JP7390935B2 - Public address equipment, buildings and public address methods - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a public address system, a building, and a public address method.

Conventionally, public address systems are known that amplify the speaker's voice by collecting the speaker's voice with a microphone and emitting the sound from a speaker toward the audience. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a public address system that collects the voices of speakers in a room such as a conference room and emits the sounds from a plurality of speakers distributed on the ceiling.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-211177

In spaces called open spaces or shared offices, it is assumed that by eliminating or reducing walls and partitions, various gatherings such as meetings, presentations, and workshops can be held simultaneously. Therefore, there is a high degree of freedom in how the space can be used, and participants can occupy a portion of the space depending on the type of meeting being held. Projectors, experimental equipment, machine tools, etc. will be placed ad hoc.

However, the public address system disclosed in Patent Document 1 is configured such that sound can only be emitted from a plurality of speakers to the entire conference room. Therefore, as in the space usage method described above, for example, even when a part of the space is used to hold a gathering, there is a problem in that the sound is amplified throughout the space. Furthermore, when a plurality of gatherings are held simultaneously in one space, there is a problem in that the voices of speakers cannot be amplified to the respective audiences in each gathering.

The present invention was made in view of the above circumstances, and is applicable to cases where a part of a space is used for a gathering or where multiple gatherings are held simultaneously in one space. It is an object of the present invention to provide a loudspeaker, a building, and a loudspeaker method that can appropriately amplify the voice of a speaker to an audience even when the speaker's voice is loud.

The present invention solves the above problems, and a loudspeaker according to an embodiment of the present invention includes:
a sound collection position acquisition unit that obtains a sound collection position of a microphone in a space where a plurality of speakers are distributed;
a sound emission condition setting unit that sets a sound emission range in which the sound collected by the microphone is emitted in the space, with the sound collection position as a reference;
an output control unit that outputs an audio signal based on the sound to the speaker belonging to the sound emission range according to an output volume according to a distance from the sound collection position to the speaker;
It is characterized by

Furthermore, the building according to one embodiment of the present invention is
A building comprising the loudspeaker,
The plurality of speakers are distributed on a ceiling in an indoor space of the building,
It is characterized by

Further, a sound amplification method according to an embodiment of the present invention includes:
A loudspeaker method using a loudspeaker device connectable to a microphone and multiple speakers, the method comprising:
a sound collection position step of acquiring a sound collection position of the microphone in a space in which the plurality of speakers are distributed;
a sound emission condition setting step of setting a sound emission range in which the sound collected by the microphone is emitted in the space, with the sound collection position as a reference;
an output control step of outputting an audio signal based on the sound to the speaker belonging to the sound emission range according to an output volume according to a distance from the sound collection position to the speaker;
It is characterized by

According to the loudspeaker, the building, and the loudspeaker method according to an embodiment of the present invention, the output control unit or the output control process controls the speakers belonging to the sound emission range based on the sound collection position from the sound collection position. The audio signal is output according to the output volume according to the distance to the speaker. Therefore, even if a part of the space is used for a gathering or multiple gatherings are held simultaneously in one space, it is not possible to amplify the speaker's voice to the audience. can.

An example of a building 10 provided with a public address system 1A according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, in which (a) is a plan view and (b) is a front view. It is a block diagram showing an example of public address system 1A concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a flow chart which shows an example of operation of loudspeaker 2A concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an operating state of a microphone 3A and a plurality of speakers 5. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the sound emission condition setting screen 40. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of operating states of two microphones 3A and 3B and a plurality of speakers 5. FIG. It is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the loudspeaker 2A when the microphone 3A is moved. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operating state of the microphone 3A and the plurality of speakers 5 when the microphone 3A is moved. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of operation of 2 A of loudspeakers when the microphone 3B different from the microphone 3A is used. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operating state of a microphone 3B different from the microphone 3A and a plurality of speakers 5. FIG. It is a block diagram showing an example of public address system 1B concerning a 2nd embodiment of the present invention. It is a flow chart which shows an example of operation of loudspeaker 2B concerning a 2nd embodiment of the present invention. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an operating state of a microphone 3A and a plurality of speakers 5. FIG. It is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the public address system 2B when the crowd GA of people changes. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operating states of the microphones 3B, 3C and the plurality of speakers 5 when the crowd GA of people changes to the crowds GB and GC. FIG.

Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 shows an example of a building 10 including a public address system 1A according to a first embodiment of the present invention, in which (a) is a plan view and (b) is a front view. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the public address system 1A according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The example in FIG. 1 shows a situation in which one speaker (presenter) P and five audience members Q gather to give a presentation in an indoor space 100 of a building 10.

The indoor space 100 of the building 10 is, for example, a space that is used as an open space or a shared office. The indoor space 100 is equipped with movable chairs, tables, whiteboards, projectors, experimental equipment, machine tools, and other equipment and equipment, and is also a place where multiple people gather to hold various gatherings. As a result, crowds of people are formed. Since a plurality of gatherings can be held simultaneously in the indoor space 100, a plurality of groups are formed simultaneously, and each group occupies a part of the indoor space 100. Note that a gathering may be held for any purpose, and may have a predetermined holding time, or may be one where multiple people gather spontaneously without a predetermined holding time. .

The public address system 1A includes a microphone 3 that collects the voice of the speaker P, a public address device 2A that outputs an audio signal based on the voice collected by the microphone 3, and a public address system 2A that outputs an audio signal based on the voice collected by the microphone 3. It includes a plurality of speakers 5 that emit sound, and a plurality of beacon transmitters 6 that transmit position signals for specifying the current position (sound collection position) of the microphone 3 in the indoor space 100. The loudspeaker device 2A is connected to the microphone 3 and the plurality of speakers 5 so as to be able to communicate various data and signals by wireless or wired communication (may be via a repeater or an audio device). Any communication standard may be used.

The microphone 3 includes a position detection section 30 that receives a position signal from the beacon transmitter 6 and detects the current position of the microphone 3. The microphone 3 uses, for example, the microphone function of a smartphone 4 owned by the speaker P.

In addition to the smart phone 4, the microphone 3 may be, for example, a wearable terminal, a notebook PC, or other various mobile terminals, a microphone held in the hand of the speaker P, or a microphone worn on the clothing or body of the speaker P. It may be a microphone installed on the floor, on a table, or on a microphone stand on a table. Furthermore, the method of detecting the current position of the microphone 3 is not limited to the method based on the position signal from the beacon transmitter 6, and for example, a GPS signal may be used, or dead reckoning navigation such as an acceleration sensor may be used. However, the speaker P may input the sound emission condition setting screen shown in FIG. 5 (details will be described later).

The plurality of speakers 5 are distributed in the indoor space 100 so as to cover the entire indoor space 100. In this embodiment, the plurality of speakers 5 have predetermined directivity, are embedded in the ceiling 101, and are arranged in a matrix with predetermined speaker intervals (for example, 5 m). There is. Note that the plurality of speakers 5 may be arranged at intervals between the speakers as appropriate, may be arranged in a staggered manner, or may be arranged not only on the ceiling 101 but also on a wall. Furthermore, a movable speaker may be appropriately arranged in the indoor space 100 and connected to the loudspeaker 2A.

The public address system 2A is configured of, for example, a general-purpose computer, and includes an input/output circuit that inputs and outputs audio signals, and an audio processing circuit that processes the input and output audio signals. Note that the loudspeaker device 2A may be configured as a part of an audio device such as an amplifier or a mixer, or may be configured as a separate device from the audio device.

As shown in FIG. 2, the specific configuration of the loudspeaker 2A includes an input section 20 composed of a keyboard, touch panel, switches, etc., a storage section 21 composed of an HDD, memory, etc., and a processor such as a CPU. The communication unit 23 is a communication interface with the microphone 3 and the plurality of speakers 5, and the display unit 24 is configured with a display, a touch panel, etc. Note that the input section 20 and the display section 24 may be omitted.

The storage unit 21 stores acoustic information 210 indicating the acoustic characteristics of the indoor space 100, layout information 211 indicating the arrangement state of the plurality of speakers 5, and a loudspeaker control program 212A that controls the operation of the loudspeaker 2A. There is.

The acoustic information 210 includes, for example, the size and ceiling height of the indoor space 100, the reverberation characteristics of the walls, floor, and ceiling 101 that make up the indoor space 100, and the position of installed equipment that is a noise source (air conditioning equipment, etc.). Includes frequency characteristics, etc. The acoustic information 210 may, for example, store numerical values measured in advance by installing an acoustic sensor or the like in the indoor space 100, or may store numerical values input based on a blueprint of the indoor space 100 or specifications of installed equipment. It may also be something that remembers.

The layout information 211 includes the position where each speaker 5 is arranged in the indoor space 100, the sound emission characteristics such as the directivity of each speaker 5, and the like.

The control unit 22 functions as a sound collection position acquisition unit 220, a sound emission condition setting unit 221, and an output control unit 222 by executing the loudspeaker control program 212A. Note that the details of the functions of each part will be described later.

(About the operation of public address system 1A)
Next, the functions of each part of the loudspeaker 2A and the operation of the loudspeaker system 1A will be explained.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the loudspeaker 2A according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the operating state of the microphone 3A and the plurality of speakers 5. As shown in FIG. 4, FIG. 3 shows the operation of the public address system 2A when the microphone 3A is used in an indoor space 100 where a plurality of audience members QA are gathered around the speaker PA. This will be explained with reference to the flowchart shown below.

First, the sound collection position acquisition unit 220 of the loudspeaker 2A monitors whether there is a microphone 3 to be newly used in the indoor space 100 (step S1). For example, when the speaker PA uses the microphone function of the smartphone 4, the sound collection position acquisition unit 220 detects that a sound reinforcement application has been started on the smartphone 4, or that the speaker PA uses the microphone function of the smartphone 4 to receive information from the smartphone 4 via the browser. When it is detected that the management screen for the indoor space 100 has been accessed, the smart phone 4 is detected as the newly used microphone 3A.

Then, as shown in FIG. 4, when the sound collection position acquisition unit 220 detects the newly used microphone 3A (step S2: Yes), the current position detected by the position detection unit 30 of the microphone 3A is received. By doing so, the sound collection position MA of the microphone 3A in the indoor space 100 is obtained (step S101).

Next, the sound emission condition setting unit 221 sets the reference volume BA of the microphone 3A as a sound emission condition when the sound collected by the microphone 3A is emitted from the plurality of speakers 5 (step S201), and Based on the sound collection position MA, a sound emission range RA for emitting the sound collected by the microphone 3A is set (step S202).

For example, by referring to the acoustic information 210 and the layout information 211, the sound emission condition setting unit 221 displays the sound emission conditions shown in FIG. Display the setting screen 40.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the sound emission condition setting screen 40. The sound emission condition setting screen 40 includes a volume 400 for adjusting the reference volume B of the microphone 3, and a frame 402 for adjusting the sound emission range RA in the layout diagram 401 of the indoor space 100. The volume 400 is configured to be able to increase or decrease in stages, for example, based on the initial volume in the indoor space 100. The frame 402 is configured to be able to be changed into any shape, for example, not only a circle, an ellipse, and a polygon, with the sound collection position MA of the microphone 3 as a reference. At this time, the sound collection position MA can serve as a reference for the sound emission range RA if it is included in the frame 402, and may be at the center of each shape or may be shifted from the center.

The sound emission condition setting unit 221 collects the test sound emitted by the speaker PA using the microphone 3A, and outputs the sound from the speaker ₅₁ disposed near the sound collection position MA. Then, when the speaker PA operates the volume 400 on the sound emission condition setting screen 40 while listening to his own test voice, the sound emission condition setting unit 221 adjusts the reference volume BA based on the operation result for the volume 400. is set (step S201). Furthermore, when the speaker PA operates the frame 402 on the sound emission condition setting screen 40 to widen or narrow the frame 402, the sound emission condition setting unit 221 adjusts the sound emission condition setting section 221 based on the operation result for the frame 402. A sound range RA is set (step S202).

Next, the output control unit 222 selects six speakers 5 ₁ to 5 ₆ (hereinafter referred to as "specific speakers 5A") as the speakers 5A belonging to the sound emission range RA from among the plurality of speakers 5, as shown in FIG. .) (step S301). Note that, although it is preferable that a plurality of speakers 5 be specified as the specific speaker 5A, one speaker 5 may be specified. In addition, the specific speaker 5A may be a speaker 5 located within the sound emission range RA, or may be selected from a predetermined range from the sound emission range RA not only within the sound emission range RA but also outside the sound emission range RA. Speakers 5 located within the distance may be further identified.

Next, the output control unit 222 calculates the distances LA (La ₁ to La 6 ) from the sound collection position MA of the microphone 3A to the specific speakers 5A (5 ₁ to 5 ₆ ), and calculates the distances LA (La 1 to La ₆ ) from the sound collection position MA of the microphone 3A, and The output volume VA (Va ₁ to Va ₆ ) is set according to the distance (step S401).

In this embodiment, if the reference volume BA is set to, for example, "25", the output control unit 222 adjusts the output volume VA (Va ₁ to Va ₆ ) so that p(5)<mp(10) It is set in five stages: <n(15)<mf(20)<f(25). At this time, the output control unit 222 sets the output volume VA (Va ₁ to Va ₆ ) larger as the length of the distance LA is shorter. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, the output control unit 222 determines the distance LA from the sound collection position MA according to the evaluation result when the length of the distance LA (La ₁ to La ₆ ) is evaluated in five stages. is "mf" for the output volumes Va ₁ and Va ₂ of the speakers 5 ₁ and 5 ₂ with the shortest distance, "n" for the output volumes Va ₃ and Va ₄ of the speakers 5 ₃ and 5 ₄ with the next shortest distance LA, and the longest distance LA The output volumes Va ₅ and Va ₆ of the speakers 5 ₅ and 5 ₆ having the long distances are respectively set to “p”.

Next, _{the output control unit 222 controls the output volume VA (Va 1 " mf} ",
Audio _signals SA ( _{Sa 1 to Sa 1} to _{Sa 6} ) is output (step S402).

Then, the specific speakers 5A (5 ₁ to 5 ₆ ) respectively emit sound based on the audio signals SA (Sa ₁ to Sa ₆ ), so that the voice of the speaker PA is amplified within the sound emission range RA, Listened to by audience QA.

(When multiple microphones 3A and 3B are used)
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the operating state of the two microphones 3A and 3B and the plurality of speakers 5. As shown in FIG. 6, in an indoor space 100 where a plurality of audience members QA are gathered around a speaker PA and a plurality of audience members QB are gathered around a speaker PB, two microphones The operation of the loudspeaker 2A when the loudspeaker 3A and 3B are used will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, the sound collection position acquisition unit 220 acquires two sound collection positions MA and MB for the two microphones 3A and 3B, respectively (step S101), as a result of monitoring the newly used microphone 3 (steps S1 and S2). ). Note that the two newly used microphones 3A, 3B may be detected at different timings, and in that case, each subsequent step is executed starting from the microphones 3A, 3B detected first.

Then, the sound emission condition setting unit 221 sets two sound emission ranges RA and RB based on each of the two sound collection positions MA and MB so as not to overlap with each other (step S202).

As shown in FIG. 6, the output control unit 222 selects specific speakers 5A (5 ₁ to 5 ₇ ) and 5B (5 ₁₁ to 5 ₁₄ ) respectively (step S301), and determine the distances LA (La ₁ to La ₇ ) and LB (Lb ₁₁ to Lb ₁₄ ) from each of the two sound collection positions MA and MB to each of the specific speakers 5A and 5B. Audio signals SA (Sa ₁ to Sa ₇ ) and SB (Sb ₁₁ to Sb ₁₄ ) are output according to the corresponding output volumes VA (Va ₁ to Va ₇ ) and VB (Vb ₁₁ to Vb ₁₄ ) (steps S401 and S402). ).

Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 6, the specific speakers 5A (5 ₁ to 5 ₇ ) output the speaker PA's voice collected by the microphone 3A at an output volume VA (Va ₁ "f", Va ₂ "mf"). , Va ₃ "n", Va ₄ "mp", Va ₅ "mp", Va ₆ "p", Va ₇ "p"), the speaker PA's voice is within the sound emission range RA. The sound will be amplified and listened to by the audience QA. Further, the specific speakers 5B (5 ₁₁ to 5 ₁₄ ) output the voice of the speaker PB collected by the microphone 3B at an output volume VB (Vb ₁ "mf", Vb ₂ "mf", Vb ₃ "n", By emitting the sound according to Vb ₄ "n"), the voice of the speaker PB is amplified within the sound emitting range RB and is heard by the audience QB.

(If microphone 3A is moved)
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the loudspeaker 2A when the microphone 3A is moved. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the operating state of the microphone 3A and the plurality of speakers 5 when the microphone 3A is moved. As shown in FIG. 8, in a situation in an indoor space 100 where a plurality of audience members QA are gathered around a speaker PA (same situation as in FIG. 4), depending on the movement of the speaker PA during a presentation, The operation of the loudspeaker 2A when the microphone 3A is moved will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, the sound collection position acquisition unit 220 monitors whether the microphone 3A is moved within the sound emission range RA after the sound emission range RA is set by the sound emission condition setting unit 221 (step S11). For example, the sound collection position acquisition unit 220 monitors whether the microphone 3A has been moved by receiving the current position detected by the position detection unit 30 of the microphone 3A at predetermined intervals.

Then, when the sound collection position acquisition unit 220 detects that the microphone 3A has been moved as shown by the arrow in FIG. 8 (step S12: Yes), it acquires the sound collection position MC after the movement of the microphone 3A. (Step S111).

Next, the output control unit 222 calculates the distance LC (Lc ₁ to Lc ₆ ) from the sound collection position MC after the movement to the specific speaker 5A (5 ₁ to 5 ₆ ), and outputs the volume according to the distance. Each of the VCs (Vc ₁ to Vc ₆ ) is set (step S411).

Next, the output control unit 222 sets the output volume VC (Vc ₁ "p", Vc ₂ "p", Vc ₃ "mf", Vc ₄ "mf") to the specific speakers 5A (5 ₁ to 5 ₆ ). , Vc ₅ "n", Vc ₆ "n"), the audio signal SC (S ₁ to S ₆ ) based on the audio collected by the microphone 3A is output (step S412). Note that after step S111, the sound emission condition setting unit 221 resets the sound emission range based on the sound collection position MC after the movement of the microphone 3A, so that the output control unit 222 in steps S411 and S412 , the audio signal may be output to a specific speaker belonging to the reset sound emission range.

Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 8, the specific speakers 5A (5 ₁ to 5 ₆ ) each emit sound based on the audio signal SC (Sc ₁ to Sc ₆ ), so that the voice of the speaker PA is The sound is amplified within the sound emission range RA according to the output volume VC (Vc ₁ to Vc ₆ ) set with reference to the sound collection position MC. Therefore, even if the speaker PA moves within the sound emission range RA, the audience QA can listen to the speaker PA's voice without feeling uncomfortable.

(When microphone 3B different from microphone 3A is used)
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the loudspeaker 2A when a microphone 3B different from the microphone 3A is used. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an operating state of a microphone 3B different from the microphone 3A and a plurality of speakers 5. As shown in FIG. 10, in a situation in an indoor space 100 where a plurality of audience members QA are gathered around a speaker PA (same situation as in FIG. 4), another microphone 3B is used by audience member QA. The operation of the loudspeaker 2A in this case will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, the sound collection position acquisition unit 220 monitors whether a microphone 3B different from the microphone 3A is newly used within the sound emission range RA after the sound emission range RA is set by the sound emission condition setting unit 221. (Step S21). The sound collection position acquisition unit 220 detects, for example, that a public address application has been started on the smartphone 4 owned by the audience QA, or that the management screen for the indoor space 100 has been accessed from the smartphone 4 via a browser. When this is detected, the smart phone 4 is detected as another microphone 3B to be newly used.

Then, as shown in FIG. 10, when the sound collection position acquisition unit 220 detects that another microphone 3B is newly used (step S22: Yes), the sound collection position acquisition unit 220 acquires the sound collection position MB of the other microphone 3B. (Step S121).

Next, the output control unit 222 calculates the distance LB (Lb ₁ to Lb ₆ ) from the sound collection position MB of another microphone 3B to the specific speaker 5A (5 ₁ to 5 ₆ ), and adjusts the distance according to the distance. Each output volume VB (Vb ₁ to Vb ₆ ) is set (step S421).

Next, the output control unit 222 outputs the output volume VB (Vb ₁ "p", Vb ₂ "p", Vb ₃ "n", Vb ₄ "n") to the specific speakers 5A (5 ₁ to 5 ₆ ). , Vb ₅ "mf", Vb ₆ "mf"), an audio signal SB (Sb ₁ to Sb ₆ ) based on the audio collected by another microphone 3B is output (step S422). Note that after step S121, the sound emission condition setting unit 221 resets the sound emission range based on the sound collection position MB of another microphone 3B, so that in steps S421 and S422, the output control unit 222 The audio signal may be output to a specific speaker belonging to the reset sound emission range.

Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 10, the specific speakers 5A (5 ₁ to 5 ₆ ) each emit sound based on the audio signal SB (Sb ₁ to Sb ₆ ), so that the audio of the audience QA is different from that of another speaker. The sound is amplified within the sound emission range RA according to the output volume VB (Vb ₁ to Vb ₆ ) set with reference to the sound collection position MB of the microphone 3B. Therefore, even when audience QA asks a question to speaker PA, for example, speaker PA and other audience QA can clearly hear the voice of audience QA.

As described above, the loudspeaker device 2A according to the present embodiment is shown in FIG. 3 (monitoring a newly used microphone), FIG. 7 (monitoring the movement of a microphone), and FIG. 9 (monitoring another microphone). By executing each process simultaneously (in parallel), it operates according to the usage status of the microphones 3A and 3B and the actions of the speakers PA and PB and the audience members QA and QB.

According to the loudspeaker 2A according to the present embodiment, the output control unit 222 sets the sound collection position to the specific speakers 5A, 5B that belong to the sound emission ranges ZA, ZB based on the sound collection positions MA, MB. Audio signals SA, SB are output according to output volumes VA, VB according to distances LA, LB from MA, MB to specific speakers 5A, 5B. Therefore, even if a gathering is held using part of the indoor space 100 or multiple gatherings are held simultaneously in the indoor space 100, the voices of the speakers PA and PB can be heard by the audience QA. , it is possible to appropriately amplify the sound toward the QB.

(Second embodiment)
FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of a public address system 1B according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

The public address system 1B is different from the public address system 1A according to the first embodiment, and includes a plurality of cameras 7 that monitor the position and movement of people in the indoor space 100, and the public address system 2B is different from the public address system 1A according to the first embodiment. This loudspeaker 2A is modified to further include a crowd detection section 223 that detects a crowd G of people based on information from the camera 7. Note that the other basic configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, so the description will focus on the changes.

The plurality of cameras 7 are attached to the ceiling 101, for example, and the positions and movements of people in the indoor space 100 are acquired by analyzing images taken by each camera 7. In addition, instead of the camera 7, the monitoring device for monitoring the position and movement of a person may be, for example, a 3D sensor such as a laser radar sensor, a seating sensor attached to a chair, a load sensor placed on the floor, or a sensor for each person. The sensor may be configured with an IC tag reading sensor for an IC card owned by the user, or may be a combination of these as appropriate. Further, these monitoring devices may function as a device for detecting the current position of the microphone 3 by specifying the position of the speaker P and the microphone 3.

The control unit 22 of the loudspeaker 2B functions as a sound collection position acquisition unit 220, a sound emission condition setting unit 221, an output control unit 222, and a group detection unit 223 by executing the loudspeaker control program 212B.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the loudspeaker 2B according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the operating state of the microphone 3A and the plurality of speakers 5. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 13, FIG. 12 shows the operation of the public address system 2B when the microphone 3A is used in an indoor space 100 where a plurality of audience members QA are gathered around the speaker PA. This will be explained with reference to the flowchart shown below.

First, when the sound collection position acquisition unit 220 detects the newly used microphone 3A as a result of monitoring the newly used microphone 3 (step S31) (step S32: Yes), the sound collection position of the microphone 3A is detected. Obtain MA (step S131).

Next, the crowd detection unit 223 calculates the distance and density between people based on the information on the positions and movements of the people acquired by the camera 7, thereby determining the sound collection position MA of the microphone 3A in the indoor space 100. A crowd GA of people formed around the device is detected (step S132).

Next, the sound emission condition setting unit 221 sets the sound emission condition for emitting the sound collected by the microphone 3A from the plurality of speakers 5, for example, based on the size of the crowd GA of the microphone 3A. A reference volume BA is set (step S231), and a sound emission range RA is set to surround the group GA of people (step S232).

Next, the output control unit 222 specifies nine speakers 5 ₁ to 5 ₉ from among the plurality of speakers 5 as specific speakers 5A belonging to the sound emission range RA, as shown in FIG. 13 (step S331).

Next, the output control unit 222 calculates the distance LA (La ₁ to La ₉ ) from the sound collection position MA of the microphone 3A to the specific speaker 5A (5 ₁ to 5 ₉ ), and The output volume VA (Va ₁ to Va ₉ ) is set according to the distance (step S431).

Next, _the output control unit 222 _outputs an audio signal _SA ( _{Sa 1} to Sa ₉ ) are output (step S432).

Then, the specific speakers 5A (5 ₁ to 5 ₉ ) respectively emit sound based on the audio signals SA (Sa ₁ to Sa ₉ ), so that the voice of the speaker PA is amplified within the sound emission range RA, Listened to by audience QA included in group GA.

(If the group of people GA changes)
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the public address system 2B when the crowd GA of people changes.
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the operating states of the microphones 3B and 3C and the plurality of speakers 5 when the group GA of people changes to the groups GB and GC. As shown in FIG. 15, in a situation in an indoor space 100 (same situation as in FIG. 13) in which a plurality of audience members QA gather around a speaker PA to form a crowd GA of people, The operation of the public address system 2B when the group GA splits into two groups GB and GC will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, the crowd detection unit 223 monitors whether the crowd GA of people has changed after the sound emission range RA is set by the sound emission condition setting unit 221 (step S41). For example, the group detection unit 223 determines whether the group of people GA has expanded, contracted, merged, or split based on the information on the positions and movements of people acquired by the camera 7. Detect changes.

Then, as shown in FIG. 15, the group detection unit 223 splits the group GA of people into two groups GB and GC (hereinafter, the original group when the group GA splits is referred to as the "changed group GB"). ”, the group GA split and the newly formed group is referred to as “new group GC”) (step S42: Yes), the sound emission condition setting unit 221 The sound emission conditions are reset for the group GB (steps S241, S242).

That is, the sound emission condition setting unit 221 resets the reference volume BB of the microphone 3A based on the size of the group GB after the change (step S241), and also sets the sound emission range so as to surround the group GB after the change. The RB is reset (step S242).

Next, the output control unit 222 identifies six speakers 5 ₁₁ to 5 ₁₆ as the specific speakers 5B belonging to the sound emission range RB, as shown in FIG. 15 (step S341). Next, the output control unit ₂₂₂ controls _{the output} volume _VB ( The audio signal SB (Sb ₁₁ to Sb ₁₆ ) is output according to the signals Vb ₁₁ to Vb ₁₆ (steps S441 and S442).

Then, the specific speakers 5B (5 ₁₁ to 5 ₁₆ ) respectively emit sound based on the audio signals SB (Sb ₁₁ to Sb ₁₆ ), so that the voice of the speaker PA is amplified within the sound emission range RB. , is listened to by the audience QB included in the group GB after the change.

On the other hand, when a new microphone is used in a new group GC, the sound collection position acquisition unit 220 detects the microphone as the newly used microphone 3C (step S32 shown in FIG. 12: Yes). Thus, each process (steps S131 to S432) is performed according to the flowchart shown in FIG. As a result, the specific speakers 5C (5 ₂₁ to 5 ₂₄ ) respectively emit sound based on the audio signals SC (Sc ₂₁ to Sc ₂₄ ), so that the sound of the new speaker PC falls within the sound emission range RC. The sound is amplified and listened to by the audience QC included in the new group GC. At this time, the output control unit 222 causes the speaker 5 located between the group GB after the change and the new group GC to emit a canceling sound to prevent the voices of both groups from being mixed. A signal may also be output.

As described above, the loudspeaker 2B according to the present embodiment simultaneously (in parallel) performs each process shown in FIG. 12 (monitoring newly used microphones) and FIG. 14 (monitoring changes in a group of people). By executing this, it operates according to the usage status of the microphones 3A to 3C and the actions of the speakers PA to PC and the audience members QA to QC. At this time, each process shown in FIG. 7 (monitoring the movement of a microphone) and FIG. 9 (monitoring another microphone) may be executed simultaneously (in parallel), and In addition to the process shown in FIG. 3 (monitoring a newly used microphone), the process shown in FIG. 3 (monitoring a newly used microphone) may also be executed.

According to the loudspeaker 2B according to the present embodiment, the group detection unit 223 detects a group of people and a change in the group, and the sound emission condition setting unit 221 detects the group (if a change in the group is detected). Set the sound emitting range to surround the group (after changing). Therefore, depending on the situation of the gathering being held in the indoor space 100, the voices of the speakers PA and PB can be appropriately amplified toward the audience members QA and QB.

(Other embodiments)
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the technical idea of the present invention.

In the above embodiment, the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 3, 7, 8, 12, and 14 show a sound amplification method using the loudspeaker devices 2A and 2B, and each step implements the sound amplification method. This corresponds to each step.

In the embodiment described above, after the sound emission condition setting unit 221 sets the reference volume and sound emission range as the sound emission conditions, the sound emission condition setting unit 221 sets the sound emission conditions shown in FIG. 5, for example, in response to a request from the speaker P. The sound emission conditions may be reset by displaying the setting screen 40.

Further, in the above embodiment, when the speaker 5 is configured to be able to change the angle or range of directivity, the output control unit 222 controls the sound emission conditions when outputting an audio signal to a specific speaker. As a result, a control signal for changing the angle or range of directivity may be further output.

Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, when setting the output volume according to the distance from the sound collection position of the microphone 3 to the speaker 5, the output control unit 222 sets the output volume larger as the distance is shorter. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the shorter the distance, the smaller the output volume may be set. Furthermore, although the output control unit 222 has been described as setting the output volume in five stages (p<mp<n<mf<f), the output control unit 222 is not limited to this, and may be set in arbitrary stages. Further, the output control unit 222 may individually change the output volume of the speakers 5 belonging to the sound emission range based on the speaker P's operation.

Further, in the above embodiment, the loudspeaker control programs 212A and 212B are described as being stored in the storage unit 21, but they are files in an installable or executable format that can be read by a computer such as a CD-ROM or DVD. It may also be provided recorded on a suitable recording medium. Further, the loudspeaker control programs 212A and 212B may be provided by being stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and downloaded via the network.

1A, 1B... public address system, 2A, 2B... public address device,
20... Input unit, 21... Storage unit, 22... Control unit, 23... Communication unit, 24... Display unit,
210...acoustic information, 211...layout information,
212A, 212B... public address control program,
220...Sound collection position acquisition unit, 221...Sound emission condition setting unit,
222...Output control unit, 223...Flock detection unit,
3, 3A to 3C...Microphone, 30...Position detection section,
4...Smartphone, 40...Sound emission condition setting screen,
400... Volume, 401... Layout diagram, 402... Frame,
5, 5 ₁ to 5 ₈ ...Speaker, 5A to 5C...Specific speaker,
6... Beacon transmitter, 7... Camera,
10...Building, 100...Indoor space, 101...Ceiling,
P, PA~PC...speaker, Q, QA~QC...audience,
MA~MC...Sound collection position, ZA~ZC...Sound emission range

Claims (8)

a sound collection position acquisition unit that obtains a sound collection position of a microphone in a space where a plurality of speakers are distributed;
a sound emission condition setting unit that sets a sound emission range in which the sound collected by the microphone is emitted in the space, with the sound collection position as a reference;
an output control unit that outputs an audio signal based on the sound to the speaker belonging to the sound emission range according to an output volume according to a distance from the sound collection position to the speaker;
A public address system characterized by: The sound collection position acquisition unit includes:
When the microphone is moved within the sound emission range after the sound emission range is set, obtain a sound collection position after the movement of the microphone,
The output control section includes:
outputting the audio signal to the speaker belonging to the sound emission range according to an output volume corresponding to a distance from the moved sound collection position to the speaker;
The public address system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sound collection position acquisition unit includes:
When a microphone other than the microphone is used within the sound emission range after the sound emission range is set, acquiring a sound collection position of the other microphone,
The output control section includes:
outputting an audio signal based on the sound collected by the other microphone to the speaker belonging to the sound emission range according to an output volume corresponding to a distance from the sound collection position of the other microphone to the speaker; ,
A public address system according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that: The sound collection position acquisition unit includes:
When a plurality of the microphones are used in the space, obtaining a plurality of the sound collection positions,
The sound emission condition setting section includes:
setting a plurality of sound emission ranges so as not to overlap with each other based on each of the plurality of sound collection positions;
The output control section includes:
outputting the audio signal to each of the speakers belonging to each of the plurality of sound emission ranges according to an output volume corresponding to a distance from each of the plurality of sound collection positions to each of the speakers;
A public address system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: Further comprising a crowd detection unit that detects a crowd of people formed around the sound collection position in the space,
The sound emission condition setting section includes:
setting the sound emission range to surround the group;
The public address system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The group detection section includes:
Detecting changes in the flock due to expansion, contraction, merging or division of the flock,
The sound emission condition setting section includes:
resetting the sound emission range to surround the group after the change;
The output control section includes:
The loudspeaker according to claim 5, wherein the audio signal is outputted to the speaker belonging to the reset sound emitting range according to a volume corresponding to a distance from the sound collection position to the speaker. Device. A building comprising the public address system according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The plurality of speakers are distributed on a ceiling in an indoor space of the building,
A building characterized by A loudspeaker method using a loudspeaker device connectable to a microphone and multiple speakers, the method comprising:
a sound collection position step of acquiring a sound collection position of the microphone in a space in which the plurality of speakers are distributed;
a sound emission condition setting step of setting a sound emission range in which the sound collected by the microphone is emitted in the space, with the sound collection position as a reference;
an output control step of outputting an audio signal based on the sound to the speaker belonging to the sound emission range according to an output volume according to a distance from the sound collection position to the speaker;
A sound amplification method characterized by:

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