JP2009049959A - External sound perceiving apparatus - Google Patents

External sound perceiving apparatus Download PDF

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JP2009049959A
JP2009049959A JP2007216812A JP2007216812A JP2009049959A JP 2009049959 A JP2009049959 A JP 2009049959A JP 2007216812 A JP2007216812 A JP 2007216812A JP 2007216812 A JP2007216812 A JP 2007216812A JP 2009049959 A JP2009049959 A JP 2009049959A
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sound
characteristic parameter
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external sound
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JP4953081B2 (en
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Takuya Hotehama
拓也 保手浜
Seiji Nakagawa
誠司 中川
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National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology AIST
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Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an external sound perceiving apparatus for accurately sensing a direction of a sound source. <P>SOLUTION: The external sound perceiving apparatus 1 comprises: an oscillation signal generating means 20 for individually generating an oscillation signal by modulating a carrier signal of an ultrasonic wave based on sound signals inputted to directional microphones 10, 10 and a plurality of oscillators 30 for transmitting ultrasonic vibrations to a living body according to the oscillation signal. The oscillation signal generating means 20 comprises a parameter calculating means 21 for acquiring a spatial characteristic parameter by calculating a level difference and/or a time difference of sound signals between the plurality of directional microphones 10, 10, and an output correcting means 24 for correcting at least one of the vibration signals based on the spatial characteristic parameter. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

本発明は、音声や環境音などの外部音を超音波振動により知覚するための外部音知覚装置に関する。   The present invention relates to an external sound perception apparatus for perceiving external sounds such as sounds and environmental sounds by ultrasonic vibration.

外部音知覚装置の一例として、難聴者用の補聴器が知られている。補聴器には、音の振動が鼓膜を介して脳の聴覚器官に伝達される気導型の補聴器と、音の振動が鼓膜を介さずに頭蓋骨などから直接人体に伝わる骨導型の補聴器とがあり、最近では、振動子を介して超音波振動を脳の聴覚器官に伝達することにより、外部音を知覚可能にした骨導超音波型の補聴器が知られている。   A hearing aid for the hearing impaired is known as an example of an external sound perception device. Hearing aids include air-conducting hearing aids in which sound vibration is transmitted to the auditory organ of the brain through the eardrum, and bone-conducting hearing aids in which sound vibration is transmitted directly from the skull to the human body without going through the eardrum. Recently, there has been known a bone-conducting ultrasonic hearing aid that can perceive an external sound by transmitting ultrasonic vibration to an auditory organ of the brain via a vibrator.

このような骨導超音波型の補聴器に関連して、非特許文献1及び2には、振動子を両耳の乳様突起に装着して振幅変調された骨導超音波を呈示する場合に、振幅包絡の両耳間時間差や両耳間レベル差により、頭内の音像が変化することが開示されている。また、特許文献1には、2つの指向性マイクロフォンに入力された外部音で振幅変調されたそれぞれの骨導超音波を、両耳乳様突起に装着した2つの振動子で呈示する場合に、各指向性マイクロフォンから入力された外部音毎に固有の変調を行うことにより、音源の方向を認識できることが開示されている。
保手浜拓也, 中川誠司, “AM骨導超音波の頭内定位知覚 - 振幅包絡のITD弁別閾値,” 聴覚研究会資料, 36, pp.627-632, 2006 保手浜拓也, 中川誠司, “AM骨導超音波の頭内定位知覚 - IID検出閾値,” 日本音響学会2006年秋季研究発表会講演論文集, pp.351-352, 2006 特開2006−304020号公報
In relation to such bone-conducting ultrasonic hearing aids, Non-Patent Documents 1 and 2 show that when a transducer is attached to a mastoid process of both ears and amplitude-modulated bone-conducting ultrasound is presented. In addition, it is disclosed that the sound image in the head changes due to the time difference between the ears and the level difference between the ears of the amplitude envelope. Further, in Patent Document 1, when each bone-conducted ultrasonic wave amplitude-modulated by external sound input to two directional microphones is presented by two vibrators attached to the binaural mastoid process, It is disclosed that the direction of the sound source can be recognized by performing modulation specific to each external sound input from each directional microphone.
Takuya Hotehama, Seiji Nakagawa, “AM bone conduction ultrasound localization perception-ITD discrimination threshold of amplitude envelope,” Auditory Society of Japan, 36, pp.627-632, 2006 Takuya Hotehama, Seiji Nakagawa, “AM bone conduction ultrasound localization perception-IID detection threshold,” Proceedings of the Acoustical Society of Japan 2006 Autumn Meeting, pp.351-352, 2006 JP 2006-304020 A

上記のように、骨導超音波の知覚特性に関する従来からの研究は、骨導超音波型の補聴器を両耳近傍に装用することで、方向感を獲得できる可能性を示唆するものである。ところが、本発明者らが特許文献1に開示された装置を用いて試験を行ったところ、その知覚特性は気導音のものとは異なっており、知覚される音像の位置と実際の音源位置との間に乖離が生じることが明らかになった。 As described above, conventional research on the perceptual characteristics of bone-conducted ultrasound suggests the possibility of obtaining a sense of direction by wearing a bone-conducted ultrasound type hearing aid in the vicinity of both ears. However, when the present inventors conducted a test using the apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, the perceptual characteristics thereof are different from those of the air conduction sound, and the position of the perceived sound image and the actual sound source position are different. It became clear that there was a gap between the two.

すなわち、特許文献1に開示された外部音知覚装置により外部音の変調信号を呈示した場合、変調を行うことによって方向定位の手がかりの一つである両耳間レベル差が圧縮されて小さくなってしまうため、この装置により知覚される音像は、実際の音源方向より正中面側にシフトするおそれがあった。   That is, when an external sound modulation signal is presented by the external sound perception device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the interaural level difference, which is one of the clues of direction localization, is compressed and reduced by modulation. Therefore, the sound image perceived by this apparatus may shift to the median plane side from the actual sound source direction.

また、ある外部音で振幅変調した骨導超音波の両耳間時間差の弁別閾値は、その外部音そのものの両耳間時間差の弁別閾値に比べてはるかに大きいため、これが原因となって、実際の音源方向より正中面側に音像が知覚されるおそれもあった。   In addition, the discrimination threshold of the interaural time difference of the bone-conducted ultrasound modulated by an external sound is much larger than the discrimination threshold of the interaural time difference of the external sound itself. There is also a possibility that a sound image is perceived on the median plane side from the sound source direction.

そこで、本発明は、音源の方向を正確に知覚することができる外部音知覚装置の提供を目的とする。   Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an external sound perception apparatus that can accurately perceive the direction of a sound source.

本発明の前記目的は、外部音が入力される複数の指向性マイクロフォンと、 前記各指向性マイクロフォンに入力された音信号に基づいて超音波のキャリア信号を変調すること
により、振動信号を個別に生成する振動信号生成手段と、 前記各振動信号に基づいて生体に超音波振動を伝達する複数の振動子とを備える外部音知覚装置であって、前記振動信号生成手段は、複数の前記指向性マイクロフォン間における前記音信号のレベル差及び/又は時間差を算出して空間特性パラメータを取得するパラメータ算出手段と、前記各振動信号の少なくともいずれかを前記空間特性パラメータに基づき補正する出力補正手段とを備える外部音知覚装置により達成される。
The object of the present invention is to individually modulate vibration signals by modulating ultrasonic carrier signals based on a plurality of directional microphones to which external sound is input and sound signals input to the directional microphones. An external sound perception device comprising: a vibration signal generation means for generating; and a plurality of vibrators for transmitting ultrasonic vibrations to a living body based on each vibration signal, wherein the vibration signal generation means includes a plurality of the directivities. Parameter calculation means for obtaining a spatial characteristic parameter by calculating a level difference and / or time difference of the sound signal between microphones, and output correction means for correcting at least one of the vibration signals based on the spatial characteristic parameter. This is achieved by the external sound perception device provided.

この外部音知覚装置において、前記出力補正手段は、複数の前記振動子間における前記振動信号のレベル差及び/又は時間差に相当する伝達特性パラメータが、前記空間特性パラメータに補正係数を乗じた値となるように、前記振動信号を補正することができる。   In the external sound perception apparatus, the output correction means includes a transfer characteristic parameter corresponding to a level difference and / or a time difference of the vibration signal between the plurality of vibrators, and a value obtained by multiplying the spatial characteristic parameter by a correction coefficient. Thus, the vibration signal can be corrected.

前記空間特性パラメータが、前記音信号のレベル差及び時間差の双方を含んでいる場合には、前記出力補正手段は、複数の前記振動子間における前記振動信号のレベル差に相当する伝達特性パラメータが、前記音信号のレベル差に補正係数を乗じた値に、前記音信号の時間差に所定の時間−強度交換比の逆数を乗じた値を加えて算出されるように、前記振動信号を補正することができる。   When the spatial characteristic parameter includes both a level difference and a time difference of the sound signal, the output correction means has a transfer characteristic parameter corresponding to the level difference of the vibration signal between the plurality of vibrators. The vibration signal is corrected so as to be calculated by adding a value obtained by multiplying a level difference of the sound signal by a correction coefficient to a time difference of the sound signal and a reciprocal of a predetermined time-intensity exchange ratio. be able to.

また、この外部音知覚装置は、複数の前記振動子から前記振動信号が出力された状態で、前記伝達特性パラメータを使用者が調整可能なパラメータ調整手段と、前記空間特性パラメータが既知である外部音の方向感に合致するように使用者が前記調整手段を操作して決定された前記伝達特性パラメータに基づき、前記補正係数を設定する補正係数設定手段とを更に備えることが好ましい。   In addition, the external sound perception apparatus includes a parameter adjusting unit that allows a user to adjust the transfer characteristic parameter in a state where the vibration signal is output from a plurality of the vibrators, and an external device in which the spatial characteristic parameter is known. It is preferable to further include correction coefficient setting means for setting the correction coefficient based on the transfer characteristic parameter determined by the user operating the adjusting means so as to match the sense of sound direction.

本発明の外部音知覚装置によれば、音源の方向を正確に知覚することができる。   According to the external sound perception apparatus of the present invention, the direction of the sound source can be accurately perceived.

以下、本発明の実態形態について添付図面を参照して説明する。図1は、本発明の一実施形態に係る外部音知覚装置の概略構成図であり、図2は、そのブロック図である。図1及び図2に示すように、この外部音知覚装置は、外部音が入力される複数の指向性マイクロフォン10,10と、入力された音信号に基づいて振動信号を生成する振動信号生成部20と、前記振動信号に基づく機械的振動を伝達する複数の振動伝達部30,30とを備える。尚、図1においては、一方の指向性マイクロフォン10及び振動伝達部30のみが図示されている。   Hereinafter, actual forms of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an external sound perception apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram thereof. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the external sound perception apparatus includes a plurality of directional microphones 10 and 10 to which external sound is input, and a vibration signal generation unit that generates a vibration signal based on the input sound signal. 20 and a plurality of vibration transmission units 30 and 30 for transmitting mechanical vibration based on the vibration signal. In FIG. 1, only one directional microphone 10 and the vibration transmitting unit 30 are shown.

指向性マイクロフォン10,10は、弾性変形可能なヘアバンド型の取付部材2の両端にそれぞれ設けられており、図1に示すように取付部材2を使用者の頭部に装着した状態で、各耳の近傍において主軸が外側方を向くように配置される。また、振動伝達部30,30は、取付部材2の両端部からそれぞれ分岐する支持部4に支持され、左右の乳様突起の近傍に配置される。各指向性マイクロフォン10,10に入力された外部音は、増幅処理が行われた後、振動信号生成部20に入力される。   The directional microphones 10 and 10 are respectively provided at both ends of the elastically deformable hairband attachment member 2, and each attachment member 2 is mounted on the user's head as shown in FIG. It is arranged so that the main axis faces outward in the vicinity of the ear. Moreover, the vibration transmission parts 30 and 30 are each supported by the support part 4 branched from the both ends of the attachment member 2, and are arrange | positioned in the vicinity of the right and left milky processes. The external sound input to each of the directional microphones 10 and 10 is input to the vibration signal generation unit 20 after being amplified.

振動信号生成部20は、複数の指向性マイクロフォン10,10間における、入力された音信号の空間特性パラメータを取得するパラメータ算出部21と、キャリア信号を生成するキャリア信号発生部22,22と、各指向性マイクロフォン10,10から入力された音信号に基づいてキャリア信号を変調することにより振動信号を生成するキャリア信号変調部23,23と、キャリア信号変調部23,23で生成された振動信号を補正する出力補正部24とを備えており、各指向性マイクロフォン10,10の入力音毎に個別に振動信号を生成し、それぞれ振動伝達部30,30に出力する。キャリア信号の周波数は、高度の難聴者であっても良好な感音状態が得られるように、超音波領域である20〜10
0kHzであることが好ましく、20〜50kHzであることがより好ましい。また、変調方式は、本実施形態では振幅変調としているが、周波数変調や位相変調などとすることもできる。
The vibration signal generation unit 20 includes a parameter calculation unit 21 that acquires a spatial characteristic parameter of an input sound signal between the plurality of directional microphones 10 and 10, carrier signal generation units 22 and 22 that generate carrier signals, Carrier signal modulation units 23 and 23 that generate a vibration signal by modulating a carrier signal based on sound signals input from the directional microphones 10 and 10, and vibration signals generated by the carrier signal modulation units 23 and 23 And an output correction unit 24 that generates a vibration signal individually for each input sound of the directional microphones 10 and 10 and outputs the vibration signal to the vibration transmission units 30 and 30, respectively. The frequency of the carrier signal is 20 to 10 in the ultrasonic range so that a good sound sense state can be obtained even for a highly deaf person.
0 kHz is preferable, and 20 to 50 kHz is more preferable. The modulation method is amplitude modulation in this embodiment, but may be frequency modulation or phase modulation.

パラメータ算出部21が取得する空間特性パラメータは、各指向性マイクロフォン10,10に入力された信号から得られる音源の空間情報に関するパラメータであり、本実施形態においては、各指向性マイクロフォン10,10間における音圧のレベル差及び時間差の双方を空間特性パラメータとしている。パラメータ算出部21は、各指向性マイクロフォン10,10間からの入力音を比較して、両耳間の音信号のレベル差及び時間差を算出する。例えば、2つの指向性マイクロフォン10,10に入力された音信号が、図4(a)に示すように「KEISATSU」という音声であった場合、パラメータ算出部21は、音信号のレベル差ILDを、例えば、チャネル間の音圧レベル差に基づき算出すると共に、音信号の時間差ITDを、例えば、チャネル間の相互相関関数の最大ピークの遅れ時間に基づき算出し、それぞれの値(例えば、10(dB),500(μs))を取得する。これらは、空間特性パラメータとして、出力補正部に入力される。相互相関関数は、入力信号を複数の周波数帯域に分割し、チャネル間で対応する帯域について算出するようにしてもよい。 The spatial characteristic parameter acquired by the parameter calculation unit 21 is a parameter related to the spatial information of the sound source obtained from the signal input to each directional microphone 10, 10, and in this embodiment, between the directional microphones 10, 10. Both the sound pressure level difference and time difference are used as spatial characteristic parameters. The parameter calculation unit 21 compares the input sounds from the directional microphones 10 and 10 and calculates the level difference and time difference of the sound signals between both ears. For example, when the sound signals input to the two directional microphones 10 and 10 are voices “KEISATSU” as shown in FIG. 4A, the parameter calculation unit 21 determines the level difference ILD 0 of the sound signals. , for example, to calculate on the basis of a sound pressure level difference between the channels, the time difference ITD 0 sound signal, for example, calculated based on the maximum peak delay time of the cross-correlation function between the channels, each of values (e.g., 10 (dB), 500 (μs)). These are input to the output correction unit as spatial characteristic parameters. The cross-correlation function may be calculated for a corresponding band between channels by dividing the input signal into a plurality of frequency bands.

出力補正部24は、キャリア信号変調部23,23で生成された振動信号を、空間特性パラメータに基づき補正する。各指向性マイクロフォン10,10に入力された音信号の音圧レベル差は、キャリア信号変調部23,23において振幅変調されることにより、図4(b)に示すように、レベル差が圧縮されて小さくなる。また、入力された音信号が振幅変調された後の振幅包絡線の両耳間時間差に対する弁別閾値は、もとの音信号の時間差に対する弁別閾値に比べて高くなるとともに、知覚される音源の方向も正中面側にシフトしてしまう。そこで、出力補正部24は、空間特性パラメータである音信号のレベル差ILD及び時間差ITDを用いて、伝達特性パラメータである振動信号のレベル差ILD及び時間差ITDを算出し、この伝達特性パラメータが各振動信号間に生じるように、振動信号を補正する。伝達特性パラメータは、音源の空間情報に対応する情報を振動伝達部30,30に伝達するためのパラメータであり、以下のように、空間特性パラメータに補正係数を乗じて算出される。 The output correction unit 24 corrects the vibration signal generated by the carrier signal modulation units 23 and 23 based on the spatial characteristic parameter. The sound pressure level difference between the sound signals input to the directional microphones 10 and 10 is amplitude-modulated by the carrier signal modulators 23 and 23, thereby compressing the level difference as shown in FIG. Become smaller. In addition, the discrimination threshold for the interaural time difference of the amplitude envelope after the amplitude modulation of the input sound signal is higher than the discrimination threshold for the time difference of the original sound signal, and the perceived direction of the sound source Will shift to the median side. Therefore, the output correction unit 24, using the level difference ILD 0 and time difference ITD 0 sound signal is a spatial characteristic parameters, calculates the level difference ILD 1 and the time difference ITD 1 of the vibration signal is a transmission characteristic parameter, the transmission The vibration signal is corrected so that a characteristic parameter occurs between the vibration signals. The transfer characteristic parameter is a parameter for transmitting information corresponding to the spatial information of the sound source to the vibration transmitting units 30 and 30, and is calculated by multiplying the spatial characteristic parameter by a correction coefficient as follows.

まず、出力補正部24は、各振動伝達部30,30に出力される振動信号のレベル差ILDが、予め設定された補正係数aを、音信号のレベル差ILDに乗じた値となるように、一方の振動信号の音圧レベルを補正する。すなわち、出力補正部24で補正された後の振動信号のレベル差ILDは、図4(c)に示すように音信号のレベル差ILDに比例したものとなり、下記の数式1が成り立つ。
[数1]
ILD= a × ILD

また、出力補正部24は、各振動伝達部30,30に出力される振動信号の時間差ITDが、予め設定された補正係数bを、外部音の時間差ITDに乗じた値となるように、遅延回路により一方の振動信号の出力タイミングを補正する。すなわち、出力補正部24で補正された後の振動信号の時間差ITDは、図4(c)に示すように外部音の時間差ITDに比例したものとなり、下記の数式2が成り立つ。
[数2]
ITD= b × ITD

振動信号の時間差ITDを生じさせるための遅延回路は、本実施形態のように、キャリア信号変調部23で振幅変調された後の振動信号が通過するように設ける代わりに、キャリア信号変調部23に入力される前の音信号が通過するように設けてもよい。また、振
動信号の補正は、本実施形態のように一方の振動伝達部30の振動信号のみを対象とするだけでなく、各振動伝達部30,30から出力される振動信号の双方を対象とすることも可能である。
First, in the output correction unit 24, the level difference ILD 1 of the vibration signal output to each of the vibration transmission units 30 and 30 becomes a value obtained by multiplying the level difference ILD 0 of the sound signal by a preset correction coefficient a. Thus, the sound pressure level of one vibration signal is corrected. That is, the vibration signal level difference ILD 1 after being corrected by the output correction unit 24 is proportional to the sound signal level difference ILD 0 as shown in FIG.
[Equation 1]
ILD 1 = a × ILD 0

The output correction unit 24 also sets the time difference ITD 1 of the vibration signals output to the vibration transmission units 30 and 30 to a value obtained by multiplying the preset correction coefficient b by the time difference ITD 0 of the external sound. The output timing of one vibration signal is corrected by the delay circuit. That is, the time difference ITD 1 of the vibration signal after being corrected by the output correction unit 24 is proportional to the time difference ITD 0 of the external sound as shown in FIG.
[Equation 2]
ITD 1 = b × ITD 0

Instead of providing a delay circuit for generating the time difference ITD 1 of the vibration signal so that the vibration signal amplitude-modulated by the carrier signal modulation unit 23 passes as in the present embodiment, the carrier signal modulation unit 23 It may be provided so that the sound signal before being input to the signal passes. In addition, the correction of the vibration signal is not only for the vibration signal of one vibration transmission unit 30 as in the present embodiment, but is also for both the vibration signals output from the vibration transmission units 30 and 30. It is also possible to do.

補正係数a,bは、予め標準値を設定してメモリ部(図示せず)に格納しておくことが好ましい。レベル差に対応する補正係数aは、0.5〜10の範囲で設定することが好ましく、時間差に対応する補正係数bは、10〜100の範囲で設定することが好ましい。補正係数bに関しては、算出される振動信号の時間差ITDが、0〜10msの範囲となるように設定することが好ましい。 The correction coefficients a and b are preferably set in advance and stored in a memory unit (not shown). The correction coefficient a corresponding to the level difference is preferably set in the range of 0.5 to 10, and the correction coefficient b corresponding to the time difference is preferably set in the range of 10 to 100. The correction coefficient b is preferably set so that the time difference ITD 1 of the calculated vibration signal is in the range of 0 to 10 ms.

また、振動信号生成部20は、振動信号が出力された状態で伝達特性パラメータを使用者が調整可能なパラメータ調整部25と、伝達特性パラメータの調整結果に基づき補正係数a,bを設定する補正係数設定部26とを備えており、予め設定されている補正係数a,bを、使用者に応じて最適化することができる。図1に示すように、パラメータ調整部25は、レベル差検査ボタン25aと、時間差検査ボタン25bと、伝達特性パラメータを調整するボリュームスイッチ25cと、伝達特性パラメータを決定する決定ボタン25dとを備えており、これらは振動信号生成部20を収容するケーシングに設けられている。補正係数a,bの具体的な設定方法については、後述する。   The vibration signal generation unit 20 also includes a parameter adjustment unit 25 that allows the user to adjust the transfer characteristic parameter in a state where the vibration signal is output, and a correction that sets the correction coefficients a and b based on the adjustment result of the transfer characteristic parameter. The coefficient setting unit 26 is provided, and the preset correction coefficients a and b can be optimized according to the user. As shown in FIG. 1, the parameter adjustment unit 25 includes a level difference inspection button 25a, a time difference inspection button 25b, a volume switch 25c for adjusting the transfer characteristic parameter, and a determination button 25d for determining the transfer characteristic parameter. These are provided in a casing that houses the vibration signal generator 20. A specific method for setting the correction coefficients a and b will be described later.

振動伝達部30,30は、振動信号を機械的な振動として外部に伝達する振動子をそれぞれ備え、各振動子が複数の指向性マイクロフォン10,10にそれぞれ対応付けられており、いずれかの指向性マイクロフォン10に入力された外部音は、対応する振動子から伝達される。   The vibration transmitting units 30 and 30 include vibrators that transmit vibration signals to the outside as mechanical vibrations, and each vibrator is associated with a plurality of directional microphones 10 and 10, respectively. The external sound input to the directional microphone 10 is transmitted from the corresponding vibrator.

図3に示すように、各振動伝達部30は、振動子31が収容された円筒状のケース32を備えており、ケース32の開口縁に吸盤34を取り付けて構成されている。   As shown in FIG. 3, each vibration transmission unit 30 includes a cylindrical case 32 in which a vibrator 31 is accommodated, and a suction cup 34 is attached to the opening edge of the case 32.

振動子31は、ジンバル機構により、互いに直交する2軸の回りに揺動可能に支持されている。即ち、振動子31は、振動面を露出させるように第1の枠体40に固定されており、第1の枠体40は、第1の支持軸42を介して第2の枠体44に揺動自在に支持されている。そして、第2の枠体44は、第1の支持軸42と直交する第2の支持軸46を介してケース32の内部に揺動自在に支持されている。振動子31の振動面は、ケース32の開口からわずかに突出しており、吸盤34を所定の取付部位に吸着させると、振動子31の振動面が被吸着面に接触して押圧するように構成されている。各ケース32の底部(図の上部)中央には連通孔32aが形成されており、この連通孔32aに球状の袋状体48が結合されている。袋状体48はゴム材などの弾性材からなり、押圧により弾性変形可能に構成されている。袋状体48の内部空間は、連通孔32aを介してケース32の内部と連通している。   The vibrator 31 is supported by a gimbal mechanism so as to be swingable about two axes orthogonal to each other. That is, the vibrator 31 is fixed to the first frame body 40 so that the vibration surface is exposed, and the first frame body 40 is attached to the second frame body 44 via the first support shaft 42. It is swingably supported. The second frame body 44 is swingably supported inside the case 32 via a second support shaft 46 orthogonal to the first support shaft 42. The vibration surface of the vibrator 31 protrudes slightly from the opening of the case 32. When the suction cup 34 is attracted to a predetermined attachment site, the vibration surface of the vibrator 31 is in contact with and pressed against the attracted surface. Has been. A communication hole 32a is formed at the center of the bottom (upper part of the figure) of each case 32, and a spherical bag-like body 48 is coupled to the communication hole 32a. The bag-like body 48 is made of an elastic material such as a rubber material, and is configured to be elastically deformable by pressing. The internal space of the bag 48 communicates with the inside of the case 32 through the communication hole 32a.

次に、上記外部音知覚装置の作動について説明する。まず、使用者が取付部材2を頭部に装着して、複数の振動伝達部30,30を、人体の所定部位(例えば、左右の乳様突起の近傍)にそれぞれ取り付ける。各振動子31は、袋状体48を手で摘んだ状態で所定部位に吸盤34を押し付けることにより、ジンバル機構によって人体に確実に接触させることができる。この後、摘んでいた手を離すと、袋状体48の形状復元力によりケース32の内部が負圧になって吸着力が得られるので、振動子31の取り付けを確実にすることができる。   Next, the operation of the external sound perception apparatus will be described. First, the user attaches the attachment member 2 to the head, and attaches the plurality of vibration transmitting portions 30 and 30 to predetermined portions of the human body (for example, in the vicinity of the left and right milky protrusions). Each vibrator 31 can be reliably brought into contact with the human body by the gimbal mechanism by pressing the suction cup 34 against a predetermined portion while the bag-like body 48 is picked by hand. Thereafter, when the hand that has been picked is released, the inside of the case 32 becomes a negative pressure due to the shape restoring force of the bag-like body 48 and an adsorption force is obtained, so the attachment of the vibrator 31 can be ensured.

この後、外部音知覚装置のスイッチをONにして、指向性マイクロフォン10,10に外部音が入力されると、各指向性マイクロフォン10,10から振動信号生成部20に音信号が入力される。各指向性マイクロフォン10,10は、指向性の主軸方向が互いに異
なるため、同一の音源に対する入力感度が相違する。
Thereafter, when an external sound is input to the directional microphones 10 and 10 by turning on the switch of the external sound perception device, a sound signal is input from the directional microphones 10 and 10 to the vibration signal generation unit 20. Since the directional microphones 10 and 10 have different directivity main axis directions, input sensitivities to the same sound source are different.

振動信号生成部20は、キャリア信号発生部22,22が、所定の振幅及び周波数を有するキャリア信号を生成し、キャリア信号変調部23,23が、このキャリア信号を音信号に基づいて変調することにより、各指向性マイクロフォン10,10への入力音に対応した振動信号を生成する。各指向性マイクロフォン10,10からキャリア信号変調部23,23に入力される音信号は、パラメータ算出部21を通過する際に、音信号のレベル差ILD及び時間差ITDが空間特性パラメータとして取得される。この空間特性パラメータは、後述する出力補正部24に入力される。 In the vibration signal generation unit 20, the carrier signal generation units 22 and 22 generate a carrier signal having a predetermined amplitude and frequency, and the carrier signal modulation units 23 and 23 modulate the carrier signal based on the sound signal. Thus, a vibration signal corresponding to the input sound to each directional microphone 10, 10 is generated. When the sound signals input from the directional microphones 10 and 10 to the carrier signal modulation units 23 and 23 pass through the parameter calculation unit 21, the sound signal level difference ILD 0 and time difference ITD 0 are acquired as spatial characteristic parameters. Is done. This spatial characteristic parameter is input to the output correction unit 24 described later.

キャリア信号変調部23,23で生成された振動信号は、出力補正部24において、上記のように空間特性パラメータ及び補正係数a,bに基づき算出された伝達特性パラメータによって補正され、各振動伝達部30,30からそれぞれ出力される。   The vibration signals generated by the carrier signal modulation units 23 and 23 are corrected by the output correction unit 24 using the transfer characteristic parameters calculated based on the spatial characteristic parameters and the correction coefficients a and b as described above, and each vibration transmission unit is corrected. 30 and 30, respectively.

振動伝達部30,30は、入力された振動信号に基づいて振動子31,31を振動させる。この結果、各指向性マイクロフォン10,10に入力された外部音に基づいて、対応する各振動伝達部30,30からそれぞれ超音波振動が人体に伝達される。なお、キャリア信号変調部23,23は、音信号が入力されない期間は、振動信号を出力しないように制御する。   The vibration transmitting units 30 and 30 vibrate the vibrators 31 and 31 based on the input vibration signal. As a result, ultrasonic vibrations are transmitted from the corresponding vibration transmitting units 30 and 30 to the human body based on the external sound input to the directional microphones 10 and 10, respectively. The carrier signal modulators 23 and 23 perform control so that no vibration signal is output during a period in which no sound signal is input.

本実施形態の外部音知覚装置によれば、各指向性マイクロフォン10,10に入力された外部音から、パラメータ算出部21が音源の空間情報を有する空間特性パラメータを取得し、出力補正部24が変調後の振動信号を空間特性パラメータに基づき補正するように構成しているので、変調により音源の空間情報が失われるおそれがなく、各振動伝達部30,30を介して音の方向感を確実に伝達することができる。更に、このような効果に付随して、語音明瞭性・語音弁別力の改善、音質の改善、遅発性聴覚剥奪(非装用耳の語音弁別力の低下)の防止、耳鳴りの改善などの効果も期待できる。   According to the external sound perception apparatus of the present embodiment, the parameter calculation unit 21 acquires the spatial characteristic parameter having the spatial information of the sound source from the external sound input to the directional microphones 10 and 10, and the output correction unit 24 Since the configuration is such that the modulated vibration signal is corrected based on the spatial characteristic parameter, there is no possibility that the spatial information of the sound source is lost due to the modulation, and the sense of direction of the sound is ensured via the vibration transmitting units 30 and 30. Can be communicated to. In addition to these effects, effects such as improved speech intelligibility and speech discrimination, improved sound quality, prevention of delayed hearing deprivation (decreased speech discrimination of non-wearing ears), and improved tinnitus Can also be expected.

また、補正係数a,bを予め適正な値に設定しておくことにより、外部音の方向感と同様の方向感を骨導音により得ることができ、音源の方向をより正確に知覚することが可能である。この補正係数a,bは、使用者によって適正値にばらつきがあると考えられることから、本実施形態においては、使用者の知覚特性に応じて、以下に示すように設定可能に構成されている。   In addition, by setting the correction coefficients a and b to appropriate values in advance, a sense of direction similar to that of external sound can be obtained by bone conduction sound, and the direction of the sound source can be perceived more accurately. Is possible. Since it is considered that the correction coefficients a and b vary in appropriate values depending on the user, in the present embodiment, the correction coefficients a and b are configured to be set as shown below according to the perceptual characteristics of the user. .

まず、使用者に対して所定の可聴帯域音(音声、帯域ノイズなど)を所定の音圧レベル差(例えば、±5,±10,±15dBなど)で呈示するとともに、この可聴帯域音を同じ音圧レベル差で各指向性マイクロフォン10,10間に入力する。ついで、使用者がレベル差検査ボタン25aを押すことにより、この可聴帯域音で変調された振動信号が、各振動伝達部30,30から伝達される。この振動信号は、可聴帯域音と同時に呈示されてもよく、或いは可聴帯域音と交互に呈示されてもよい。そして、使用者がボリュームスイッチ25cを操作して振動信号における音圧レベル差を調整し、使用者が可聴帯域音のレベル差と同等と感じられる時点で決定ボタン25dを押すと、このときの振動信号のレベル差が補正係数設定部26に入力される。入力音のレベル差は既知であるため、補正係数設定部26は、上記数式1に基づき補正係数aを設定し、これを出力補正部24のメモリ(図示せず)に格納する。   First, a predetermined audible band sound (sound, band noise, etc.) is presented to the user with a predetermined sound pressure level difference (for example, ± 5, ± 10, ± 15 dB, etc.), and the audible band sound is the same. The difference between the sound pressure levels is input between the directional microphones 10 and 10. Next, when the user presses the level difference inspection button 25a, the vibration signal modulated by the audible band sound is transmitted from the vibration transmitting units 30 and 30. This vibration signal may be presented simultaneously with the audible band sound or alternatively with the audible band sound. Then, when the user operates the volume switch 25c to adjust the sound pressure level difference in the vibration signal and the user presses the decision button 25d at the time when the user feels equivalent to the level difference of the audible band sound, the vibration at this time The signal level difference is input to the correction coefficient setting unit 26. Since the level difference of the input sound is known, the correction coefficient setting unit 26 sets the correction coefficient a based on Equation 1 above and stores it in the memory (not shown) of the output correction unit 24.

時間差に関する補正係数bの設定についても同様に行うことができ、使用者に対して所定の可聴帯域音を所定の時間差(例えば、±100,±200,±300μsなど)で呈示するとともに、この可聴帯域音を同じ時間差で各指向性マイクロフォン10,10間に入力する。ついで、使用者が時間差検査ボタン25bを押すことにより、この可聴帯域音
で変調された振動信号が、各振動伝達部30,30から伝達される。そして、使用者がボリュームスイッチ25cを操作して振動信号における時間差を調整し、使用者が可聴帯域音の時間差と同等と感じられる時点で決定ボタン25dを押すと、このときの振動信号の時間差が補正係数設定部26に入力される。入力音の時間差は既知であるため、補正係数設定部26は、上記数式2に基づき補正係数bを設定し、これを出力補正部24のメモリ(図示せず)に格納する。
The correction coefficient b regarding the time difference can be set in the same manner, and a predetermined audible band sound is presented to the user at a predetermined time difference (for example, ± 100, ± 200, ± 300 μs, etc.), and this audible signal is displayed. The band sound is input between the directional microphones 10 and 10 with the same time difference. Subsequently, when the user presses the time difference inspection button 25b, the vibration signal modulated by the audible band sound is transmitted from the vibration transmitting units 30 and 30. Then, when the user operates the volume switch 25c to adjust the time difference in the vibration signal, and the user presses the decision button 25d when it feels equivalent to the time difference of the audible band sound, the time difference of the vibration signal at this time is Input to the correction coefficient setting unit 26. Since the time difference between the input sounds is known, the correction coefficient setting unit 26 sets the correction coefficient b based on Equation 2 above and stores it in the memory (not shown) of the output correction unit 24.

このように、空間特性パラメータが既知である外部音の方向感に合致するように、使用者がパラメータ調整部25を操作して決定された伝達特性パラメータに基づき、補正係数設定部26が補正係数a,bを設定するように構成することで、使用者毎の知覚特性の相違や、振動伝達部30,30の取り付け位置のばらつきに伴う音像方向感の精度低下を防止することができる。   In this way, the correction coefficient setting unit 26 corrects the correction coefficient based on the transfer characteristic parameter determined by the user operating the parameter adjustment unit 25 so that the spatial characteristic parameter matches the sense of direction of the external sound. By configuring so that a and b are set, it is possible to prevent a difference in perceptual characteristics for each user and a reduction in accuracy of the sense of sound image direction due to variations in the mounting positions of the vibration transmitting units 30 and 30.

補正係数a,bの決定方法は、上記の方法に限定されるものではなく、例えば、音の到来方向がある角度(例えば正面を0°として、左右30°、60°、90°など)であると一般的に感じるような空間特性パラメータを予め測定してメモリに格納しておき、使用者が、これと同じ角度の方向感を感じるようにパラメータ調整部25を操作して、伝達特性パラメータを決定するようにしてもよい。この場合も、決定された伝達特性パラメータに対応する空間特性パラメータが既知であるため、補正係数a,bを求めることができ、特に可聴帯域音を聞くことが困難な使用者にとって好適である。   The method for determining the correction coefficients a and b is not limited to the above-described method. For example, the sound arrival direction is at an angle (for example, 30 °, 60 °, 90 °, left and right, etc., with the front as 0 °). A spatial characteristic parameter that is generally felt to be present is measured in advance and stored in a memory, and the user operates the parameter adjustment unit 25 so as to feel a direction feeling at the same angle as the transmission characteristic parameter. May be determined. Also in this case, since the spatial characteristic parameter corresponding to the determined transfer characteristic parameter is known, the correction coefficients a and b can be obtained, which is particularly suitable for a user who is difficult to hear an audible band sound.

以上、本発明の一実施形態について詳述したが、本発明の具体的な態様は上記実施形態に限定されるものではない。例えば、本実施形態においては、空間特性パラメータとして音信号のレベル差及び時間差の双方を算出し、それぞれに補正係数を乗じて得られる振動信号のレベル差及び時間差を伝達特性パラメータとしているが、発明者らの研究によれば、振幅変調された信号について、両耳間時間差による頭内音像の変位を、両耳間レベル差で補償可能であることが明らかになった。したがって、このような時間―強度交換作用を利用することにより、音信号のレベル差及び時間差からなる空間特性パラメータから、振動信号のレベル差のみの伝達特性パラメータを取得して、振動信号を補正することも可能である。   As mentioned above, although one Embodiment of this invention was explained in full detail, the specific aspect of this invention is not limited to the said embodiment. For example, in this embodiment, both the level difference and the time difference of the sound signal are calculated as the spatial characteristic parameters, and the level difference and the time difference of the vibration signal obtained by multiplying each by the correction coefficient are used as the transfer characteristic parameters. According to their research, it was found that the amplitude-modulated signal can compensate for the displacement of the intracranial sound image due to the interaural time difference by the interaural level difference. Therefore, by using such a time-intensity exchange function, the transfer characteristic parameter of only the vibration signal level difference is obtained from the spatial characteristic parameter consisting of the sound signal level difference and the time difference, and the vibration signal is corrected. It is also possible.

すなわち、図5(a)に示すような各指向性マイクロフォン10,10の音信号からレベル差ILD及び時間差ITDの双方を算出し、図5(b)に示す振幅変調後の振動信号を補正するために、下記の数式3から伝達特性パラメータとなる振動信号のレベル差ILDを算出する。
[数3]
ILD= a × ILD + (1/c) × ITD

ここで、cは時間―強度交換比(μs/dB)であり、予め設定された値である。この結果、補正後の振動信号は、図5(c)に示すように、レベル差ILDのみが調整されたものとなる。
That is, both the level difference ILD 0 and the time difference ITD 0 are calculated from the sound signals of the directional microphones 10 and 10 as shown in FIG. 5A, and the amplitude-modulated vibration signal shown in FIG. In order to correct, the level difference ILD 1 of the vibration signal that becomes the transfer characteristic parameter is calculated from the following Equation 3.
[Equation 3]
ILD 1 = a × ILD 0 + (1 / c) × ITD 0

Here, c is a time-intensity exchange ratio (μs / dB), which is a preset value. As a result, the corrected vibration signal is obtained by adjusting only the level difference ILD 1 as shown in FIG.

このように、時間−強度交換作用を利用することで、音信号のレベル差及び時間差の双方からなる空間特性パラメータが有する音源の空間情報を、振動信号のレベル差のみの伝達特性パラメータにより再現することができるので、振動信号の時間差が過大になることで生じるおそれのある知覚の不自然さを回避できると共に、振動信号の時間差を生じさせるための遅延回路を設ける必要がなく、構成を簡素化することができる。   In this way, by utilizing the time-intensity exchange action, the spatial information of the sound source possessed by the spatial characteristic parameter consisting of both the level difference and the time difference of the sound signal is reproduced by the transfer characteristic parameter of only the level difference of the vibration signal. As a result, it is possible to avoid the unnaturalness of perception that may occur due to an excessive time difference of the vibration signal, and it is not necessary to provide a delay circuit for generating the time difference of the vibration signal, thus simplifying the configuration. can do.

時間―強度交換比cは、補正係数a,bと同様に、パラメータ調整部25の操作により使用者が最適な値を決定できるように構成することも可能である。例えば、所定の時間差
を有する振動信号を呈示した状態で、使用者がパラメータ調整部25を操作して振動信号のレベル差を調整し、音の到来方向が正面に感じるようなレベル差を決定する。或いは、所定のレベル差を有する振動信号を呈示した状態で、使用者がパラメータ調整部25を操作して振動信号の時間差を調整し、決定するようにしてもよい。いずれの場合も、時間―強度交換比cを算出することができる。
Similarly to the correction coefficients a and b, the time-intensity exchange ratio c can be configured such that the user can determine an optimum value by operating the parameter adjustment unit 25. For example, in a state where a vibration signal having a predetermined time difference is presented, the user operates the parameter adjustment unit 25 to adjust the level difference of the vibration signal, and determines the level difference such that the arrival direction of the sound is felt in front. . Alternatively, the user may adjust the time difference of the vibration signal by operating the parameter adjustment unit 25 in a state where the vibration signal having a predetermined level difference is presented. In either case, the time-intensity exchange ratio c can be calculated.

また、本実施形態においては、空間特性パラメータとして、音信号のレベル差及び時間差の双方を取得しているが、いずれか一方のみであってもよい。この場合も、本実施形態と同様に伝達特性パラメータを取得して振動信号を補正することができ、音源の方向を正確に知覚することが可能である。空間特性パラメータが音信号のレベル差である場合、及び、外部音の時間差である場合のそれぞれにおいて、(a)入力信号、(b)補正前の振動信号、及び(c)補正後の振動信号の時間波形の一例を、図6及び図7に示す。   In this embodiment, both the level difference and the time difference of the sound signal are acquired as the spatial characteristic parameters, but only one of them may be acquired. Also in this case, the transfer characteristic parameter can be acquired and the vibration signal can be corrected similarly to the present embodiment, and the direction of the sound source can be accurately perceived. (A) input signal, (b) vibration signal before correction, and (c) vibration signal after correction in each of the case where the spatial characteristic parameter is a level difference between sound signals and a time difference between external sounds. An example of the time waveform is shown in FIGS.

本発明の外部音知覚装置は、音声や環境音などの外部音がどの方向から聞こえたかを知る上で極めて有用であり、日常生活、災害現場、工事現場、自動車運転時など様々な場面で使用することができる。   The external sound perception device of the present invention is extremely useful in knowing from which direction external sounds such as voice and environmental sounds are heard, and is used in various situations such as daily life, disaster sites, construction sites, and driving cars. can do.

各指向性マイクロフォン10,10の配置は、本実施形態のように両耳の近傍とすることが好ましいが、指向性の主軸方向が相違するように配置可能であれば、必ずしも本実施形態のものに限定されない。例えば、自動車の外部における前後左右にそれぞれ配置して、外部音を区別して検出できるように各指向性マイクロフォンを配置してもよい。これによって、緊急車両のサイレンなど運転中に認識する必要がある音源の方向を確実に把握することが可能になる。   The directional microphones 10 and 10 are preferably arranged in the vicinity of both ears as in the present embodiment. However, if the directional microphones 10 and 10 can be arranged so that the main axis directions of the directivities are different, the directional microphones 10 and 10 are not necessarily in the present embodiment. It is not limited to. For example, the directional microphones may be arranged so that the external sound can be distinguished and detected on the front, rear, left, and right sides outside the automobile. This makes it possible to reliably grasp the direction of the sound source that needs to be recognized during driving, such as the siren of an emergency vehicle.

本発明の一実施形態に係る外部音知覚装置の概略構成図である。It is a schematic block diagram of the external sound perception apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. 前記外部音知覚装置のブロック図である。It is a block diagram of the external sound perception device. 前記外部音知覚装置における振動伝達部の断面図である。It is sectional drawing of the vibration transmission part in the said external sound perception apparatus. 前記外部音知覚装置における、(a)入力信号、(b)補正前の振動信号、及び、(c)補正後の振動信号について、時間波形の一例を示す図である。It is a figure which shows an example of a time waveform about (a) input signal, (b) vibration signal before correction | amendment, and (c) vibration signal after correction | amendment in the said external sound perception apparatus. 図4に示す時間波形の他の例を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the other example of the time waveform shown in FIG. 図4に示す時間波形の更に他の例を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the further another example of the time waveform shown in FIG. 図4に示す時間波形の更に他の例を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the further another example of the time waveform shown in FIG.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

10 指向性マイクロフォン
20 振動信号生成部
21 パラメータ算出部
22 キャリア信号発生部
23 キャリア信号変調部
24 出力補正部
25 パラメータ調整部
26 補正係数設定部
30 振動伝達部
31 振動子
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Directional microphone 20 Vibration signal generation part 21 Parameter calculation part 22 Carrier signal generation part 23 Carrier signal modulation part 24 Output correction part 25 Parameter adjustment part 26 Correction coefficient setting part 30 Vibration transmission part 31 Vibrator

Claims (4)

外部音が入力される複数の指向性マイクロフォンと、
前記各指向性マイクロフォンに入力された音信号に基づいて超音波のキャリア信号を変調することにより、振動信号を個別に生成する振動信号生成手段と、
前記各振動信号に基づいて生体に超音波振動を伝達する複数の振動子とを備える外部音知覚装置であって、
前記振動信号生成手段は、
複数の前記指向性マイクロフォン間における前記音信号のレベル差及び/又は時間差を算出して空間特性パラメータを取得するパラメータ算出手段と、
前記各振動信号の少なくともいずれかを前記空間特性パラメータに基づき補正する出力補正手段とを備える外部音知覚装置。
A plurality of directional microphones to which external sound is input;
Vibration signal generation means for individually generating vibration signals by modulating ultrasonic carrier signals based on sound signals input to the respective directional microphones;
An external sound perception device comprising a plurality of vibrators that transmit ultrasonic vibrations to a living body based on each vibration signal,
The vibration signal generating means includes
Parameter calculation means for calculating a level difference and / or a time difference of the sound signal between the plurality of directional microphones to obtain a spatial characteristic parameter;
An external sound perception apparatus comprising: an output correction unit that corrects at least one of the vibration signals based on the spatial characteristic parameter.
前記出力補正手段は、複数の前記振動子間における前記振動信号のレベル差及び/又は時間差に相当する伝達特性パラメータが、前記空間特性パラメータに補正係数を乗じた値となるように、前記振動信号を補正する請求項1に記載の外部音知覚装置。 The output correction means is configured so that a transfer characteristic parameter corresponding to a level difference and / or a time difference of the vibration signal between the plurality of vibrators is a value obtained by multiplying the spatial characteristic parameter by a correction coefficient. The external sound perception apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: 前記空間特性パラメータは、前記音信号のレベル差及び時間差の双方を含んでおり、
前記出力補正手段は、複数の前記振動子間における前記振動信号のレベル差に相当する伝達特性パラメータが、前記音信号のレベル差に補正係数を乗じた値に、前記音信号の時間差に所定の時間−強度交換比の逆数を乗じた値を加えて算出されるように、前記振動信号を補正する請求項1に記載の外部音知覚装置。
The spatial characteristic parameter includes both a level difference and a time difference of the sound signal,
The output correction means is configured such that a transfer characteristic parameter corresponding to a level difference of the vibration signal among the plurality of vibrators is a value obtained by multiplying a time difference of the sound signal by a value obtained by multiplying the level difference of the sound signal by a correction coefficient. The external sound perception apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the vibration signal is corrected so as to be calculated by adding a value obtained by multiplying a reciprocal of a time-intensity exchange ratio.
複数の前記振動子から前記振動信号が出力された状態で、前記伝達特性パラメータを使用者が調整可能なパラメータ調整手段と、
前記空間特性パラメータが既知である外部音の方向感に合致するように使用者が前記調整手段を操作して決定された前記伝達特性パラメータに基づき、前記補正係数を設定する補正係数設定手段とを更に備える請求項2又は3に記載の外部音知覚装置。





Parameter adjusting means that allows a user to adjust the transfer characteristic parameter in a state where the vibration signals are output from a plurality of the vibrators;
Correction coefficient setting means for setting the correction coefficient based on the transfer characteristic parameter determined by the user operating the adjusting means so as to match the sense of direction of the external sound whose spatial characteristic parameter is known. The external sound perception apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising:





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