JP2006109284A - Acoustic characteristic adjusting apparatus, and television receiver - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an acoustic characteristic adjusting apparatus and a television receiver in which appropriate acoustic characteristics can be automatically obtained in accordance with a position to mount audio output equipment, such as a loudspeaker and its output characteristics. <P>SOLUTION: The acoustic characteristic adjusting apparatus detects the state of mounting audio output equipment at a plurality of mounting positions in an acoustic apparatus from whether a machine screw 7 is mounted (screwed in) or not and, in accordance with the result of the detection, adjusts acoustic characteristics for audio signals outputted from the audio output equipment, and the television receiver is provided with the acoustic characteristic adjusting apparatus. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  According to the present invention, an acoustic characteristic adjusting device capable of obtaining appropriate acoustic characteristics according to the attachment state of the sound output means at a plurality of attachment positions in an acoustic device, and the sound output means can be attached to the plurality of attachment positions. The present invention relates to a television receiver including the acoustic characteristic adjusting device.

Conventionally, in audio equipment (including audio-visual equipment) such as a television receiver, audio output from each speaker according to the arrangement state of a plurality of speakers (audio output equipment), the positional relationship with the viewer, and the like. Techniques for adjusting acoustic characteristics of signals and adjusting the directivity direction of speakers are widely known and used.
For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for detecting positions of left and right speakers connected to a television receiver (distance between the television receiver body and the speaker) and adjusting sound image localization based on the detection result. Has been.
Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for detecting the position of a viewer (listener) by receiving an ultrasonic pulse output from a remote controller and adjusting the main axis direction of the directivity of the speaker based on the detection result. It is disclosed.

By the way, some audio equipment has a configuration in which a plurality of speaker attachment positions are provided, and the speaker can be attached to the attachment positions with a plurality of attachment patterns. For example, one of a pattern in which the left and right speakers are attached to the attachment position arranged on the left and right with respect to the main body of the audio equipment, and a pattern in which the left and right speakers are arranged in the attachment position arranged in the lower part of the main body There are television receivers that can select patterns. In such a television receiver or the like, in order to obtain an appropriate acoustic characteristic for the output sound from the speaker, the sound quality of the output sound signal depends on the speaker mounting pattern (the speaker mounting state at each mounting position). It is necessary to adjust the acoustic characteristics of the audio signal by performing a correction process or the like.
For example, when the left and right speakers are mounted side by side at the bottom of the main unit and when the speaker (pair) is mounted on each of the left and right sides of the main unit, the distance between the speakers (pair) is smaller in the former case. . Therefore, in the former case, in order to obtain the same sense of presence (sound spread feeling) as in the latter case, surround processing is performed on the audio signal or surround processing performed on the audio signal (an example of sound quality correction processing). It is necessary to further enhance the sense of spread of the audio signal due to the adjustment of the acoustic characteristics.

In addition, the output characteristics (type) of a speaker attached to an audio device may differ depending on the installation position. In such a case, in addition to adjusting the acoustic characteristics based on the difference in the installation position (speaker arrangement), the speaker It is also necessary to adjust the acoustic characteristics based on the difference in output characteristics.
For example, if a speaker with a small capacity is compared with a speaker with a large capacity, the bass part is less likely to be output with a speaker with a small capacity. Therefore, when using a speaker with a small capacity, the bass part is emphasized with respect to the audio signal. It is desirable to perform equalization processing (an example of sound quality correction processing similar to the surround processing described above).
Conventionally, when an appropriate acoustic characteristic adjustment process to be applied to an audio signal differs depending on the speaker installation position (attachment pattern), for example, for each acoustic characteristic adjustment process corresponding to each speaker attachment pattern, A storage means such as a ROM in which a program for causing the microcomputer to execute or a parameter used for the acoustic characteristic adjustment processing is stored, and a corresponding storage means such as a ROM according to the speaker mounting pattern for the acoustic equipment to be shipped Was selected and incorporated into the audio equipment.
Alternatively, a setting operation as to what processing program or parameter should be used according to the speaker mounting pattern is performed by a predetermined adjustment operation on the audio equipment.
JP-A-11-113099 JP 09-238390 A

However, changing the program and parameters to be incorporated into the audio equipment for each speaker mounting pattern, and performing the above adjustment operations are very troublesome in terms of program management, assembly and shipping operations. There was a problem.
In addition, when the user performs the adjustment operation, not only the convenience for the user is deteriorated, but also a problem that the quality adjustment of the product is deteriorated without correct adjustment.
Further, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 described above relate to a technique for optimizing the adjustment of acoustic characteristics applied to an audio signal in accordance with speaker mounting states (mounting patterns) at a plurality of mounting positions in an acoustic device. Is not shown at all.
Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and the object of the present invention is that it takes time and labor when there are a plurality of attachment positions (attachment patterns) of audio output devices such as speakers with respect to acoustic devices. And an audio characteristic adjusting device capable of obtaining an appropriate acoustic characteristic corresponding to the mounting position of the speaker, and a television receiver provided with an audio output means at a plurality of mounting positions. Is to provide a machine.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention detects an attachment state of an audio output device (audio output means) at a plurality of attachment positions in an audio device and outputs an audio signal output from the audio output device based on the detection result. It is configured as an acoustic characteristic adjusting device that performs the adjustment processing of the acoustic characteristics for the sound signal, that is, changes the contents of the adjustment processing of the acoustic characteristics for the audio signal (processing itself and parameters used for the processing) according to the detection result.
As a result, only by attaching the audio output device, the appropriate acoustic characteristics can be adjusted according to the installation position, so that it is not necessary for the operator or the user at the time of assembly or shipment. It is possible to obtain an appropriate acoustic characteristic according to the mounting position. Further, it is possible to prevent the quality evaluation of the product from being deteriorated due to an incorrect setting as in the case where the speaker mounting state is set independently of the speaker mounting operation.

In general, the audio output device is often attached to the attachment position by a screw. In this case, the audio output device detects the attachment state of the audio output device by detecting whether or not the screw is attached (is screwed or not). Conceivable.
As a result, the screw is used for both the attachment of the audio output device and the detection of the attachment state of the audio output device (for example, the role of pressing the switch mechanism) to detect the attachment state in the acoustic device and the audio output device. There is no need to provide a protrusion or the like. As a result, it can be configured to be simple and not impair the beauty.

Furthermore, it is conceivable that the output characteristics of the audio output device attached to each of the attachment positions are determined in advance, and the above-described acoustic characteristic adjustment processing is in accordance with the output characteristics.
With such a configuration, the output characteristic of the attached audio output device is specified by the detection result of the attachment state of the audio output device, and an appropriate acoustic characteristic adjustment process corresponding to the output characteristic is automatically performed. Is set (selected).
Further, sound quality correction processing such as equalization processing and surround processing can be considered as an example of the acoustic characteristic adjustment processing described above.
For example, when it is specified that the capacity of the attached audio output device is small and the output gain of the bass region is low (an example of output characteristics), the bass region may be emphasized more by equalization processing. . In addition, when it is detected that the two audio output devices for the right and left of the stereo audio signal are mounted at relatively close mounting positions, than when they are mounted at a relatively far mounting position, It is also conceivable to add a greater sense of spread by surround processing.
Further, the present invention may be regarded as a television receiver in which audio output devices can be attached at a plurality of attachment positions and provided with the acoustic characteristic adjusting device as described above. In this case, the plurality of attachment positions may be positions on both sides and a lower side of the image display unit (image display means) of the television receiver.

According to the present invention, by simply attaching an audio output device (speaker or the like) to any one or a plurality of attachment positions, the attachment state is detected, and appropriate acoustic characteristics are determined based on the detection result. The adjustment process is performed. As a result, it is possible to obtain an appropriate acoustic characteristic according to the mounting position of the audio output device without requiring the labor of the operator at the time of assembly or shipment, or the labor of the user. Further, it is possible to prevent the quality evaluation of the product from being deteriorated due to an incorrect setting as in the case where the speaker mounting state is set independently of the speaker mounting operation.
Further, by detecting whether or not a screw for attaching an audio output device is attached, it is not necessary to provide a projection or the like for the attachment state detection on the acoustic device or the audio output device, and the configuration can be made simple and without damaging the appearance.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings so that the present invention can be understood. The following embodiment is an example embodying the present invention, and does not limit the technical scope of the present invention.
FIG. 1 is a schematic rear view of the television receiver X, which is an example of the audio apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, when the speaker is not attached, when the under speaker is attached, and when the side speaker is attached. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an audio output circuit α including an acoustic characteristic adjusting device A provided in the television receiver X, and FIG. 3 shows an attachment state detection mechanism for speakers (underspeakers and side speakers) in the television receiver X. FIGS. 4A and 4B are flowcharts showing the procedure of the sound quality correction content setting process based on the determination of the speaker mounting state in the acoustic characteristic adjusting device A.

A television receiver X, which is an example of an audio device according to an embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C, is a speaker that outputs an audio signal according to user preferences. In order to correspond to two types of models with different positions, the pair of left and right speakers is configured to be attachable to one of two different (a plurality of examples) attachment positions. That is, as shown in FIG. 1B, a pair of left and right under speakers 5a, 5b are attached to the under speaker mounting positions 1a, 1b below the display (an example of image display means) of the television receiver X. In addition, as shown in FIG. 1 (c), side speaker mounting positions located on the left and right (that is, the positions on both sides) of the display (an example of the image display means) of the television receiver X are shown. A pair of left and right side speakers 6a and 6b are attached to 2a and 2b.
There is also a model in which neither of the under speakers 5a and 5b and the side speakers 6a and 6b can be attached. Also in this case, an audio signal external output interface (not shown) to which an external speaker is connected is provided so that an audio signal can be output.
Specific types of the under speakers 5a and 5b and the side speakers 6a and 6b (an example of audio output means) attached to the attachment positions 1a and 1b or 2a and 2b are used, and their output characteristics are preliminarily set. It is determined. That is, if the attachment position of the speaker is detected, the output characteristic (type) of the speaker can be specified.

In a model to which a speaker is attached, any one of these speakers (the under speakers 5a and 5b, the side speakers 6a and 6b, an example of audio output means) is attached to a corresponding attachment position (see FIG. 3) (see FIG. 3). 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b). That is, a screw hole (not shown) provided at the mounting position (1a, 1b, 2a, 2b) on the outer surface of the display while the screw 7 passes through a screw through hole (not shown) provided in each speaker. Each of the speakers is fixed to the corresponding mounting position (1a, 1b, 2a, 2b) by attaching (screwing) the screw to each.
In the television receiver X (an example of an audio device), the mounting state of each of the speakers at the mounting positions (1a, 1b, 2a, 2b) is the screw hole positioned at the mounting position 1a. An underspeaker attachment state detection mechanism 3 provided inside the exterior (inside the apparatus) formed with a side provided on the inside (inside the apparatus) of the exterior formed with the screw hole located at the attachment position 2a The detection result is detected by the speaker attachment state detection mechanism 4, and these detection results are transmitted as an input signal to the microcomputer 8 (see FIG. 2) described later.

Further, the television receiver X detects the mounting state of the speakers at the two different mounting positions as described above, and the detection result (whether the under speakers 5a and 5b are mounted or the side speakers 6a and 6b are mounted). Sound characteristic adjustment device A that performs sound characteristic adjustment processing on the sound signal output from the attached speaker based on whether or not both are attached), and a sound output circuit including the same It is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of α.
As shown in FIG. 2, the acoustic characteristic adjusting device A includes a microcomputer 8, a sound correction DSP 9, an EEPROM 10, and the like in addition to the under speaker attachment state detection mechanism 3 and the side speaker attachment state detection mechanism 4. The sound output circuit α includes a power amplifier 11 and a speaker (SP) terminal 12 in addition to the acoustic characteristic adjusting device A.

The microcomputer 8 includes an MPU and its peripheral devices such as ROM and RAM, and performs overall control of the television receiver X, which will be described in detail later.
The sound quality correction DSP 9 is extracted from a television broadcast signal by a tuner and a detection circuit (not shown), and is converted into an audio signal (L audio signal and R audio signal) output from the television receiver X (an example of an audio device). On the other hand, various kinds of sound quality corrections including equalization processing and surround processing are performed on the audio signal in accordance with the setting values to be described later. Processing is performed to adjust the acoustic characteristics.
The EEPROM 10 is a storage unit that stores the set value in advance.
The power amplifier 11 performs amplification processing of the audio signal.
The SP terminal 12 is a connector or terminal for connecting the power amplifier 11 and the under speakers 5a and 5b, the side speakers 6a and 6b, or an external speaker.

A state in which each speaker is not attached to the microcomputer 8 from each of the under speaker attachment state detection mechanism 3 and the side speaker attachment state detection mechanism 4 (hereinafter collectively referred to as detection mechanism (3, 4)). Or a HIGH signal indicating that each speaker is attached is input.
Hereinafter, the configuration will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B showing the detection mechanism (3, 4).
As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the detection mechanism (3, 4) includes a power source 13, an I / O 14, a switch unit 15, a conductive plate 16, a resistor 17, and a conductive wire connecting them. Composed.
The conductive plate 16 is a flexible conductive member supported in the form of a cantilever by a support portion 18, and a portion 16 a of the conductive plate 16 is pressed by the tip of the screw 7, so that FIG. It bends (deforms) in the direction of R1 shown in FIG. That is, the conductive plate 16 is shown in the deformed state shown in FIG. 2 (b) and in FIG. 2 (a) depending on whether or not the screw 7 is attached (screwed) to the screw hole. The state changes between the natural state (original state).

The switch unit 15 includes a contact 15a provided on the conductive plate 16 and a grounded contact 15b. The contact 15 a is connected to the I / O 14 via the conductive plate 16 and is connected to the power supply 13 that outputs a predetermined voltage via the conductive plate 16 and the resistor 17.
Then, with the change (deformation) of the state of the conductive plate 16, the switch unit 15 is also in the joined state shown in FIG. 2 (a) (the contact points 15a and 15b are in contact) and in FIG. 2 (b). The state changes between the separated state shown (the state where the contacts 15a and 15b are separated).
When the screw 7 is not attached, the switch unit 15 is in a joined state, and the I / O 14 is short-circuited to the ground unit, so that a LOW signal is input to the microcomputer 8 connected to the I / O 14. The On the other hand, when the screw 7 is attached, the switch unit 15 is disconnected, the I / O 14 is pulled up by the power supply 13, and a predetermined HIGH signal is input to the microcomputer 8.
Thus, the under speaker attachment state detection mechanism 3 and the side speaker attachment state detection mechanism 4 detect the under speakers 5a and 5b and the side speakers 6a and 6b (by detecting whether each of the screws 7 is attached (screwed)). It detects the attachment state of an example of the audio output means.

Hereinafter, the procedure of the setting process of the sound quality correction content based on the determination of the mounting state of the speaker will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. Each process shown in FIG. 4 is performed by the microcomputer 8 executing a predetermined control program. For example, when the power of the television receiver X is turned on or a predetermined operation is performed using a remote controller or the like. The process is executed, for example, when. S1, S2,... Shown below represent identification codes of processing procedures (steps).
In this process, first, the microcomputer 8 determines which signal (HIGH signal, LOW signal) each input signal from the detection mechanism (3, 4) is (S1).

Next, based on the result of determination in step S1 (that is, detection of the speaker attachment state by the detection mechanism (3, 4)), whether or not the under speakers 5a, 5b are attached, and the side speakers 6a, It is determined whether or not 6b is attached and whether any speaker is attached (S2, S3). Note that when the input signal from the underspeaker attachment state detection mechanism 3 is a HIGH signal, it is determined that the underspeakers 5a and 5b are attached.
When it is determined in step S2 that the under speakers 5a and 5b are not attached (S2NO), the process proceeds to step S3, and whether or not the side speakers 6a and 6b are attached (the side speakers 6a and 6b are attached). Or whether any speaker is attached). When the input signal from the side speaker attachment state detection mechanism 4 is a HIGH signal, it is determined that the under speakers 5a and 5b are attached. On the other hand, if any of the input signals is a LOW signal, it is determined that no speaker is attached.
In the television receiver X, the under speakers 5a and 5b and the side speakers 6a and 6b are not used together, and the under speaker attachment state detection mechanism 3 and the side speaker attachment state detection mechanism 4 It is assumed that none of the input signals are HIGH signals.

In Steps S2 and S3, when it is determined which speaker is attached (or none) based on the detection result by the detection mechanism, it is stored in the EEPROM 10 according to the result. A set value (representing the type of sound quality correction process and the intensity of the process) is read, and the set value is set for the sound quality correction DSP 9.
The set value is information (sound quality correction setting information) for specifying the content of sound quality correction applied to the audio signal, and the type of the sound quality correction process (a specific example of the process for realizing the adjustment of acoustic characteristics), or the process Is a general term for a parameter group indicating the intensity of the. The set value is set in three ways according to the above-described three discrimination results (whether the under speakers 5a, 5b are attached, the side speakers 6a, 6b are attached, or none). Setting values (side speaker setting values, under speaker setting values, non-wearing setting values) are stored in the EEPROM 10, respectively.
Each of the setting values (side speaker setting value, under speaker setting value, non-wearing setting value), in other words, the contents of the sound quality correction processing by the sound quality correction DSP 9 (an example of the sound acoustic characteristic adjusting means) This corresponds to the output characteristics (that is, the type) of each speaker (an example of the under speakers 5a and 5b, the side speakers 6a and 6b, and the sound output means) attached to the John receiver X.

For example, when the under speakers 5a and 5b are used, the spatial extension of the output audio signal is weaker than when the side speakers 6a and 6b are used. Therefore, when it is determined that the under speakers 5a and 5b are used, the spatial extension of the audio signal is strengthened compared to when it is determined that the side speakers 6a and 6b are used. A set value for increasing the degree of processing (that is, surround processing) is set.
For example, if the capacity of the under speakers 5a and 5b is smaller than the capacity of the side speakers 6a and 6b, the bass region of the audio signal cannot be output appropriately. In such a case, when it is determined that the under-speakers 5a and 5b are attached, a process for emphasizing the bass region more than when it is determined that the side speakers 6a and 6b are attached. A setting value for increasing the degree of (equalization processing) is set.
If it is determined that none of the speakers are attached, it is determined that an external speaker is used, but it is unknown what output characteristics the external speaker has, A set value is set such that the audio signal is output while the equalization process is held flat without performing the surround process.

If it is determined in step S2 that an underspeaker is attached (S2 YES), the process proceeds to step S11, where the underspeaker setting value stored in the EEPROM 10 is read. In step S12, the underspeaker setting value is The sound quality correction DSP 9 is set.
When it is determined in step S3 that the side speakers 6a and 6b are attached (S2 YES), the process proceeds to step S21, where the side speaker setting value is read from the EEPROM 10, and in S22, the side speaker setting value is Sound quality correction DSP 9 is set.
If it is determined in step S3 that the side speakers 6a and 6b are not attached (NO in S3), it is determined that neither speaker is attached (connected to an external speaker), and the process proceeds to step S31. In step S31, the setting value for non-wearing is read from the EEPROM 10 (S11), and the setting value for non-wearing is set in the sound quality correction DSP 9 (S12).
As described above, the microcomputer 8 determines which of the under speakers 5a and 5b and the side speakers 6a and 6b is attached, or neither of them is attached, and the microcomputer 8 determines whether the speaker is attached. An acoustic characteristic adjustment process is performed by the sound quality correction DSP 9.

In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the acoustic characteristic adjusting device according to the present invention is applied to a television receiver has been disclosed. However, for example, it can be diverted to a radio having a plurality of speaker mounting positions. It can also be used for CD players, record players, components, and the like.
Further, when the screw is an insulator, the detection mechanism of the attachment state of the speaker (an example of the sound output means) can be configured as follows. That is, a part of the circuit of the detection mechanism is configured such that two flexible conductors are elastically urged to each other, and the screw is attached (screwed) to the screw hole. The elastic urging force is released by interrupting between the conductors. Accordingly, since the energization state of the circuit is changed depending on whether or not the screw is attached, the presence or absence of the screw, that is, the attachment state of the speaker is detected based on such change.
Furthermore, it is conceivable to attach directly to an acoustic device without using indirect means such as screws. In that case, a switch is provided on a surface of the audio device that is in contact with the speaker, and the speaker is attached by detecting that the switch is pressed when the speaker is attached to the audio device. For example, it may be possible to detect.

FIG. 4 is a schematic rear view of the television receiver X, which is an example of the audio device according to the embodiment of the present invention, when no speaker is mounted, when an under speaker is mounted, and when a side speaker is mounted. The block diagram showing schematic structure of the audio | voice output circuit (alpha) containing the acoustic characteristic adjustment apparatus A with which the television receiver X is provided. The figure which shows the attachment state detection mechanism of the speaker (under speaker, side speaker) in the television receiver X. The flowchart which shows the procedure of the setting process of the sound quality correction content based on discrimination | determination of the attachment state of the speaker in the acoustic characteristic adjustment apparatus A.

Explanation of symbols

A ... Acoustic characteristic adjusting device X according to the embodiment of the present invention ... Television receiver α equipped with the acoustic characteristic adjusting device A ... Audio output circuits 1a, 1b equipped with the acoustic characteristic adjusting device A ... Underspeaker mounting position (Left, right)
2a, 2b ... Side speaker mounting positions (left, right)
3 ... Under-speaker attachment state detection mechanism 4 ... Side speaker attachment state detection mechanism 5a, 5b ... Under speaker (left, right)
6a, 6b ... Side speakers (left, right)
7 ... Screw 8 ... Microcomputer 9 ... Sound quality correction DSP
10 ... EEPROM
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Power amplifier 12 ... Speaker (SP) terminal 13 ... Power supply 14 ... I / O
15 ... Switch part 16 ... Conductive plate 17 ... Resistance 18 ... Support part

Claims (6)

An attachment state detection means for detecting the attachment state of the sound output means at a plurality of attachment positions in the acoustic device;
An acoustic characteristic adjusting unit that performs an adjustment process of an acoustic characteristic for a sound signal output from the acoustic device based on a detection result by the attachment state detecting unit;
An acoustic characteristic adjusting device comprising:   The sound according to claim 1, wherein the sound output means is attached to the attachment position by a screw, and the attachment state detection means detects the attachment state of the sound output means by detecting whether or not the screw is attached. Characteristic adjustment device. Output characteristics of the audio output means attached to each of the attachment positions are predetermined,
The acoustic characteristic adjustment device according to claim 1, wherein the acoustic characteristic adjustment processing by the acoustic characteristic adjustment device corresponds to an output characteristic of the audio output unit attached to the acoustic device.   The acoustic characteristic adjustment device according to claim 1, wherein the acoustic characteristic adjustment processing by the acoustic characteristic adjustment unit includes sound quality correction processing such as equalization processing and surround processing. A television receiver to which audio output means can be attached at any of a plurality of attachment positions,
Image display means for displaying an image;
A television receiver comprising the acoustic characteristic adjusting device according to claim 1.   The television receiver according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of attachment positions are positions on both sides and a lower side of the image display means.

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