted from the corresponding speaker is corrected to have an appropriate band (step S105).
[0064]
In this example, since the measurement and correction (adjustment) of each parameter are performed each time, the volume level of the speaker is measured and adjusted (step S106). The processes in steps S101 to S106 are performed for each audio channel, and the process illustrated in FIG. 4 ends.
[0065]
As described above, in the automatic sound adjustment system of this embodiment, the presence or absence of a speaker for each audio channel (step S101), the determination of the speaker size (step S102), the distance of the speaker listening position (step S103), the The processing is performed for each parameter item of the volume level (step S104) and the correction of the frequency characteristic of each audio channel (step S105).
[0066]
In this embodiment, for example, the order of front left SP1 (L) → front center SP3 (C) → front right SP4 (R) → rear right SP6 (SL) → rear left SP5 (SL) → subwoofer SP2 (Sub). Then, a test signal (pink noise or the like) is output, and analysis is performed using a picked-up signal from the measurement microphone MC at the listening position, and a relative value between the 5.1 audio channels and an AV amplifier device Based on the setting resolution of one parameter (for example, the level is 0.5 dB step and the distance is 10 cm step), each optimum parameter is generated, and the parameter of the AV amplifier device 1 is set.
[0067]
In this way, it is possible to perform appropriate adjustment processing on the audio signal output through each audio channel, so that the sound from the speaker can be satisfactorily heard at a predetermined listening position.
[0068]
The processing performed in each step illustrated in the flowchart of FIG. 4 does not necessarily need to be performed in this order, and can be performed in various orders. Further, in the case of the process described with reference to FIG. 4, the adjustment parameters are formed and supplied to the AV amplifier device 1 based on the information obtained as a result of the analysis in each step. It is not limited to. After all the parameters are obtained by performing the analysis at the same time, the parameters can be provided to the AV amplifier device 1 so that all the items relating to the sound adjustment can be corrected at once.
[0069]
Next, the function and relationship between the AV amplifier device 1 and the home server device 2 in the automatic audio adjustment processing of this embodiment performed as shown in FIG. 4 will be described more clearly. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining processing performed by each device, including the exchange of information between the AV amplifier device 1 and the home server device 2.
[0070]
As described above, in the automatic audio adjustment system according to the present embodiment, the automatic audio adjustment processing can be executed from the AV amplifier device 1 or the home server device 2 side. When the execution of the automatic sound adjustment process is instructed from the key operation unit 19 of the AV amplifier device 1 or the remote controller, a start instruction is transmitted from the AV amplifier device 1 to the home server device 2 (step S201).
[0071]
When the home server device 2 receives an execution instruction of the automatic sound adjustment processing from the user (step S301) or when a start instruction is transmitted from the AV amplifier device 1 (step S302), the home server device 2 In step S3, the automatic sound adjustment processing program is executed to perform preparation processing for performing measurement (initialization of a work area, etc.) (step S303). A parameter clear instruction to instruct to initialize parameters (level, distance, frequency characteristics, etc.) set for sound adjustment is transmitted (step S304).
[0072]
When the AV amplifier device 1 receives the parameter clear instruction from the home server device 2, the control unit 18 controls the DSP 14 to perform a process of clearing parameters for sound adjustment (step S202).
[0073]
Thereafter, the home server device 2 starts a process of measuring the characteristics of the sound emitted from the speaker (step S305), specifies a target sound channel, and outputs a test signal (eg, pink noise). A designated channel test tone start instruction to be transmitted is transmitted (step S306).
[0074]
When the AV amplifier device 1 receives the designated channel test tone start instruction from the home server device 2, the control unit 18 causes the test signal generation unit 17, the DSP 14, and the like to output a test signal from the designated audio channel. The control is started, and the output of a predetermined test signal is started (step S203).
[0075]
After the processing in step S203, the sound emitted from the speaker of the designated sound channel is collected by the listening position measurement microphone MC, supplied to the AV amplifier device 1, and stored (step S204). The home server device 2 requests the AV amplifier device 1 to provide a test signal and a sound pickup signal at an arbitrary time (step S308).
[0076]
In response to the data request in step S308, the AV amplifier device 1 transmits measurement information (a test signal and a sound pickup signal) for the designated time to the home server device 2 (step S205). The measurement data is, for example, 16 bits and 48 channels for 48 kHz sampling.
[0077]
The home server device 2 receives the test signal and the sound pickup signal from the AV amplifier device (Step S309), and performs analysis and parameter generation based on the test signal and the sound collection signal (Step S310), as described with reference to FIG. ). It should be noted that the audio channel determined to be absent in the speaker presence / absence check is not measured thereafter. After generating the optimal adjustment parameters for each parameter item in step S310, the generated adjustment parameters are transferred from the home server device 2 to the AV amplifier device 1 (step S311).
[0078]
The AV amplifier device 1 receives the adjustment parameters from the home server device 2, and the control unit 18 sets the adjustment parameters in the DSP 14, and corrects the adjustment for the audio signal. In the case of this example, the processing of steps S310 and S311 corresponds to the processing shown in FIG. 4, and each time a desired adjustment parameter is formed, the adjustment parameter is transmitted to the AV amplifier apparatus 1 and set. To Then, when this adjustment processing is completed for all the audio channels (L, C, R, SL, SR, and Sub), the entire processing shown in FIG. 5 ends.
[0079]
In FIG. 5, for each audio channel, based on the test signal from the AV amplifier device 2 and the picked-up signal, measurement and parameter generation of predetermined items are performed as shown in FIG. , Is returned to the AV amplifier device 1 each time it is generated, but the present invention is not limited to this.
[0080]
For example, as shown in FIG. 6, only analysis is performed in step S312, and adjustment parameters for each item are collectively generated for each audio channel based on the analysis result (step S313). To the AV amplifier device 1 (step S314), and all adjustment parameters of all audio channels can be collectively set in the AV amplifier device 1.
[0081]
As can be seen from FIGS. 5 and 6, in the home server device 2 which is an acoustic analysis device, the determination of the speaker size, the distance of the speaker listening position, the volume level of each audio channel, and the correction of the frequency characteristics of each audio channel are performed. Analyze each parameter item in order. In each parameter item, the analysis is further performed for each of the audio channels of the front left, front center, front right, rear right, rear left, and subwoofer.
[0082]
In this analysis, adjustment parameters may be formed and supplied to the AV amplifier device 1 each time as shown in FIG. 5, or each analysis result may be held as shown in FIG. Then, it is also possible to form the adjustment parameters collectively and to provide the adjustment parameters collectively to the AV amplifier device 1.
[0083]
In the AV amplifier device 1, a test signal is generated, a pickup signal from the measurement microphone MC is received, measurement information including the test signal and the pickup sound is transmitted to the home server device 2, and Only a very simple process, such as the reception and setting of the adjustment parameter, is performed.
[0084]
As a result, the adjustment parameters used for the sound adjustment processing in the AV amplifier device 1 are formed simply, accurately, and quickly without imposing a large load on the AV amplifier device 1, and are set in the AV amplifier device 1. Thus, appropriate adjustment processing can be performed on the audio signal of each audio channel.
[0085]
[Other examples]
In the above-described embodiment, the acoustic analysis is performed by the home server device 2, but the present invention is not limited to this. An external server device provided on a public communication network may be used as an acoustic analysis device.
[0086]
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example in which the server device 7 provided on the public communication network is used as an acoustic analysis device. As shown in FIG. 7, in the case of this example, a communication line is connected between the AV amplifier device 1 and the server device 7 via a public communication network 4, an ISP (Internet Service Provider) 5, and the Internet 6, and information is mutually transmitted. It is designed to be able to transmit and receive.
[0087]
In this case, the public communication network 4 is provided by a telecommunications carrier such as a public switched telephone network (PSTN), a public switched data network (PSDN), or an integrated services digital communication network (ISDN) to an unspecified number of users. Telecommunications network.
[0088]
Each of the AV amplifier devices 1 (1), 1 (2), 1 (3),... Has the same configuration as the AV amplifier device 1 shown in FIG. Therefore, here too, reference is made to FIG. 3 as necessary, and each of a large number of AV amplifier devices connected to the public communication network 3 will be described as the AV amplifier device 1 without distinction.
[0089]
Then, in each AV amplifier device 1 of the example shown in FIG. 7, the communication I / F 22 has a function as a so-called modem, and makes a call to the ISP 5 which provides the Internet connection service in cooperation with the control unit 18. Requesting a connection to the Internet 6 through the ISP 5, and connecting to the Internet 6 through the ISP 5 for communication. The server device 7 is a computer having a communication function, and has a function similar to that of the home server device 2 of the above-described embodiment.
[0090]
Also, in the case of the AV amplifier device 1 of this example, audio signals can be supplied to, for example, six speakers arranged as shown in FIG. 2 at home, and as shown in FIG. In the test, a sound pickup audio signal can be supplied from the measurement microphone MC installed at the listening position.
[0091]
Then, when the start of the automatic sound adjustment processing is instructed through the key operation unit 19 or the remote controller, the AV amplifier device 1 clears the parameters related to the sound adjustment of the DSP 14 (initialization) as in the above-described embodiment. Then, a test signal is generated and supplied to a speaker through a predetermined audio channel to emit a test audio, the emitted audio is collected by a measurement microphone, and a collected signal is supplied to the AV amplifier device 1.
[0092]
In this example, the AV amplifier device 1 generates a test signal and collects a test audio according to the test signal for each audio channel, and determines a test signal and a collected audio for each audio channel in a predetermined manner. Accumulate for the period. Then, the control unit 18 of the AV amplifier device 1 accesses the server device 7 through the public communication network 4, the ISP 5, and the Internet 6 through the communication I / F 22, and uses the stored test signal and the collected sound as measurement information as measurement information. Send to
[0093]
When the server device 7 receives the measurement information from the AV amplifier device 1, as described with reference to FIG. 4, the server device 7 performs a predetermined acoustic analysis on each audio channel using the measurement information on each audio channel, and Then, an adjustment parameter relating to the sound adjustment is generated, and the adjustment parameter is returned to the AV amplifier device 1 that is the transmission source of the measurement information through the Internet 6, the ISP 5, and the public communication network 4.
[0094]
When the AV amplifier device 1 receives the adjustment parameter from the server device 7, the control unit 18 sets the adjustment parameter in the DSP 14 so that the audio of each audio channel can be formed so that an optimal reproduction sound field can be formed. An adjustment to the signal can be made.
[0095]
In this example, the case where the measurement information for all the audio channels is transmitted collectively has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Of course, the adjustment may be performed, or as described with reference to FIG. 4, every time an adjustment parameter is generated, the adjustment parameter may be returned to the AV amplifier device 1.
[0096]
Further, as described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the AV amplifier device 1 and the server device 7 may perform the automatic sound adjustment processing by appropriately transmitting and receiving a request at a necessary timing. it can. That is, even if the server device as the acoustic analysis device is installed in the home as a home server device, or is provided on the Internet as a public server device, an almost similar automatic acoustic adjustment system is constructed. It is possible.
[0097]
Further, it is also possible to provide the automatic sound adjustment service only to the AV amplifier device 1 of the user who has made a contract with the operator of the server device 7 and has become a member. In this case, when accessing the server device 7 from the AV amplifier device 1, the member identification information assigned to the user of the AV amplifier device 1 that has become a member is transmitted from the AV amplifier device 1 to the server device 7. The server device 7 performs an authentication process based on the identification information, receives the transmitted measurement information only for the member's AV amplifier device 1 that has been authenticated, analyzes the received measurement information, and generates an adjustment parameter. The provided automatic sound adjustment service may be provided.
[0098]
In this case, for example, by registering information regarding the sound quality preference of the user of the AV amplifier apparatus 1 as a member in the server apparatus 7 in advance, the server apparatus 7 can output a sound corresponding to each member's preference. It is also possible to form an adjustment parameter such that
[0099]
In addition, a membership fee may be collected from a member, or a charge may be generated in the server device 7 in providing an automatic sound adjustment service. It is possible to charge each time the automatic sound adjustment service is performed. The charge is free up to a predetermined number of times, but thereafter it is charged, or the charge amount is changed according to the number of times the automatic sound adjustment service is provided. Or you can.
[0100]
The charge may be collected by notifying the charge amount to the AV amplifier device 1 through the public communication network at the time of providing the service and billing the bank to withdraw from the registered bank account, or a designated credit company. Or a method of issuing a bill, mailing the bill to the user of the AV amplifier device 1, and prompting the user to deposit money can be applied.
[0101]
Further, in the example shown in FIG. 7, the case where the AV amplifier device 1 is directly connected to the public communication network has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. Of course, a home server device can be interposed between the AV amplifier device 1 and the public communication network 4 to use the communication function of the home server device.
[0102]
Alternatively, the server device 7 on the Internet may be accessed from the AV amplifier device 1 connected to a LAN such as an Ethernet through a predetermined server device.
[0103]
In addition, in the case of the automatic sound adjustment system according to the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6 and also in the case of the automatic sound adjustment system using the external server device shown in FIG. Is configured such that the AV amplifier device 1 is a client device using, for example, HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol).
[0104]
However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to use other various protocols, and to form an automatic sound adjustment system by connecting the AV amplifier device and the server device with a dedicated line. It is also possible.
[0105]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the acoustic adjustment device of the present invention is applied to the AV amplifier device has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can be applied to the case where various audio reproducing devices incorporated in the AV amplifier device are used.
[0106]
In the case of the automatic sound adjustment system described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6, the AV amplifier device (sound adjustment device) and the home server device (sound analysis device) have a one-to-one correspondence. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and similarly to the case where the external server device 7 shown in FIG. 7 is used, an automatic sound adjustment system may be constructed by a plurality of AV amplifier devices and one home server device. Is also possible.
[0107]
In this case, since it is not necessary to have a measurement function for each multi-channel sound reproducing device such as an AV amplifier device, when a multi-channel sound reproducing device in a plurality of rooms and a network environment such as a home network are provided, An automatic sound adjustment system can be easily constructed.
[0108]
When a single server device performs acoustic analysis on a plurality of AV amplifier devices, there is a possibility that a plurality of types of audio devices such as AV amplifier devices having different processing capabilities and characteristics are connected. In this case, for each audio device such as an AV amplifier device of a different type, it is necessary to perform acoustic analysis according to the audio device and form and provide adjustment parameters corresponding to the audio device.
[0109]
For this reason, audio equipment such as an AV amplifier device identifies the audio equipment, such as its model number and serial number, and identification information capable of specifying the processing capability and characteristics of the audio equipment as a test signal. The information is transmitted to the server device, which is an acoustic analysis device, together with the measurement information including the collected sound.
[0110]
The server device refers to its own device database based on identification information from an audio device such as an AV amplifier device, specifies the audio device, and transmits a measurement information source based on its processing capability and characteristics. The analysis processing and the parameter generation corresponding to the audio device are performed.
[0111]
By doing so, it is possible to generate and provide appropriate adjustment parameters to various audio devices such as AV amplifier devices having different processing capabilities and characteristics. In the server device, a device database for determining the processing capability and characteristics of audio equipment such as an AV amplifier device is formed in advance.
[0112]
It should be noted that the home server device 2 and the server device 7 are not limited to those having only the function as the acoustic analysis device, but may of course also provide other various functions.
[0113]
That is, the home server device 2 and the server device 7 include a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a hard disk device, a connection terminal with a LAN system such as Ethernet (registered trademark), a connection terminal with a public communication network, and a communication I / F. The provided computer can be used as it is, and it may function as an acoustic analysis device and perform other information processing.
[0114]
The measurement information receiving unit and the adjustment information providing unit realized in the home server device 2 and the server device 7 are realized by a connection terminal to a communication network and a communication I / F, and the acoustic analysis unit is a CPU. It can be realized by a program executed in a control unit including a ROM, a RAM, and the like. Further, a charging unit for performing charging can also be realized by a program executed in the control unit.
[0115]
In the embodiment described above, a test signal such as pink noise is generated by the AV amplifier device 1, and this test signal is provided to the home server device 2 and the server device 6, which are sound analysis devices, together with the collected sound. However, the present invention is not limited to this.
[0116]
If the same test signal as the test signal generated in the AV amplifier device 1 can be generated in the home server device 2 and the server device 6 as the acoustic analysis device, the test signal is transmitted from the AV amplifier device 1 to the home server device 2 and the server device. 6 may not be provided.
[0117]
Also, in the above-described embodiment, the AV amplifier device 1 has been described as being capable of supporting 5.1-channel audio signals, but the present invention is not limited to this. It may be monaural (one channel), stereo (one channel left and right), or may have more channels. That is, there is no limitation on the number of audio channels that can be supported, and the present invention can be applied to audio devices with various numbers of channels.
[0118]
In the above-described embodiment, the test signal uttering unit 17 is provided as shown in FIG. 2, but the present invention is not limited to this. As the test signal, for example, the DSP 14 may generate a predetermined test signal such as pink noise or white noise using a predetermined calculation formula.
[0119]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the acoustic adjustment device is not loaded with the acoustic analysis load, and the connection between the acoustic adjustment device and the acoustic analysis device becomes complicated, causing no trouble such as troublesome work. In addition, it is possible to quickly and accurately perform sound analysis for sound adjustment and generate adjustment parameters by using the capacity resources of the sound analysis device provided outside.
[0120]
Further, it is difficult to consider the transmission delay of the test signal, and there is no inconvenience that accurate analysis cannot be performed.
[0121]
Further, there is no need to provide a sound adjustment device and a sound analysis device in the vicinity at all, and an automatic sound adjustment system can be constructed without difficulty.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an automatic sound adjustment system formed by applying an embodiment of the automatic sound adjustment system according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining a configuration of an automatic sound adjustment system formed by applying an embodiment of the automatic sound adjustment system according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining an AV amplifier device configured by applying one embodiment of a sound adjusting device according to the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining an automatic sound adjustment process performed by the automatic sound adjustment system shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;
FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the automatic sound adjustment system including the exchange of information between the AV amplifier device 1 and the home server device 2.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining another example of the operation of the automatic sound adjustment system including the exchange of information between the AV amplifier device 1 and the home server device 2.
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining another example of the automatic sound adjustment system according to the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of a conventional automatic sound adjustment system (an example of a function built into an amplifier).
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an AV amplifier device used in the automatic audio adjustment system shown in FIG.
FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining another example (an example using an external computer) of the conventional automatic sound adjustment system.
11 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an AV amplifier device used in the automatic audio adjustment system shown in FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... AV amplifier apparatus, 11 ... Microphone amplifier part, 12 ... A / D conversion part, 13 ... Input selector, 14 ... DSP, 15 ... D / A conversion part, 16 ... Amplification part, 17 ... Test signal generation part, 18 ... Control unit, 181 CPU, 182 ROM, 183 RAM, 19 Key operation unit, 20 Remote control signal light receiving unit, 21 LCD, 22 Communication I / F, 23 Input / output terminal, 2 Home server Apparatus, 3 ... Public communication network, 4 ... ISP, 5 ... Internet, 6 ... Server apparatus

Claims (12)

An automatic sound adjustment system formed by connecting the sound adjustment device and the sound analysis device through a communication path,
The sound adjustment device,
Sound adjustment means for performing desired adjustment processing on the output audio signal;
A test signal generating means for generating a test signal during a test;
An input terminal of a sound pickup signal from a microphone that is installed at a target listening position during a test and that picks up a test sound according to the test signal from the test signal generation unit emitted from a speaker.
A measurement information providing unit for providing the sound collection signal and the test signal received through the input end to the acoustic analysis device through the communication path;
Adjustment information receiving means for receiving adjustment information provided through the communication path from the acoustic analysis device;
An adjustment control unit that controls the acoustic adjustment unit to perform an adjustment process based on the adjustment information received through the adjustment information reception unit,
The acoustic analyzer,
Measurement information receiving means for receiving the sound pickup signal and the test signal provided from the acoustic adjustment device through the communication path,
Acoustic analysis unit that performs a target acoustic analysis based on the sound pickup signal and the test signal received through the measurement information reception unit, and forms the adjustment information to be provided to the acoustic adjustment device,
And an adjustment information providing unit for providing the adjustment information formed by the acoustic analysis unit to the audio adjustment unit through the communication path. The automatic sound adjustment system according to claim 1,
The sound adjustment device,
A plurality of audio channels, and a test signal generated by the test signal generation means can be supplied to a target audio channel among the plurality of audio channels;
The sound adjustment unit is capable of performing an adjustment process on an audio signal for each of the plurality of audio channels,
The adjustment control means is capable of performing control based on the adjustment information so as to perform an adjustment process on an audio signal for each audio channel that outputs the test signal. Automatic sound adjustment system. It is an automatic sound adjustment system according to claim 1 or claim 2,
The acoustic analysis device is provided on a public communication network,
The automatic sound adjustment system, wherein the communication path connecting the sound adjustment device and the sound analysis device is provided on the public communication network. It is an automatic sound adjustment system according to claim 3,
The acoustic analyzer,
When providing the adjustment information, an automatic sound adjustment system includes a charging unit that generates a charge for a destination of the adjustment information. An acoustic adjustment device capable of performing adjustment processing on an output audio signal based on adjustment information from an acoustic analysis device connected through a communication path,
Sound adjustment means for performing desired adjustment processing on the output audio signal;
A test signal generating means for generating a test signal during a test;
An input terminal of a sound pickup signal from a microphone that is installed at a target listening position during a test and that picks up a test sound according to the test signal from the test signal generation unit emitted from a speaker.
Analysis information providing means for providing the sound collection signal and the test signal received through the input end to the acoustic analysis device through the communication path;
Adjustment information receiving means for receiving adjustment information provided through the communication path from the acoustic analysis device;
An acoustic adjustment device, comprising: an adjustment control unit that controls the audio adjustment unit to perform an adjustment process based on the adjustment information received through the adjustment information reception unit. The acoustic adjustment device according to claim 5,
A plurality of audio channels, and a test signal generated by the test signal generation means can be supplied to a target audio channel among the plurality of audio channels;
The sound adjustment unit is capable of performing an adjustment process on an audio signal for each of the plurality of audio channels,
The adjustment control means is capable of performing control based on the adjustment information so as to perform an adjustment process on an audio signal for each audio channel that outputs the test signal. Sound adjustment device. The acoustic adjustment device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein:
The acoustic analysis device is provided on a public communication network,
The sound adjustment device, wherein the communication path connecting the sound adjustment device and the sound analysis device is provided on the public communication network. A test signal is generated and supplied to a speaker, and a test signal is received from a microphone at a target listening position for collecting a test sound corresponding to the test signal emitted from the speaker. A sound analysis device connected through a predetermined communication path and a sound adjustment device capable of supplying the sound pickup signal to an external device,
Measurement information receiving means for receiving the sound pickup signal and the test signal provided from the acoustic adjustment device through the communication path,
Acoustic analysis for performing target acoustic analysis based on the sound pickup signal and the test signal received through the measurement information receiving unit and forming adjustment information for controlling the acoustic adjustment of the acoustic adjustment device. Means,
An acoustic analysis device comprising: an adjustment information providing unit configured to provide the adjustment information formed by the acoustic analysis unit to the acoustic adjustment unit through the communication path. The acoustic analysis device according to claim 8,
Provided on a public communication network,
The sound analysis device, wherein the communication path with the sound adjustment device is provided on the public communication network. The acoustic analysis device according to claim 9,
In providing the adjustment information, an acoustic analysis apparatus includes a charging unit configured to generate a charge for a destination of the adjustment information. A test signal is generated and supplied to a speaker, and a test signal is received from a microphone at a target listening position for collecting a test sound corresponding to the test signal emitted from the speaker. And a computer mounted on an acoustic analyzer connected through a predetermined communication path with an acoustic adjustment device capable of supplying the sound pickup signal to an external device,
Analysis information receiving step of receiving the sound pickup signal and the test signal provided from the acoustic adjustment device through the communication path,
Acoustic analysis for performing target acoustic analysis based on the sound pickup signal and the test signal received in the analysis information receiving step, and forming adjustment information for controlling the acoustic adjustment of the acoustic adjustment device. Steps and
An adjustment information providing step of providing the adjustment information formed in the acoustic analysis step to the audio adjustment device through the communication path. An acoustic analysis program according to claim 11,
The sound adjustment device is provided on a public communication network, and the communication path with the sound adjustment device is provided on the public communication network,
When providing the adjustment information, an acoustic analysis program includes a charging step of generating a charge for a destination of the adjustment information.

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