JP2006295367A - Digital surround-sound system, server device, and amplifier device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce the burden on a user required for setting a DSP parameter. <P>SOLUTION: A database server device 1 comprises a database in which the sound field process setting information that designates a sound field process or frequency characteristics process to be executed is stored for each discrimination information of audio contents, and transmits the sound field process setting information corresponding to the discrimination information of audio contents which a contents reproducing device 5 reproduces to an AV amplifier 6. The AV amplifier 6 comprises a DSP60 which applies the audio contents outputted from the contents reproducing device 5 with a sound field process or frequency characteristics process, a storage means 64 in which the sound field process setting information is stored while corresponded to the DSP parameter, and a control means 62 which acquires the DSP parameter from the storage means 64 that corresponds to the sound field process setting information received from the server device 1 and sets it to the DSP60. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a digital surround system, a server device, and an amplifier device that automatically set DSP parameters according to audio content.

  In recent years, for example, there are audio sources that record 2-channel audio signals such as VTR tapes, and those that record 5.1 channel multi-channel audio signals such as DVD, and reproduce such audio sources. Digital surround systems are becoming popular in ordinary households. In such a digital surround system, a digital signal processor (hereinafter referred to as DSP) mounted on an audio reproduction device such as an AV amplifier is used to perform various sound field processes on the audio signal and output from the speaker. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent No. 3587088

  However, since the setting of the DSP parameter in the conventional sound reproducing apparatus requires specialized knowledge, a user who is not familiar with sound senses how the DSP parameter is controlled and what effect is obtained. Cannot be recognized automatically, and it is difficult to set the optimum sound field processing.

  Therefore, in order to solve such a problem, in the system disclosed in Patent Document 1, an image of acoustic characteristics corresponding to the change of the DSP parameter is created using a computer, and this image is displayed. The effect that the change of the DSP parameter has on the acoustic characteristics can be visually recognized by the user. However, in the system disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the sound field processing is executed according to the content to be reproduced or the scene of the content, it is necessary to change the DSP parameter for each content or each scene, which is very difficult for the user. There is a problem that it is a complicated operation and it takes time to make detailed settings.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a digital surround system, a server device, and an amplifier device that can reduce a user's burden required for setting a DSP parameter.

  The present invention is a digital surround system including a server device, a content playback device connected to the server device via a network, and an amplifier device connected to the server device via a network, the server device Includes a database that pre-stores sound field processing setting information for specifying sound field processing or frequency characteristic processing to be executed for each piece of audio content identification information, and identification information of the audio content to be reproduced by the content reproduction device. Identification information receiving means for receiving from the content reproduction device; and sound field processing setting information transmitting means for acquiring sound field processing setting information corresponding to the received identification information from the database and transmitting the information to the amplifier device, The content playback apparatus includes a playback means for playing back audio content, and the audio content. A digital signal processor (DSP) for performing sound field processing or frequency characteristic processing on the audio content output from the content reproduction device, the identification information transmitting means for transmitting identification information to the server device Storage means for storing sound field processing setting information and DSP parameters in association with each other, and DSP parameters corresponding to the sound field processing setting information received from the server device are acquired from the storage means and set in the DSP. DSP parameter setting means.

In the configuration example of the digital surround system according to the present invention, the database of the server device stores the sound field processing setting information for each scene of the audio content, and the DSP parameter setting means of the amplifier device is configured to reproduce the content. Based on the sound field processing setting information corresponding to the scene of the audio content reproduced by the apparatus, DSP parameters are acquired from the storage means and set in the DSP.
In one configuration example of the digital surround system of the present invention, the database of the server device stores the sound field processing setting information for each recording medium of audio content, and the DSP parameter setting means of the amplifier device includes the content Based on the sound field processing setting information corresponding to the recording medium of the audio content reproduced by the reproducing apparatus, the DSP parameter is acquired from the storage means and set in the DSP.
Also, in one configuration example of the digital surround system of the present invention, the database of the server device stores the sound field processing setting information for each audio content format, and the DSP parameter setting means of the amplifier device is configured to reproduce the content. Based on the sound field processing setting information corresponding to the format of the audio content reproduced by the apparatus, DSP parameters are acquired from the storage means and set in the DSP.
In one configuration example of the digital surround system of the present invention, the database of the server device explains the sound field processing setting information and the sound effect by the sound field processing setting information with respect to identification information of one audio content. The sound field processing setting information transmitting means of the server device acquires sound field processing setting information and sound effect guide information corresponding to the received identification information from the database. The DSP parameter setting means of the amplifier device displays a plurality of sound effect guide information received from the server device on the display device, and a sound field corresponding to the sound effect guide information selected by the user. Based on processing setting information, DSP parameters are acquired from the storage means and set in the DSP.

The present invention is also a server device connected via a network to an amplifier device including a digital signal processor (DSP) that performs sound field processing or frequency characteristic processing on audio content output from the content reproduction device. A database for storing sound field processing setting information for specifying sound field processing or frequency characteristic processing to be executed in advance for each piece of audio content identification information, and identification information for the audio content to be reproduced by the content reproduction device. Identification information receiving means for receiving from the content reproduction device, and sound field processing setting information corresponding to the received identification information is acquired from the database and transmitted to the amplifier device, and a DSP parameter corresponding to the sound field processing setting information And a sound field processing setting information transmitting means for setting the signal to the DSP of the amplifier device. It is.
In addition, the present invention is an amplifier device connected via a network to a server device that prestores sound field processing setting information for specifying sound field processing or frequency characteristic processing to be executed for each piece of audio content identification information. A digital signal processor (DSP) that performs sound field processing or frequency characteristic processing on audio content output from the content reproduction apparatus, and storage means that stores sound field processing setting information and DSP parameters in association with each other in advance. And the sound field processing setting information transmitted from the server device corresponding to the identification information of the audio content output from the content reproduction device, and the DSP means corresponding to the sound field processing setting information And DSP parameter setting means for setting in the DSP.

  According to the present invention, the sound field processing setting information corresponding to the audio content that the user intends to reproduce with the content reproduction device is transmitted from the server device to the user's amplifier device, and the amplifier device is set according to the sound field processing setting information. Since the DSP parameter of the DSP is set, it is possible to easily set the DSP parameter for each content, and the burden on the user required for setting the DSP parameter can be greatly reduced.

  In the present invention, the sound field processing setting information is registered in the database of the server device for each scene of the audio content, so that the DSP parameters suitable for the content scene can be easily set.

  In the present invention, the sound field processing setting information is registered in the database of the server device for each audio content recording medium, so that a DSP parameter suitable for the recording medium can be easily set.

  In the present invention, the sound field processing setting information is registered in the database of the server device for each audio content format, so that DSP parameters suitable for the audio format can be easily set.

  Further, in the present invention, a plurality of pieces of sound field processing setting information and sound effect guide information explaining sound effects by the sound field processing setting information are registered in the database of the server device for one piece of audio content identification information. This allows manual setting according to the user's preference.

[First Embodiment]
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a digital surround system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The digital surround system according to the present embodiment includes a database server device 1, an Internet connection terminal device 4 installed in a user's house 2 and connected to the database server device 1 via a network 3 such as the Internet, and a content reproduction device. 5, an AV amplifier 6, and a speaker 7.

  FIG. 2 shows one configuration example of the database server device 1. The database server device 1 includes interface means 10 for performing connection / disconnection processing and communication processing with the network 3, and sound field processing setting information for designating sound field processing or frequency characteristic processing to be executed to the DSP of the AV amplifier 6. Are stored in advance for each piece of audio content identification information, and a control means 12 for controlling the entire server device. The sound field processing setting information specifies DSP parameters determined in advance for each audio content by a designer who is familiar with sound field processing. The interface unit 10 and the control unit 12 include an identification information receiving unit that receives the identification information of the audio content from the content reproduction device 5, and a sound field processing setting information transmitting unit that transmits the sound field processing setting information to the AV amplifier 6. It is composed.

  FIG. 3 shows a configuration example of the Internet connection terminal device 4. The Internet connection terminal device 4 includes an interface unit 40 that performs connection / disconnection processing and communication processing with the network 3, an interface unit 41 that performs connection / disconnection processing and communication processing with the content reproduction device 5, and the AV amplifier 6. Interface means 42 for performing connection / disconnection processing and communication processing, and control means 42 for controlling the entire terminal device are included.

The content reproduction apparatus 5 includes a media reproduction apparatus 50 such as a CD player, a DVD player, or a VTR, and a broadcast reception apparatus 51 that receives satellite broadcast, terrestrial broadcast, or the like. Both the media playback device 50 and the broadcast receiving device 51 do not have to be prepared, and either one may be used.
The AV amplifier 6 includes a DSP 60 that performs sound field processing or frequency characteristic processing on the audio data of the content output from the content reproduction device 5, an amplifier 61 that amplifies the audio signal output from the DSP 60, and DSP parameter setting means. Control means 62, storage means 63 that stores sound field processing setting information and DSP parameters in association with each other, a display device 64, and an operation device 65. Each component in the user home 2 may be housed in one device, or may exist as a separate device.

Hereinafter, the operation of the digital surround system according to the present embodiment will be described in detail. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the digital surround system.
First, the media playback device 50 or the broadcast receiving device 51 of the content playback device 5 starts playback of audio content in response to a user operation. At this time, the media reproducing device 50 or the broadcast receiving device 51 includes identification information transmitting means for transmitting the identification information of the audio content to the database server device 1 via the Internet connection terminal device 4 before reproducing the audio content. ing.

  If the audio content is recorded on a CD or DVD, the ISRC (International Standard Recording Code) / catalog code recorded on the CD or DVD, or the TOC (Table of Table) used in the CDDB (CD Database) Contents) Information can be used as identification information for audio contents. When the audio content is recorded on a video tape, the content title input by the user can be used as identification information. Further, when the audio content is received by the broadcast receiving device 51, the electronic program guide (EPG) j information can be used as identification information, and the G code for VTR recording input by the user is used as identification information. Can also be used.

  The database server device 1 and the Internet connection terminal device 4 are connected in advance via the network 3 by respective interface means 10 and 40. When the control means 43 of the Internet connection terminal apparatus 4 receives the identification information of the audio content from the content reproduction apparatus 5 via the interface means 41, it transmits this identification information to the database server apparatus 1 via the interface means 40 (FIG. 4 step S1).

  When receiving the identification information via the network 3 and the interface means 10, the control means 12 of the database server device 1 searches the database 11 and obtains the sound field processing setting information corresponding to the identification information from the database 11 (step S2). And the control means 12 transmits the acquired sound field process setting information to the internet connection terminal device 4 via the interface means 10 (step S3).

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of information registered in advance in the database 11. In the database 11, the audio content identification information 100, the audio content title 101, and the sound field ID 102 which is sound field processing setting information are associated with each other and registered for each sound content. The control means 12 of the database server device 1 searches the record of the database 11 in which the identification information 100 that matches the identification information received from the Internet connection terminal device 4 is registered, and sets the sound field ID 102 of the retrieved record as the sound field. It transmits to the internet connection terminal device 4 as process setting information.

When the control means 43 of the Internet connection terminal device 4 receives the sound field processing setting information transmitted from the database server device 1 via the interface means 40, the control means 43 receives the sound field processing setting information via the interface means 42. (Step S4).
The control means 62 of the AV amplifier 6 stores the sound field processing setting information received from the Internet connection terminal device 4 in the storage means 63, and according to this sound field processing setting information, the sound field processing setting of the DSP 60, that is, the setting of DSP parameters. (Step S5). In the storage unit 63, sound field processing setting information (sound field ID) and a DSP parameter are registered in advance in association with each other. The control unit 62 acquires the DSP parameter corresponding to the sound field processing setting information received from the Internet connection terminal device 4 from the storage unit 63 and sets the DSP parameter in the DSP 60.

  Then, the DSP 60 performs sound field processing or frequency characteristic processing on the audio data of the content output from the content reproduction device 5 according to the set DSP parameter (step S6). There are various types of sound field processing, such as sound field processing that reproduces the sound field of a concert hall, sound field processing that reproduces the sound field of a church, and sound field processing that reproduces the sound field of a live house. As the characteristic process, for example, there is a process of correcting a mid-high frequency component. It goes without saying that either one of the sound field processing and the frequency characteristic processing may be performed, or both may be combined.

  The sound data subjected to the sound field processing is converted into an analog sound signal by the DSP 60, amplified by the amplifier 61, and output from the speaker 7. Thus, the content is reproduced (step S7). The processes in steps S1 to S7 as described above are performed for each content.

  In the present embodiment, the sound field processing setting information corresponding to the content to be reproduced by the user is transmitted from the database server device 1 to the user's home 2, and the DSP of the DSP 60 of the AV amplifier 6 according to the sound field processing setting information. Since the parameters are set, it is possible to easily set the DSP parameters for each content, and the burden on the user required for setting the DSP parameters can be greatly reduced.

In the example of FIG. 1, only two speakers 7 are described, but in reality, a large number of speakers such as a main speaker, a rear speaker, and a subwoofer are installed, and the DSP 60 also performs sound for multi-channel audio data. Field processing or frequency characteristic processing is performed, and an amplifier 61 is often provided for each speaker.
The DSP parameters registered in the storage means 63 of the AV amplifier 6 are different for each user even if the sound field processing setting information is the same. The reason is that the state of the user's house 2 and the number and arrangement of the speakers 7 are different for each user. In general, in the digital surround system, when the user first places the AV amplifier 6 and the speaker 7 in the room, the AV amplifier 6 is set up, and the DSP parameters are determined by this setup. As a result, DSP parameters corresponding to individual user situations are registered in the storage means 63.

[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, the DSP parameter is set for each content. However, the DSP parameter may be set for each scene of the content, or the DSP parameter may be set for each medium. Alternatively, the DSP parameter may be set for each audio format.

  Also in the present embodiment, since the configuration of the digital surround system is the same as that of the first embodiment, description will be made using the reference numerals in FIGS. FIG. 6 shows another example of information registered in advance in the database 11. In the database 11 of the present embodiment, the audio content identification information 200, the audio content title 201, the media information 202, the audio format information 203, the start sound field ID 204, and the scene # 2 time stamp information 205 are stored. The scene # 2 sound field ID 206, the scene #n time stamp information 207, and the scene #n sound field ID 208 are associated with each other and registered for each audio content, each medium, and each audio format. In the example of FIG. 6, 204 to 208 are the sound field processing setting information.

  Similar to the first embodiment, when the sound field processing setting information corresponding to the content identification information is sent from the database server device 1 to the AV amplifier 6 via the Internet connection terminal device 4, this sound field processing setting information. Is stored in the storage means 63. Then, the control means 62 acquires the DSP parameter corresponding to the starting sound field ID 204 from the storage means 63 and sets it in the DSP 60 at the start of content reproduction. At this time, time stamp information representing a scene being reproduced is sent to the AV amplifier 6 from the content reproduction apparatus 5 that reproduces the content.

The control means 62 detects the content scene based on the time stamp information received from the content reproduction apparatus 5, and performs DSP parameter setting according to the scene. For example, if the time indicated by the received time stamp information coincides with the time of the scene # 2 time stamp information 205 (20 minutes 15 seconds in the example of FIG. 6), the control means 62 changes to the scene # 2 of the content. It is determined that the DSP has reached the DSP parameter corresponding to the scene # 2 sound field ID 206 from the storage unit 63 and set in the DSP 60.
Thus, in the present embodiment, the DSP parameter can be set for each scene of content.

Even for the same content, the number of recorded audio channels may differ between DVD and video tape. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the sound information processing setting information can be registered for each medium by storing the media information 202 in the database 11.
For example, in the case of a DVD, audio data encoded in a plurality of audio formats such as Dolby (registered trademark) digital and DTS (registered trademark) (Digital Theater Systems) are often recorded on the same disc. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the sound field processing setting information can be registered for each sound format by storing the sound format information 203 in the database 11.

  In the present embodiment, even if the content is the same, if the media or audio format is different, different identification information is assigned. However, the present invention is not limited to this. May be given the same identification information. In this case, in addition to the content identification information, the playback media information is sent from the content playback device 5 to the database server device 1 via the Internet connection terminal device 4, so that the content identification information and playback from the database server device 1 can be performed. The sound field processing setting information corresponding to the media information may be sent. Similarly, by transmitting audio format information from the content reproduction apparatus 5 to the database server apparatus 1, it is only necessary to transmit sound field processing setting information corresponding to the content identification information and audio format information from the database server apparatus 1.

[Third Embodiment]
In the first and second embodiments, the DSP parameter is automatically set. However, the user may be able to manually set the parameter within a pre-registered range. Also in the present embodiment, since the configuration of the digital surround system is the same as that of the first embodiment, description will be made using the reference numerals in FIGS. FIG. 7 shows another example of information registered in advance in the database 11. In the database 11 of the present embodiment, the audio content identification information 300, the audio content title 301, the optimum sound field ID 302, the sound effect # 1 guide information 303, the sound effect # 1 sound field ID 304, and the sound The effect # 2 guide information 305 and the sound effect # 2 sound field ID 306 are associated with each other and registered for each audio content. In the example of FIG. 7, 302 to 306 are the sound field processing setting information.

  The control means 62 of the AV amplifier 6 obtains the DSP parameter corresponding to the optimum sound field ID 302 from the storage means 63 and sets it in the DSP 60 at the start of content reproduction. Then, the control unit 62 causes the display device 64 to display the acoustic effect # 1 guide information 303 and the acoustic effect # 2 guide information 305 included in the sound field processing setting information received from the Internet connection terminal device 4. As a result, the acoustic effect # 1 guide information 303 “enhance the reverberant sound” and the acoustic effect # 2 guide information 305 “enhance the reverberant sound” are displayed on the display device 64.

  Here, when the user operates the operation device 65 and selects the acoustic effect # 1 guide information 303 “enhance the reverberation sound”, the control unit 62 sets the DSP parameter corresponding to the acoustic effect # 1 sound field ID 304. Obtained from the storage means 63 and set in the DSP 60. Thereby, a sound field process with a stronger reverberant sound than that of the DSP parameter corresponding to the optimum sound field ID 302 is performed. In this way, in addition to the optimum DSP parameter considered by the designer, by preparing the DSP parameter, manual setting according to the user's preference becomes possible.

  Also, by returning the sound field processing setting information selected by the user from the control means 62 to the database server apparatus 1 via the Internet connection terminal apparatus 4, the control means 12 of the database server apparatus 1 causes the DSP parameters (sound field by the user) Processing setting information) can be created. Then, by sending the DSP parameter ranking table from the database server device 1 to the Internet connection terminal device 4, the popularity ranking table is displayed on the display device of the AV amplifier 6. You can also select settings.

  The database server apparatus 1 as described in the first to third embodiments can be realized by a computer including a CPU, a memory, and an interface, and a program that controls these hardware resources. The CPU executes the processing as described above according to the program stored in the memory. Similarly, the Internet connection terminal device 4, the control means 62 and the storage means 63 in the AV amplifier 6 can also be realized by a computer and a program.

  The present invention can be applied to a digital surround system.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the digital surround system used as the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows one structural example of the database server apparatus in the digital surround system of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows one structural example of the internet connection terminal device in the digital surround system of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the digital surround system of FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the information previously registered into the database of the database server apparatus of FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the information previously registered into the database of the database server apparatus in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the information previously registered into the database of the database server apparatus in the 3rd Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Database server apparatus, 2 ... User house, 3 ... Network, 4 ... Internet connection terminal device, 5 ... Content reproduction apparatus, 6 ... AV amplifier, 7 ... Speaker.

Claims (7)

A digital surround system comprising a server device, a content reproduction device connected to the server device via a network, and an amplifier device connected to the server device via the network,
The server device stores in advance sound field processing setting information for specifying sound field processing or frequency characteristic processing to be executed for each piece of audio content identification information, and identification of audio content to be reproduced by the content reproduction device. Identification information receiving means for receiving information from the content reproduction apparatus; and sound field processing setting information transmitting means for acquiring sound field processing setting information corresponding to the received identification information from the database and transmitting the information to the amplifier apparatus. Prepared,
The content reproduction device includes reproduction means for reproducing audio content, and identification information transmission means for transmitting identification information of the audio content to the server device,
The amplifier device stores, in advance, a digital signal processor (DSP) that performs sound field processing or frequency characteristic processing on audio content output from the content reproduction device, sound field processing setting information, and DSP parameters. And a DSP parameter setting means for acquiring DSP parameters corresponding to the sound field processing setting information received from the server device from the storage means and setting the DSP parameters in the DSP. The digital surround system according to claim 1, wherein
The database of the server device stores the sound field processing setting information for each scene of audio content,
The DSP parameter setting means of the amplifier device acquires a DSP parameter from the storage means and sets it in the DSP based on sound field processing setting information corresponding to the scene of the audio content reproduced by the content reproduction device. A digital surround system characterized by The digital surround system according to claim 1, wherein
The database of the server device stores the sound field processing setting information for each audio content recording medium,
The DSP parameter setting means of the amplifier device acquires a DSP parameter from the storage means based on sound field processing setting information corresponding to a recording medium of audio content reproduced by the content reproduction device, and sets the DSP parameter in the DSP. A digital surround system characterized by this. The digital surround system according to claim 1, wherein
The database of the server device stores the sound field processing setting information for each audio content format,
The DSP parameter setting means of the amplifier device acquires a DSP parameter from the storage means and sets it in the DSP based on sound field processing setting information corresponding to the format of the audio content reproduced by the content reproduction device. A digital surround system characterized by The digital surround system according to claim 1, wherein
The database of the server device stores a plurality of each of the sound field processing setting information and sound effect guide information explaining sound effects by the sound field processing setting information for one piece of audio content identification information,
The sound field processing setting information transmitting means of the server device acquires sound field processing setting information and sound effect guide information corresponding to the received identification information from the database and transmits the information to the amplifier device.
The DSP parameter setting means of the amplifier device displays a plurality of sound effect guide information received from the server device on the display device, and based on the sound field processing setting information corresponding to the sound effect guide information selected by the user, the DSP A digital surround system, wherein parameters are acquired from the storage means and set in the DSP. A server device connected via a network to an amplifier device including a digital signal processor (DSP) that performs sound field processing or frequency characteristic processing on audio content output from a content reproduction device,
A database that stores sound field processing setting information for specifying sound field processing or frequency characteristic processing to be executed in advance for each piece of audio content identification information;
Identification information receiving means for receiving, from the content reproduction device, identification information of audio content to be reproduced by the content reproduction device;
Sound field processing setting information corresponding to the received identification information is acquired from the database, transmitted to the amplifier device, and a DSP parameter corresponding to the sound field processing setting information is set in the DSP of the amplifier device. A server apparatus comprising: setting information transmission means. An amplifier device connected via a network to a server device that stores sound field processing setting information for specifying sound field processing or frequency characteristic processing to be executed in advance for each piece of audio content identification information,
A digital signal processor (DSP) that performs sound field processing or frequency characteristic processing on audio content output from the content reproduction device;
Storage means for storing sound field processing setting information and DSP parameters in association with each other in advance;
The sound field processing setting information transmitted from the server device corresponding to the audio content identification information output from the content reproduction device is received, and the DSP parameter corresponding to the sound field processing setting information is acquired from the storage means. And a DSP parameter setting means for setting the DSP.

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