JP2011176830A - Acoustic processor and acoustic processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an acoustic processor and an acoustic processing method capable of suppressing a resonance phenomenon induced by sealing an ear canal and capable of easily improving the quality of listening sound. <P>SOLUTION: The acoustic processor includes: a generation means for generating test signals for which an amplitude value at one of frequency positions included in a specified frequency band is corrected; a selection receiving means for acoustically outputting the test signals at the frequency positions for which the amplitude value is corrected comparably and receiving the selection of one test signal from the acoustically outputted test signals; and a sound quality correction means for correcting sound quality by using a setting related to the correction at the frequency position corresponding to the test signal received by the selection receiving means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a sound processing apparatus and a sound processing method.

  It is known that a resonance phenomenon occurs in the ear canal due to occlusion of the ear canal by earphones or headphones. Since such a resonance phenomenon has an effect such as muffled sound, the listener is listening to an unnatural sound. Therefore, in order to eliminate the generation of this unnatural sound, a technique for suppressing a resonance phenomenon occurring in a space formed by the ear and the earphone or the ear and the headphone has been proposed.

  For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a correction method for canceling a resonance frequency peak (resonance peak) detected by a measurement earphone on which a microphone is attached. Further, in Patent Document 1, a sound source signal is output from a measurement earphone, a frequency characteristic of an audio signal collected by a microphone mounted on the measurement earphone and disposed in the ear canal is obtained, and detected from this frequency characteristic. A method for reducing resonant frequency components in the ear canal is disclosed. In Patent Document 2, as a technology for eliminating the feeling of obstruction when headphones are worn, listeners can be obtained by clustering transfer functions different for each individual and reducing the types of filter coefficients of a filter that controls sound image localization. A technique for reducing the burden on the setting is disclosed.

JP 2009-194769 A Japanese Patent No. 2741817

  However, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 requires hardware for measuring sound in the ear canal, which increases the hardware mounting cost. There is also a problem that it is difficult to obtain such hardware in general. Further, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 2 has a problem that setting of filter coefficients is still complicated because at least 16 trials are required to determine appropriate filter coefficients. In addition, since there is a case where the difference between different settings is minute, it is not easy to recognize the difference in sound quality between the settings.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and provides an acoustic processing device and an acoustic processing method capable of suppressing a resonance phenomenon caused by occlusion of the external auditory canal and easily realizing high-quality listening sound. The purpose is to do.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention includes a generating unit that generates a test signal in which an amplitude value at any frequency position included in a specific frequency band is corrected, and the amplitude value is The test signal at the corrected frequency position is output in a comparable manner, and a selection receiving unit that receives a selection of one test signal among the test signals that are output as sound, and the selection receiving unit receives Sound quality correction means for performing sound quality correction using the setting relating to the correction at the frequency position corresponding to the test signal.

  According to the present invention, the generation unit generates a test signal in which the amplitude value at any frequency position included in the specific frequency band is corrected, and the selection reception unit corrects the amplitude value. In order to output the test signal at the frequency position in a comparable manner, the selection receiving step for receiving selection of one test signal among the test signals to be output by the sound, and the sound quality correcting means include the selection receiving step. And a sound quality correction step of performing sound quality correction using the setting relating to the correction at the frequency position corresponding to the test signal received in step (b).

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a sound processing apparatus and a sound processing method capable of suppressing a resonance phenomenon caused by occlusion of the external auditory canal and easily realizing high-quality listening sound.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a sound processing apparatus. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the sound reproducing device. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a measurement result of resonance generated in the ear canal. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the relationship between the primary resonance frequency and the secondary resonance frequency measured for the left ears of many subjects. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the relationship between the primary resonance frequency and the secondary resonance frequency measured for the right ears of many subjects. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of frequency characteristics of the test signal. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the band extracting unit. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the addition unit. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the principle of the correction filter used in the signal processing unit. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the signal processing unit. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating each correction filter included in the signal processing unit. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a UI provided by the selection unit. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the procedure of the filter change process. FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the filter change processing. FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the filter change processing. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating another configuration example of the sound reproducing device. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating another configuration example of the sound reproducing device.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of a sound processing apparatus and a sound processing method according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following, an example in which the present invention is applied to an acoustic processing apparatus such as a portable audio player will be described, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a sound processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the sound processing apparatus 100 includes a sound reproduction apparatus 110 and an earphone 120.

  The sound reproducing device 110 includes a two-folded housing coupled by a hinge unit (not shown), and a display unit 31 and an operation input unit 32 which will be described later are provided on the inner surface thereof. The earphone 120 is a canal-type earphone or the like, and is used in a state of being attached to a listener's ear. In the present embodiment, the case where the earphone 120 is a canal type will be described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and other types or headphones may be used.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the sound reproducing device 110. As shown in the figure, the sound reproduction device 110 includes a test signal generation unit 10, a conversion unit 20, a selection unit 30, an acoustic signal generation unit 40, and a filter processing unit 50. The test signal generation unit 10 includes a band extraction unit 11, an addition unit 12, and a signal processing unit 13.

  The band extraction unit 11 is a high-pass filter, a band-pass filter, or the like, and extracts a component in a specific frequency band from a test acoustic signal (hereinafter referred to as a test signal) output from the acoustic signal generation unit 40. . Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 3 to FIG. 5, the frequency band to be extracted by the band extracting unit 11 will be described.

  As described above, when the listener L wears the earphone 120 on the ear and listens to sound, resonance occurs in the closed space in the ear including the ear canal formed by the ear of the listener L and the earphone 120. . Here, FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a measurement result of a resonance state generated in the ear canal of a subject (listener L) wearing the earphone 120.

  In the graph shown in FIG. 3, the measurement results of the respective resonance characteristics are shown as the ear characteristics of the right ear and the left ear of the subject, the horizontal axis represents the frequency, and the vertical axis represents the amplitude (gain) of the frequency. ing. As can be seen from FIG. 3, it is measured that there is a resonance peak as the amplitude of each frequency of the right ear and the left ear, and these indicate resonance of each ear.

Specifically, in the frequency characteristic of the left ear indicated by the solid line in FIG. 3, a peak (hereinafter referred to as a resonance peak) generated by a resonance phenomenon around the frequency position indicated by f _L1 and the frequency position indicated by f _L2. ) Exists. Further, in the frequency characteristic of the right ear indicated by the broken line, a resonance peak exists in the vicinity of the frequency position indicated by f _R1 and the frequency position indicated by f _R2 . Hereinafter, in the present embodiment, of the resonance frequencies whose amplitude becomes the resonance peak in each ear, the lower frequency (f _L1 , f _R1 ) is referred to as the primary resonance frequency, and the higher frequency (f _L2 , f _R2 ) is called the secondary resonance frequency.

  By the way, since the shape of the human ear is different for each individual, the ear characteristics are also different for each individual. For this reason, the resonance characteristics generated when the earphone is worn are different for each individual. The inventors have clarified that a resonance peak occurs in a band higher than 5 kHz by analyzing the result of measuring the resonance characteristics of the plurality of persons when the earphone is worn.

  4 and 5 are diagrams showing the relationship between the primary resonance frequency and the secondary resonance frequency measured for the ears (left ear, right ear) of a large number of subjects wearing the earphones 120. FIG. Here, FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the relationship between the primary resonance frequency and the secondary resonance frequency generated in the left ear of each subject. The horizontal axis represents the distribution of the primary resonance frequency, and the vertical axis represents the secondary resonance. Represents the frequency distribution. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the relationship between the primary resonance frequency and the secondary resonance frequency generated in the right ear of each subject. The horizontal axis represents the distribution of the primary resonance frequency, and the vertical axis represents the secondary resonance frequency. Represents the distribution of.

  According to the measurement results shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, it can be seen that the primary resonance frequency is distributed in a range of approximately 5 kHz to 9 kHz. It can be seen that the secondary resonance frequency is distributed in a range of approximately 10 kHz to 14 kHz. Therefore, in the band extraction unit 11, a frequency band in which resonance may occur due to occlusion of the ear canal among the frequency bands constituting the test signal, that is, the frequency including the above-described primary resonance frequency and the secondary resonance frequency. A band component (5 kHz to 14 kHz) is extracted. Hereinafter, a frequency band in which resonance may occur due to occlusion of the ear canal is referred to as a resonance frequency band.

  For example, if the test signal is represented by the frequency characteristic P shown in FIG. 6, the band extracting unit 11 has f1 to f2 including the primary resonance frequency and the secondary resonance frequency shown in FIG. 7 as the resonance frequency band. Extract frequency band components (amplitude values). Here, FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the frequency characteristics of the test signal, and FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the band extracting unit 11. The horizontal axis represents the frequency, and the vertical axis represents the frequency. It represents the amplitude (gain) of the frequency.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the adding unit 12 is an adder, an amplifier, or the like, adds the component of the specific band extracted by the band extracting unit 11 to the test signal, and outputs the test signal to the signal processing unit 13. For example, assuming that the component extracted by the band extracting unit 11 is a component in the f1 to f2 band in FIG. 7, the adding unit 12 adds this component to the frequency characteristic P, thereby indicating the solid line in FIG. Frequency characteristic P1 is generated. That is, the adder 12 cooperates with the band extractor 11 to amplify the amplitude value in the resonance frequency band included in the test signal. Here, FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the adding unit 12, and the broken line indicates the frequency characteristic P before the addition. Note that the degree of addition (amplification factor) to the frequency characteristic P can be set to an arbitrary value.

  As a characteristic of the human ear, it is known that the resolution of the sound in the resonance frequency band including the primary resonance frequency and the secondary resonance frequency is not so high as described later. For this reason, even if a sense of incongruity occurs in the sound to be heard due to a resonance phenomenon that occurs in the ear canal, it is difficult to determine the frequency band that causes it. Therefore, the adder 12 cooperates with the band extractor 11 to amplify the amplitude value of the resonance frequency band, thereby modulating the test signal so that a change in sound quality due to the resonance phenomenon can be easily identified.

  In this embodiment, the resonance frequency band component is emphasized by amplifying the resonance frequency band amplitude value. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and instead of amplifying the resonance frequency band amplitude value, the resonance frequency band is amplified. A component in the resonance frequency band may be emphasized by reducing components other than the band. In this case, for example, a test signal input to the test signal generation unit 10 is applied as one input to the addition unit 12 using a test signal other than the resonance frequency band extracted by the band extraction unit 11. By attenuating the internal components, the components in the resonance frequency band can be emphasized. Alternatively, a component other than the resonance frequency band in the test signal is extracted using the band extracting unit 11 realized by a low-pass filter, a band-pass filter, or the like, and the adding unit 12 is replaced with a subtracting unit and extracted by the band extracting unit 11 A component other than the resonance frequency band in the test signal may be subtracted from the test signal to emphasize the resonance frequency band component. Further, instead of the adder 12 and the band extractor 11, the same function may be realized by a filter having a frequency characteristic that emphasizes the resonance frequency band.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the signal processing unit 13 performs signal processing for changing the frequency characteristics of the test signal on the test signal input from the addition unit 12, and outputs the result to the conversion unit 20. Specifically, the signal processing unit 13 is added by the adding unit 12 using a correction filter having a frequency characteristic instructed by the listener L through the selection unit 30 from a plurality of types of correction filters having different frequency characteristics. Correct the frequency characteristics. It is assumed that a signal processing circuit and each correction filter corresponding to each frequency characteristic are incorporated in the signal processing unit 13 in advance.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the principle of the correction filter used in the signal processing unit 13. In the figure, the solid line represents the ear characteristic E of the listener L wearing the earphone 120. A broken line represents the frequency characteristic of the correction filter. Here, the correction filters F11 to F13 are correction filters for suppressing (reducing) the resonance peak due to the primary resonance frequency, and the correction filters F21 to F23 are correction filters for suppressing the resonance peak due to the secondary resonance frequency. is there. The horizontal axis represents frequency, and the vertical axis represents frequency amplitude (gain).

  As shown in FIG. 9, the correction filter used by the signal processing unit 13 is a frequency filter for suppressing resonance peaks due to the primary resonance frequency and the secondary resonance frequency. The signal processing unit 13 has a plurality of types of correction filters having different center frequencies in order to correspond to the ear characteristics of each person who becomes the listener L, and according to a selection signal from the selection unit 30 among the plurality of correction filters. By using the corrected filter, the frequency characteristic of the test signal output from the adder 12 is changed.

  For example, when the test signal having the frequency characteristic P1 shown in FIG. 8 is output from the adder 12 and the correction filters F11 and F21 are specified via the selector 30, the signal processor 13 is as shown in FIG. Further, the frequency characteristic of the frequency characteristic P1 is changed using the correction filters F11 and F21. Here, FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the signal processing unit 13.

  By the way, it is known as a characteristic of the human ear that the frequency resolution becomes coarser as the sound goes higher. For this reason, when determining the filter coefficient of the correction filter, it is not necessary that the resonance frequency of the listener L exactly matches the center frequency of the correction filter.

  In this regard, the inventors have a case where the resonance frequency and the center frequency of the correction filter are strictly matched, and a case where the center frequency of the correction filter is arranged at a frequency position shifted by about 500 Hz before and after the resonance frequency. A comparative experiment was conducted. As a result, it has been confirmed that the difference in sound quality between the two cannot be discriminated. Further, since the secondary resonance frequency band has a higher sound range, it is possible to cope with the adjustment with coarser accuracy than the primary resonance frequency band.

  For this reason, in order to suppress the resonance peak due to the primary resonance frequency, a sufficient effect can be obtained by using, for example, five types of correction filters from 5 kHz to 1 kHz based on the distribution results of FIG. 4 and FIG. Can do. In addition, a sufficient effect can be obtained by using a correction filter with coarser accuracy for suppressing the resonance peak by the secondary resonance frequency.

  The signal processing unit 13 uses a plurality of types of correction filters for each of the resonance peak caused by the primary resonance frequency (hereinafter referred to as the primary resonance peak) and the resonance peak caused by the secondary resonance frequency (hereinafter referred to as the secondary resonance peak). It is good also as a form provided, and it is good also as a form provided with two or more types of correction filters about any one resonance peak. Moreover, it is good also as a form provided with multiple types of correction filters which can suppress a primary resonance peak and a secondary resonance peak simultaneously. In this case, according to the distribution results shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, there is a strong positive correlation between the primary resonance frequency and the secondary resonance frequency that the secondary resonance frequency increases as the primary resonance frequency increases. I understand that there is. Focusing on this correlation, the number of combinations of filter coefficients that suppress both the primary co-peak and the secondary resonance peak can be reduced.

  For example, in FIG. 4, in the case of a person who has a primary resonance phenomenon of 7 kHz, it can be seen that the secondary resonance phenomenon occurs in the vicinity of 12 kHz. In this case, there is almost no secondary resonance phenomenon of 10 kHz or less or exceeding 14 kHz. Therefore, in order to suppress the secondary resonance phenomenon, three types of correction filters having a center frequency of 11 to 13 kHz may be used. Furthermore, considering the roughness of the frequency resolution in listening in a high band, for the secondary resonance frequency, for example, only a correction filter having a center frequency of 12 kHz may be used.

  As described above, when a correction filter that simultaneously suppresses the primary resonance peak and the secondary resonance peak is used, the types of the correction filter can be limited to several types. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the signal processing unit 13 includes a correction filter F1 that suppresses resonance peaks in the 5 kHz band and the 10 kHz band, a correction filter F2 that suppresses resonance peaks in the 6 kHz band and the 11 kHz band, Assume that a total of four correction filters are provided: a correction filter F3 that suppresses resonance peaks in the 7 kHz band and the 12 kHz band, and a correction filter F4 that suppresses resonance peaks in the 8 kHz band and the 13 kHz band. Each correction filter can be generated by a known method, and an arbitrary value can be set for the amplitude and bandwidth for forming an inverse peak in each correction filter.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the conversion unit 20 converts the test signal output from the test signal generation unit 10 (signal processing unit 13) or the acoustic signal output from the filter processing unit 50 into an electrical signal and outputs the electrical signal to the earphone 120. . The earphone 120 converts the electrical signal input from the conversion unit 20 into a sound that can be heard by the listener L. Thereby, the listener L can listen to the sound emitted from the earphone 120 by wearing the earphone 120 on the ear. In addition, the listener L performs correction for correcting an audio signal from a UI (User Interface), which will be described later, provided by the selection unit 30 based on a sound (hereinafter referred to as a test sound) generated by an electrical signal converted from the test signal. By selecting a filter, it is possible to change to a desired sound quality.

  The selection unit 30 includes a microprocessor, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and includes a display unit 31 and an operation input unit 32. The display unit 31 includes a display device such as an LCD or an organic EL, and displays information related to the acoustic signal generated by the acoustic signal generation unit 40 and a predetermined UI under the control of the selection unit 30. The operation input unit 32 includes input devices such as various buttons and a touch panel, and receives operation inputs from the listener L.

  When the selection unit 30 receives an operation input to start changing the sound quality correction setting via the operation input unit 32, the selection unit 30 displays a UI for selecting a correction filter used for correcting the audio signal on the display unit 31. Display. Then, the selection unit 30 outputs the selection result of the correction filter received via the operation input unit 32 to the test signal generation unit 10 (signal processing unit 13) and the filter processing unit 50 as a selection signal.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a UI provided by the selection unit 30. In the figure, selection buttons B1 and B2 are selection buttons (selection items) for receiving selection of a correction filter. When the selection button B1 or B2 is pressed, the selection unit 30 outputs a selection signal instructing a correction filter having a characteristic corresponding to the pressed button to the signal processing unit 13 and the filter processing unit 50. Further, the decision button B3 is a button for instructing the selection of the correction filter. The selection unit 30 is assumed to hold in advance information (for example, the filter name, filter coefficient, etc. of each correction filter) specifying each correction filter F1 to F4.

  Operations on the selection buttons B1 and B2 and the determination button B3 are performed using various buttons of the operation input unit 32, a touch panel, and the like. In addition, it is good also as a form which operates the pointer, cursor, etc. which are shown on the display part 31 with the various buttons and touchpad of the operation input part 32, and presses selection button B1 and B2 and the determination button B3. When the display unit 31 also functions as a touch panel, the selection buttons B1 and B2 and the determination button B3 may be pressed directly.

  Specifically, the selection unit 30 generates a plurality of groups (hereinafter referred to as primary filter groups) by dividing the correction filter group by the number of selection buttons (two in this embodiment) displayed on the UI. . Then, the selection unit 30 selects one representative correction filter (hereinafter referred to as a primary representative filter) from each of the primary filter groups, and assigns information specifying the primary representative filter to each selection button.

  In order to make it easy to discriminate a change in sound quality, it is preferable that the correction filter selected as the primary representative filter from each primary filter group is not adjacent at the center frequency of the series of correction filter groups. When three or more correction filters are included in the primary filter group, it is preferable to select a correction filter having an intermediate center frequency in the primary filter group as the primary representative filter. The same applies to the selection of representative filters after the second order.

  Upon selection of one of the selection buttons assigned with the primary representative filter, the selection unit 30 outputs a selection signal indicating the primary representative filter assigned to the selection button to the signal processing unit 13 and the filter processing unit 50. To do. Further, the selection unit 30 determines whether or not a plurality of correction filters are included in the primary filter group to which the primary representative filter belongs. If it is determined that a plurality of correction filters are included, this selection filter group is set to the UI. A plurality of groups (hereinafter referred to as secondary filter groups) are generated by dividing by the number of selection buttons to be displayed. Then, the selection unit 30 selects one representative correction filter (hereinafter referred to as a secondary representative filter) from each of the secondary filter groups, and assigns information specifying the secondary representative filter to each selection button.

  When the selection unit 30 receives pressing of the selection button to which the secondary representative filter is assigned, the selection unit 30 outputs a selection signal instructing the secondary representative filter assigned to the selection button to the signal processing unit 13 and the filter processing unit 50. When the secondary filter group to which the secondary representative filter belongs includes a plurality of correction filters, the secondary filter group is divided and the representative filter selected from each group (tertiary filter group) is the same as described above. The (tertiary representative filter) is assigned to each selection button. If further grouping is possible, grouping after the fourth order and selection of representative filters are sequentially performed in the same manner as described above.

  When assigning a representative filter to a selection button, identification information (for example, a correction filter name or correction) that can identify the assigned representative filter is displayed on an image (such as an icon) representing the selection button. The center frequency of the filter, the filter coefficient, etc.) may be displayed.

  For example, in the present embodiment, since there are four correction filters (correction filters F1 to F4) and two selection buttons, the selection unit 30 includes a group of correction filters F1 and F2 as a first filter group, Divide into groups of correction filters F3 and F4. Subsequently, the selection unit 30 selects the correction filter F1 and the correction filter F4 as primary representative filters from the primary filter group of the correction filters F1 and F2 and the primary filter group of the correction filters F3 and F4, respectively. . Next, the selection unit 30 assigns information specifying the correction filter F2 to the selection button B1, and assigns information specifying the correction filter F4 to the selection button B2.

  Here, for example, when the selection button B1 is pressed via the operation input unit 32, the selection unit 30 sends a selection signal indicating the correction filter F1 assigned to the selection button B1 to the signal processing unit 13 and the filter processing unit 50. Output to. Accordingly, since the signal processing unit 13 outputs a test signal subjected to signal processing using the correction filter F1, the listener L wearing the earphone 120 listens to the sound of the test signal.

  When selection button B3 is pressed after correction filter F1 is selected, selection unit 30 selects a correction filter group (correction filters F1 and F2) included in the primary filter group to which correction filter F1 belongs. By dividing by the number of buttons 2, the group of the correction filter F1 and the group of the correction filter F2 are generated as the second filter group.

  When the selection unit 30 selects the correction filter F1 and the correction filter F2 as the secondary representative correction filter, the selection unit 30 assigns information specifying the correction filter F1 to the selection button B1 and information specifying the correction filter F2. Is assigned to the selection button B2.

  Here, for example, when the selection button B2 is pressed via the operation input unit 32, the selection unit 30 sends a selection signal indicating the correction filter F2 assigned to the selection button B2 to the signal processing unit 13 and the filter processing unit 50. Output to. Accordingly, since the signal processing unit 13 outputs a test signal subjected to signal processing using the correction filter F2, the listener L wearing the earphone 120 listens to the sound of the test signal. Note that when the determination button B3 is pressed after selecting the correction filter F2, the selection unit 30 deletes the UI displayed on the display unit 31.

  As described above, the selection unit 30 hierarchically groups a plurality of correction filters based on the number of selection buttons, and assigns one correction filter selected from each group in the same hierarchy to each selection item. A UI for selecting one correction filter from the group of the hierarchy to the group of the lower hierarchy is provided to the listener L. Accordingly, the listener L can easily compare the difference in sound quality due to the application of each correction filter, and can select a desired correction filter by an intuitive operation. In addition, the number of times of listening to the test sound necessary for making the final decision is reduced, and the burden on the listener can be reduced.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the acoustic signal generation unit 40 generates a digital audio signal from acoustic data (music data, audio data, etc.) stored in a memory (not shown) and an analog audio signal input from an external device. And output to the filter processing unit 50. When the acoustic signal generation unit 40 receives an operation input to start changing the sound quality correction setting via the operation input unit 32, the acoustic signal generation unit 40 starts generating a test signal and outputs the test signal to the signal processing unit 13.

  Here, as the test signal, for example, white noise or an audio signal such as music acquired from a memory or an external input can be used. Further, in the case of compressed data such as audio encoding, audio encoding, and lossless encoding, it may be an audio waveform signal acquired by performing necessary decoding processing. In addition, it is assumed that a 2-channel audio signal of L (Left) and R (Right) is output, but it may be a monaural signal or a multi-channel signal. Any signal having a wide frequency band component to some extent rather than a narrow band signal such as a monotone signal can be used as a test signal.

  The filter processing unit 50 includes a storage unit such as a storage medium that holds a plurality of correction filters (correction filters F1 to F4) having the same characteristics as the correction filters included in the signal processing unit 13, and any of these correction filters. Means for changing the frequency characteristic of the acoustic signal using the one correction filter. When the filter processing unit 50 receives the selection signal from the selection unit 30, the filter processing unit 50 holds the correction filter corresponding to the selection signal as a correction filter used for correcting the sound quality of the acoustic signal input from the acoustic signal generation unit 40. Then, the filter processing unit 50 changes the frequency characteristic of the acoustic signal using the correction filter held for sound quality correction, and outputs the change to the conversion unit 20.

  Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 13 to 15, the operation of the sound processing apparatus 100 according to the setting change of the correction filter will be described.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a procedure of filter change processing executed by the selection unit 30. As a premise of this process, it is assumed that an operation input for starting a change in sound quality correction setting is performed via the operation input unit 32.

  First, when the selection unit 30 displays the UI shown in FIG. 12 on the display unit 31 (step S11), the selection unit 30 assigns information specifying the correction filter F1 to the selection button B1 included in the UI and corrects the selection button B2. Information specifying the filter F4 is assigned (step S12).

  Here, when the selection unit 30 accepts pressing of the selection button B1 (step S13; F1), the selection unit 30 outputs a selection signal indicating the correction filter F1 assigned to the selection button B1 to the signal processing unit 13 and the filter processing unit 50. (Step S14). Next, the selection unit 30 determines whether or not the determination button B3 has been pressed, and when it is not possible to confirm the pressing of the determination button B3 (step S15; No), the selection unit 30 returns to step S13 again.

  When the selection button B1 is pressed in step S13, the signal processing unit 13 uses the correction filter F1 to change the frequency characteristic of the test signal. Therefore, a sound whose resonance phenomenon is suppressed by the correction filter F1 is emitted from the earphone 120. Will be. The listener L presses the selection button B1 and the selection button B2, and determines which one has the desired sound quality based on the sound emitted from the earphone 120. When the desired sound quality is determined, the determination button B3 is pressed.

  When the selection unit 30 receives selection of the correction filter F1 in step S13 and then receives a press of the decision button B3 (step S15; Yes), the selection unit 30 assigns information specifying the correction filter F1 to the selection button B1 and selects the selection button B1. Information specifying the correction filter F2 is assigned to B2 (step S16).

  Here, when the selection unit 30 receives the pressing of the selection button B1 (step S17; F1), the selection unit 30 outputs a selection signal indicating the correction filter F1 assigned to the selection button B1 to the signal processing unit 13 and the filter processing unit 50. (Step S18). Next, the selection unit 30 determines whether or not the determination button B3 has been pressed. If the determination button 30 cannot be confirmed to be pressed (No at Step S20), the selection unit 30 returns to Step S17 again.

  When the selection button B1 is pressed in step S17, the signal processing unit 13 uses the correction filter F1 to change the frequency characteristic of the test signal. Therefore, a sound whose resonance phenomenon is suppressed by the correction filter F1 is emitted from the earphone 120. Will be. The listener L presses the selection button B1 and the selection button B2, and determines which one has the desired sound quality based on the sound emitted from the earphone 120. When the desired sound quality is determined, the determination button B3 is pressed.

  When the selection unit 30 receives the selection of the correction filter F1 in step S17 and then receives the press of the determination button B3 (step S20; Yes), the selection unit 30 deletes the UI displayed on the display unit 31 (step S28), and performs this processing. Exit.

  In step S17, when the selection button B2 is pressed (step S17; F2), the selection unit 30 sends a selection signal indicating the correction filter F2 assigned to the selection button B2 to the signal processing unit 13 and the filter processing unit. 50 (step S19). Next, the selection unit 30 determines whether or not the determination button B3 has been pressed. If the determination button 30 cannot be confirmed to be pressed (No at Step S20), the selection unit 30 returns to Step S17 again.

  When the selection button B2 is pressed in step S17, the signal processing unit 13 uses the correction filter F2 to change the frequency characteristic of the test signal. Therefore, a sound whose resonance phenomenon is suppressed by the correction filter F2 is emitted from the earphone 120. Will be. The listener L determines whether or not the sound quality is desired based on the sound emitted from the earphone 120, and presses the decision button B3 if this sound quality is desired.

  After accepting selection of the correction filter F2 in step S17 and accepting pressing of the determination button B3 (step S20; Yes), the selection unit 30 deletes the UI displayed on the display unit 31 (step S28), and performs this processing. Exit.

  On the other hand, when the pressing of the selection button B2 is accepted in step S13 (step S13; F4), the selection unit 30 outputs a selection signal that instructs the correction filter F4 assigned to the selection button B2 to the signal processing unit 13 and the filter processing. It outputs to the part 50 (step S21). Next, the selection unit 30 determines whether or not the determination button B3 has been pressed. If the determination button B3 cannot be confirmed to be pressed (No at Step S22), the selection unit 30 returns to Step S13 again.

  When the selection button B2 is pressed in step S13, the signal processing unit 13 changes the frequency characteristic of the test signal using the correction filter F4, and thus the sound whose resonance phenomenon is suppressed by the correction filter F4 is emitted from the earphone 120. Will be. The listener L presses the selection button B1 and the selection button B2, and determines which one has the desired sound quality based on the sound emitted from the earphone 120. When the desired sound quality is determined, the determination button B3 is pressed.

  When the selection unit 30 accepts the selection of the correction filter F4 in step S13 and then accepts pressing of the decision button B3 (step S22; Yes), the selection unit 30 assigns information specifying the correction filter F3 to the selection button B1 and selects the selection button B1. Information specifying the correction filter F4 is assigned to B2 (step S23).

  Here, when the selection unit 30 receives the pressing of the selection button B1 (step S24; F3), the selection unit 30 outputs a selection signal indicating the correction filter F3 assigned to the selection button B1 to the signal processing unit 13 and the filter processing unit 50. (Step S25). Next, the selection unit 30 determines whether or not the determination button B3 has been pressed, and when it is not possible to confirm the pressing of the determination button B3 (step S27; No), the selection unit 30 returns to step S24 again.

  When the selection button B1 is pressed in step S24, the signal processing unit 13 uses the correction filter F3 to change the frequency characteristic of the test signal. Therefore, a sound whose resonance phenomenon is suppressed by the correction filter F3 is emitted from the earphone 120. Will be. The listener L presses the selection button B1 and the selection button B2, and determines which one has the desired sound quality based on the sound emitted from the earphone 120. When the desired sound quality is determined, the determination button B3 is pressed.

  After accepting selection of the correction filter F3 in step S24 and accepting pressing of the determination button B3 (step S27; Yes), the selection unit 30 deletes the UI displayed on the display unit 31 (step S28), and performs this processing. Exit.

  In step S24, when the selection button B2 is pressed (step S24; F4), the selection unit 30 sends a selection signal indicating the correction filter F4 assigned to the selection button B2 to the signal processing unit 13 and the filter processing unit. 50 (step S26). Next, the selection unit 30 determines whether or not the determination button B3 has been pressed, and when it is not possible to confirm the pressing of the determination button B3 (step S27; No), the selection unit 30 returns to step S24 again.

  When the selection button B2 is pressed in step S24, the signal processing unit 13 uses the correction filter F4 to change the frequency characteristic of the test signal, so that a sound whose resonance phenomenon is suppressed by the correction filter F4 is emitted from the earphone 120. Will be. The listener L determines whether or not the sound quality is desired based on the sound emitted from the earphone 120, and presses the decision button B3 if this sound quality is desired.

  After accepting selection of the correction filter F4 in step S24 and then accepting pressing of the determination button B3 (step S27; Yes), the selection unit 30 deletes the UI displayed on the display unit 31 (step S28), and performs this processing. Exit.

  14 and 15 are diagrams for explaining the filter change processing described above. 14 and 15, the solid line represents the ear characteristic E of a certain listener L wearing the earphone 120. As shown in FIG. 14, when the correction filter F4 is applied as a sound quality correction setting by the signal processing unit 13, the resonance peak of the ear characteristic E cannot be efficiently suppressed. You will hear the affected test sound. In this case, the listener L receives a feeling that the test sound is loud or audible. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 15, when the correction filter F1 capable of efficiently suppressing the resonance peak is applied in the signal processing unit 13, the listener L makes a test sound with a reduced resonance phenomenon. Listen to it. In this case, the listener L receives a feeling that the annoyance of the test sound is reduced or the feeling on the ear is softened compared to the case of FIG. The correction filter can be selected based on an intuitive standard whether it is noisy or whether it is heard, and difficult judgments such as listening are not necessary.

  As described above, the listener L uses the UI displayed on the display unit 31 in the filter changing process to change the setting while listening and comparing the sound quality of the test signal subjected to the signal processing by each correction filter. The correction filter can be selected based on an intuitive standard whether it is noisy or whether it is heard, and difficult judgments such as listening are not necessary. Further, as shown in FIG. 15, it is possible to easily select a correction filter that can efficiently suppress the resonance peak of the ear characteristic E. Accordingly, since an appropriate correction filter is applied to the filter processing unit 50, the listener L can listen to the acoustic signal that has been corrected to match his / her ear characteristics via the earphone 120, thereby increasing the listening level. It becomes possible to enjoy the improved sound quality.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications, substitutions, additions, and the like are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

  In the above embodiment, each correction filter is stored in advance as a setting relating to the correction of the acoustic signal (test signal), and the mode in which the frequency characteristic of the test signal is changed using the correction filter has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. And For example, only values (cutoff frequency, Q value, etc.) representing the characteristics of each correction filter may be held, and each correction filter may be generated each time using these values.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the correction | amendment which suppresses (reduces) the amplitude value (resonance peak) of an acoustic signal was performed using the correction filter, it is not restricted to this, The form which performs other correction | amendment (for example, increase etc.) It is good. For example, the correction may be performed such that components other than the frequency band where the resonance peak occurs are increased, and the frequency component that is the resonance peak is not protruded from the other frequency band components.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although it was set as the form which provided the band extraction part 11 and the addition part 12 separately, it is not restricted to this, One process which can implement | achieve a function in the band extraction part 11 and the addition part 12 It is good also as a form implement | achieved by a part. Moreover, it is good also as a form which implement | achieves the function of the band extraction part 11, the addition part 12, and the signal processing part 13 by one processing part. Note that when this configuration is used, the number of times signal processing is performed on the acoustic signal (test signal) can be reduced and the circuit configuration can be simplified compared to the configuration of FIG. With the configuration, it is possible to achieve the same effect as the above embodiment.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, the acoustic signal production | generation part 40 produces | generates a test signal, and the form which amplifies the component of the zone | band which may generate resonance by the external ear canal obstruction | occlusion by the band extraction part 11 and the addition part 12 However, it is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, an acoustic signal equivalent to the test signal output from the adder 12 is stored in a storage medium in advance, and a test signal is generated using the acoustic signal stored in the storage medium. Alternatively, the listener L may listen to the test sound.

  Here, FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a sound processing device 200 which is another embodiment of the sound processing device 100. As shown in the figure, the sound processing device 200 includes a sound playback device 130 corresponding to the sound playback device 110 and an earphone 120. In the sound reproduction device 130, the configuration of the test signal generation unit 60 is different from that of the sound reproduction device 110, and a storage unit 61 that stores an acoustic signal equivalent to the test signal output from the addition unit 12, a signal processing unit 62, It is comprised.

  When the signal processing unit 62 reads the acoustic signal stored in the storage unit 61, the signal processing unit 62 performs a process of changing the frequency characteristics using the correction filter corresponding to the selection signal from the selection unit 30, and then performs a test. The signal is output to the conversion unit 20 as a signal.

  When the configuration of the acoustic processing device 200 is used, the number of times that the acoustic signal (test signal) is processed can be reduced and the circuit configuration can be simplified as compared with the configuration of FIG. With the configuration, it is possible to achieve the same effect as the above embodiment.

  Furthermore, in the configuration of the acoustic processing device 200, a test signal processed by each of the correction filters F1 to F4 may be stored in the storage unit 61. In this case, the signal processing unit 62 reads out the acoustic signal processed using the correction filter corresponding to the selection signal from the selection unit 30 from the storage unit 61 and outputs it as a test signal to the conversion unit 20. The same effects as described above can be obtained.

  In the above embodiment, the signal processing unit 13 and the filter processing unit 50 are individually provided. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the filter processing unit 80 corresponding to the filter processing unit 50 as shown in FIG. The test signal may be generated using the.

  Here, FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a sound processing device 300 which is another embodiment of the sound processing device 100. As shown in the figure, the sound processing device 300 includes a sound playback device 140 corresponding to the sound playback device 110 and an earphone 120. In the sound reproduction device 140, the configuration of the test signal generation unit 70 is different from that of the sound reproduction device 110, and the signal processing unit 13 is removed from the test signal generation unit 10. Further, the filter processing unit 80 corresponding to the filter processing unit 50 receives the test signal from the addition unit 12 and changes the frequency characteristics using a correction filter corresponding to the selection signal from the selection unit 30. In the test signal generation unit 70, the band extraction unit 11 and the addition unit 12 may be replaced with the storage unit 61 in FIG.

  When the configuration of the sound processing device 300 is used, the circuit configuration can be simplified as compared with the configuration of FIG. 2, and thus the same effects as those of the above embodiment can be achieved with a simpler configuration.

  As described above, the sound processing device and sound processing method according to the present invention are useful for sound processing devices that reproduce sound signals, and are particularly suitable for sound processing devices that emit sound using earphones or headphones. .

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Sound processing apparatus 110 Sound reproduction apparatus 120 Earphone 10 Test signal generation part 11 Band extraction part 12 Addition part 13 Signal processing part 20 Conversion part 30 Selection part 31 Display part 32 Operation input part 40 Acoustic signal generation part 50 Filter processing part 200 Sound Processing device 130 Sound reproduction device 60 Test signal generation unit 61 Storage unit 62 Signal processing unit 300 Sound processing device 140 Sound reproduction device 70 Test signal generation unit 80 Filter processing unit

Claims (11)

Generating means for generating a test signal in which an amplitude value at any frequency position included in a specific frequency band is corrected;
A selection receiving means for receiving a test signal at a frequency position where the amplitude value is corrected for comparison, and receiving a selection of one test signal among the test signals to be output.
Sound quality correction means for performing sound quality correction using the setting relating to the correction at the frequency position corresponding to the test signal received by the selection reception means;
An acoustic processing apparatus comprising:   The sound processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising sound output means for outputting a test signal for which sound output is instructed by the selection receiving means. The selection receiving means displays on the display means a selection item to which a test signal at the frequency position is assigned,
The sound processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when the selection item displayed on the display unit is selected, the sound output unit acoustically outputs a test signal assigned to the selection item.   The sound processing apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising the display unit.   The selection accepting unit hierarchically groups the settings related to the correction at the frequency position based on the number of the selection items displayed on the same screen, and one setting selected from each group in the same hierarchy The sound processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a test signal corresponding to is assigned to each selection item, so that one test signal is selected from a group in a higher hierarchy to a group in a lower hierarchy.   The acoustic processing according to claim 3, wherein the selection receiving unit displays a determination button for determining one selection item from the plurality of selection items displayed in the same screen on the display unit. apparatus.   The acoustic processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the selection receiving unit is a touch panel. It further comprises a connection means capable of connecting the sound output device,
The sound processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the sound output unit outputs the test signal through the sound output apparatus connected to the connection unit.   The sound processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the generation unit sets a frequency band in which resonance may occur due to occlusion of the ear canal as the correction target.   The said generation means produces | generates the test signal which correct | amended the amplitude value in any frequency position contained in this frequency band, after emphasizing the amplitude value in the said frequency band. The sound processing apparatus according to any one of the above. A generation step of generating a test signal in which the generation means corrects the amplitude value at any frequency position included in the specific frequency band; and
The selection receiving means is for outputting the test signal at the frequency position where the amplitude value is corrected so that the test signal can be compared. The selection receiving unit receives selection of one test signal among the test signals to be acoustically output. Process,
A sound quality correction step in which sound quality correction means performs sound quality correction using the setting relating to the correction at the frequency position corresponding to the test signal received in the selection reception step;
A sound processing method comprising:

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