JP2010045432A - Speaker array device, data structure, and optical disk - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a speaker array device which can freely express object movement or the like and enables a listener to surely feel a change in sound regardless of a listening environment or the listener, a data structure that is read by the speaker array device, and an optical disk with the data structure recorded thereon. <P>SOLUTION: The speaker array device 1 emits sound that expresses object movement or the like as a sound beam on the basis of a sound signal input from a signal inputting part 51 and focal position information being control information, and further changes the focal position and the sound emitting direction of the sound beam to move the sound beam. Since the listener can be made to feel as if a sound source actually moves in this way, it is possible to provide a device that can emit sound having presence more than in the conventional manner. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a speaker array device that expresses the movement of a sound source by moving an audio beam, a data structure that is read by the speaker array device, and an optical disk on which the data structure is recorded.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a speaker array apparatus that can be set easily and in a short time so as to appropriately emit a sound beam according to a listener's listening position and installation environment has been proposed.
JP 2006-13711 A

  In the conventional speaker array device, when the setting of the sound beam is completed and the content including the surround sound is reproduced, the sound of moving objects such as an airplane and a car can be experienced.

  However, the conventional speaker array apparatus simulates a fixed surround system. In other words, the sound reproduced by the conventional speaker array apparatus is based on the sound beam whose sound emitting direction and focus position are fixed, and the sound when the object is moved is based on the phantom. Therefore, although the movement of sound can be expressed between virtual speakers, the movement of sound cannot be expressed outside the virtual speakers. In addition, as described above, sounds such as moving objects are represented by phantoms, so depending on the listening environment and listener, the sound may be interrupted for a moment or may be heard as a discontinuous change in sound. There was a case.

  Accordingly, the present invention provides a speaker array device that can freely express the movement of an object and the like, and can reliably sense a change in sound regardless of the listening environment or listener, and data to be read by the speaker array device. An object is to provide a structure and an optical disc on which the data structure is recorded.

  The present invention has the following configuration as means for solving the above problems.

  (1) The speaker array apparatus supplies a sound signal to the speaker array in which a plurality of speaker units are arranged, and the sound output timing of the plurality of speaker units, and controls the sound emission timing of the plurality of speaker units. Signal processing means for emitting a sound beam is provided. Also, beam control is performed to control the signal processing means based on beam control information for moving and controlling the sound beam to move the sound beam and to change the state of the sound beam according to the distance from the listening position. Means.

  In this configuration, the speaker array apparatus can freely move the sound beam without worrying about the arrangement of the speakers, and can freely express the movement of the object. For example, by converting the sound of a moving object in video content into a beam and emitting sound while moving the sound beam, it is possible to give the listener a sense of the actual movement of the moving object (sound source). The speaker array device changes the state of the sound beam according to the distance from the listening position. For example, the volume of the sound beam, the beam width of the sound beam, the number of sound beams, and the like are changed according to the distance from the listening position. In this way, by changing the state of the sound beam according to the distance from the listening position, the listener can clearly feel the movement of the sound.

(2) comprising an input means for inputting the beam control information;
The beam control means controls the signal processing means based on beam control information input from the input means.

  In this configuration, information for moving the sound beam or changing the state is created and input from the input means, for example, the sound signal of a specific channel included in the content is converted into a beam and the desired position is obtained. Can be moved to.

  (3) When the content data including the beam control information and the audio signal is input from the input unit, the signal processing unit extracts the beam control information from the content data and sends the content data to the beam control unit. Output.

  In this configuration, since the beam control information and the audio signal are input as one set as a set, the correspondence between the audio signal and the beam control information can be clarified, and the audio beam can be easily controlled. Can do.

(4) The beam control information includes movement control information of the sound beam and volume control information according to a distance from the listening position,
The beam control means changes the volume of the sound beam as the state of the sound beam.

  In this configuration, the speaker array apparatus moves the sound beam and changes the volume of the sound beam. For example, by reducing the volume as the distance from the listening position is shorter, the presence or movement state of the sound beam can be clearly felt by the listener.

(5) The beam control information includes movement control information of the sound beam and control information of a focal length of the sound beam according to a distance between the sound beam and a listening position.
The beam control means changes the focal length of the sound beam as the state of the sound beam.

  In this configuration, the speaker array device changes the focal length of the sound beam when moving the sound beam. As a result, the width of the sound beam changes according to the movement of the sound beam, so that the volume of the sound beam that can be heard at the listening position can be changed, and the listener can clearly feel the presence and movement state of the sound beam. be able to.

(6) The beam control information includes movement control information of the sound beam and control information of the number of sound beams according to a distance between the sound beam and a listening position.
The beam control means changes the number of the sound beams as the state of the sound beams.

  In this configuration, the speaker array apparatus changes the number of sound beams according to the distance from the listening position. For example, two sound beams are set at a position where the distance from the listening position is equal to or greater than a certain distance, and one sound beam is set at a position where the distance from the listening position is less than the certain distance. Since the volume of the sound beam that can be heard at the listening position changes due to the increase or decrease in the number of sound beams, the listener can clearly feel that the sound beam is moving.

  (7) The beam control means is configured to simultaneously move a plurality of sound beams based on the beam control information when a plurality of sound signals and beam control information are input from the input means.

  In this configuration, since the speaker array apparatus moves a plurality of sound beams simultaneously, the movement of a plurality of objects can be expressed by sound. Thereby, it is possible to make the listener feel a realistic sensation of being in the place.

  (8) An audio signal supplied to the signal processing unit of the speaker array device according to any one of (1) to (7), and beam control information for causing the beam control unit to set a focal position and a state of the audio beam. It is characterized by including these.

  In this configuration, the speaker array apparatus can read the data having the above-described structure to move the sound beam and change the state of the sound beam according to the distance from the listening position.

  (9) An optical disc is characterized in that the data structure described in (8) is recorded.

  In this configuration, the optical disk has a data structure including an audio signal supplied to the signal processing unit of the speaker array device and beam control information for causing the beam control unit to set the focal position and state of the audio beam. It is recorded. Therefore, by reproducing the optical disk with a reproducing apparatus and outputting the read data to the speaker array apparatus, the sound beam can be moved to the speaker array apparatus.

  The speaker array apparatus of the present invention emits sound representing movement of an object as an audio beam, and changes the focal position and direction of the sound beam. In addition, while moving the sound beam, the state of the sound beam, such as the volume of the sound beam, the beam width of the sound beam, and the number of sound beams, is changed according to the distance from the listening position. Therefore, the movement of the sound becomes clear, and the listener can feel as if the sound source is moving.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a speaker array apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  In the following description, the speaker array device can emit a sound beam of 5ch as a 5ch surround system. In a 5-channel surround system, the front left channel is L (Left) ch, the front right channel is R (Right) ch, the center (center) channel is C (Center) ch, and the rear left channel is SL (Surround Left) ch The rear right channel is referred to as SR (Surround Right) ch.

  The speaker array apparatus 1 includes a signal input unit 51, an audio signal processing unit 53 including an audio processing unit 55 and a delay processing unit 57, D / A converters 61-1 to 61-N, power amplifiers 63-1 to 63-N, A speaker array 65 including speaker units 66-1 to 66 -N, an infrared receiving unit 67, a remote controller (hereinafter referred to as a remote controller) 68, an operation unit 69, a storage unit 71, and a control unit 75 are provided.

  The signal input unit 51 is an interface for inputting an audio signal supplied (output) from the audio signal output device 2 connected to the outside of the speaker array device 1. The input signal is output to the sound processing unit 55. The audio signal output device 2 is preferably a device that outputs an audio signal, such as an optical disk playback device such as a CD player, a DVD player, or a Blu-ray (registered trademark) disc player, or a television monitor (television receiver). Also, the optical disc (CD / DVD / BD) played by the optical disc playback apparatus is recorded with content including an audio signal and beam control information for moving and controlling an audio beam generated from the audio signal. To do. Then, the optical disc playback apparatus outputs content data including an audio signal and beam control information. The television receiver outputs content data including an audio signal and beam control information.

  The audio processing unit 55 decodes the audio signal input from the signal input unit 51 or adds the acoustic effect selected by the listener U and outputs the decoded audio signal to the delay processing unit 57.

  When instructed by the control unit 75, the delay processing unit 57 delays the timing of outputting the audio signal by the instructed time with respect to the audio signal sent from the audio processing unit 55, or the audio signal. And the audio signal is distributed to each of the speaker units 66-1 to 66 -N. Thereby, the sound beam is emitted from the speaker array 65. In addition, when there is no delay instruction from the control unit 75, the delay processing unit 57 directly distributes the audio signal to the speaker units 66-1 to 66-N without performing the delay process.

  The path length until the plurality of sound beams output from the speaker array 65 reach the listening position L of the listener U is different for each channel. For example, since Cch reaches the listening position L directly, the path length is short. On the other hand, since the rear channels (SLch, SRch) reach the listening position L after being reflected twice on the wall of the room, the path length becomes long. Therefore, the delay processing unit 57 sets a delay time for each channel and adjusts the output timing so that a plurality of sound beams output from the speaker array 65 reach the listening position L at the same time. The delay processing unit 57 adjusts and outputs the sound emission timing for each channel and each speaker unit so that a plurality of sound beams are output from the speaker array 65.

  The D / A converters 61-1 to 61-N convert the digital audio signal output from the delay processing unit 57 into an analog audio signal and output the analog audio signal.

  The power amplifiers 63-1 to 63-N amplify and output the analog audio signals output from the D / A converters 61-1 to 61-N.

  The speaker array 65 is configured by arranging the speaker units 66-1 to 66 -N on a single panel in a predetermined arrangement such as a matrix, a line, or a honeycomb. The speaker units 66-1 to 66-N convert sound signals amplified by the power amplifiers 63-1 to 63-N into sound and emit the sound. The generic name of the speaker units 66-1 to 66 -N and the name of the speaker unit alone are referred to as the speaker unit 66.

  The infrared receiving unit 67 receives an infrared signal output from the remote control 68 according to a user operation, converts the infrared signal into an electrical signal, and outputs the electrical signal to the control unit 75.

  The remote control 68 is an input device for the user to perform a desired setting operation on the speaker array device 1. The remote controller 68 receives a setting operation or the like for the speaker array device 1 from the user, and outputs an infrared signal corresponding to the operation to the infrared receiving unit 67. The remote controller 68 includes a microphone (not shown) for calculating the listening position L of the listener U, and the speaker array apparatus 1 calculates the listening position by a known triangulation method or the like.

  The operation unit 69 receives a setting operation or the like for the speaker array device 1 from the user, and outputs a signal corresponding to the operation to the control unit 75.

  The storage unit 71 stores a setting pattern of the speaker unit and the like. The control unit 75 reads data corresponding to the operation received by the remote control 68 or the operation unit 69. The storage unit 71 stores audio delay time information, listening position information output from the control unit 75, and the like.

  The control unit (beam control means) 75 controls each part of the speaker array device 1 and performs calculations. In addition, when the calculation process of the listening position L is set, the control unit 75 calculates the listening position L and stores the position information in the storage unit 71. In addition, when the position information of the listening position L is input by the operation of the operation unit 69, the control unit 75 stores the position information in the storage unit 71.

  When performing the listening position calculation process, the listener U holds the remote control 68 at the listening position L. Then, the listening position calculation process is set by operating the remote controller 68. When this processing is set, the speaker array apparatus 1 emits test sounds at predetermined intervals from two different speaker units 66 of the speaker array 65. The remote control 68 collects a test sound with a microphone (not shown) and outputs a signal to the speaker array device 1. The control unit 75 calculates the listening position using a well-known triangulation method based on the time from when the two test sounds are emitted until the sound is collected.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the arrangement of speaker units in the speaker array, and a diagram for explaining the principle of sound beam sound emission by the speaker array. 2A is an example in which speakers are arranged in a matrix, FIG. 2B is an example in which four rows of speaker units are arranged in a honeycomb, and FIG. 2C is an example in which three rows of speaker units are arranged in a honeycomb. FIG. 2D is a diagram for explaining the sound beam emission principle of the speaker array.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the speaker array 65 has a configuration in which a plurality of small speaker units 66 are arranged in a predetermined arrangement such as a matrix, honeycomb, or line in one panel.

  In such a speaker array 65, as shown in FIG. 2D, the same audio signal is input to each speaker unit, and the sound emitted from each speaker unit SPa to SPe reaches the focal point F set in space. The sound emission timing of the sound of each speaker unit is adjusted so that the times to be matched match. As a result, the speaker units SPa to SPe are arranged as if the speaker units SPa ′, SPb ′, SPc ′, SPd ′, and SPe are arranged on the circumference centered on the focal point F at the same time, and at the same time, A sound beam having a strong directivity in the focal direction can be emitted by the principle of superposition as if a signal was emitted.

  Next, the characteristics of the sound beam will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the characteristics of the sound beam emitted from the speaker array. As shown in FIGS. 3 (A) and 3 (B), when the sound beam B is set to be emitted in the direction of the listener U, the listener whose position of the focal point S is closer to the listener U is the listener. U can hear loud sound. This is because the sound beam B diffuses away from the focal point S and decreases in volume. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3C, when the sound beam B is emitted from the speaker array 65 so that the vicinity of the ear of the listener U becomes the focal point S, the listener U can hear the loudest sound.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3D, when the sound beam B is set to emit in a direction different from the listener U, the sound beam B does not pass near the ear of the listener U. However, since sound leakage occurs from the sound beam B, the listener U can hear a sound with a low sound volume, and the sound sound volume increases as the sound beam B approaches the listener U. In this case, the listener U can hear the sound leaked from the vicinity of the position closest to the listener U from the trajectory of the sound beam B. Further, as described with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the sound beam B diffuses as the focal point S moves away from the listener U, and the listener U can hear a low volume. Similarly, even when the sound beam B is emitted in a direction different from that of the listener U, as the focal point S moves away from the listener U, the listener U can hear less leaking sound. In addition, the closer the focal point S is to the listener U, the louder the listener U can hear the leaking sound.

  Next, features of the speaker array device of the present invention will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the movement of the sound beam.

  4A is a conceptual diagram when the sound beam is moved at a constant speed, FIG. 4B is a conceptual diagram when the sound beam is moved while changing the moving speed, and FIG. 4C. Fig. 4D is a conceptual diagram when the volume of the sound beam is changed according to the distance between the sound beam and the listening position, and Fig. 4D shows the focal length of the sound beam changed according to the distance from the listening position. It is a conceptual diagram in the case.

  The speaker array apparatus according to the present invention can emit (emits) the sound beam while moving the focus of the sound beam as shown in FIG. 4 based on the control information of the focal position. That is, the sound beam can be emitted in a direction different from the listening position.

  As described above, the audio signal output device 2 outputs content data including an audio signal and beam control information for controlling when the audio signal is converted into a beam. When the content data output from the audio signal output device 2 is input to the signal input unit 51, the audio processing unit 55 of the audio signal processing unit 53 separates the beam control information from the content data. Extract and output to the controller 75. Based on this beam control information, the controller 75 calculates the timing (delay amount) at which the audio signal is output from each speaker unit 66. Then, the control unit 75 outputs the delay amount of each speaker unit 66 obtained by calculation to the delay processing unit 57. The delay processing unit 57 delays the audio signal output from each speaker unit 66 based on the delay amount output by the control unit 75, and emits (emits) an audio beam from the speaker array 65. In the speaker array device 1, the sound beam can be moved by continuously performing this process.

  The controller 75 of the speaker array apparatus 1 reads out the control information (beam control information) of the audio signal as needed and calculates the focal position of the audio beam. Therefore, when the amount of change in the focal position per unit time in the control information is constant, the speaker array apparatus 1 moves the focal point of the sound beam at a constant speed as shown in FIG. In addition, when the amount of change of the focal position per unit time in the control information changes, the speaker array apparatus 1 moves the focal point of the sound beam by changing the speed as shown in FIG. When the focus position is moved as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the listener can hear a leak sound because the focus of the sound beam is initially away from the listening position. At this time, the listener can hear the leakage sound at a low volume. Then, as the focal point of the sound beam approaches the listening position, the volume of the sound heard by the listener gradually increases. Further, when the sound beam passes near the listening position, the sound beam diffused sound is heard, so that the listener can hear the loudest sound volume. On the other hand, as the focal point of the sound beam moves away from the listening position, the volume of the leaking sound that can be heard by the listener gradually decreases. Thus, since the focal position of the sound beam moves, the listener can feel that the sound source can be heard as if the sound source is actually moving.

  Further, by adding 1 / f fluctuation to the control information, it is possible to produce a natural movement without a sense of incongruity.

  Next, the speaker array apparatus 1 can move a plurality of sound beams simultaneously. For example, when content data including two beam control information and two audio signals is input from the signal input unit 51, the control unit 75 controls each control information (focus point) output from the audio signal processing unit 53. Based on the position information), the delay amount of each speaker unit 66 is calculated so that the audio signal is emitted from the speaker array 65 as an audio beam. Then, the control unit 75 outputs the delay amount of each speaker unit 66 to the delay processing unit 57 and emits (emits) two sound beams from the speaker array 65.

  In the speaker array device 1, it is naturally possible to simultaneously move three or more sound beams. At this time, the source of each sound beam may be the same or different.

  Next, in the speaker array device 1, the sound beam can be moved and the volume of the sound beam can be changed. This is to clarify the movement of sound.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 4C, the volume of the sound beam and the distance from the focus of the sound beam to the listening position may be set to be inversely proportional. In this case, information on the listening position is stored in the speaker array device 1 in advance, and when the audio signal and the focal position information are input, the volume of the audio beam is set based on the listening position information and the focal position information. It is good to constitute so that. The movement of the sound can be clarified from the beginning by increasing the volume of the sound beam to some extent at a position away from the listening position and decreasing the volume as the focus of the sound beam approaches the listening position.

  As a method for controlling the sound beam volume, the sound beam angle with respect to the listening position may be obtained, and the sound volume may be controlled to decrease as the absolute value of this angle decreases.

  Note that in FIG. 4C, the volume level is represented by the thickness of the line of the audio beam, the thick line is the volume level, and the thin line is the volume level.

  In the above case, the content data output by the audio signal output device 2 includes audio signal movement control information and sound volume control information corresponding to the distance between the listening position and beam control information. It is better to configure as follows. Based on the listening position information read from the storage unit 71 and the beam control information, the control unit 75 of the speaker array device 1 responds to the distance to the listening position as shown in FIG. Then, the audio signal processing unit 53 is controlled so that the volume of the audio beam changes.

  Next, the speaker array device 1 can move the sound beam and change the focal spot diameter (width) of the sound beam or the distance from the focus listening position.

  FIG. 4D is a conceptual diagram when the spot diameter of the sound beam is changed according to the distance from the listening position. FIG. 4D shows a case where the focal point of the sound beam is moved in parallel with the sound emitting surface of the speaker array 65 so that it can be easily understood.

  In order to make the listener feel that the sound source is moving in the direction of the dotted arrow shown in the figure, the distance from the listening position to the sound beam and the focal length of the sound beam are preferably inversely proportional. Here, the focal length of the sound beam is the distance from the focus of the sound beam to the listening position. For example, since the focal length increases as the sound beam approaches the listening position, the spot diameter of the sound beam at the position closest to the listening position increases. At this time, the focal length from the listening position increases as the spot diameter increases. By doing so, the sound spreads as the spot diameter increases, so that the listener can hear the sound at a low volume. Therefore, the farther the sound beam is from the listener, the smaller the focal length becomes, and the smaller the spot diameter of the focus of the sound beam, so that the sound can be sufficiently heard at the listening position. Further, the focal distance increases as the sound beam approaches the listener, but the sound can be heard well by the listener, so that the presence (movement) of the sound can be clarified.

  In contrast to the above control, the distance from the listening position and the spot diameter of the focal point of the sound beam may be proportional. That is, as the sound beam approaches the listening position, it is possible to control so that the focal length is reduced and the focal spot diameter is reduced. In this case, the sound becomes smaller as the sound beam moves away from the listening position, and the sound becomes louder as the sound beam approaches the listening position. Therefore, the listener can be given an audible feeling that the sound source suddenly appeared (sudden sound was heard), which is effective for producing a horror movie.

  Further, by changing the focal length of the sound beam while adding 1 / f fluctuation, it is possible to produce a natural movement without a sense of incongruity.

  In the above case, if the content data output by the audio signal output device 2 is configured to include the audio signal and the movement control information of the audio beam and the control information of the focal length with respect to the listening position as beam control information. good. Based on the listening position information read from the storage unit 71 and the beam control information, the control unit 75 of the speaker array device 1 responds to the distance from the listening position as shown in FIG. Then, the audio signal processing unit 53 is controlled so that the focal length (spot diameter of the focal point) of the audio beam changes.

  In addition, the width of the sound beam (spot width) at the listening position can be changed. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a change in the width of the sound beam at the listening position. FIG. 5 shows an example in which the focal point of the sound beam gradually moves from the speaker array device 1 toward the listener in the order of (A) → (B) → (C) → (D). When the focus of the sound beam is moved as described above, the width of the sound beam can be changed in proportion to the distance from the focus of the sound beam at the listener's listening position. Therefore, the farther the focus of the sound beam is from the listening position, the wider the width of the sound beam at the listening position, and the smaller the sound that can be heard by the listener. Also, the closer the sound beam is to the listening position, the narrower the width of the sound beam at the listening position and the greater the sound that can be heard by the listener. Therefore, by moving the focal position of the sound beam in this way, it is possible to make the listener feel that the sound source can be heard as if the sound source is actually moving.

  Although FIG. 5 shows a state where the focal point of the sound beam has moved to a position away from the listener (FIG. 5D), the width of the sound beam at the listening position gradually increases. It may be controlled to spread. That is, the sound beam may be controlled so that the focal point of the sound beam moves to infinity and the sound is further diffused.

  Next, the speaker array apparatus 1 can move the sound beams and change the number (quantity) of the sound beams.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the movement of the sound beam and the number of sound beams. In the figure, the boundary line is represented by a one-dot chain line. As shown in FIG. 6A, when the sound beam is more than a certain distance from the listening position, the number of sound beams is two. When the sound beam is closer than a certain distance from the listening position, the number of sound beams is set to one as shown in FIG. In this case, even if the sound beam is separated from the listener to some extent, the volume is increased because there are two sound beams, and the sound can be heard. Further, when the sound beam approaches, the number of sound beams becomes one. However, since the sound can be heard, the presence (movement) of the sound can be clarified.

  Contrary to the above control, when the sound beam is more than a certain distance from the listening position, the number of sound beams is one, and when the sound beam is closer than the certain distance from the listening position. The number of sound beams should be two. In this case, the sound becomes smaller as the sound beam moves away from the listening position, and the sound becomes louder as the sound beam approaches the listening position. Therefore, it is possible to give the listener that the sound source suddenly appeared (suddenly a sound was heard).

  When a plurality of sound beams are used, the focus of each sound beam is preferably provided at a predetermined interval. In addition, the boundary line may be set according to the environment.

  In the above case, the content data output by the audio signal output device 2 includes, as the audio signal and the beam control information, the movement control information of the audio beam and the control of the number of audio beams according to the distance between the listening positions. It may be configured to include information. Based on the listening position information read from the storage unit 71 and the beam control information described above, the control unit 75 of the speaker array device 1 generates an audio beam according to the distance from the listening position as shown in FIG. The audio signal processing unit 53 is controlled so that the number of

  Note that the beam control information is not limited to the above-described one. For example, in addition to the sound beam movement control information, the volume control information according to the distance from the listening position, and the focal length control information with respect to the listening position , May be included. In this case, when moving the sound beam, the volume and the focal length of the sound beam can be changed according to the distance between the sound beam and the listening position.

  As described above, the beam control information may include a plurality of pieces of control information as control information for changing the state of the sound beam.

  Next, a configuration when the speaker array device 1 is used as an actual surround system will be described.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic layout diagram of a surround system using the speaker array device of the present invention. When the speaker array device of the present invention is used in a surround system, a plurality of forms can be considered.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 7A, it is possible to add a speaker array device 1 to a conventional 5-channel surround system. In this case, a 5-channel surround sound is reproduced in the 5-channel surround system as before the speaker array device 1 is added. On the other hand, the speaker array device 1 is used as a device for reproducing sound during movement of an object. As a result, the listener can enjoy the surround sound in the same manner as in the past when the video content is displayed on the monitor. Furthermore, the moving sound of the object that moves remarkably in the video content can be enjoyed as if the sound source is actually moving by moving the focal point of the sound beam instead of the phantom.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7B, the speaker array device 1 can be added as a center speaker of a conventional 5-channel surround system. In this case, the speaker array device 1 is caused to emit sound as a center speaker of the 5ch surround system, and the sound at the time of moving the object is expressed by moving the focal point of the sound beam. Thereby, the listener can enjoy video content and surround sound as in the configuration of FIG. In addition, the number of speakers in the surround system can be reduced although it is one.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7C, the speaker array device 1 is used as a conventional speaker array device as shown in the patent document and also as a device that reproduces sound when an object moves. As a result, by reflecting a plurality of sound beams to the wall of the room, a surround system using virtual speakers can be constructed like a conventional speaker array device. In addition, it is possible to enjoy the sensation that the sound source is actually moving by moving the focal point of the sound beam instead of the phantom, such as the moving sound of an object that moves remarkably in the video content. Furthermore, the number of speakers installed can be suppressed.

  Next, in the surround system configured as described above, in order to move the audio beam, it is necessary to configure the video content data as follows. That is, in addition to an audio signal and a video signal for surround sound (for example, 5.1 channel), an audio format including an audio signal for an audio beam to be moved and information on a focal position (focal coordinate) of the audio signal (Data structure) must be configured. With such a data structure, the speaker array apparatus can be controlled to move the sound beam by reading data having this data structure.

  Also, when playing back video content in a surround system, at present, it is common to play back the content recorded on an optical disc such as a DVD or BLU-RAY DISC (registered trademark) on an optical disc playback apparatus. Therefore, when an optical disc in which video content having the above data structure is recorded on an optical disc is reproduced by an optical disc reproducing device, each signal is output from the AV amplifier to each of the 5ch speakers, the speaker array device 1 and the monitor. good. For example, an audio signal for audio beam to be moved and control information (focus position information) read from the optical disc are output to the speaker array device 1. The sound signal for surround sound (for example, 5.1 channel) is configured to be output to each speaker of 5ch via an AV amplifier. The video signal is configured to be output to a monitor. Thereby, in the surround system, the sound can be emitted as described based on FIG.

  In the above description, the case where the audio signal of the moving object in the video content and the beam control information thereof are input as a set has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other forms are possible. For example, in the speaker array device 1, the video data and audio data of the video content are analyzed to extract an audio signal of an object (moving object) that moves significantly, and an audio beam is extracted based on the movement of the moving object in the image. The focus position information is configured to be generated. And in the speaker array apparatus 1, it is good to control so that the sound of a moving object may be moved as an audio beam. As an example, in the video content, the audio of the center channel is used as a channel containing human speech, so the audio signal of the center channel and the person included in the video are analyzed and the movement of the person is expressed by an audio beam. Good configuration.

  Further, the beam control information may be input by operating the operation unit 69 or the remote controller 68. Furthermore, beam control information acquired via a network or the like may be input to the speaker array device 1 so that an audio signal of a specific channel is moved as an audio beam or its state is changed.

1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a speaker array device according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows arrangement | positioning of the speaker unit in a speaker array, and a figure for demonstrating the sound emission principle of the sound beam by a speaker array. It is a figure for demonstrating the characteristic of the sound beam radiated | emitted from a speaker array. It is a figure for demonstrating the mode of a movement of an audio beam. It is a figure which shows the mode of the change of the width | variety of the sound beam in a listening position. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the movement of an audio beam, and the number of audio beams. 1 is a schematic layout diagram of a surround system using a speaker array device of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Speaker array apparatus 2 ... Audio | voice signal output device 51 ... Signal input part 53 ... Audio | voice signal processing part 55 ... Audio | voice processing part 57 ... Delay processing part 61 ... D / A converter 63 ... Power amplifier 65 ... Speaker array 66 ... Speaker unit 67 ... Infrared receiver 68 ... Remote control 69 ... Operation unit 71 ... Storage unit 75 ... Control unit

Claims (9)

A speaker array in which a plurality of speaker units are arranged;
Signal processing means for supplying sound signals to the plurality of speaker units, controlling sound emission timings of the plurality of speaker units, and emitting sound beams from the speaker array;
A beam for controlling the signal processing means based on beam control information for moving and controlling the sound beam to move the sound beam and to change the state of the sound beam according to the distance between the sound beam and the listening position. Control means;
A speaker array device comprising: Comprising input means for inputting the beam control information;
The speaker array apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the beam control unit controls the signal processing unit based on beam control information input from the input unit.   The signal processing unit, when content data including the beam control information and the audio signal is input from the input unit, extracts the beam control information from the content data and outputs the extracted beam control information to the beam control unit. Item 3. The speaker array device according to Item 2. The beam control information includes movement control information of the sound beam and volume control information according to a distance between the sound beam and a listening position.
The speaker array device according to claim 1, wherein the beam control unit changes a volume of the sound beam as a state of the sound beam. The beam control information includes movement control information of the sound beam and control information of a focal length of the sound beam according to a distance between the sound beam and a listening position.
The speaker array device according to claim 1, wherein the beam control unit changes a focal length of the sound beam as a state of the sound beam. The beam control information includes movement control information of the sound beam and control information of the number of sound beams according to a distance between the sound beam and a listening position.
The speaker array device according to claim 1, wherein the beam control unit changes the number of the sound beams as the state of the sound beams.   7. The beam control unit according to claim 1, wherein, when a plurality of audio signals and beam control information are input from the input unit, the beam control unit moves a plurality of audio beams simultaneously based on the beam control information. Speaker array device.   An audio signal supplied to the signal processing means of the speaker array device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, and causing the beam control means to control the signal processing means to move the audio beam, A data structure including beam control information for changing a state of the sound beam according to a distance between the beam and a listening position.   An optical disc on which the data structure according to claim 8 is recorded.

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