JP4774861B2 - Flat panel speaker - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a flat panel speaker, and more particularly to a flat panel speaker suitable for outputting sound corresponding to an image displayed on a monitor as a speaker of the monitor.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been a scalable television receiver that can display an image using a multi-display method in which a plurality of displays are operated in cooperation, such as displaying one image using the entire display surface of a plurality of displays. Yes (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In a normal television receiver, for example, left and right speakers are provided on the left and right and below the image display surface. When such television receivers are used in an array, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a portion where an image cannot be displayed becomes large, and the displayed image may be difficult to see.

  For example, in the case of FIG. 1, a television receiver (TV) 1 has speakers 1A and 1B on the left and right of the image display surface. Similarly, the television receiver (TV) 2 has speakers 2A and 2B on the left and right of the image display surface, and the television receiver (TV) 3 also has speakers 3A and 3B on the left and right of the image display surface. The television receiver (TV) 4 also has speakers 4A and 4B on the left and right sides of the image display surface. Therefore, the display surface of each television receiver is divided by these speakers, making it difficult to see the images displayed on them.

  For example, in the case of FIG. 2, the television receiver (TV) 11 includes a speaker 11 </ b> A and a speaker 11 </ b> B as left and right speakers below the image display surface. Similarly, the television receiver (TV) 12 has speakers 12A and 12B as left and right speakers below the image display surface, and the television receiver (TV) 3 also includes left and right speakers below the image display surface. The television receiver (TV) 4 also has the left and right speakers 14A and 14B below the image display surface. Therefore, the display surface of each television receiver is divided by these speakers, making it difficult to see the images displayed on them.

  By the way, there is a flat panel speaker that vibrates a flat panel using a vibrator. This flat panel speaker is applied to a speaker of a liquid crystal display or a plasma display (a speaker for outputting sound corresponding to an image displayed on the monitor) such as a monitor of a television receiver or a personal computer. (For example, refer to Patent Document 2 and Patent Document 3).

  For example, there is a method of vibrating a window glass of a train, an automobile, a bus or the like and using it as a speaker (for example, see Patent Document 4).

JP 2003-195843 A JP 2000-92578 A JP 2004-312643 A Special Table 2002-532993

  However, in the case of Patent Document 2, for example, the speaker cannot be detached from the display, and for example, a suitable position and posture for the user to listen to the voice are limited, and the degree of freedom of the user's viewing posture is reduced. There was a risk of letting it go. In particular, in recent years, the size of displays such as television receivers has increased, and the installation location (that is, the viewing position of the user) has been limited, for example, in the home. Therefore, it is not desirable that the viewing position of the user is further limited by the characteristics of the speaker output.

  In addition, there is no description as a multi-display speaker for operating a plurality of displays in cooperation, for example, displaying one image using the entire display surface of the plurality of displays, and it may not be applicable to a multi-display. There was also.

  Furthermore, in the case of Patent Document 2, in order to superimpose the diaphragm on the display surface of the display, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, the vibration element is provided only in the peripheral portion of the diaphragm, As compared with the case where the vibration element is provided, there is a possibility that the sound pressure is lowered and the waveform distortion becomes remarkable.

  For example, in the case of the flat panel speaker 22 attached to the television receiver (TV) 21 in FIG. 3, a plurality of vibration elements (vibration elements 23-1 to 23-12) attached to the diaphragm are image display. So as not to disturb the display surface 24 of the television receiver 21, and is provided only in the peripheral portion of the range indicated by the double arrow 26 corresponding to the frame 25 surrounding the display surface 24. It is done. Therefore, inconveniences such as weak vibration and distortion are likely to occur near the center of the diaphragm. In particular, with the recent increase in size of displays, the tendency is likely to become more prominent.

  In addition, for example, in Patent Document 3, although a detaching mechanism for replacing the panel is provided, there is no description of detaching the entire speaker from the display, and there is a possibility that the degree of freedom of the viewing posture of the user may be reduced. .

  Furthermore, in the case of patent document 4, the window glass is used as a diaphragm, and there is no description about the mechanism and display etc. which are attached or detached as a speaker.

  This invention is made | formed in view of such a condition, and implement | achieves the speaker which a user can listen to a sound in a better environment.

The flat panel speaker according to the first aspect of the present invention corresponds to a panel superimposed on a front surface which is an image display surface of a plurality of monitors arranged in an array, and an image non-display portion of the monitor of the panel. One of the positions of the adjacent monitors is arranged between the image display portions of the adjacent monitors, and the image display range of the plurality of monitors as a whole is at a position corresponding to the image non-display portion of the monitor. A plurality of vibration means arranged outside and for outputting sound by vibrating the panel.

Control means for controlling which of the plurality of vibration means is vibrated can be further provided .

The said control means can control the vibration means to vibrate according to an image display position and an image display range .

The control means can vibrate vibration means located inside the image display range .

Panel fixing means for fixing the panel to the plurality of monitors so as to vibrate and be detachable can be further provided.

The vibration means can vibrate the panel and output sound even when the panel is removed from the plurality of monitors .

The panel fixing means can fix the panel via a cushioning material .

The panel fixing means can fix the lower surface of the panel via a sliding member having a smaller friction coefficient in addition to the cushioning material .

A vibration element fixing means for fixing each of the vibration means to the panel fixing means can be further provided .

In one aspect of the present invention, the panel is superimposed on a front surface that is an image display surface of a plurality of monitors arranged in an array, and the vibration element has a position corresponding to the image non-display portion of the monitor. Are arranged one by one between the image display portions of adjacent monitors, and are further arranged outside the image display range as a whole of the plurality of monitors at positions corresponding to the image non-display portions of the monitors, The vibration element vibrates the panel to output sound.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, audio can be output. In particular, it is possible to realize a speaker that allows the user to listen to sound in a better environment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a configuration example according to an embodiment of a scalable TV system in which a flat panel speaker to which the present invention is applied is installed.

  In FIG. 4, a scalable TV system 30 is a system in which a plurality of television receivers are operated in cooperation as necessary to display one image or a plurality of images by various methods.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in the scalable TV system 30, for example, a television receiver 31 to a television receiver 39 are arranged in an array (in a matrix) on an installation table 41. In FIG. 4, television receivers 31 to 39 are arranged in an array of 3 rows × 3 columns. Note that the number of television receivers constituting the scalable TV system 30 may be any number. Further, the installation table 41 may arrange the television receivers in any number of rows in the horizontal direction and in any number of steps in the vertical direction.

  Although not shown, the television receiver 31 to the television receiver 39 are connected to each other (electrically) by wire or wirelessly, and can operate alone or in cooperation with other television receivers. Can also work. As shown in FIG. 4, each of the television receiver 31 to television receiver 39 is provided with a frame around the image display portion on the front surface, but is not provided with a speaker. The frame can be made thinner than the case where is provided. That is, the television receiver 31 to the television receiver 39 are arranged such that the interval between the image display portions is narrower than when each has a speaker on the front surface. In other words, when the television receiver 31 to the television receiver 39 display one image as a whole in cooperation with each other, it is easier for the user to see than when each has a speaker on the front, That one image can be displayed.

  In FIG. 4, the television receiver 31 to the television receiver 39 are arranged so that their display surfaces are arranged in an array on a substantially flat surface. The surface may be arranged on a curved surface. Further, instead of the television receiver 31 to the television receiver 39, a monitor having no tuner may be used.

  As shown in FIG. 5, a flat panel speaker 50 configured as an audio output unit of the scalable TV system 30 is superimposed on the front surface of each image display surface of the television receiver 31 to the television receiver 39. Provided.

  The flat panel speaker 50 is a speaker that vibrates a flat plate-like transparent flat panel (transparent panel) with a vibration element and converts an electric signal into sound. Therefore, when outputting sound by the flat panel speaker 50, the user can hear the sound from the transparent panel near the position of the vibration element to be vibrated. As indicated by white circles in FIG. 5, the transparent panel is provided with a plurality of vibration elements.

  A configuration example of the flat panel speaker 50 is shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the flat panel speaker 50 includes a transparent panel 51 serving as a vibration plate, a frame 52 that supports the transparent panel 51 and serves as a vibration axis of the transparent panel 51, and a plurality of vibration elements (for example, vibration elements). 53-1 to vibration element 53-24) and a fixing member 54 for fixing the vibration element to the frame 52.

  Since the transparent panel 51 is superimposed on the display surface of the television receiver 31 to the television receiver 39, the transparent panel 51 is composed of a single plate-like material made of a transparent material such as glass or an acrylic material. In the following description, the size and shape of the transparent panel 51 are assumed to be substantially the same as the overall size and shape of the television receiver 31 to the television receiver 39 when installed on the installation table 41. For example, the size may be larger than the overall size of the television receiver 31 to the television receiver 39, or the shapes may be different from each other. Of course, the transparent panel 51 may be a laminate of a plurality of plate-shaped materials.

  The frame 52 is a member that supports the transparent panel 51 so that it can vibrate. When the flat panel speaker 50 is superimposed on the television receiver 31 to the television receiver 39, the television image is arranged in an array. It is a member superimposed on the outermost part of the frame of the machine 31 to the television receiver 39.

  The vibrating elements 53-1 to 53-24 are vibrating elements that vibrate the transparent panel 51, and any of them when the flat panel speaker 50 is superimposed on the television receiver 31 to the television receiver 39. In order not to obstruct the image display, it is superimposed on the frame (image non-display portion) of each television receiver as indicated by a dotted line. Note that the number of vibration elements may be any number. In the following description, the vibrating elements 53-1 to 53-24 are referred to as vibrating elements 53 when it is not necessary to distinguish them from each other.

  The fixing member 54 is a member that fixes the vibration element 53 installed on the transparent panel 51 to the frame 52 so as to be sandwiched between the transparent panel 51 (frame 52). It is provided at a position corresponding to the frame (image non-display portion) of the receiver. As described above, since the vibration element 53 is provided in a portion corresponding to the frame of the television receiver 31 to the television receiver 39, the fixing member 54 is the frame of the television receiver 31 to the television receiver 39. This portion, that is, the display portion is formed in a mesh shape.

  That is, the flat panel speaker 50 is not only the periphery of the entire image display range of the television receiver 31 to the television receiver 39 arranged in 3 rows × 3 columns as a scalable TV system, but also the interior thereof. Also, a vibration element is provided. At this time, the inner vibration element is provided so as to be positioned on the frame (image non-display portion) of each television receiver. That is, the flat panel speaker 50 actively uses the frame portion (image non-display portion) of the television receiver 31 to the television receiver 39 to prevent the image display from being hindered. The vibration element is arranged in As a result, the flat panel speaker 50 does not interfere with the image display by the television receiver 31 to the television receiver 39 and has a larger output sound pressure than when the vibration element is arranged only around the image display range. And distortion of the waveform can be suppressed. In particular, since the flat panel speaker 50 can vibrate the entire panel efficiently, it can easily output a bass sound that cannot be produced unless the entire panel is vibrated.

  Further, as described above, since the flat panel speaker 50 has vibration elements arranged on the entire panel, it is possible to easily output sound at any position and range on the transparent panel simply by switching the vibration elements to be vibrated. (The vibration control of the entire panel becomes easy).

  FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the flat panel speaker 50 as viewed from the side. As shown in FIG. 7, the frame 51 </ b> A indicating the upper part of the frame 51 grips the upper end of the transparent panel 51 via the cushioning material 61 </ b> A, and the frame 51 </ b> B indicating the lower part of the frame 51 is transparent. The lower end of the panel 51 is gripped via the cushioning material 61B and the sliding material 62.

  When there is no need to distinguish between the cushioning material 61A and the cushioning material 61B, they are simply referred to as the cushioning material 61. The buffer material 61 is for allowing the transparent panel 51 to vibrate with respect to the frame 52, and is made of, for example, sponge or rubber. In the lower frame 51B, a sliding material 62 is provided in order to prevent vibrations from being suppressed by friction due to the weight of the transparent panel 51 itself. The sliding material 62 is made of a material having a small coefficient of friction such as plastic.

  The vibration element 53 is installed such that its front surface is in contact with (fixed to) the back surface of the transparent panel 51 installed so as to be able to vibrate in this way, and can vibrate the transparent panel 51. Further, the back side of these vibration elements 53 is fixed to the frame 52 by a fixing member 54. In FIG. 7, solid line portions 54 </ b> A to 54 </ b> D of the fixing member 54 correspond to the frame portions of the television receiver 31 to the television receiver 39, and dotted line portions correspond to the television receiver 31 to the television receiver 39. Corresponds to the display part.

  For example, in the case of FIG. 7, the vibration element 53-3 is fixed by the fixing member 54A, the vibration element 53-10 is fixed by the fixing member 54B, the vibration element 53-17 is fixed by the fixing member 54C, and the vibration element 53- 24 is fixed by a fixing member 54D.

  That is, the vibration element 53 is fixedly connected to the frame 52 through the fixing member 54. That is, the transparent panel 51 can be vibrated with respect to the frame 52. Thereby, the vibration element 53 can vibrate the transparent panel 51 largely so as to form a larger sound field. That is, the flat panel speaker 50 can output a louder sound.

  The flat panel speaker 50 is detachably installed on the television receiver 31 to the television receiver 39 (that is, the installation table 41) installed on the installation table 41.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 7, a protrusion 63 is provided at a predetermined position in the upper portion 52 </ b> A of the frame 52. Further, a concave portion 64 corresponding to the protruding portion 63 is provided on the upper side of the installation table 41. That is, when the flat panel speaker 50 is installed on the front surface of the television receiver 31 to the television receiver 39 (that is, the installation table 41) installed on the installation table 41, as shown by the dotted arrow, this protrusion The part 63 is inserted into the recess 64. Thereby, the flat panel speaker 50 is stably fixed to the installation base 41.

  At this time, the protrusions 65 are also provided on the lower part 52B of the frame 52. As described above, when the flat panel speaker 50 is fixed to the installation base 41, the protrusions 65 are installed. The base 41 is inserted into a recess 66 provided at a position corresponding to the protrusion 65. Thereby, the flat panel speaker 50 is more stably fixed to the installation base 41.

  Further, as shown by a dotted line in FIG. 7, wiring 67 to each vibration element 53 is laid inside the fixing member 54, and the protrusion 65 and the recess 66 connect the wiring 67 to the inside of the installation base 41. The wiring 68 is also configured as a terminal for electrical connection. That is, in order to reduce the exposed portion of the wiring and improve the aesthetics of the flat panel speaker 50 and the installation base 41, connection terminals are provided on the connection surfaces of the projection 65 and the recess 66, and the projection 65 The wiring 67 is electrically connected to the wiring 68 by being inserted into the recess 66. The wiring 68 is connected to a control unit 69 that controls video and audio input / output. That is, as described above, the flat panel speaker 50 is fixed to the installation base 41 and the protrusion 65 is inserted into the recess 66, whereby each vibration element 53 is electrically connected to the control unit 69 and connected to the control unit 69. To be controlled.

  As described above, the flat panel speaker 50 is detachably installed on the installation table 41. For example, a wireless communication unit (not shown) is provided in each of the flat panel speaker 50 and the installation base 41 so that they can communicate with each other, or the above-described recess 66 and protrusion 65 are formed using a cable (not shown). Even when the flat panel speaker 50 is disconnected from the installation base 41 due to electrical connection, the vibration element 53 is electrically connected to the control unit 69 and controlled by the control unit 69. May be.

  In this way, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, the television receiver 31 to 31 of the installation table 41 in a state where the flat panel speaker 50 is installed at a position different from the installation table 41, for example, near the user 81. It can be operated in cooperation with the television receiver 39 to output sound of an image displayed on the television receiver 31 to the television receiver 39. That is, the user 81 can install the flat panel speaker 50 at an arbitrary position. Therefore, the user 81 can make the position of the user 81 the optimum listening point by adjusting the installation position of the flat panel speaker 50 even if the user 81 is not directly in front of the installation table 41. That is, the flat panel speaker 50 can expand the degree of freedom of the listening position (viewing position) and listening position (viewing position) of the user 81.

  Note that, for example, a cradle (not shown) having a connection terminal for simply fixing the flat panel speaker 50 and electrically connecting the flat panel speaker 50 to the control unit 69 may be used. By using such a cradle or stand, the installation of the flat panel speaker 50 becomes easier.

  Next, the electrical configuration of such a scalable TV system will be described. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration example of the control unit 69.

  As shown in FIG. 9, an input signal including a video signal, an audio signal, and the like is input to the control unit 69 from the outside, for example, a television signal. Further, the control unit 69 includes first monitor 103-1 to N-th monitor 103-N (for example, television receiver 31 to television receiver 39 installed on the installation base 41) as output destinations of video signals. It is connected. Furthermore, in the control unit 69, the first vibration element 53-1 to the Nth vibration element 53-N installed on the transparent panel 51 as the output destination of the audio signal (for example, installed on the installation table 41 as described above). The vibration elements 53-1 to 53-24) of the flat panel speaker 50 are connected.

  The control unit 69 generates a video signal and an audio signal for output from the input signal, selects a monitor and a speaker for outputting them, and outputs each signal to the selection destination. In order to perform such processing, the control unit 69 includes a first signal receiving unit 101-1 to an Nth signal receiving unit 101-N, a video output control unit 102, an audio output control unit 104, a receiving unit 105, and a CPU ( Central Processing Unit) 106.

  Each of the first signal receiving unit 101-1 to the Nth signal receiving unit 101-N extracts a video signal and an audio signal included in the input signal, supplies the video signal to the video output control unit 102, and outputs the audio signal. The audio output control unit 104 is supplied. The first signal receiving unit 101-1 to the Nth signal receiving unit 101-N are constituted by, for example, a tuner of a television receiver installed on the installation table 41. That is, the first signal receiving unit 101-1 to the Nth signal receiving unit 101-N extract a video signal and an audio signal of a program of an arbitrary channel from an input signal that is a television signal, for example.

  The video output control unit 102 performs predetermined processing such as decoding processing and image processing on the supplied video signal, and outputs the video signal based on a user instruction input via the CPU 106 as described later. As a destination, one or more of the first monitor 103-1 to the Nth monitor 103 -N are selected, and a video signal is output to the selected destination to display a video.

  The audio output control unit 104 performs predetermined processing such as decoding processing and audio processing on the input audio signal based on a user instruction supplied via the CPU 106, and as an output destination of the audio signal, One or a plurality of vibration elements 53-1 to 53 -N are selected, and an audio signal is output to the selection destination.

  The audio output control unit 104 includes a signal selection unit 111, a first signal processing unit 112-1 to an Nth signal processing unit 112-N, and a parameter map 113.

  The signal selection unit 111 is supplied from the CPU 106 which audio signal is output to which vibration element among the audio signals input from the first signal reception unit 101-1 to the Nth signal reception unit 101-N. Selection based on the user instruction (mode information selected by the mode selection instruction). For example, the signal selection unit 111 selects a parameter or output destination corresponding to the mode information supplied from the CPU 106 by referring to the parameter map 113, and a signal processing unit corresponding to the selected output destination (vibration element). The audio signal is supplied to any one or a plurality of the first signal processing unit 112-1 to the Nth signal processing unit 112-N.

  The first signal processing unit 112-1 to the Nth signal processing unit 112-N perform audio processing such as noise removal and filtering on the audio signals supplied to the vibration elements 53-1 to 53-N, respectively. Apply. Each of the first signal processing unit 112-1 to the N-th signal processing unit 112 -N performs signal processing based on a user instruction (mode information selected by a mode selection instruction) supplied from the CPU 106. For example, the first signal processing unit 112-1 to the Nth signal processing unit 112-N determine a parameter corresponding to the mode information supplied from the CPU 106 by referring to the parameter map 113, and use the determined parameter as the determined parameter. Perform the corresponding signal processing.

  The parameter map 113 is a storage medium such as a flash memory or a hard disk, and has table information in which information on signal processing and signal input / output is associated with an operation mode. That is, when the signal selection unit 111 or the first signal processing unit 112-1 to the N-th signal processing unit 112 -N provide the parameter map 113 with information on the mode specified by the user, the parameter map 113 is retained. On the basis of the table information, information relating to parameters and signal input / output destinations corresponding to the mode is provided.

  For example, the receiving unit 105 receives an instruction from the user via a remote controller or the like, and supplies it to the CPU 106. The user operates the remote controller or the like to select an operation mode. When receiving the user instruction (instruction for specifying the operation mode) transmitted from the remote controller or the like, the receiving unit 105 supplies it to the CPU 106. The CPU 106 supplies the instruction to the video output control unit 102, the audio output control unit 104, and the like.

  In FIG. 7, the control unit 69 is described as being provided on the installation base 69. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the control unit 69 may be included in the flat panel speaker 50. Further, the configuration shown in FIG. 9 does not need to be formed as one physical unit, and if they are electrically connected to each other as shown in FIG. 9, some of them are flat panel speakers. 50, and the other part may be built in each television receiver. For example, the first to N-th signal receiving units in FIG. 9 are built in each television receiver, the video output control unit 102, the receiving unit 105, and the CPU 106 are built in the installation table 41, and the audio output control is performed. The unit 104 may be built in the flat panel speaker 50.

  Next, an example of a specific flow of voice control processing by the control unit 69 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the voice control process is started, the CPU 106 controls the receiving unit 105 in step S1, performs a user instruction reception process for receiving a user instruction supplied from a remote controller (not shown), and in step S2, the user instruction It is determined whether or not the mode information has been acquired by the reception process.

  When it is determined that the receiving unit 105 has not received a user instruction supplied from the remote controller and has not acquired mode information that is included in the user instruction and is information related to the operation mode specified by the user, the CPU 106 The process returns to step S1, and the subsequent processes are repeated.

  When determining that the mode information is acquired in step S2, the CPU 106 supplies the mode information to the signal selection unit 111 and the first signal processing unit 112-1 to the Nth signal processing unit 112-N. The process proceeds to step S3.

  In step S <b> 3, the signal information selection unit 111 and the first signal processing unit 112-1 to the N-th signal processing unit 112 -N refer to the parameter map 113 based on the supplied mode information. In step S4, the signal selection unit 111 selects an input / output corresponding to the mode designated by the user according to the table information of the referenced parameter map 113, and activates (connects) the selected input / output. Further, in step S5, the first signal processing unit 112-1 to the Nth signal processing unit 112-N set processing parameters corresponding to the mode specified by the user according to the table information of the parameter map 113 referred to, In step S6, the audio signal supplied from the signal selection unit 111 is processed based on the set processing parameter. In step S7, the first signal processing unit 112-1 through the Nth signal processing unit 112-N that processed the audio signal supply the audio signal to the vibration element 53-1 through the vibration element 53-N.

  In step S <b> 7, the vibration element 53-1 to the vibration element 53 -N output the supplied audio signal by vibrating the transparent panel 51. When the audio signal is output, the control unit 69 ends the audio control process.

  By controlling as described above, for example, the user simply designates the mode, for example, the audio output position corresponds to the image display position, or the audio output is performed from a position different from the image display position. Control can be easily performed.

  Hereinafter, an example of the control will be described with reference to FIGS.

  11 and 12 show an example in the case where the image display position and the audio output position are synchronized. For example, in the case of FIG. 11, among the nine television receivers arranged in 3 rows × 3 columns so as to be superimposed on the flat panel speaker 50, the television image in the upper left corner where the person image is shown. An image is displayed on the machine 31, and the surrounding vibration elements (vibration element 53-1, vibration element 53-4, vibration element 53-5, and vibration element 53-8) indicated by black circles vibrate, and the television is displayed. Sound is output from the position of the receiver 31. In the figure, white circles indicate vibration elements that do not vibrate.

  That is, in the case of FIG. 11, the user has selected a mode for synchronizing the image display position and the audio output position.

  FIG. 12 shows a case where the image display position is changed from the state of FIG. For example, when the television receiver that displays an image is changed from the television receiver 31 to the next lower television receiver 34 based on a user instruction or the like, the image display position and the audio output position are synchronized. In the case of the mode, the vibration element to be vibrated is changed from the combination of “the vibration element 53-1, the vibration element 53-4, the vibration element 53-5, and the vibration element 53-8” according to the change. Is changed to a combination of “vibrating element 53-8, vibrating element 53-11, vibrating element 53-12, and vibrating element 53-15”.

  That is, in the mode in which the image display position and the sound output position are synchronized, when the image display position is changed, the vibrating element (position for outputting sound) is also changed in accordance with the change.

  13 changes the image display position from the state of FIG. 11, enlarges the image displayed on the television receiver 31, and uses all the screens of the television receiver 31 to the television receiver 39. FIG. The case where it is made to display is shown.

  For example, in the state of FIG. 11, when the user inputs an image enlargement display instruction by operating the enlargement button or the like of the remote controller, the CPU 106 acquires the instruction via the receiving unit 105, and the video output control unit The instruction is supplied to 102 and the audio output control unit 104. Based on the instruction, the video output control unit 102 operates the television receiver 31 to the television receiver 39 in cooperation with each other to display one image. Since the audio output control unit 104 is a mode in which the operation mode is a mode in which the image display position and the audio output position are synchronized, the audio output range is expanded as the image display is expanded (the number of vibration elements to be vibrated is increased). ).

  As shown in FIG. 13, at this time, all of the vibration elements 53-1 to 53-24 vibrate. That is, in the case of FIG. 13, sound is output from the entire transparent panel 51 using all the vibration elements 53.

  In this state, the flat panel speaker 50 is provided with the vibration element 53 not only around the image display range but also inside thereof. That is, since the flat panel speaker 50 can vibrate not only the vibration element 53 around the image but also the vibration element 53 arranged on the display image, the transparent panel 51 is sufficiently vibrated to generate a loud sound (particularly, (Low sound) can be output, and the occurrence of distortion can be suppressed.

  Further, since the vibration element 53 disposed inside the image display range is disposed on the outer frame of the display portion on the front surface of the television receiver 31 to the television receiver 39, the display of the image is hindered. There is nothing. That is, the flat panel speaker 50 arranges the vibration element 53 inside the image display range so as not to hinder the image display, vibrates the vibration element 53, particularly outputs a larger bass sound, and causes distortion of the sound. Generation can be suppressed. Further, as described above, the flat panel speaker 50 can be easily controlled to output sound at an arbitrary position and range on the transparent panel only by switching the vibrating element to be vibrated.

  In the state of FIG. 13, for example, when the user operates the remote controller to instruct the reduction of the image display, the number of television receivers used for image display is reduced as shown in FIG. At the same time, the number of vibrating elements 53 that vibrate is reduced (the audio output range is narrowed). In the case of FIG. 14, images are displayed using four television receivers, that is, a television receiver 31, a television receiver 32, a television receiver 34, and a television receiver 35, and these television receivers are displayed. Vibration element 53-1, vibration element 53-2, vibration element 53-4 to vibration element 53-6, vibration element 53-8, vibration element 53-9, vibration element 53-11 to vibration element corresponding to the position of the machine. 53-13, and the vibration element 53-15 and the vibration element 53-16 are controlled to vibrate.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 15, a mode in which the image display position and the audio output position are not synchronized can be set. FIG. 15 shows a stereo output mode in which left and right audio is output mainly from the left and right portions of the flat panel speaker 50. For example, when the user selects this mode, regardless of the image display position, the audio output control unit 104 vibrates the left and right vibration elements, outputs left audio from the left side, and outputs right audio from the right side. That is, in this mode, the image display range and the audio output range do not necessarily match.

  In the case of FIG. 15, although the image is displayed only on the television receiver 31, the left sound is the vibration element 53-1, the vibration element 53-4, the vibration element 53-8, and the vibration element 53-. 11, the vibration element 53-15, the vibration element 53-18, and the vibration element 53-22 are vibrated and output (output from the left side of the flat panel speaker 50). The element 53-7, the vibration element 53-10, the vibration element 53-14, the vibration element 53-17, the vibration element 53-21, and the vibration element 53-24 are vibrated and output (the right side of the flat panel speaker 50). Output). By doing so, the flat panel speaker 50 can output stereo sound using the entire surface of the transparent panel 51, for example, even if the image display area is narrow (regardless of the size of the screen display area). Therefore, a more realistic sound field can be formed.

  As described above, the flat panel speaker 50 can easily form a sound field desired by the user only by a simple operation by the user, and the user can listen to sound in a better environment.

  It should be noted that the vibration element 53 may be disposed at a position other than that described above. However, as described above, when the flat panel speaker 50 is installed on the installation table 41, the vibration element 53 is arranged so as to overlap the outer frame of each television receiver so as not to hinder image display. desirable.

  In the above description, it has been described that one flat panel speaker 50 is detachably installed on the television receiver 31 to the television receiver 39 installed on the installation table 41 (the flat panel speaker 50 is 9). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, an independent flat panel speaker is detachably installed for each television receiver. May be.

  In FIG. 16, different flat panel speakers 151-1 to 151-9 are detachably installed on the television receiver 31 to the television receiver 39, respectively. That is, in this case, the flat panel speakers 151-1 to 151-9 are detachable from the respective television receivers independently of each other. Four vibration elements 153 are provided on the upper, lower, left and right portions of the periphery of each flat panel speaker 151.

  For example, in the case of FIG. 16, an image is displayed on the television receiver 31, and the vibration elements 153-1-1 to 153-1-4 of the flat panel speaker 151-1 installed in the television receiver 31. The sound is output by vibrating. Also in this case, the control method related to the audio output range and the output method is the same as that described above, and therefore the description thereof is omitted.

  The number of television receivers to which each flat panel speaker corresponds is not necessarily the same as each other. For example, it corresponds to a flat panel speaker having a configuration corresponding to three television receivers and one television receiver. You may make it use together with the flat panel speaker of the structure to perform.

  In the above description, the projection 63 and the projection 65 are provided in order to detachably install the flat panel speaker 50 on the television receiver (installation table 41). However, these are omitted. May be. For example, as shown in FIG. 17, the upper portion of the frame 52 may be screwed to the installation base 41 as indicated by a dotted arrow 161. In this case, since the flat panel speaker 50 cannot form an external terminal using the protrusion 65, a cable 162 for connecting the wiring 67 and the wiring 68 may be provided as shown in FIG. Good.

  Further, in the above description, the flat panel speaker 50 is described as fixing the vibration element 53 to the frame 52 using the fixing member 54. However, for example, the fixing member 54 is omitted as shown in FIG. May be. In this case, the vibration element 53 may be fixed only to the transparent panel 51 and may not be in contact with other portions. However, when the flat panel speaker 50 is installed on the installation table 41, the vibration element 53 is connected to the front surface of the television receiver. It may be fixed by being sandwiched between the transparent panels 51. That is, in this case, the front surface of the television receiver is substituted for the fixing member 54.

  In such a case, the wiring 67 is laid inside the transparent panel 51. However, in this case, it is desirable to devise a method for making the wiring 67 inconspicuous from the exterior, such as using a transparent electrode.

  As described above, when the vibration element 53 is fixed only to the transparent panel 51, the energy loss when the vibration of the vibration element 53 is transmitted to the transparent panel 51 is larger than when the fixing member 54 is used. Therefore, it is desirable to vibrate the vibration element 53 more greatly. Also, when the vibration element 53 is fixed so as to be sandwiched between the front surface of the television receiver and the transparent panel 51, energy loss should be reduced as compared with the case where the vibration element 53 is fixed only to the transparent panel 51. Can do. However, when the flat panel speaker 50 is used by being removed from the installation base 41, the energy loss increases as in the case where the vibration element 53 is fixed only to the transparent panel 51. Therefore, in that case, it is desirable to vibrate the vibration element 53 more greatly.

  The series of processes of the control unit 69 described above can be executed by hardware or can be executed by software. In this case, for example, the control unit 69 may be configured as a personal computer as shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 19, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201 of the personal computer 200 performs various processes according to a program stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) 202 or a program loaded from a storage unit 213 to a RAM (Random Access Memory) 203. Execute the process. The RAM 203 also appropriately stores data necessary for the CPU 201 to execute various processes.

  The CPU 201, the ROM 202, and the RAM 203 are connected to each other via the bus 204. An input / output interface 210 is also connected to the bus 204.

  The input / output interface 210 includes an input unit 211 including a keyboard and a mouse, a display including a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) and an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an output unit 212 including a speaker, and a hard disk. A communication unit 214 including a storage unit 213 and a modem is connected. The communication unit 214 performs communication processing via a network including the Internet.

  A drive 215 is connected to the input / output interface 210 as necessary, and a removable medium 221 such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory is appropriately mounted, and a computer program read from them is It is installed in the storage unit 213 as necessary.

  When the above-described series of processing is executed by software, a program constituting the software is installed from a network or a recording medium.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 19, the recording medium is distributed to distribute the program to the user separately from the apparatus main body, and includes a magnetic disk (including a flexible disk) on which the program is recorded, an optical disk ( Removable media 221 composed of CD-ROM (compact disk-read only memory), DVD (digital versatile disk), magneto-optical disk (including MD (mini-disk) (registered trademark)), or semiconductor memory In addition to being configured, it is configured by a ROM 202 on which a program is recorded, a hard disk included in the storage unit 213, and the like that are distributed to the user in a state of being preinstalled in the apparatus main body.

  In the present specification, the step of describing the program recorded on the recording medium is not limited to the processing performed in chronological order according to the described order, but is not necessarily performed in chronological order. It also includes processes that are executed individually.

  Further, in this specification, the system represents the entire apparatus composed of a plurality of devices (apparatuses).

  The embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

It is a figure which shows the mode of the conventional multi display. It is a figure which shows the mode of the conventional multi display. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the conventional flat panel speaker. It is a perspective view which shows the structural example of the scalable TV system which mounts | wears with the flat panel speaker to which this invention is applied. It is a figure explaining the mode of mounting | wearing of the flat panel speaker to which this invention is applied. It is a figure which shows the structural example which concerns on one Embodiment of the flat panel speaker to which this invention is applied. It is a perspective view from the horizontal direction of the flat panel speaker of FIG. It is a figure explaining the usage example of the flat panel speaker of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the example of an internal structure of a control part. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the flow of an audio | voice control process. It is a figure explaining the specific example of control of an audio | voice output position. It is a figure explaining the specific example of control of an audio | voice output position. It is a figure explaining the specific example of control of an audio | voice output position. It is a figure explaining the specific example of control of an audio | voice output position. It is a figure explaining the specific example of control of an audio | voice output position. It is a figure which shows the other structural example of the flat panel speaker to which this invention is applied. It is a figure which shows the other structural example of the flat panel speaker to which this invention is applied. It is a figure which shows the other structural example of the flat panel speaker to which this invention is applied. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the personal computer to which one Embodiment of this invention is applied.

Explanation of symbols

  30 scalable TV system, 31 to 39 television receiver, 41 installation stand, 50 flat panel speaker, 51 transparent panel, 52 frame, 53 vibration element, 54 fixing member, 61A and 61B buffer material, 62 slip material, 63 protrusion , 64 recesses, 65 projections, 66 recesses, 67 wirings, 68 wirings, 69 control units, 104 audio output control units, 111 signal selection units, 112-1 first signal processing units, 113 parameter maps, 151-1 to 151 -9 Flat panel speaker

Claims (9)

A panel superimposed on the front surface which is an image display surface of a plurality of monitors arranged in an array;
A position of the panel corresponding to the image non-display portion of the monitor, one at a time between the image display portions of the adjacent monitors, and a position corresponding to the image non-display portion of the monitor A flat panel speaker comprising: a plurality of vibration means arranged outside the image display range of the plurality of monitors as a whole and outputting sound by vibrating the panel. The flat panel speaker according to claim 1, further comprising control means for controlling which of the plurality of vibration means is vibrated. The flat panel speaker according to claim 2, wherein the control unit controls a vibrating unit that vibrates according to an image display position and an image display range. The flat panel speaker according to claim 3, wherein the control means vibrates vibration means located inside the image display range. The flat panel speaker according to claim 1, further comprising panel fixing means for fixing the panel to the plurality of monitors so as to be able to vibrate and be detachable. The flat panel speaker according to claim 5, wherein the vibration means vibrates the panel and outputs sound even when the panel is detached from the plurality of monitors. The flat panel speaker according to claim 5, wherein the panel fixing means fixes the panel via a cushioning material. The flat panel speaker according to claim 7, wherein the panel fixing means fixes the lower surface of the panel via a sliding member having a smaller friction coefficient in addition to the cushioning material. The flat panel speaker according to claim 5, further comprising vibration element fixing means for fixing each of the vibration means to the panel fixing means.

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