JP2017028680A - Control method and control device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a control method capable of maintaining convenience of a sound output terminal.SOLUTION: A control server 400 includes: a position acquisition unit 430 for acquiring, from plural terminals, each position information indicating the position of each of the plural terminals; a condition determining unit 440 for determining one or more representative terminals from the plural terminals according to the distribution state of each position; and a server radio communication unit 410 for transmitting, to the one or more representative terminals, a first command for causing the representative terminals to output sounds with a first sound volume, and transmitting, to at least one or more general terminals, a second command for causing the one or more general terminals to output sounds with a second sound volume, the general terminals being different from the first terminal, and the first sound volume and the second sound volume being different from each other when each position information satisfies a predetermined condition, and transmitting, to the representative terminals and the general terminals, a third command for causing the representative terminals and the general terminals to output sounds with a third sound volume when each position information does not satisfy the predetermined condition.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present disclosure relates to a control method and a control apparatus that control sound output from a plurality of sound output terminals.

  Small and portable sound output devices (hereinafter referred to as “sound output terminals”) are becoming popular. The sound output terminal reproduces sound data stored in advance or sound data received wirelessly, and outputs a beep sound, a sound effect, or the like.

  The user can move while wearing the sound output terminal and listen to the sound output from the sound output terminal while moving or at the destination. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a technique for controlling the output of sound from a sound output terminal based on the position of the sound output terminal.

  The technology described in Patent Document 1 (hereinafter referred to as “conventional technology”) causes a sound including an ID (identification information) of an exhibit to be output near an exhibit in a museum or the like. And if the sound output terminal which concerns on a prior art acquires this sound, ID will be extracted and the content matched with the said ID will be reproduced | regenerated.

  Thereby, in the above-described conventional technology, when the user approaches the exhibit, the sound related to the exhibit can be output from the sound output terminal. Further, the conventional technology can perform the same sound output control to output a corresponding sound to a plurality of sound output terminals when approaching an exhibit.

JP 2009-180893 A

  However, in the related art, when a plurality of sound output terminals are close to each other, the convenience of the sound output terminals may be impaired. This is because, for example, when a plurality of users approach the same exhibit, the same sound is output from each of the plurality of sound output terminals, which not only makes noisy but also makes it difficult to hear individual sounds.

  The objective of this indication is to provide the control method and control apparatus which can maintain the convenience of a sound output terminal.

  The control method of the present disclosure acquires, from a plurality of terminals, each piece of position information indicating the positions of each of the plurality of terminals through communication, and one or more representative terminals from the plurality of terminals according to a distribution state of each position. When each position information satisfies a predetermined condition, a first command for causing the representative terminal to output a sound at a first volume is transmitted to the representative terminal, and one or more general terminals are transmitted. A second command for outputting a sound at a second volume to the general terminal, wherein the general terminal is different from the first terminal, the first volume and the second volume are different, and each position information is predetermined. If the above condition is not satisfied, a third command for causing the representative terminal and the general terminal to output sound at a third volume is transmitted to the representative terminal and the general terminal.

  The control device according to the present disclosure includes, from a plurality of terminals, a position acquisition unit that acquires each piece of position information indicating a position of each of the plurality of terminals, and one or more from the plurality of terminals according to a distribution state of each position. When a condition determination unit for determining a representative terminal and each of the position information satisfy a predetermined condition, a first command for causing the representative terminal to output a sound at a first volume is transmitted to the representative terminal. A second command for outputting a sound at a second volume to the general terminal is transmitted to the general terminal, the general terminal is different from the first terminal, and the first volume and the second volume are different, A transmitter that transmits a third command to the representative terminal and the general terminal to cause the representative terminal and the general terminal to output a sound at a third volume when the position information does not satisfy a predetermined condition; Is provided.

  The control device of the present disclosure is a control device that controls a terminal, and a sound acquisition unit that collects ambient sound of the control device, and a condition for determining an environment in which the terminal is used based on the ambient sound A determination unit; and a transmission unit that transmits a command for outputting a sound at a volume corresponding to the environment to the terminal.

  According to the present disclosure, the convenience of the sound output terminal can be maintained.

The figure which shows an example of the outline | summary of the sound output system which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this indication. The figure which shows an example of a mode that the some sound output terminal which concerns on this Embodiment 1 is used. The block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the sound output terminal and control server which concern on this Embodiment 1. The figure which shows an example of the terminal attribute information in this Embodiment 1. The figure which shows an example of the switching condition information in this Embodiment 1. The figure which shows an example of the control information in a group in this Embodiment 1. The figure which shows an example of the control information between groups in this Embodiment 1. The flowchart which shows an example of operation | movement of the control server which concerns on this Embodiment 1. The figure which shows an example of the content of the positional information in this Embodiment 1. The figure which shows an example of the distance information between terminals in this Embodiment 1. The figure which shows an example of the control instruction information in this Embodiment 1. Sequence diagram showing an example of information flow between devices in the first embodiment The figure for demonstrating the 1st example in the case of determining the representative terminal dynamically in this Embodiment 1. FIG. The figure for demonstrating the 2nd example in the case of determining the representative terminal dynamically in this Embodiment 1. FIG. The figure which shows an example of the outline | summary of the sound output system which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this indication. The block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the sound output terminal and control server which concern on this Embodiment 2. The flowchart which shows an example of operation | movement of the control server which concerns on this Embodiment 2. The figure which shows an example of the outline | summary of the sound output system which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this indication. The block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the sound output terminal which concerns on this Embodiment 3. FIG. The flowchart which shows an example of operation | movement of the sound output terminal which concerns on this Embodiment 3. The figure which shows an example of the outline | summary of the sound output system which concerns on Embodiment 4 of this indication. The block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the sound output terminal which concerns on this Embodiment 4. The flowchart which shows an example of operation | movement of the sound output terminal which concerns on this Embodiment 4. The figure which shows the 1st example of the whole image of the sound output system which concerns on each embodiment. The figure which shows the 2nd example of the whole image of the sound output system which concerns on each embodiment. The figure which shows the 3rd example of the whole image of the sound output system which concerns on each embodiment. The figure which shows the 4th example of the whole image of the sound output system which concerns on each embodiment. The figure which shows the 5th example of the whole image of the sound output system which concerns on each embodiment. The figure which shows the 1st example of the type of service in each embodiment The figure which shows the 2nd example of the type of service in each embodiment The figure which shows the 3rd example of the type of service in each embodiment The figure which shows the 4th example of the type of service in each embodiment The block diagram which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of the control apparatus and sound output terminal which concern on each embodiment

  Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
The first embodiment of the present disclosure is an example in which a control device that controls output of sound from a plurality of sound output terminals is arranged in a server provided separately from the plurality of sound output terminals.

<System overview>
First, an outline of a sound output system including a control device according to the present disclosure will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an outline of a sound output system including a plurality of sound output terminals and a control device. Moreover, FIG. 2 is a figure which shows an example of a mode that several sound output terminals are used.

As shown in FIG. 1, the sound output system 100 includes a position information providing server 200, first to Nth (N is an integer of 2 or more) sound output terminals 300 _{1 to} 300 _N , and a control device according to the present disclosure. A control server 400 including Since the first to Nth sound output terminals 300 _{1 to} 300 _N have the same configuration, they will be collectively described as “sound output terminal 300” as appropriate.

  The position information providing server 200 is a GPS server that is disposed on, for example, an overlying GPS (Global Positioning System) satellite 201 and periodically transmits a GPS signal 202 toward the ground. The location information providing server 200 may be a transmission device in a service that transmits location (geography) information as an SSID or Beacon of WiFi (registered trademark), or a server that manages the transmission device.

  The sound output terminal 300 is a small and light terminal device including a speaker 301 and a strap 302 that output sound. The strap 302 is hung on the neck of the user 500 as shown in FIG. That is, the sound output terminal 300 is carried by the user 500 and outputs the sound 304 from near the user's ear.

  The sound output terminal 300 is not limited to a small dedicated terminal as shown in FIGS. For example, the sound output terminal 300 may be a communication terminal such as a smartphone, or may be a wearing terminal attached to a human body or clothes. The wearing terminal includes, for example, a wristwatch type terminal (smart watch), a spectacle type terminal (smart glass), a helmet type terminal that is put on a person's head, and the like.

  In the case of a helmet-type terminal, it is desirable that the speaker 301 is disposed at a position within the helmet where the sound can be heard at an optimal volume for both left and right ears. Thereby, sound can be efficiently transmitted to the left and right ears, and emission of unnecessary sound to the outside of the helmet can be reduced. When operating for workers in factories, etc., or as information providing terminals distributed to factory visitors, etc., it is assumed that it is easier to move and hands-free is required. A helmet type terminal is preferred. Since the factory operation assumes a scene in which the same information is output from a plurality of terminals, output control of the sound output terminal 300 described below is effective. The same applies to terminals for factory tours.

  The sound output terminal 300 may be mounted on or integrally formed with a bicycle, a wheelchair, or the like. In this case, for example, the entire bicycle can be regarded as the sound output terminal 300. For example, in a scene where a group consisting of a plurality of people rides a bicycle and enjoys cycling, sounds output from a plurality of sound output terminals 300 may overlap, so that the output control of the sound output terminal 300 described below is effective. Become. In particular, since a terminal such as a smartphone cannot be operated when riding a bicycle, the above-described helmet-type or bicycle-mounted sound output terminal 300 is suitable.

  The sound output terminal 300 receives the GPS signal 202 and generates position information of the sound output terminal 300, and transmits the generated position information to the control server 400 through the wireless communication 303.

  The control server 400 controls the output of the sound 304 from each sound output terminal 300 through the wireless communication 303.

The plurality of sound output terminals 300 of at least some of the _first to Nth sound output terminals 300 _{1 to} 300 _N output, for example, voice guides having the same content.

  However, when a plurality of sound output terminals 300 are close to each other, when all the sound output terminals 300 output the sound 304, the same sound 304 is output from each of the sound output terminals 300, and it becomes noisy. Furthermore, when the sound output timing is different for each sound output terminal 300, it is difficult to hear the individual sounds 304.

  Therefore, the control server 400 determines whether or not a plurality of sound output terminals 300 are close to each other based on the position information received from each sound output terminal 300. Then, when a plurality of sound output terminals 300 are close to each other, the control server 400 causes only one sound output terminal 300 to output a sound at a default or higher volume, and the other sound output terminals 300 have a relative volume. Make it smaller. That is, the control server 400 performs different sound output control among the plurality of sound output terminals 300 depending on whether or not the acquired position information satisfies the condition that the plurality of sound output terminals 300 are close to each other. Switch whether or not to perform.

  When each of the plurality of sound output terminals 300 is separated, each user 500 can more reliably hear the sound output from the sound output terminal 300 by performing normal sound output from each sound output terminal 300. Can do.

  On the other hand, when a plurality of sound output terminals 300 are close to each other, by suppressing the sound output of some of the sound output terminals 300, it is possible to prevent the sound from becoming noisy or difficult to hear. In addition, the user 500 of the sound output terminal 300 that suppresses sound output can listen to sound output from another sound output terminal 300 that does not suppress sound output.

  In other words, the control server 400 switches whether or not to perform different sound output control among the plurality of sound output terminals 300 depending on whether or not the above-described conditions are satisfied, so that the convenience of the sound output terminal 300 is achieved. Maintain sex.

  In the following description, a sound output terminal 300 whose volume is relatively larger than other sound output terminals 300 when performing the above-described different sound output control is referred to as a “representative terminal”. In addition, when performing the above-described different sound output control, the sound output terminal 300 whose volume is relatively smaller than the other sound output terminals 300 is referred to as “another terminal”.

  Note that the volume of the other terminal is relatively decreased, not only the absolute volume of the other terminal is decreased, but also the volume is zero (mute), and the absolute volume of the representative terminal is increased. May be included.

In the present embodiment, it is assumed that first to Nth sound output terminals 300 _{1 to} 300 _N are divided in advance into groups that output different audio data (contents). Such groups are, for example, a group that outputs an audio guide for adults, a group that outputs an audio guide for children, and a group that outputs an audio guide for experts.

  Further, in the following description, when focusing on a certain sound output terminal 300, a group to which the sound output terminal 300 belongs is referred to as “own group”, and a group other than the own group is referred to as “other group”.

<Device configuration>
Next, the configuration of the sound output terminal 300 and the control server 400 will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the sound output terminal 300 and the control server 400.

  In FIG. 3, the sound output terminal 300 includes a terminal wireless communication unit 310, a terminal information storage unit 320, a position detection unit 330, and a sound output unit 340.

  The terminal wireless communication unit 310 performs wireless communication 303 using a known wireless communication method with a wireless access point (not shown), and is communicably connected to the control server 400 via the wireless access point. Note that the terminal wireless communication unit 310 may communicate with the control server 400 via a communication relay device (not shown) such as a mobile phone or a wireless communication router.

  The terminal information storage unit 320 stores various types of information such as identification information of the sound output terminal 300 and sound data to be output from the sound output terminal 300 (hereinafter simply referred to as “sound data”). The terminal information storage unit 320 obtains sound data from the control server 400 or another information server via the terminal wireless communication unit 310, for example. The sound data is, for example, sound data of the above-described sound guide.

  The position detector 330 receives the GPS signal 202 (see FIG. 1) and detects the current position of the position detector 330 based on the GPS signal 202. The current position is defined by a pair of latitude and longitude, for example. Then, the position detection unit 330 reads the identification information of the sound output terminal 300 from the terminal information storage unit 320, and transmits the terminal position information including the current position and the identification information to the control server 400 via the terminal wireless communication unit 310. . The position detection unit 330 performs such transmission periodically or in response to an instruction from the control server 400.

  The sound output unit 340 includes a speaker 301 (see FIG. 1), reads out sound data stored in the terminal information storage unit 320, converts the sound data into sound, and outputs the sound.

  However, when the sound output unit 340 receives control information related to sound output from the control server 400 via the terminal wireless communication unit 310, the sound output unit 340 outputs sound according to the control information. Such control information includes, for example, an instruction to change the sound volume from the default sound volume and an instruction to change the sound output timing from the default sound output timing.

It is assumed that the default sound volume and the default sound output timing are the same among the first to Nth sound output terminals 300 _{1 to} 300 _N (see FIG. 2). However, the preferred volume may vary depending on the user, so the default volume may have a range. In addition, the default sound output timing may be based on a timing that can be different for each sound output terminal 300, such as the timing when the exhibit approaches.

  3, the control server 400 includes a server wireless communication unit 410, a server information storage unit 420, a position acquisition unit 430, a condition determination unit 440, and a sound control unit 450.

  The server wireless communication unit 410 communicates with the above-described wireless access point by a known communication method, and connects to the sound output terminal 300 through the wireless access point so as to be communicable.

  The server information storage unit 420 stores various types of information necessary for determining whether to perform different sound output control among the plurality of sound output terminals 300 and for determining what kind of control is specifically performed. Store. The server information storage unit 420 stores, for example, terminal attribute information and switching condition information in advance.

The terminal attribute information is information indicating the contents of grouping of the _first to Nth sound output terminals 300 _{1 to} 300 _N and the priority order of sound output between the sound output terminals 300 and between groups.

In the following description, the first to Nth sound output terminals 300 _{1 to} 300 _N will be referred to as terminal A to terminal H in order.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of terminal attribute information.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the terminal attribute information 610 describes its own group identification information (hereinafter referred to as “belonging group ID”) 612 for each identification information (hereinafter referred to as “terminal ID”) 611 of the sound output terminal 300. Yes. The terminal attribute information 610 includes, for each terminal ID 611, voice output priority between a plurality of groups (hereinafter referred to as “inter-group priority”) 613, and voice output priority within the own group (hereinafter referred to as “in-group”). 614) (referred to as "priority order").

  For example, the group ID 612 “G1” is associated with the terminal IDs 611 of the terminals A to D. This indicates that the terminals A to D belong to the same group. Further, the terminal priority 614 “G1-1” is associated with the terminal ID 611 of the terminal A. This indicates that the terminal A is a representative terminal in the group “G1” or that the priority determined as the representative terminal is the highest. Further, the group priority 613 “1” is associated with the group ID 612 “G1”. This indicates that the group “G1” has the highest priority for outputting sound first.

  Note that the terminal attribute information 610 may describe identification information of audio data that is to be output by each sound output terminal 300. When grouping of terminals A to H is performed based on the identity of audio data, the terminal attribute information 610 may describe audio data identification information for each group.

  The switching condition information is information indicating a condition for determining to perform different sound output control among the plurality of sound output terminals 300. The switching condition information is information indicating the above condition in association with whether or not the plurality of sound output terminals 300 are close to each other, that is, in relation to the relative positional relationship of the plurality of sound output terminals 300.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the switching condition information.

  As illustrated in FIG. 5, the switching condition information 620 defines a relative distance 622, an intra-group control 623, and an inter-group control 624 for each level 621 of the distance between the sound output terminals 300.

  The relative distance 622 is a relative distance between the two sound output terminals 300. The intra-group control 623 defines, for each relative distance 622, whether to output sound at another terminal (all terminal playback) or not to output sound at the other terminal (only representative terminal playback). . However, the relative distance 622 here is a relative distance of another terminal with respect to a representative terminal of the same group. The inter-group control 624 performs normal sound output (no adjustment between groups) at each sound output terminal 300 that outputs sound at each relative distance 622, and reduces the volume (both groups reduce the volume). Playback) and sound output at a timing different from other groups (the next group after playback ends playback) is specified. However, the relative distance 622 here is a relative distance to the sound output terminal 300 that outputs the sound of another group.

  Note that the switching condition information 620 may be divided into intra-group control information that defines conditions related to control based on the distance within the group, and inter-group control information that specifies conditions related to control based on the distance between groups. .

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of intra-group control information.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the intra-group control information 630 defines the sound output 632 of the other terminal for each level 631 of the distance between the other terminal and the representative terminal of the own group.

  For example, the sound output 632 “output” is associated with the levels “L1” and “L2”, that is, the relative distance of 10 m or more. This means that other terminals whose distance to the representative terminal belonging to the same group is 10 m or more perform sound output. This is because the output sound of the representative terminal is difficult to reach other terminals located far from the representative terminal.

  Further, for example, a sound output 632 of “mute” is associated with a level of “L3” to “L5”, that is, a relative distance of less than 10 m. This means that other terminals whose distance to the representative terminal belonging to the same group is less than 10 m do not perform sound output. This is because the output sound of the representative terminal is likely to reach other terminals located near the representative terminal.

  In the following description, the sound output terminal 300 determined not to be muted (that is, to output sound) is appropriately referred to as “sound output determination terminal”.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of inter-group control information.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the inter-group control information 640 defines the volume and sound output timing 642 of the sound output determination terminal for each level 641 of the distance from the sound output determination terminals of other groups.

  For example, a level “L1” to “L3”, that is, a relative distance of 5 m or more, is associated with a volume and a sound output timing 642 of “default volume, default timing”. This means that the sound output determination terminals that are 5 m or more away from all the sound output determination terminals belonging to the other group leave the sound volume and sound output timing at the default settings. This is because in the case of the combination of the sound output terminals 300 that output different sounds, it is difficult for the output sounds to reach each other if they are separated by 5 m or more, or even if they reach each other, it is easy to distinguish them.

  Further, for example, a volume of “low volume, default timing” and a sound output timing 642 are associated with a level of “L4”, that is, a relative distance of 1 m or more and less than 5 m. This is because the sound output determination terminal whose distance from the nearest sound output determination terminal among all the sound output determination terminals belonging to the other group is 1 m or more and less than 5 m is reduced in volume, and the sound output timing is set as default. Means to leave. This is because, in the case of the combination of the sound output terminals 300 that output different sounds, although the output sounds can easily reach each other at a distance of 1 m or more and less than 5 m, they can be distinguished by reducing the volume.

  Further, for example, the level “L5”, that is, the relative distance of less than 1 m, is associated with a volume and a sound output timing 642 of “default volume, time difference timing”. This is because the sound output determination terminal whose distance to the nearest sound output determination terminal among all the sound output determination terminals belonging to other groups is less than 1 m is left at the default sound volume, and the distance is less than 1 m. This means that the sound output timing is shifted from other groups. This is because at a distance of less than 1 m, it is difficult to realize ease of listening if a plurality of different sounds are output simultaneously.

  Note that the time difference timing means that the timing becomes higher in order from the highest inter-group priority 613 (see FIG. 4). Further, when the sound output timings of a plurality of sound output terminals 300 belonging to the same group are the same, the time difference timing means that the sound output timing is shifted in units of groups.

  The position acquisition unit 430 in FIG. 3 acquires terminal position information from each of the sound output terminals 300 via the server wireless communication unit 410. Such acquisition may be performed by the position acquisition unit 430 instructing each of the sound output terminals 300 to transmit the terminal position information, or periodic terminal position information from each sound output terminal 300. It may be performed by receiving the transmission.

N pieces of terminal location information acquired from the sound output terminal ₃₀₀ 1 to 300 _N of the first to N indicates as a whole, the relative positional relationship between the first to N of the sound output terminal ₃₀₀ 1 to 300 _N. That is, the position acquisition unit 430 acquires position information indicating the relative positional relationship between the _first to Nth sound output terminals 300 _{1 to} 300 _N. The position acquisition unit 430 outputs the acquired position information to the condition determination unit 440.

  The condition determination unit 440 determines whether or not a condition that the plurality of sound output terminals 300 are close to each other is satisfied based on the position information output from the position acquisition unit 430. Then, the condition determination unit 440 determines to perform different sound output control between the representative terminal and the other terminals when the condition is satisfied.

  More specifically, the condition determination unit 440 includes terminal attribute information 610 (see FIG. 4), switching condition information 620 (see FIG. 5), intra-group control information 630 (see FIG. 6), and inter-group control information 640. (See FIG. 7). Then, the condition determination unit 440 determines, for each sound output terminal 300, whether or not a condition for not outputting sound is satisfied, and further satisfies a condition for shifting the sound output timing from other groups. It is determined whether or not.

  In the case of intra-group control information 630 and inter-group control information 640, the condition for each sound output terminal 300 not to output sound is that the distance from the representative terminal of its own group is less than 10 m. In addition, the condition for each sound output terminal 300 to output sound at a low volume is that the distance from the nearest sound output terminal 300 of another group is 1 m or more and less than 5 m. Furthermore, the condition for each sound output terminal 300 to output sound by shifting the sound output timing is that the distance from the nearest sound output terminal 300 of another group is less than 1 m.

  Depending on whether or not each condition is satisfied, the condition determination unit 440 shifts the sound output timing for each sound output terminal 300, whether or not to perform sound output, whether or not to reduce the volume, and whether or not the sound output timing is shifted. Determine whether or not. Then, the condition determination unit 440 outputs control instruction information indicating the result of determination regarding the sound output control of each sound output terminal 300 to the sound control unit 450.

  The sound control unit 450 controls the sound output of each sound output terminal 300 according to the control instruction information output from the condition determination unit 440. More specifically, control information instructing to reduce the volume of the sound output is generated so that the determination result indicated by the control instruction information is realized, and each sound output terminal is connected via the server wireless communication unit 410. To 300.

  Note that such control includes not giving a specific instruction (that is, continuing the default operation) to the sound output terminal 300 that has been determined to output sound at the default volume and sound output timing. For a group in which a plurality of sound output terminals 300 are close to each other, the sound output control is different between the representative terminal and the other terminal, such as outputting the sound only at the representative terminal and not outputting the sound at the other terminal. .

  That is, whether or not the sound control unit 450 performs different sound output control between the representative terminal and other terminals depending on whether or not the condition that the plurality of sound output terminals 300 are close to each other is satisfied. And the sound output from the plurality of sound output terminals 300 is controlled.

  Although not shown, the sound output terminal 300 and the control server 400 are, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a storage medium such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) storing a control program, and a working memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory). And a communication circuit. In this case, the function of each unit described above is realized by the CPU executing the control program (see FIG. 33).

  The sound output terminal 300 having the above configuration can transmit terminal position information indicating the current position of the sound output terminal 300 to the control server 400. In addition, the sound output terminal 300 can output sound while being carried by the user 500, and perform sound output stop, volume reduction, adjustment of sound output timing, and the like according to control from the control server 400. it can.

  In addition, the control server 400 having the above configuration can perform sound output control on each sound output terminal 300 based on the relative positional relationship of the plurality of sound output terminals 300. In particular, the control server 400 switches whether or not to perform different sound output control between the representative terminal and the other terminal depending on whether or not the plurality of sound output terminals 300 are close to each other, and outputs a plurality of sound outputs. The output of sound from the terminal 300 can be controlled.

<Operation of the device>
Next, the operation of the control server 400 will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the control server 400.

  In step S <b> 1100, the position acquisition unit 430 acquires terminal position information indicating the relative positional relationships of the plurality of sound output terminals 300 by collecting terminal position information from each of the terminals A to H.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of content of position information acquired by the position acquisition unit 430. Here, a plot of the planar arrangement of each sound output terminal 300 is shown. For reference, regions of distance levels L1 to L5 with respect to the terminal A are illustrated.

  As shown in the plot 710 of FIG. 9, for example, the terminals A, B, and E are located close to each other, the terminal H is located a little apart, and the terminals C and E are located further apart. Terminals D and G are located very far away. In such a relative positional relationship, when both terminals A and B belonging to the same group perform sound output, it becomes noisy, and when terminals A, E and H belonging to different groups perform sound output with default settings. Each output sound is difficult to hear.

  In step S1200 of FIG. 8, the condition determination unit 440 calculates a distance for each combination of the sound output terminals 300 based on the position information. Then, the condition determination unit 440 generates and holds inter-terminal distance information describing the calculation result.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the inter-terminal distance information.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the inter-terminal distance information 720 describes, for each terminal ID 721, latitude 722 and longitude 723 that are terminal position information, and distances 724 and levels 725 to each sound output terminal 300.

For example, the terminal ID 721 “terminal B” describes the distance 724 _{A from} the terminal A “Db-a” and the level 725 _{A from} the terminal A “L5”. This indicates that the distance between the terminal A and the terminal B is Db-a, and the level is L5.

  In step S1300 in FIG. 8, the condition determination unit 440 determines whether to perform mute for each other terminal based on the distance from the representative terminal of the own group. The condition determination unit 440 makes such a determination based on terminal attribute information 610 (see FIG. 4), switching condition information 620 (see FIG. 5) or intra-group control information 630 (see FIG. 6), and inter-terminal distance information 720 (FIG. 10). (See below).

  In step S1400, the condition determination unit 440 determines the sound volume and the sound output timing for each sound output determination terminal determined not to perform mute based on the distance from other sound output determination terminals. The condition determination unit 440 makes such determination by determining terminal attribute information 610 (see FIG. 4), switching condition information 620 (see FIG. 5) or inter-group control information 640 (see FIG. 7), and inter-terminal distance information 720 (FIG. 10). (See below). And the condition determination part 440 outputs the control instruction information which shows all the determination results.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the control instruction information.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the control instruction information 730 defines the presence / absence of sound output 733, volume 734, and sound output timing 735 for each terminal ID 732 associated with the group ID 731.

  For example, the terminal ID 732 “terminal A” is associated with the presence / absence 733 of the sound output “output”, the volume 734 “low volume”, and the sound output timing 735 “default timing”. This indicates that it has been determined to cause terminal A to output sound at a low volume and default sound output timing.

  Here, the reason why the sound output is determined is that the terminal A is the representative terminal having the highest intra-group priority 614 (see FIG. 4). The reason why the volume is low is that there is a terminal H of another group near the terminal A. The default sound output timing is determined because the inter-group priority 613 (see FIG. 4) of the terminal A group is the highest. The condition determination unit 440 may determine that sound output is performed at a higher volume as the inter-group priority 613 is higher, based on the inter-group priority 613.

  In step S1500 of FIG. 8, the sound control unit 450 controls the output of sound from each sound output terminal 300 according to the determination result indicated by the control instruction information. For example, the sound control unit 450 generates control information instructing to reduce the volume of the sound output, and transmits the control information to the terminal A.

  In step S1600, the position acquisition unit 430 determines whether an instruction to end the process of controlling the sound output of the sound output terminal 300 is given by an operator operation or the like. If the position acquisition unit 430 is not instructed to end the process (S1600: NO), the process returns to step S1100. Further, when instructed to end the process (S1600: YES), the position acquisition unit 430 ends the series of processes.

  With such an operation, the control server 400 stops sound output, reduces the volume, and adjusts the sound output timing for each sound output terminal 300 based on the relative positional relationship of the plurality of sound output terminals 300. Including sound output control can be performed.

<Flow of information between devices>
Here, the flow of information between devices of the sound output system 100 will be briefly described.

  FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of information flow between devices of the sound output system 100.

As shown in FIG. 12, first, the first to Nth sound output terminals 300 _{1 to} 300 _N each receive a GPS signal from the position information providing server 200 (S2100 _{1 to} S2100 _N ), and from the GPS signal The obtained terminal position information is transmitted to the control server 400 (S2200 ₁ to S2200 _N ).

Then, the control server 400 determines the control content of the sound output for each sound output terminal 300 by the process described in FIG. 8 (S2300), generates control information, and outputs each sound output terminal 300 (for example, the first to the first outputs). N sound output terminals 300 _{1 to} 300 _N ) (S2400 _{1 to} S2400 _N ).

Each sound output terminal 300 (for example, each of the first to Nth sound output terminals 300 _{1 to} 300 _N ) performs sound output in accordance with the received control information (S 2500 _{1 to} S 2500 _N ).

  Note that the control server 400 does not necessarily have to transmit control information to the sound output terminal 300 that has been determined to operate at the default sound volume and the default sound output timing. In this case, the sound output terminal 300 that does not receive the control information continues to operate at the default sound volume and the default sound output timing.

<Effects of the present embodiment>
As described above, according to the present embodiment, control server 400 acquires position information of a plurality of sound output terminals 300 by communication. Then, the control server 400 performs different sound output control between the representative terminal and the other terminals among the plurality of sound output terminals 300 depending on whether or not a predetermined condition regarding the acquired position information is satisfied. The sound output from the plurality of sound output terminals 300 is controlled. Specifically, when a plurality of sound output terminals 300 are close to each other, the control server 400 outputs sound only at the representative terminal and relatively decreases the volume of other terminals.

  As a result, the control server 400 can prevent the sound from being output from a plurality of adjacent sound output terminals 300 and become noisy or difficult to hear the sound, and maintain the convenience of the sound output terminal 300. can do.

  As a method of providing sounds that are easy to hear when multiple users are close to each other, adopt a transmission method such as earphones or headphones that can output sound only to the person who owns the terminal. Is also possible. However, by adopting a terminal that emits sound to the outside, such as the sound output terminal 300, instead of a terminal that does not emit sound to the outside like an earphone or a headphone, the following advantages can be obtained.

  In recent years, wearable terminals worn by human bodies such as smart watches and smart glasses have been widely used, and it is assumed that the wearable terminals are used in various scenes. Therefore, for example, in an exhibition at a museum or the like, it may be possible to present information using wearable terminals owned by each person, instead of distributing dedicated earphone-type terminals inserted into ears to visitors. Wearable terminals include a speaker that emits sound to the outside (emission type speaker), but often do not include an output terminal for earphones or headphones. Therefore, by adopting the sound output terminal 300, it is possible to deal with a scene in which information is presented to each person using the emission type speaker mounted on the wearable terminal.

  In recent years, it has been recommended not to shield external sounds from the viewpoint of safety, etc., with respect to wearing earphones or headphones on ears while walking or moving by bicycle or during work. Therefore, by using the sound output terminal 300, it is possible to deal with such provision of sound information during movement or work.

  That is, by adopting the sound output terminal 300 that emits sound to the surroundings by the emission type speaker and the control server 400 that controls the sound output, the sound is output as needed while keeping harmony with the surroundings. The optimal information can be presented to the holder of the sound output terminal.

<Modification of the present embodiment>
In addition, the position detection part 330 of each sound output terminal 300 may acquire terminal position information based on information other than a GPS signal.

  For example, when the terminal radio communication unit 310 communicates with the radio base station, the position detection unit 330 may acquire the identification information of the radio base station from the communication control information with the radio base station as the terminal location information. Good.

  In addition, when the terminal wireless communication unit 310 communicates with another sound output terminal 300, the position detection unit 330 uses the received signal strength of the communication or other sound calculated from the received signal strength as the terminal position information. An estimated distance from the output terminal 300 may be acquired. In this case, the position information acquired by the position acquisition unit 430 of the control server 400 does not indicate the position of each sound output terminal 300 but is information indicating the distance between the plurality of sound output terminals 300.

  The condition determination unit 440 of the control server 400 may dynamically determine the representative terminal according to the distribution of the plurality of sound output terminals 300 and the like.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an example when the representative terminal is dynamically determined.

  As shown in FIG. 13, a plurality of sound output terminals 300 called terminals A to N are located in a certain target area 740. Terminals A to N are sound output terminals 300 that output the same sound.

  For example, the condition determination unit 440 of the control server 400 sets a divided area 741 obtained by dividing the target area 740 with respect to the target area 740. The maximum distance inside each divided area 741 is shorter than the distance that the output sound can reach. Then, the condition determination unit 440 determines the sound output terminal 300 closest to the center position of the divided area 741 as the representative terminal for each divided area 741 based on the position information.

  In this case, for example, the terminals A to D, H, J, M, and N are determined as representative terminals. As a result, for example, the user of the terminal E hears the output sound from the terminal A.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining another example when the representative terminal is dynamically determined, and corresponds to FIG. 13.

  As illustrated in FIG. 14, the condition determination unit 440 first determines a dense area 742 where a plurality of sound output terminals 300 are dense from the position information. The condition of the dense area 742 is that, for example, two or more other sound output terminals 300 exist within a range of a distance from which an output sound reaches from a certain sound output terminal 300.

  Then, for each dense area 742, the condition determination unit 440 assigns each of the sound output terminals 300 closest to the center position of the dense area 742 and each of the sound output terminals 300 not located in the dense area 742 to the representative terminal. And the remaining sound output terminals are determined as other terminals.

  In this case, for example, terminals A, G, H, K, and L to N are determined as representative terminals. As a result, for example, the user of the terminal E hears the output sound from the terminal K.

  As described above, the sound output system 100 can cope with a case where the representative terminal is not determined in advance by dynamically determining the representative terminal.

  The method for dynamically determining the representative terminal is not limited to these examples. For example, when a plurality of sound output terminals 300 belong to a certain group, the condition determination unit 440 selects the sound output terminal 300 farthest from the representative terminal of another group among the plurality of sound output terminals 300 as the representative terminal. May be set.

(Embodiment 2)
The second embodiment of the present disclosure is an example in which the output of the same sound data is performed in a relatively narrow area such as a wireless LAN communication area.

<System overview>
First, an outline of a sound output system including a control device according to the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of the outline of the sound output system according to the present embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 1 of the first embodiment. The same parts as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

As illustrated in FIG. 15, the sound output system 100a includes a radio base station 210a, first to Nth sound output terminals 300a _{1 to} 300a _N , and a control server 400a including a control device according to the present disclosure. Since the first to Nth sound output terminals 300a _{1 to} 300a _N have the same configuration, they will be collectively described as “sound output terminal 300a” as appropriate.

  The radio base station 210a periodically transmits a beacon 212a to the surrounding communication area 211a, and waits for a response signal 213a for the beacon 212a returned from the sound output terminal 300a located in the communication area 211a. When receiving the response signal 213a, the radio base station 210a uses the terminal ID of the sound output terminal 300a included in the response signal 213a and the base station ID that is identification information of the radio base station 210a as communication information 214a. To the control server 400a.

  Note that the communication area 211a is large enough to allow sound output from one sound output terminal 300a to reach a sufficient volume. For example, when the volume of the sound output terminal 300a is equivalent to that of the sound output terminal 300 of Embodiment 1, the communication area 211a is a circular area having a diameter of about 10 m.

  When the sound output terminal 300a receives the beacon 212a from the radio base station 210a, the sound output terminal 300a transmits a response signal 213a including the terminal ID of the sound output terminal 300a.

  The control server 400a determines the content of the sound output control for each sound output terminal 300a based on the terminal accommodation information received from the radio base station 210a. According to the determination result, the control server 400a transmits the sound output from each sound output terminal 300a through the wireless communication 303. Control the sound output.

  The terminal accommodation information of the radio base station 210a is information indicating which sound output terminal 300a is located in the communication area 211a of the radio base station 210a. That is, when there are a plurality of sound output terminals 300a in the communication area 211a, the terminal accommodation information indicates that the plurality of sound output terminals 300a are located in the communication area 211a. This is position information indicating the positional relationship.

  In the present embodiment, the same sound data is output from one or more sound output terminals 300a located in the communication area 211a. Therefore, since the sound output terminals 300a constituting the same group are not specified, the representative terminal of the group is dynamically determined.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the sound output of other groups in the vicinity of one group is not considered.

<Device configuration>
Next, the configuration of the sound output terminal 300a and the control server 400a will be described.

  FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the sound output terminal 300a and the control server 400a, and corresponds to FIG. 3 of the first embodiment. The same parts as those in FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

  As illustrated in FIG. 16, the sound output terminal 300a includes a beacon response unit 331a instead of the position detection unit 330 of FIG.

  When the beacon response unit 331a is located in the communication area 211a, the beacon response unit 331a receives the beacon 212a transmitted from the radio base station 210a via the terminal radio communication unit 310. When the beacon response unit 331a receives the beacon 212a, the beacon response unit 331a reads the identification information of the sound output terminal 300 from the terminal information storage unit 320, and sends a response signal 213a including the identification information to the radio base station via the terminal radio communication unit 310. To 210a.

  By transmitting the response signal, as described in FIG. 15, the terminal accommodation information indicating that the sound output terminal 300a is located in the communication area 211a is transmitted from the radio base station 210a to the control server 400a.

  As illustrated in FIG. 16, the control server 400a includes a position acquisition unit 430a and a condition determination unit 440a instead of the position acquisition unit 430 and the condition determination unit 440 illustrated in FIG.

The location acquisition unit 430a receives the terminal accommodation information transmitted from the radio base station 210a via the server radio communication unit 410. The terminal accommodation information indicating that the _{first to} Nth sound output terminals 300a _{1 to} 300a _N are located in the communication area 211a are collected in a narrow area called the communication area 211a. is position information indicating a relative positional relationship between the output terminals 300a ₁ ~300a _N. The position acquisition unit 430 outputs the acquired position information to the condition determination unit 440a.

  Based on the position information output from the position acquisition unit 430a, the condition determination unit 440a satisfies the condition that the number of sound output terminals 300 located in the communication area 211a is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (an integer greater than or equal to 2). It is determined whether or not. Then, when such a condition is satisfied, the condition determination unit 440a determines a representative terminal from the plurality of sound output terminals located in the communication area 211a, and outputs different sound between the representative terminal and other terminals. Decide to control.

  More specifically, the condition determination unit 440a determines to perform sound output control for reducing the volume of the other terminal relative to the volume of the representative terminal. Then, the condition determination unit 440a outputs control instruction information indicating the content of the determined sound output control to the sound control unit 450.

  The server information storage unit 420 of the control server 400a is not necessarily limited to the terminal attribute information 610 (see FIG. 4), the switching condition information 620 (see FIG. 5), and the intra-group control information 630 (FIG. 6) described in the first embodiment. Reference) and inter-group control information 640 (see FIG. 7) and the like need not be stored.

  The hardware configurations of the sound output terminal 300a and the control server 400a can be the same as those of the sound output terminal 300 and the control server 400 of the first embodiment, for example. However, hardware suitable for the communication described in FIG. 15 is employed for each communication circuit.

  The sound output terminal 300a having the above configuration can notify the control server 400a via the radio base station 210a that the sound output terminal 300a is located in the communication area 211a of the radio base station 210a.

  In addition, the control server 400a having the above configuration can specify the sound output terminal 300a located in the communication area 211a of the radio base station 210a via the radio base station 210a. Then, the control server 400a switches whether or not to perform different sound output control between the representative terminal and the other terminals according to the number of sound output terminals 300a located in the communication area 211a, and thereby selects a plurality of sound output terminals. The sound output from 300a can be controlled.

<Operation of the device>
Next, the operation of the control server 400a will be described.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the control server 400a.

In step S2100a, the position acquisition unit 430a identifies the sound output terminal 300a located in the communication area 211a of the radio base station 210a based on the acquired terminal accommodation information of the radio base station 210a. The sound output terminals 300a located in the communication area 211a are, for example, the first to Nth sound output terminals 300a _{1 to} 300a _N.

  In step S2200a, condition determination unit 440a determines whether or not the number of sound output terminals 300a located in communication area 211a (hereinafter referred to as “number of terminals”) is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

  Note that the predetermined value that is the threshold value for the number of terminals may be a value that is set or stored in advance in the condition determination unit 440a or the server information storage unit 420, and changes according to the value or environment set by the operator. It may be a value. In addition, when there are a plurality of communication areas 211a, the predetermined value may be different for each communication area 211a.

  If the number of terminals is less than the predetermined value (S2200a: NO), condition determination unit 440a advances the process to step S2300a. Moreover, the condition determination part 440a advances a process to step S2400a, when the number of terminals is more than predetermined value (S2200a: YES).

  In step S2300a, the condition determination unit 440a determines not to mute the output sound in all the sound output terminals 300a located in the communication area 211a. That is, the condition determination unit 440a determines to keep the default setting for all the sound output terminals 300a without distinguishing between the representative terminal and other terminals.

  On the other hand, in step S2400a, the condition determination unit 440a determines a representative terminal from among the plurality of sound output terminals 300a located in the communication area 211a. There may be one representative terminal or a plurality of representative terminals. For example, the condition determination unit 440a determines the sound output terminal 300a that first entered the communication area 211a or the sound output terminal 300a that entered last as the representative terminal.

  In step S2500a, the condition determination unit 440a determines to mute the output sound at another terminal among the plurality of sound output terminals 300a located in the communication area 211a. That is, the condition determination unit 440a determines to keep the default setting for the representative terminal, and determines not to output sound to other terminals.

  In step S2600a, the sound control unit 450 controls the sound output from each sound output terminal 300a according to the content determined by the condition determination unit 440a.

  In step S2700a, position acquisition unit 430a determines whether or not the end of the process has been instructed. If the position acquisition unit 430 is not instructed to end the process (S2700a: NO), the process returns to step S2100a. Further, when instructed to end the process (S2700a: YES), the position acquisition unit 430 ends the series of processes.

  With such an operation, the control server 400a performs different sound output control between the representative terminal and other terminals depending on whether or not the condition that the number of terminals in the communication area 211a is equal to or greater than a predetermined value is satisfied. Whether or not can be switched.

<Effects of the present embodiment>
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the control server 400a has a plurality of sound output terminals 300a having a number equal to or greater than a predetermined value in a relatively narrow area such as the communication area 211a based on the acquired position information. It is determined whether or not the condition of being fulfilled is satisfied. Then, when such a condition is satisfied, the control server 400a determines a representative terminal, performs sound output only on the representative terminal, and mutes the sound output of other terminals.

  As a result, the control server 400a can prevent the sound from being output from a large number of sound output terminals 300a in a relatively narrow area, making the sound noisy or making the sound difficult to hear, and the convenience of the sound output terminal 300a. Sex can be maintained.

<Modification of the present embodiment>
In addition, the area | region where the same sound data is output may consist of the some communication area 211a by the some radio base station 210a. And when these several communication areas 211a are mutually located in the distance where an output sound reaches | attains, the condition determination part 440a of the control server 400a has several sound output terminals located in these several communication areas 211a 300a may be treated as one group. That is, the condition determination unit 440a may determine only one representative terminal for the plurality of sound output terminals 300a located in the plurality of communication areas 211a.

  Further, the control server 400a may be configured integrally with the radio base station 210a, for example.

(Embodiment 3)
Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure is an example in which sound output from a plurality of sound output terminals is controlled in a sound output terminal. That is, this is an example in which the function of the control server 400 is installed in the sound output terminal 300.

<System overview>
First, an outline of a sound output system including a control device according to the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of the outline of the sound output system according to the present embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 1 of the first embodiment. The same parts as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 18, the sound output system 100b includes first and nth sound output terminals 300b ₁ and 300b _n . Since the first and nth sound output terminals 300b ₁ and 300b _n have the same configuration, they will be described collectively as “sound output terminal 300b” as appropriate.

  Each sound output terminal 300b performs wireless communication 305b with other sound output terminals 300b to exchange position information.

  When the wireless communication 305b is near field communication, that is, when the communicable distance (for example, 8 m) is shorter than the distance (for example, 10 m) that the output sound reaches, the position information can be the terminal ID. That is, the sound output terminal 300b can obtain information that the other party is located within the range of the short-range communication area by exchanging the terminal ID with the other sound output terminal 300b.

  Further, when the wireless communication 305b is not near field communication, that is, when the communicable distance is longer than the distance that the output sound reaches, the position information can be terminal position information obtained from GPS information or the like. That is, the sound output terminal 300b can acquire a relative positional relationship with each other by exchanging terminal position information with another sound output terminal 300b.

In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the wireless communication 305b is short-range communication and the communicable distance is shorter than the distance over which the output sound can reach. That is, a case where the first and nth sound output terminals 300b ₁ and 300b _n exchange terminal IDs will be described.

  The sound output terminal 300b includes a control device according to the present disclosure. That is, the sound output terminal 300b has a function of controlling sound output from the plurality of sound output terminals 300b, similar to the control server 400 of the first embodiment.

  However, when the sound output terminal 300b is another terminal, the sound output terminal 300b performs simpler sound output control in which the sound output is muted on the condition that the representative terminal is located close to the sound output terminal 300b.

  Each sound output terminal 300b can communicate with a plurality of other sound output terminals 300b, for example. Therefore, the sound output system 100b can include three or more sound output terminals 300b.

  Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of the sound output terminal 300b having such a sound control function will be described.

<Device configuration>
FIG. 19 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the sound output terminal 300b, and corresponds to FIG. 3 of the first embodiment. The same parts as those in FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

  19, the sound output terminal 300b includes a terminal wireless communication unit 310b, a terminal information storage unit 320b, a position acquisition unit 430b, a condition determination unit 440b, a sound control unit 450b, and a sound output unit 340.

  The terminal wireless communication unit 310b performs wireless communication 305b by a known wireless communication method with another sound output terminal 300b, and is connected to be able to communicate with the other sound output terminal 300b. Hereinafter, the other sound output terminal 300b to which the terminal wireless communication unit 310b is communicably connected is referred to as “communication partner terminal”.

  The terminal information storage unit 320b stores various information such as the terminal ID of the sound output terminal 300b, sound data, and terminal role information indicating whether the terminal ID of the representative terminal or the sound output terminal 300b is the representative terminal. To do. The terminal role information is, for example, information describing the intra-group priority 614 (see FIG. 4) described in the first embodiment.

  The position acquisition unit 430b reads the terminal ID of the sound output terminal 300b from the server information storage unit 420, and transmits it to the communication partner terminal via the terminal wireless communication unit 310b. Furthermore, the position acquisition unit 430b acquires the terminal ID of the communication partner terminal transmitted from the communication partner terminal via the terminal wireless communication unit 310b.

  That is, the position acquisition unit 430b can acquire the terminal ID of another sound output terminal 300b located at a communicable distance, that is, a distance where the output sound can reach. The acquired terminal ID is position information indicating a relative positional relationship between the sound output terminal 300b and a plurality of sound output terminals 300b including one or a plurality of communication partner terminals. Then, the position acquisition unit 430b outputs the acquired communication position information to the condition determination unit 440b.

  In the following description, a group of the sound output terminal 300b and one or more communication partner terminals indicated by one or more terminal IDs output from the position acquisition unit 430b is a group of the sound output terminal 300b. Treat as.

  The condition determination unit 440b determines whether or not the sound output terminal 300b should function as another terminal in its own group on the condition that the terminal ID of one or more communication partner terminals is output from the position acquisition unit 430b. . To function as another terminal means that sound output is not performed (muted) as described in the first embodiment. In addition, the condition determination unit 440b performs this determination with reference to the terminal role information based on the terminal IDs of one or more communication partner terminals.

  Then, when the sound output terminal 300b determines that the sound output terminal 300b should function as another terminal, the condition determination unit 440b outputs control instruction information instructing not to perform sound output from the sound output terminal 300b to the sound control unit 450b. .

  For example, it is assumed that the terminal A receives the terminal IDs of the terminals B to D. In this case, since the in-group priority of terminal A is the highest “G1-1”, the condition determination unit 440b of terminal A determines that terminal A should function as a representative terminal.

  On the other hand, for example, assume that terminal B receives terminal IDs of terminal A, terminal C, and terminal D. In this case, since the intra-group priority of terminal B is lower than “G1-2” and terminal A, condition determination unit 440b of terminal B determines that terminal B should function as another terminal.

  The sound control unit 450b controls the sound output of each sound output unit 340 in accordance with the control instruction information output from the condition determination unit 440b. More specifically, when the control instruction information is a content instructing not to perform sound output of the sound output terminal 300b, the sound output volume is reduced.

  The hardware configuration of the sound output terminal 300b can be the same as that of the sound output terminal 300 of the first embodiment, for example. However, hardware suitable for the communication described in FIG. 18 is employed for the communication circuit.

  The sound output terminal 300b having such a configuration can determine whether or not the representative terminal exists within the range in which the output sound can reach, and can switch whether to function as another terminal. That is, the sound output terminal 300b determines whether or not to perform different sound output control between the representative terminal and the other terminal depending on whether or not there is another sound output terminal 300b to be the representative terminal in the vicinity. By switching, it is possible to control the output of sound from the plurality of sound output terminals 300b.

<Operation of the device>
Next, the operation of the sound output terminal 300b will be described.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the sound output terminal 300b.

  In step S3100b, the sound control unit 450b starts sound output control with default settings. That is, the sound control unit 450b causes the sound output unit 340 to output sound at a normal volume. Note that the sound control unit 450b may start outputting the sound after waiting for a determination process described later to be completed, for example.

  In step S3200b, the position acquisition unit 430b determines whether a new communication partner terminal has appeared. That is, the position acquisition unit 430b determines whether or not there is another sound output terminal 300b that is newly communicable due to the approaching distance.

  The position acquisition unit 430b outputs the other sound output only when the received signal strength of the radio signal transmitted from the other sound output terminal 300b or the time length continuously received satisfies a predetermined condition. You may determine with the terminal 300b being a communicating party terminal.

  If a new communication partner terminal does not appear (S3200b: NO), position acquisition unit 430b advances the process to step S3600b described later. Moreover, the position acquisition part 430b advances a process to step S3300b, when a new communication partner terminal appears (S3200b: YES).

  In step S3300b, the position acquisition unit 430b exchanges a terminal ID with a communication partner terminal that has newly appeared.

  In step S3400b, the condition determination unit 440b determines whether or not the sound output terminal 300b on which the condition determination unit 440b is mounted is a representative terminal. When the sound output terminal 300b is the representative terminal (S3400b: YES), the condition determination unit 440b advances the process to step S3600b described later. Moreover, the condition determination part 440b advances a process to step S3500b, when the sound output terminal 300b is not a representative terminal (S3400b: NO).

  In step S3500b, the sound control unit 450b starts sound output control at a setting where sound output is not performed. That is, the sound control unit 450b causes the sound output unit 340 to mute the sound.

  In step S3600b, the position acquisition unit 430b determines whether communication with the representative terminal is disconnected. That is, the position acquisition unit 430b determines whether or not communication with the representative terminal is disabled due to a distance increase.

  The position acquisition unit 430b determines that the communication with the representative terminal is disconnected only when the received signal strength of the radio signal transmitted from the representative terminal or the time length during which reception is not possible satisfies a predetermined condition. May be.

  When the communication with the representative terminal is not disconnected, or when none of the other sound output terminals 300 is the representative terminal of the own group (S3600b: NO), the position acquisition unit 430b moves the process to step S3800b described later. Proceed. In addition, when the communication with the representative terminal is disconnected (S3600b: YES), the position acquisition unit 430b advances the process to step S3700b.

  In step S3700b, the sound control unit 450b switches to sound output control with default settings. That is, the sound control unit 450b causes the sound output unit 340 to output sound at a normal volume.

  In step S3800b, the position acquisition unit 430b determines whether or not an instruction to end the process of controlling the sound output of the sound output terminal 300b is given by a user operation or the like. If the position acquisition unit 430b is not instructed to end the process (S3800b: NO), the process returns to step S3100b. In addition, when the position acquisition unit 430b is instructed to end the process (S3800b: YES), the series of processes ends.

  By such an operation, the sound output terminal 300b is connected to the representative terminal according to whether or not the condition that the representative terminal exists within a range where wireless communication is possible, that is, within a range where the output sound can be reached. Whether or not to perform different sound output control with the terminal can be switched.

<Effects of the present embodiment>
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the sound output terminal 300b satisfies the condition that another sound output terminal 300b is located at a distance where the sound output reaches based on the acquired position information. Judge whether or not. Then, the sound output terminal 300b mutes the sound output when such a condition is satisfied and the sound output terminal 300b is not a representative terminal.

  As a result, the sound output terminal 300b can prevent the sound from being output from a large number of sound output terminals 300b in a relatively narrow area, which makes it noisy or difficult to hear the sound. Convenience can be maintained.

<Modification of the present embodiment>
Note that the sound output terminal 300b determines whether the sound output terminal 300b should function as another terminal, acquires the terminal position information of each sound output terminal 300b, similar to the control server 400 of the first embodiment, You may perform based on distribution of the some sound output terminal 300b. Such a determination is particularly effective when the communicable distance is not always shorter than the distance that the output sound can reach.

  Moreover, the sound output terminal 300b may determine whether or not the other sound output terminal 300b should function as another terminal, similarly to the control server 400 of the first embodiment. Furthermore, when the sound output terminal 300b decides to function the other sound output terminal 300b as another terminal, the sound output terminal 300b performs other operations on the other sound output terminal 300b as in the control server 400 of the first embodiment. Control instruction information for instructing to function as a terminal may be transmitted.

(Embodiment 4)
In the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure, whether or not another sound output terminal is located within a distance where the sound output reaches and whether or not a sound having the same content is being reproduced is detected. It is an example performed by.

<System overview>
First, an outline of a sound output system including a control device according to the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of the outline of the sound output system according to the present embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 18 of the third embodiment. The same parts as those in FIG. 18 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 21, a sound output system 100c includes a sound output terminal 300c _1, 300c _n of the first and second n. Incidentally, the sound output terminal 300c ₁ of the first and second n, 300c _n is have the same configuration as appropriate, it will be described collectively as a "sound output terminal 300c".

Sound output terminal 300c _1, 300c _n of the first and second n stores a set of audio data of the same contents in advance. Therefore, the sound output terminal 300c ₁ of the first and second n, 300c _n is an overlapping timing, has the potential for reproducing audio data of the same content.

  Each sound output terminal 300c detects the reproduced sound 304c of the audio data from the other sound output terminal 300c, so that the relative positional relationship with the other sound output terminal 300c is the positional relationship where the reproduced sounds 304c reach each other. It is determined whether or not.

  When the sound output terminal 300c detects the reproduced sound 304c from the other sound output terminal 300c, the sound output terminal 300c determines whether the sound output terminal 300c and the other sound output terminal 300c output the same sound. When the sound output terminal 300c outputs a sound having the same content and the sound output terminal 300c is not a representative terminal, the sound output terminal 300c mutes the reproduced sound 304c of the sound output terminal 300c.

  Each sound output terminal 300c can receive, for example, reproduced sound 304c from a plurality of other sound output terminals 300c. Therefore, the sound output system 100c can include three or more sound output terminals 300c.

<Device configuration>
FIG. 22 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the sound output terminal 300c, and corresponds to FIG. 19 of the third embodiment. The same portions as those in FIG. 19 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

  22, the sound output terminal 300c includes a sound acquisition unit 311c, a terminal information storage unit 320c, a position acquisition unit 430c, a condition determination unit 440c, a sound control unit 450b, and a sound output unit 340.

  The sound acquisition unit 311c includes, for example, a microphone and acquires ambient sounds. Such ambient sound may include reproduced sound 304c from another sound output terminal 300c. The sound acquisition unit 311c converts the acquired ambient sound into sound data and outputs the sound data to the position acquisition unit 430c. Such sound data indicates whether or not the reproduced sound 304c from the other sound output terminal 300c is included, and indicates the content when the reproduced sound 304c from the other sound output terminal 300c is included.

  The terminal information storage unit 320c stores various information such as sound data of the sound output terminal 300c and terminal role information indicating whether the sound output terminal 300c is a representative terminal. The terminal role information is, for example, information describing whether or not the sound output terminal 300c is predetermined as another terminal, or a condition for setting the sound output terminal 300c as another terminal.

  The position acquisition unit 430c acquires sound data of the sound output from the sound output unit 340 from the sound output unit 340. The position acquisition unit 430c compares the sound data acquired from the sound output unit 340 (hereinafter referred to as “internal sound data”) with the sound data output from the sound acquisition unit 311c (hereinafter referred to as “external sound data”), The degree of coincidence is determined.

  When the degree of coincidence between the internal sound data and the external sound data is high, the position acquisition unit 430c reproduces the sound having the same content as the sound output terminal 300c within the range where the output sound 304c reaches. It is determined that 311c is located. The determination result is position information indicating the relative positional relationship between the sound output terminal 300c and the other sound acquisition unit 311c reproducing the sound having the same content. The position acquisition unit 430c outputs the acquired position information to the condition determination unit 440c.

  Note that the degree of coincidence between the internal sound data and the external sound data is, for example, that a predetermined feature amount is extracted from each sound data, and a similarity (such as a distance in the feature space) of the extracted feature amount is calculated. Can be determined. In addition, the position acquisition unit 430c determines that the sound part similar to the internal sound data among the surrounding sounds has been acquired with an audible volume, and determines whether the internal sound data and the external sound data match. It is good also as conditions.

  Alternatively, the position acquisition unit 430c analyzes the content of the speech by extracting words included in each of the internal sound data and the external sound data through speech recognition processing, and determines the degree of coincidence of the analyzed content. May be.

  Also, it is assumed that the sound output unit 340 performs the sound data acquisition process for the output sound while the output sound is muted. For example, the sound output unit 340 blocks input of sound data to a D / A converter (not shown) or continues to input sound data, or outputs an analog sound signal output from the D / A converter. The output sound is muted by reducing the amplitude of.

  The condition determination unit 440c outputs position information indicating that another sound acquisition unit 311c reproducing the sound having the same content is within the range where the output sound 304c reaches from the position acquisition unit 430c. As a condition, it is determined whether or not the sound output terminal 300c should function as another terminal. To function as another terminal means that sound output is not performed (muted) as described in the first embodiment. This determination is performed based on the terminal role information stored in the terminal information storage unit 320c.

  For example, it is assumed that the terminal role information indicates that the sound output terminal 300c is set as another terminal. In this case, the condition determination unit 440c determines that the sound output terminal 300c should function as another terminal on the condition that the position information is output.

  For example, it is assumed that the terminal role information defines that the output of the reproduced sound 304c having the same content is started after the other sound output terminal 300c as a condition for setting the other terminal. In this case, the condition determination unit 440c determines that the sound output terminal 300c should function as another terminal on the condition that the position acquisition unit 430c has acquired the internal sound data after the external sound data. In order to make such a determination, the position acquisition unit 430c needs to output information indicating the relationship between the acquisition times of the external sound data and the internal sound data to the condition determination unit 440c.

  Then, when the sound output terminal 300c determines that the sound output terminal 300c should function as another terminal, the condition determination unit 440c outputs control instruction information instructing not to perform sound output from the sound output terminal 300c to the sound control unit 450b. .

  The hardware configuration of the sound output terminal 300c can be the same as that of the sound output terminal 300b of the third embodiment, for example. However, the sound output terminal 300c does not necessarily require a communication circuit.

  The sound output terminal 300c having such a configuration can determine whether or not the other sound output terminal 300c exists within a range in which the output sound reaches and can switch whether or not to function as another terminal. That is, the sound output terminal 300b determines whether or not to perform different sound output control between the representative terminal and the other terminal depending on whether or not there is another sound output terminal 300c to be the representative terminal in the vicinity. The sound output from the plurality of sound output terminals 300c can be controlled by switching.

<Operation of the device>
Next, the operation of the sound output terminal 300c will be described.

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the sound output terminal 300c.

  In step S4100c, the sound control unit 450b starts sound output control with default settings. That is, the sound control unit 450b causes the sound output unit 340 to output sound at a normal volume. Note that the sound control unit 450b may start outputting the sound after waiting for a determination process described later to be completed, for example.

  In step S4200c, the sound acquisition unit 311c acquires ambient sounds. Then, the position acquisition unit 430c analyzes the ambient sound, for example, by comparing the internal sound data and the external sound data.

  In step S4300c, the position acquisition unit 430c determines whether or not a sound having the same content is being played around the sound output terminal 300c. That is, it is determined whether or not the ambient sound includes a sound having the same content as the sound being reproduced by the sound output unit 340 or being reproduced.

  The sound data to be compared with the internal sound data is the newest of the sections obtained by dividing the sound data of the ambient sound (hereinafter referred to as “ambient sound data”) from the front every predetermined length (for example, 5 seconds). It may be a section, or may be a moving section that goes back a predetermined length (for example, 5 seconds) from the current time. Further, the internal sound data to be compared with the ambient sound data is the newest section among the sections obtained by dividing the internal sound data input by the sound output unit 340 from the front every predetermined length (for example, 5 seconds). It may be a moving section that is back by a predetermined length (for example, 5 seconds) from the current time.

  When the sound having the same content is not reproduced around the sound output terminal 300c (S4300c: NO), the position acquisition unit 430c advances the process to step S4500c described later. In addition, when the sound having the same content is reproduced around the sound output terminal 300c (S4300c: YES), the position acquisition unit 430c advances the process to step S4400c.

  In step S4400c, the condition determination unit 440c determines whether or not the sound output terminal 300c on which the condition determination unit 440c is mounted is a representative terminal. If the sound output terminal 300b is the representative terminal (S4400c: YES), the condition determination unit 440c advances the process to step S4500c. If the sound output terminal 300c is not the representative terminal (S4400c: NO), the condition determination unit 440c advances the process to step S4600c described later.

  In step S4500c, the sound control unit 450b maintains the sound output control with the default setting or switches to the sound output control with the default setting. That is, the sound control unit 450b causes the sound output unit 340 to output sound at a normal volume.

  On the other hand, in step S4600c, the sound control unit 450b maintains the setting for not performing sound output or switches to sound output control for not performing sound output. That is, the sound control unit 450b causes the sound output unit 340 to maintain or mute the sound.

  In step S4700c, the position acquisition unit 430c determines whether an instruction to end the process of controlling the sound output of the sound output terminal 300c has been issued. If the position acquisition unit 430c is not instructed to end the process (S4700c: NO), the process returns to step S4200c. Further, when the position acquisition unit 430c is instructed to end the process (S4700c: YES), the position acquisition unit 430c ends the series of processes.

  In addition, when all of the plurality of sound output terminals 300c located in the range where the output sound reaches are other terminals, all of the plurality of sound output terminals 300c may mute the reproduced sound.

  Therefore, a different determination waiting time may be set in the condition determination unit 440c for each sound output terminal 300c. Each condition determination unit 440c determines to mute the reproduction sound only when the sound having the same content is continuously reproduced for the determination waiting time set for each condition determination unit 440c. As the predetermined time, for example, a random value generated for each sound output terminal 300c can be employed.

  For example, it is assumed that the sound output terminal 300c in which the determination waiting time of 3 seconds is set and the sound output terminal 300c in which the determination waiting time of 4 seconds is set simultaneously start reproduction of the same sound data nearby. In this case, the sound output terminal 300c set with the determination waiting time of 3 seconds first mutes the reproduced sound. As a result, the sound output terminal 300c in which the determination waiting time of 4 seconds is set changes from the other terminal to the representative terminal.

  Thus, by setting different determination waiting times for each sound output terminal 300c, it is possible to prevent a plurality of sound output terminals 300c from simultaneously muting the reproduced sound. That is, the condition determination unit 440c can dynamically determine whether or not the sound output terminal 300c should function as a representative terminal.

  With such an operation, the sound output terminal 300c performs different sound output control between the representative terminal and the other terminals depending on whether or not the condition that the representative terminal exists within the range where the reproduced sound reaches is satisfied. Whether or not can be switched.

<Effects of the present embodiment>
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the sound output terminal 300c satisfies the condition that another sound output terminal 300c is located at a distance where the sound output reaches based on the acquired position information. Judge whether or not. Then, the sound output terminal 300c mutes the sound output when such a condition is satisfied and the sound output terminal 300c is not the representative terminal.

  As a result, the sound output terminal 300c can prevent the sound from being output from a large number of sound output terminals 300c in a relatively narrow area, making the sound noisy or making the sound difficult to hear. Convenience can be maintained.

<Modification of the present embodiment>
Note that the method for determining whether or not the sound having the same content is being reproduced may vary depending on the length of the internal sound data. For example, when a plurality of short internal sound data such as 10 seconds or less are stored in the terminal information storage unit 320c, the position acquisition unit 430c converts each internal sound data into sound data of ambient sounds (hereinafter referred to as “ambient sound data”). May be compared.

  Also, the sound output terminal 300c estimates the environment in which the plurality of sound output terminals 300c are used based on the collected ambient sounds, and based on the estimated environment, the sound output terminals 300c The output may be controlled.

  For example, the condition determination unit 440c inputs ambient sound data and determines whether the volume of the ambient sound is equal to or higher than a predetermined level (for example, 70 dB). When the volume is equal to or higher than the predetermined level, the condition determination unit 440c determines that a dominant sound such as noise, siren, or rally sound is present in the surroundings, and outputs the sound output from the sound output terminal 300c. Decide to stop.

  Also, for example, the condition determination unit 440c inputs ambient sound data and determines whether or not a feature (voice print) indicating a predetermined instruction ID is included. Here, the instruction ID is information for instructing control of sound output, and is information associated in advance with specific control contents such as stop of sound output. When the condition determination unit 440c determines that a predetermined instruction ID is included, the condition determination unit 440c stops the sound output or changes the sound to be output so as not to overlap with the surrounding sound according to the instruction ID.

  Specifically, for example, when the first animal quiz is played around in a zoo or the like, the condition determination unit 440c determines to play a second animal quiz different from this. In addition, for example, the condition determination unit 440c, when a sound including an instruction ID for instructing a regular break from a business supervisor or a rain outside the store is reproduced in a commercial facility or factory, for example. To detect. Then, the condition determination unit 440c determines to stop or wait for the reproduction of the same audio specified by the instruction ID, or to reproduce the audio content necessary for the next action of each clerk worker.

  Further, for example, the condition determination unit 440c inputs ambient sound data, and determines whether or not the user is talking based on the voice print data of the user of the sound output terminal 300c registered in advance. Furthermore, the condition determination unit 440c determines the importance of the audio data being reproduced or being reproduced (hereinafter referred to as “reproduction content”) from the importance set in advance for each audio data. Then, the condition determination unit 440c determines to stop the reproduction until the conversation ends when the importance of the reproduction content is low. In addition, when the importance of the playback content is high, the condition determination unit 440c determines to start playback after playing the jingle sound that prompts the user to cancel the conversation. As a result, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the playback sound suddenly interrupts the conversation and interrupts the conversation.

  Further, for example, the condition determination unit 440c inputs ambient sound data and determines whether or not the user is having a conversation with the customer from predetermined characteristics such as the number of conversation partners. Then, the condition determination unit 440c determines to decrease the volume (including stopping the reproduction) until a predetermined time has elapsed after the user's conversation is ended.

  Further, for example, the condition determination unit 440c inputs ambient sound data, and determines whether or not the sound output terminal 300c is located indoors from the level of reverberation reverberation. When the condition determination unit 440c determines that the sound output terminal 300c is located indoors, the condition determination unit 440c determines to reduce the volume of the output sound compared to when it is not determined that the sound output terminal 300c is located indoors. To do.

  Further, for example, the condition determination unit 440c inputs ambient sound data, estimates user attributes such as the user's gender and age from the voice color and conversation content included in the ambient sounds, and the sound data that matches the estimated attributes May be determined as a reproduction target. For example, when the user is a male, the condition determination unit 440c reproduces guide content by female voice, and when the user is female, the condition determination unit 440c reproduces guide content by male voice. In addition, when the user is a young user, the condition determination unit 440c acquires the name of the popular character included in the conversation from the conversation, and determines to reproduce the content related to the relevant popular character.

  For example, the condition determination unit 440c inputs ambient sound data and determines whether or not a feature indicating a predetermined instruction ID or space ID is included. Then, when the condition determination unit 440c determines that the predetermined instruction ID or space ID is included, the condition determination unit 440c determines to stop the sound output for a predetermined time or reduce the volume. The predetermined time may be determined based on an instruction ID included in the ambient sound, or may be set in advance.

  Specifically, for example, the condition determination unit 440c outputs a sound output when detecting a space ID indicating a place where people are crowded or a place where silence is required, such as a train, an airplane, a museum, a movie theater, or a temple. Decide to stop or reduce the volume. In addition, for example, when the condition determination unit 440c detects an instruction ID for instructing to stop sound output or to reduce sound volume, the condition determining unit 440c determines to stop sound output or reduce sound volume in accordance with the instruction.

(Overview of services provided)
Here, a specific example of the overall image of the sound output system according to each embodiment described above will be described.

  FIG. 24 is an example of the overall image of the sound output system according to each embodiment.

  The group 810 is, for example, a company, an organization, a home, etc., and its size is not limited. In group 810, there are a plurality of sound output terminals 300, device A, device B, and home gateway 811. The plurality of sound output terminals 300 include devices that can be connected to the Internet (for example, smart phones and tablet information terminals) and devices that cannot be connected to the Internet by themselves (for example, portable music players). Exists. Even if the device itself cannot be connected to the Internet, there may be a device that can be connected to the Internet via the home gateway 811. The group 810 includes a user 812 who uses a plurality of sound output terminals 300.

  The data center operating company 820 includes a cloud server 821 (for example, control servers 400 and 400a). The cloud server 821 is a virtualization server that cooperates with various devices via the Internet. It mainly manages huge data (big data) that is difficult to handle with ordinary database management tools. The data center operating company 820 performs data management, management of the cloud server 821, operation of the data center that performs them, and the like. Details of services performed by the data center operating company 820 will be described later.

  Device A and device B may communicate indirectly with the cloud server 821 via personal gateways 813A and 813B such as a mobile phone and a wireless communication router, respectively (see FIG. 25).

  In addition, the device A used by the user A and the device B used by the user B may directly communicate with the cloud server 821 without using a gateway (see FIG. 26).

  Here, the data center operating company 820 is not limited to a company that performs only data management, operation of the cloud server 821, and the like.

  For example, a device maker that develops and manufactures one of the plurality of sound output terminals 300 may also perform data management, management of the cloud server 821, and the like. In this case, the device manufacturer corresponds to the data center operating company 820 (see FIG. 27).

  Further, the data center operating company 820 is not limited to one company. For example, there are cases where device manufacturers and other management companies jointly or share data management and operation of the cloud server 821. In this case, both or either one corresponds to the data center operating company 820 (see FIG. 28).

  The service provider 830 has a server 831. The server 831 mentioned here includes, for example, a memory in a personal PC regardless of the scale. In some cases, the service provider does not have the server 831.

  In the above service, the home gateway 811 is not essential. For example, when the cloud server 821 performs all data management, the home gateway 811 is unnecessary. In addition, there may be no device that cannot be connected to the Internet by itself, as in the case where every device in the home is connected to the Internet.

  Next, the flow of information in the service will be described.

  First, the device A or device B in the group 810 transmits each log information to the cloud server 821 of the data center operating company 820. The cloud server 821 accumulates log information of the device A or the device B (FIG. 24).

  Here, the log information is information indicating, for example, the operation date and time of the plurality of sound output terminals 300. For example, the reproduction history of audio data and the like are not limited to these, but all information that can be acquired from any device. The log information may be provided directly to the cloud server 821 from the plurality of sound output terminals 300 itself via the Internet. In addition, log information may be temporarily accumulated in the home gateway 811 from the plurality of sound output terminals 300 and provided to the cloud server 821 from the home gateway 811.

  Next, the cloud server 821 of the data center operating company 820 provides the collected log information to the service provider 830 in a certain unit. Here, it may be a unit in which information collected by the data center operating company can be organized and provided to the service provider 830, or a unit requested by the service provider 830. Although described as a fixed unit, it may not be fixed, and the amount of information to be provided may change depending on the situation.

  The log information is stored in the server 831 held by the service provider 830 as necessary (FIG. 24). Then, the service provider 830 organizes the log information into information suitable for the service provided to the user, and provides the information to the user. The user to be provided may be a user 812 using a plurality of sound output terminals 300 or an external user 841.

  For example, a service providing method for a user may be provided directly to a user from a service provider. The service providing method for the user may be provided to the user via the cloud server 821 of the data center operating company 820 again, for example. Further, the cloud server 821 of the data center operating company 820 may organize the log information into information suitable for the service provided to the user and provide the information to the service provider 830.

  Note that the user 812 and the user 841 may be different or the same.

(Types of applicable cloud services)
Note that the sound output system according to each embodiment described above constitutes a cloud computing service provided based on data collected from a user, for example. That is, the technology described in the above embodiment can be realized in the following types of cloud services, for example. However, the type in which the technology described in the above embodiment is realized is not limited to this.

<Service type 1: In-house data center type>
FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a service type 1 (in-house data center type).

  This type is a type in which the service provider 910 acquires information from the group 920 and provides a service to the user. In this type, the service provider 910 has the function of a data center operating company. That is, the service provider 910 has a cloud server 930 (for example, the control servers 400 and 400a) that manages big data. Therefore, there is no data center operating company.

  In this type, the service provider 910 operates and manages a data center (cloud server 930). The service provider 910 manages the OS 940 and the application 950. The service provider 910 provides a service using the OS 940 and the application 950 managed by the service provider 910.

<Service type 2: IaaS usage type>
FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating a service type 2 (IaaS usage type).

  Here, IaaS is an abbreviation for infrastructure as a service, and is a cloud service provision model that provides a base for constructing and operating a computer system as a service via the Internet.

  In this type, the data center operating company 960 operates and manages the data center (cloud server 930). The service provider 910 manages the OS 940 and the application 950. The service provider 910 provides a service using the OS 940 and the application 950 managed by the service provider 910.

(Service type 3: PaaS usage type)
FIG. 31 is a diagram showing a service type 3 (PaaS usage type).

  Here, PaaS is an abbreviation for Platform as a Service, and is a cloud service provision model that provides a platform serving as a foundation for constructing and operating software as a service via the Internet.

  In this type, the data center operating company 960 manages the OS 940 and operates and manages the data center (cloud server 930). The service provider 910 manages the application 950. The service provider 910 provides a service using the OS 940 managed by the data center operating company 960 and the application 950 managed by the service provider 910.

(Service type 4: SaaS usage type)
FIG. 32 is a diagram showing a service type 4 (SaaS usage type).

  Here, SaaS is an abbreviation for software as a service. For example, a function that enables applications provided by a platform provider who owns a data center (cloud server) to be used via a network such as the Internet by a company / individual (user) who does not have a data center (cloud server). This is a cloud service provision model.

  In this type, the data center operating company 960 manages the application 950, manages the OS 940, and operates and manages the data center (cloud server 930). Further, the service provider 910 provides a service using the OS 940 and the application 950 managed by the data center operating company 960.

  In any of the above types, it is assumed that the service provider 910 performs a service providing action. Further, for example, the service provider or the data center operating company may develop an OS, an application, a big data database, or the like, or may be outsourced to a third party.

(Hardware configuration)
Finally, specific examples of the hardware configuration of the control devices (sound output terminals 300 to 300c and control servers 400 and 400a) according to the above-described embodiments will be described.

  FIG. 33 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the control device according to each embodiment.

  The control servers 400 and 400a have, for example, information from a storage medium such as a CPU 961, a RAM 962, a built-in storage 963 for storing information, and a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory as a hardware configuration in the configuration shown in FIG. Is provided, and a transmission / reception device 965 that performs communication via a network. The above units are connected to each other by a bus 966.

  The reading device 964 reads the program from a storage medium that stores a program for realizing the functions of the respective units, and stores the program in the internal storage 963. Alternatively, the internal storage 963 may store a program for realizing the functions of the above units.

  The CPU 961 copies the program stored in the internal storage 963 to the RAM 962, and sequentially reads out and executes the instructions included in the program from the RAM 962, thereby realizing the functions of the above-described units. Information obtained by various processes when the program is executed is stored in the RAM 962 or the built-in storage 963 and used as appropriate.

  The sound output terminals 300 to 300c have, for example, an input device 967 such as an input button and a touch panel, an output device 968 such as a display and a speaker, a CPU 961, and a RAM 962 as hardware configurations in the configuration illustrated in FIG. And a built-in storage 963 that stores information, a reading device 964 that reads information from a storage medium such as a USB memory, and a transmission / reception device 965 that performs communication via a network. The above units are connected to each other by a bus 966.

  The reading device 964 reads the program from a storage medium that stores a program for realizing the functions of the respective units, and stores the program in the internal storage 963. Instead of such a configuration, the transmission / reception device 965 communicates with the control server 400 / 400a via the network to realize the functions of the respective units downloaded from the control server 400 / 400a. The program may be stored in the internal storage 963. Alternatively, the internal storage 963 may store a program for realizing the functions of the above units.

  The CPU 961 copies the program stored in the internal storage 963 to the RAM 962, and sequentially reads out and executes the instructions included in the program from the RAM 962, thereby realizing the functions of the above-described units. Information obtained by various processes when the program is executed is stored in the RAM 962 or the built-in storage 963 and used as appropriate.

(Summary of this disclosure)
As described above, the control method of the present disclosure acquires, from a plurality of terminals, position information indicating the positions of the plurality of terminals by communication, and from the plurality of terminals according to a distribution state of the positions. When one or more representative terminals are determined and each position information satisfies a predetermined condition, a first command for causing the representative terminal to output a sound at a first volume is transmitted to the representative terminal. To the general terminal, the general terminal is different from the first terminal, the first volume and the second volume are different,
When each position information does not satisfy a predetermined condition, a third command for causing the representative terminal and the general terminal to output a sound at a third volume is transmitted to the representative terminal and the general terminal.

  In the control method, the predetermined condition may include that a distance between the representative terminal and the general terminal is equal to or less than a predetermined value.

  In the control method, the second volume may be smaller than the first volume.

  In the control method, each position information may include GPS information.

  In the control method, the representative terminal may be determined in advance.

  In the above control method, the plurality of terminals are divided into a plurality of groups based on the distribution state of each position, the plurality of groups include a first group and a second group, and the representative terminal is a first representative terminal. And the second representative terminal, the general terminal includes a first general terminal and a second general terminal, the first representative terminal and the first general terminal belong to the first group, and the second representative terminal and The second general terminal belongs to the second group, and the distance between the first representative terminal and the second representative terminal is longer than the distance between the first representative terminal and the second general terminal. One representative terminal may be determined.

  In the control method, the predetermined condition may include that the positions of the plurality of terminals indicated in the position information are in a predetermined area.

  The control device according to the present disclosure includes, from a plurality of terminals, a position acquisition unit that acquires each piece of position information indicating a position of each of the plurality of terminals, and one or more from the plurality of terminals according to a distribution state of each position. When a condition determination unit for determining a representative terminal and each of the position information satisfy a predetermined condition, a first command for causing the representative terminal to output a sound at a first volume is transmitted to the representative terminal. A second command for outputting a sound at a second volume to the general terminal is transmitted to the general terminal, the general terminal is different from the first terminal, and the first volume and the second volume are different, A transmitter that transmits a third command to the representative terminal and the general terminal to cause the representative terminal and the general terminal to output a sound at a third volume when the position information does not satisfy a predetermined condition; Is provided.

  The control device may be included in the plurality of terminals.

  In the control device, the predetermined condition may include that a distance between the representative terminal and the general terminal is a predetermined value or less.

  In the control device, the second volume may be smaller than the first volume.

  Further, in the control device, the position information acquired from the representative terminal includes volume information of the output sound of the other terminal determined based on the output sound of the other terminal collected by the representative terminal. The predetermined condition may include that the volume indicated by the volume information is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold.

  Moreover, the said control apparatus WHEREIN: The said position acquisition part may acquire the said positional information by communication from the said other sound output terminal among these sound output terminals.

  Further, in the control device, the condition determination unit divides the plurality of terminals into a plurality of groups based on a distribution state of each position, and the plurality of groups include a first group and a second group, The representative terminal includes a first representative terminal and the second representative terminal, the general terminal includes a first general terminal and a second general terminal, and the first representative terminal and the first general terminal belong to the first group. The second representative terminal and the second general terminal belong to the second group, and the distance between the first representative terminal and the second representative terminal is based on the distance between the first representative terminal and the second general terminal. The first representative terminal may be determined to be longer.

  The control device of the present disclosure is a control device that controls a terminal, and a sound acquisition unit that collects ambient sound of the control device, and a condition for determining an environment in which the terminal is used based on the ambient sound A determination unit; and a transmission unit that transmits a command for outputting a sound at a volume corresponding to the environment to the terminal.

  In the control device, the condition determination unit determines whether the environment is indoor or outdoor, and the transmission unit determines the environment at the first volume when it is determined that the environment is indoor. A first command for outputting sound is transmitted to the terminal, and when it is determined that the environment is outdoor, a second command for outputting sound at a second volume is transmitted to the terminal, and the first volume is It may be smaller than the second volume.

  Further, in the above control device, it is determined whether or not the environment is an environment where silence is required, and when the transmission unit determines that the environment is an environment where silence is required, A first command for outputting a sound at a first volume may be transmitted to the terminal, and the first volume may be smaller than the second volume.

  In the control device, the condition determination unit determines whether or not a conversation is performed in an environment where the terminal is used, and the transmission unit determines that a conversation is performed in the environment. A first command for outputting a sound at a first volume is transmitted to the terminal, and when it is determined that no conversation is performed in the environment, a second command for outputting a sound at a second volume is transmitted to the terminal. And the first volume may be lower than the second volume.

  The present disclosure is useful as a control method and a control apparatus that can maintain the convenience of a sound output terminal.

100, 100a, 100b, 100c Sound output system 200 Location information providing server 201 GPS satellite 210a Wireless base station 300, 300a, 300b, 300c Sound output terminal 301 Speaker 302 Strap 310, 310b Terminal wireless communication unit 311c Sound acquisition unit 320, 320b 320c Terminal information storage unit 330 Position detection unit 331a Beacon response unit 340 Sound output unit 400 400a Control server 410 Server wireless communication unit 420 Server information storage unit 430 430a 430b 430c Location acquisition unit 440 440a 440b 440c Condition determination unit 450, 450b Sound control unit 610 Terminal attribute information 620 Switching condition information 630 In-group control information 640 Inter-group control information 810, 920 group 811 Home gateway 812, 841 User 820, 960 Data center operating company 821, 930 Cloud server 813, 813A, 813B Personal gateway 830, 910 Service provider 831 Server 940 OS
950 Application 961 CPU
962 RAM
963 Built-in storage 964 Reading device 965 Transmission / reception device 966 Bus 967 Input storage 968 Output device

Claims (18)

Each position information indicating the position of each of the plurality of terminals is acquired by communication from a plurality of terminals,
According to the distribution state of each position, determine one or more representative terminals from the plurality of terminals,
When each position information satisfies a predetermined condition, a first command for causing the representative terminal to output a sound at a first volume is transmitted to the representative terminal, and a second volume is transmitted to one or more general terminals. A second command for outputting sound to the general terminal, the general terminal is different from the first terminal, the first volume and the second volume are different,
When each position information does not satisfy a predetermined condition, a third command for causing the representative terminal and the general terminal to output a sound at a third volume is transmitted to the representative terminal and the general terminal.
Control method. The predetermined condition includes that a distance between the representative terminal and the general terminal is a predetermined value or less.
The control method according to claim 1. The control method according to claim 1, wherein the second volume is smaller than the first volume. Each position information includes GPS information.
The control method according to claim 1. The representative terminal is predetermined.
The control method according to claim 1. The plurality of terminals are divided into a plurality of groups based on the distribution state of each position, the plurality of groups includes a first group and a second group, and the representative terminals are the first representative terminal and the second representative terminal. The general terminal includes a first general terminal and a second general terminal, the first representative terminal and the first general terminal belong to the first group, and the second representative terminal and the second general terminal are The first representative terminal is determined so that the distance between the first representative terminal and the second representative terminal belongs to the second group and is longer than the distance between the first representative terminal and the second general terminal. The
The control method according to claim 1. The predetermined condition includes that the positions of the plurality of terminals indicated in the position information are in a predetermined area.
The control method according to claim 1. A position acquisition unit that acquires position information indicating positions of the plurality of terminals from a plurality of terminals;
A condition determination unit that determines one or more representative terminals from the plurality of terminals according to a distribution state of each position;
When each position information satisfies a predetermined condition, a first command for causing the representative terminal to output a sound at a first volume is transmitted to the representative terminal, and a second volume is transmitted to one or more general terminals. The second command for outputting sound is transmitted to the general terminal, the general terminal is different from the first terminal, the first volume and the second volume are different, and each position information satisfies a predetermined condition. If not, a transmission unit that transmits to the representative terminal and the general terminal a third command that causes the representative terminal and the general terminal to output a sound at a third volume.
Control device. The control device is included in the plurality of terminals.
The control device according to claim 8. The predetermined condition includes that a distance between the representative terminal and the general terminal is a predetermined value or less.
The control device according to claim 8. The second volume is smaller than the first volume;
The control device according to claim 8. The position information acquired from the representative terminal includes volume information of the output sound of the other terminal determined based on the output sound of the other terminal collected by the representative terminal,
The predetermined condition includes that the volume indicated by the volume information is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold.
The control device according to claim 8. The position acquisition unit
The position information is acquired by communication from the other sound output terminals among the plurality of sound output terminals.
The control device according to claim 10. The condition determination unit
The plurality of terminals are divided into a plurality of groups based on the distribution state of each position, the plurality of groups includes a first group and a second group, and the representative terminals are the first representative terminal and the second representative terminal. The general terminal includes a first general terminal and a second general terminal, the first representative terminal and the first general terminal belong to the first group, and the second representative terminal and the second general terminal are The first representative terminal is determined so as to belong to the second group and the distance between the first representative terminal and the second representative terminal is longer than the distance between the first representative terminal and the second general terminal. ,
The control device according to claim 8. A control device for controlling a terminal,
A sound acquisition unit for collecting ambient sounds of the control device;
A condition determination unit that determines an environment in which the terminal is used based on the ambient sound;
A transmission unit that transmits a command to output sound at a volume corresponding to the environment to the terminal,
Control device. The condition determination unit
Determine whether the environment is indoor or outdoor,
The transmitter is
When the environment is determined to be indoors, a first command for outputting sound at a first volume is transmitted to the terminal, and when the environment is determined to be outdoors, sound is output at a second volume. A second command is sent to the terminal, and the first volume is less than the second volume;
The control device according to claim 15. The condition determination unit
Determining whether the environment is an environment where silence is required;
The transmitter is
When it is determined that the environment is an environment where the silence is required, a first command for outputting a sound at a first volume is transmitted to the terminal, and the first volume is smaller than the second volume.
The control device according to claim 15. The condition determination unit
Determine whether a conversation is taking place in an environment where the terminal is used;
The transmitter is
When it is determined that a conversation is being performed in the environment, a first command for outputting a sound at a first volume is transmitted to the terminal. When it is determined that a conversation is not being performed in the environment, a second command is transmitted. A second command for outputting a sound at a volume is transmitted to the terminal, and the first volume is smaller than the second volume;
The control device according to claim 15.

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