JPH05252600A - Stereophonic sound field generating device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide the stereophonic sound field generating device especially suitable for small theaters and home use capable of easily providing some extent of acoustic image normal feeling, movement of the acoustic image, and presence. CONSTITUTION:When reproducing a recording medium in which a sound field generation signal is recorded by a reproducing equipment 10, respective speakers S1-S8 reproduce acoustic signals at the output level based on the signal by means of a level controller 20. In producing a sound field, a stick 12 is started by outputting the only acoustic signal from the reproducing equipment 10. The sound field generation signal outputted from the stick 12 as well as the acoustic signal are recorded on a recording equipment 18. When reproducing the recording medium recording both signals by means of the reproducing equipment 10, the sound field at the recording time is reproduced. Thus a given sound field can easily be produced.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention can easily generate a three-dimensional sound field from an acoustic signal recorded on a recording medium such as a VTR, and a three-dimensional sound field for generating the three-dimensional sound field. The present invention relates to a three-dimensional sound field generation device capable of easily recording a generated signal together with an acoustic signal on the recording medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art With recent advances in video reproduction technology, audio technology has also continued to make dramatic progress. Sound reproduction equipment used in general homes is from monaural to stereo,
From stereo to 4-channel stereo, and now that surround stereo has been adopted, it has become possible to reproduce realistic stereophonic sound. In theaters and halls where various events are held, the latest acoustic technology is used to obtain a more realistic sound field, and sound field control is performed to control the sound field characteristics. There is. Examples of this acoustic technology include Dolby sound that is used to reproduce a powerful sound in a movie theater, and sound that makes full use of a computer to realize a high-level production on a stage.

[0003]

However, in such a conventional acoustic technique, although the sound reproducing device used in a general home can obtain a wide sound field, Since the sound field is generated mainly by changing the phase of the reproduced sound, there is not much sense of localization of the sound image, and naturally, there is not much sense of movement of the sound image. In other words, it can be said that the sound reproducing device used in this general home obtains a wide sound field at the expense of the localization and movement of the sound image. On the other hand, in sound reproduction equipment that can reproduce Dolby sound and computer-generated sound used in large theaters, it is certainly powerful, and a sound field with a solid localization and movement feeling can be realized. , It's not easy to get, and it takes a lot of time and money to generate that sound. By the way, in the future, in general households, so-called home theater, which is a combination of video and audio, will spread, and it is expected that 3D, which is a stereoscopic video, will be adopted. Realization of a sound field that matches this video technology, that is, There is an urgent need to develop a device that can reproduce a sound field full of localization, movement, and presence of a sound image at low cost. However, it is difficult to develop a device capable of reproducing such a sound field, which will be required in the future, as an extension of the technical development of the existing sound reproducing device. In other words, it seems that a sound field with a sense of localization and a sense of movement of the sound image cannot be easily obtained even if the sound reproduction equipment that is currently popular in homes is upgraded, and it is used in theaters. This is because even if a home-use sound reproducing device is developed, it is considered very difficult to reduce the cost in consideration of the spread of the reproducing software and the spread of the device.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, and can easily realize a certain degree of sound image localization, sound image movement and presence to a certain degree, especially in a small-scale theater. An object of the present invention is to provide a stereoscopic sound field generating apparatus suitable for use in homes and the like.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a reproduction signal output means for outputting a reproduction signal relating to sound, and a sound field for generating a sound field generation signal for generating a three-dimensional sound field. The present invention is characterized by having a generation signal generation means and an output level setting means for setting an output level of the reproduction signal corresponding to each of a plurality of speakers based on the sound field generation signal. Reproduction signal output means for outputting a reproduction signal related to sound, sound field generation signal generation means for generating a sound field generation signal for generating a three-dimensional sound field, and the sound field generation signal alone or together with the reproduction signal And a storage means for storing the data. Reproduction signal output means for outputting a reproduction signal related to sound, sound field generation signal generation means for generating a sound field generation signal for generating a three-dimensional sound field, and transmission means for transmitting the sound field generation signal together with the reproduction signal. And having.

A plurality of speakers arranged around the listener, a reproduction signal output means for outputting a reproduction signal related to sound, and a sound field generation signal for generating a stereoscopic sound field by the plurality of speakers. Sound field generation signal generating means, based on the sound field generation signal, based on the output level setting means for setting the output level of each of the plurality of speakers, the output level set by the output level setting means Amplification means for amplifying the reproduction signal and driving each of the plurality of speakers. The plurality of speakers may be arranged around the listener so that the listener can recognize three-dimensional movement of sounds in the left-right direction, the front-rear direction, and the up-down direction.

The plurality of speakers are arranged at least four in the front-rear and left-right directions with respect to the listening position of the listener, and further upward or downward of the listening position so that the sound image can be moved in the vertical direction. It is characterized in that at least one or more units are arranged in one or both of them. The plurality of speakers are vertically arranged so that forward and backward and left and right phonetic movements above the listener's listening position and front and rear and left and right phonetic movements below the listening position can be recognized. At least eight units are arranged in the front-rear, left-right direction. The plurality of speakers are arranged in the front-rear direction, the left-right direction, and the up-down direction of the listener so that the localization of the sound image becomes clear. The plurality of speakers may be arranged around the listener so that the listener can recognize planar sound movements in the left-right direction and the front-back direction. The plurality of speakers are arranged at least four in the front-rear, left-right direction with respect to the listening position of the listener.

The plurality of speakers are arranged in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction of the listener so that the localization of the sound image becomes clear. The reproduction signal output means is any one of reproduction means for reproducing an acoustic signal recorded on a recording medium, reception means for outputting an acoustic signal received via radio waves, or micro signal amplification means for outputting an acoustic signal from a microphone. It is characterized by the inclusion of or.

The recording medium is in the form of a magnetic tape for recording an acoustic signal as a change in magnetization, or in the form of an optical disk, a magnetic tape, or an IC chip in which the acoustic signal is stored as digital data. It is characterized by being a thing. The sound field generation signal generation means has a function of designating an output ratio of the reproduction signal for each channel at an arbitrary time. The sound field generation signal generating means is either a means for manually instructing the output ratio of each of the channels, or a means for calling various prestored patterns and automatically instructing the output ratio according to the pattern. It is characterized by the inclusion of or.

The sound field generating signal generating means separates the sound field generating signal received together with the acoustic signal via a reading means or a reading means for reading the sound field generating signal recorded together with the acoustic signal in the recording medium. Any one of the means is further included, and it further comprises conversion means for converting the sound field generation signal read or separated by these means into a signal which can be read by the output level setting means. The recording medium is in the form of a magnetic tape in which the acoustic signal and the sound field generation signal are recorded as a change in magnetization, or in the form of an optical disk or a magnetic disk in which the acoustic signal and the sound field generation signal are stored as digital data. It is characterized by being in the form of a tape or an IC chip. The output level setting means sets the signal level of the reproduction signal distributed to each of the plurality of speakers based on the sound field generation signal output from the sound field generation signal generation means, and the setting means. Output means for outputting the reproduction signal to each of the amplifying means for independently driving each of the plurality of speakers at the signal level set by the means.

The amplification means is a main amplifier independently connected to each of the plurality of speakers. The storage means independently of the sound field generation signal output from the sound field generation signal generation means, or together with the reproduction signal output from the reproduction signal output means,
It is characterized in that it is a means for storing the change of the magnetization in a magnetic tape shape or a means for storing the digital data in an optical disk shape, a magnetic tape shape or an IC chip shape.

[0012]

In the above first structure, the reproduction signal output means outputs the reproduction signal relating to the sound, and the sound field generation signal generating means outputs the reproduction signal relating to the sound. Then, the output level setting means sets the output level of the reproduction signal corresponding to each of the plurality of speakers based on the sound field generation signal. Therefore, a reproduction signal corresponding to the output level is given to each of the plurality of speakers. The reproduction signal output means is either reproduction means for reproducing an acoustic signal recorded on a recording medium, reception means for outputting an acoustic signal received via radio waves, or micro signal amplification means for outputting an acoustic signal from a microphone. Is included. The recording medium is in the form of a magnetic tape in which an acoustic signal is recorded as a change in magnetization, or in the form of an optical disk or a magnetic tape in which the acoustic signal is stored as digital data.
It has a C-chip shape. The sound field generation signal generating means has a function of designating the output ratio of the reproduction signal for each channel at every arbitrary time. This means includes either means for manually instructing the output ratio of each of the channels, or means for calling various prestored patterns and automatically instructing the output ratio according to the pattern. ing. More specifically, the recording medium includes either a reading unit that reads the sound field generation signal recorded together with the acoustic signal or a separation unit that separates the sound field generation signal received together with the acoustic signal via radio waves, Further, it has a conversion means for converting the sound field generation signal read or separated by these means into a signal which can be read by the output level setting means. This recording medium is in the form of a magnetic tape in which the acoustic signal and the sound field generation signal are recorded as a change in magnetization, or in the form of an optical disk in which the acoustic signal and the sound field generation signal are stored as digital data. It is in the form of a magnetic tape or an IC chip. The output level setting means sets the signal level of the reproduction signal distributed to each of the plurality of speakers based on the sound field generation signal output from the sound field generation signal generation means, and the setting means. Output means for outputting the reproduction signal to each of the amplifying means for independently driving each of the plurality of speakers at the signal level set by the means.

In the second configuration, the reproduction signal output means,
The sound field generation signal generation means and the sound field generation signal generation means operate in the same manner as described in the first configuration, and the storage means stores the sound field generation signal alone or together with the reproduction signal. When the stored sound field generation signal is called and given to the output level setting means, a reproduction signal corresponding to the automatically set output level is given to each of the plurality of speakers. The storage means stores the sound field generation signal output from the sound field generation signal generation means independently or together with the reproduction signal output from the reproduction signal output means in a magnetic tape shape as a change in magnetization. Or means for storing digital data in the form of an optical disk, magnetic tape or IC chip.

In the third structure, the reproduction signal output means and the sound field generation signal generation means operate in the same manner as described in the first structure, and the transmission means transmits the sound field generation signal together with the reproduction signal. .. When the transmitted sound field generation signal is received and given to the output level setting means, a reproduction signal corresponding to the automatically set output level is given to each of the plurality of speakers.

In the fourth configuration, the plurality of speakers are arranged around the listener. The operation of the reproduction signal output means, the sound field generation signal generation means, and the output level setting means is as follows.
This is the same as described in the above first configuration. The amplification means is
The reproduced signal is amplified based on the output level set by the output level setting means, and each of the plurality of speakers is driven. Therefore, the reproduction signal is reproduced from each speaker with an output proportional to the set output level. The sound image can be moved by changing the set level with time. The amplifying means is a main amplifier that is independently connected to each of the plurality of speakers.

The plurality of speakers are arranged around the listener, in the left-right direction, so that three-dimensional movements of the sound can be recognized.
It is preferably arranged in the front-rear direction and the up-down direction. Further, specifically, the plurality of speakers are arranged at least four or more in the front-rear, left-right direction with respect to the listening position of the listener, and further upward in the listening position so that the sound image can be moved in the vertical direction. Alternatively, at least one or more units may be arranged in one or both of the downward directions. More specifically, in the plurality of speakers, the sound movement in the front-back and left-right directions above the listening position of the listener, and the sound movement in the front-rear left-right direction below the listening position, respectively. It is preferable that at least eight or more units are arranged in the upper, lower, front, rear, left and right directions so that they can be recognized. In order to clarify the localization of the sound image, a plurality of the plurality of speakers are arranged in the front-back direction, the left-right direction, and the vertical direction of the listener. With the arrangement as described above, the movement of the sound image on a three-dimensional level can be realized. For example, a situation where a jet plane is rising can be realized. Further, it is preferable that the plurality of speakers are arranged around the listener, in the left-right direction, and in the front-rear direction so that planar sound movement can be recognized.
Specifically, it is preferable that four or more of the plurality of speakers are arranged at least in the front-rear, left-right direction with respect to the listening position of the listener. With such an arrangement, movement of the sound image on a two-dimensional level can be realized.

[0017]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of a three-dimensional sound field generating apparatus according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the basic configuration of the device of the present invention. In the figure, a sound field generation signal generating means 1 is a means for generating a sound field generation signal for generating a three-dimensional sound field. The sound field generation signal is a signal that controls the volume output from each of the speakers arranged around the listener. Specifically, in order to reproduce the situation where a racing car runs away from the left side of the front of the listener at high speed, the reproduction volume balance between the left side and the right side of this monophonically recorded sound effect is changed from left side to right side. It is a signal for controlling so that it becomes larger. If the rate of change is increased, the listener feels that the racing car is passing at a high speed. This is a very simple example that can be reproduced even with conventional stereo recording, but if the sound field generation signal is made special, it is possible to easily make the sound image stand out in front of the speaker. An example of a specific device that functions as a sound field generation signal generating means is a keyboard used as a keyboard of a musical instrument or an input device of a computer, or a manual operation such as a mouse or a stick that moves a cursor on a computer display. Examples include a video tape recorder, a CD player, and the like that automatically read a sound field generation signal recorded in advance on a magnetic tape, an optical disk, or the like by operation. However, such a receiver having a function of manually or automatically outputting this sound field generation signal, such as a receiver for receiving radio waves from a broadcasting station, or a ROM storing the sound field generation signal Can also be used as the means.

The reproduction signal output means 2 can be a video tape recorder, a CD player, a digital audio tape recorder or the like for reproducing an acoustic signal recorded on a recording medium such as a magnetic tape or an optical disk, or A receiver that outputs an acoustic signal obtained by receiving a radio wave from a broadcasting station, and a preamplifier that outputs an acoustic signal output from a microphone can be given. As this means, any means can be applied as long as it has a function of outputting an acoustic signal.

The output level setting means 3 sets the output level of the acoustic signal output from the reproduction signal output means 2 for each channel based on the sound field generation signal output from the sound field generation signal generation means 1. It is a thing. That is, the output level setting means 3 decodes the input sound field generation signal and sets the output level for each channel based on the decoding result. Then, the acoustic signal of the set output level is output to each device connected to the subsequent stage for each channel. Of course, the setting of this output level will change over time following the sound field generation signal.

The amplifying means 4 is generally called a main amplifier, and is provided in a ratio of one unit to one unit of the speaker 5 provided around the listener. is there. Therefore, the amplifying means 4 amplifies the acoustic signals output via the output level setting means 3 with the same amplification factor, and drives the respective speakers 5.

A plurality of speakers 5 are arranged around the listener, but at least four speakers 5 are required to reproduce the movement of the sound image in the front, rear, left and right directions. The details of the arrangement of the speakers and the like will be described later, and the description thereof will be omitted here.

FIG. 2 shows a three-dimensional sound field realized by applying the three-dimensional sound field generating apparatus of the present invention. The reproduction device 10 in FIG.
And a video tape recorder or an optical disk player having a function of simultaneously reproducing a video signal and an audio signal. The recording medium reproduced by the reproducing device 10 is a video tape or an optical disc. When the above sound field generation signal is recorded on this recording medium, this reproducing device 10 also functions as the sound field generation signal generating means 1. The stick 12 functions as a sound field generation signal generating means for generating a sound field generation signal by moving a stick standing upside down to the front, rear, left and right, and a sound field generation signal according to the degree of tilt of the stick. Is output. The encoder 14 has a function of converting a sound field generation signal output from the stick 12 into a signal that can be decoded by the level controller 14 described later, and a function of converting a signal that can be recorded by a recording device also described below. And functions as a sound field generation signal generating means. Here, the sound field generation signal output from the encoder 14 to the level controller is a digital signal, and the sound field generation signal output to the recording device is
Either an analog signal or a digital signal is output depending on the type of the recording device.

The decoder 16 outputs the sound field generation signal output from the reproducing device 10 to the level controller as a digital signal, and functions as the sound field generation signal generating means 1. For example, when a video tape recorder is used as a reproducing device, the decoder 16 converts the signal to a digital signal and outputs it because the sound generation signal output by this is an analog signal. If the optical disc player is an optical disc player, the sound generation signal to be output is a digital signal, so this signal is output as it is. The recording device 18 has a function of recording an audio signal output from the reproduction device 10 or a video signal in addition to the audio signal, and the encoder 1
4 has a function of recording the sound field generation signal output from the digital camera 4. Specifically, in the case of recording only an audio signal, a tape recorder for recording this signal on a magnetic tape, an optical disk player for recording on an optical disk, and the like are conceivable, and a function for recording an audio signal and a video signal. For those having the above, a video tape recorder for recording these signals on a magnetic tape and an optical disk player for recording on an optical disk are conceivable. In addition,
At the time of recording, the sound field generation signal is recorded together with the above signal, but this signal is recorded on a dedicated track provided on the recording medium.

The level controller 20 sets the output level of the acoustic signal output from the playback device 10 based on the sound field generation signal output from the encoder 14 or the decoder 16 described above. In setting the output level, the data stored in the RAM 22 is taken into consideration. The RAM 22 stores data relating to the setting of the output level of each channel corresponding to the digital data output from the decoder 16 or the encoder 14. Therefore, the level controller 20 takes out the data relating to the output level setting corresponding to the data from the RAM 22 based on the digital data output from the decoder 16 or the encoder 14, and based on the data, sets the level of the signal to be output to the amplifier at the subsequent stage. Set for each channel. For example, if the sound field generation signal output from the playback device 10 is an 8-bit signal 01100110, the level controller 1
Reference numeral 6 retrieves from the RAM 22 data relating to the setting of the output level that matches this data. If this data is to set the output level of only the first channel to 1/10 of the maximum level, set the audio signal output from the playback device 10 to that level and output it to the amplifier at the subsequent stage. become.

The 8CH amplifier 24 is composed of eight main amplifiers, and each amplifier is independently connected to each channel of the level controller 20. The amplification factors of these main amplifiers are all the same. A speaker is connected to each of the main amplifiers. Therefore, an audio signal of an output corresponding to the output level set by the level controller 20 is reproduced from each speaker. In the theater room 30, a liquid crystal projection display 32 for reproducing the video signal output from the reproducing device 10 is displayed.
And eight speakers S1 to S8 are provided. The liquid crystal projection type display 32 has become popular recently, and is mounted on the ceiling to project an image on a screen like a projector to realize a large screen. Speaker S
As shown in the figure, S1 to S4 of S1 to S8 are installed at four corners lower than the height of the listener's ears, respectively, and speakers S5 to S8 are installed at four higher positions.
It is installed in each corner. By installing the speakers at such positions, it is possible to move the sound image in the up, down, left, right, front, and back directions. For example, when a sound effect for a helicopter to fly off is reproduced by the reproduction device 10, if a sound field generation signal for moving from the center front position of the listener to the upper right sky is recorded together with the sound effect, each speaker has the situation. Will be driven over time at a volume that will reproduce. Since the listener is watching the video that matches the situation at the same time, a great sense of realism can be obtained.

FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of the three-dimensional sound field generating apparatus of the present invention. Playback device 10, decoder 16, recording device 18, level controller 2 in the figure
The 0, the RAM 22 and the 8CH amplifier 24 have exactly the same functions as those shown in FIG. 2, and are therefore assigned the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 2 and their description is omitted. The operation key 13 shown in FIG. 3 is used to call up a sound field pattern to be created, and functions as the sound field generation signal generating means 1. The operation key 13 may be any ordinary push button switch, musical instrument keyboard, computer keyboard, or any other device that can output a contact signal for selecting a sound field pattern. The encoder 15 has a function of discriminating which one of the operation keys 13 is pressed and digitally outputting a selection signal corresponding to the pressed key. The pattern selection unit 17 has a function of extracting data corresponding to the selected sound field pattern from the RAM 19 based on the selection signal output from the encoder 15 and sending the data to the level controller 20. .. RAM19
Many types of sound field patterns are stored in. For example,
There are various patterns that are usually used, such as rotating and moving a sound image or moving it from front to back. Since the device of this embodiment has such a function, it is most suitable for a disco or the like where a staging effect is expected. In addition,
Encoder 15, pattern selection unit 17, and RAM 19
Also functions as the sound field generation signal output means 1.

FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of the three-dimensional sound field generating apparatus of the present invention. The broadcasting device 35 is
For example, it is installed in a broadcasting station and outputs an audio signal similar to the conventional one or a video signal and a sound field generation signal in addition to this. Therefore, the transmitter 36 has a function of synthesizing the three of the audio signal, the video signal, and the sound field generation signal so that they are carried by one radio wave. Both of these signals are output to the transmitter 36 and radiated as a radio wave by the transmission antenna 37. Then, this radio wave is received by the receiver 39 via the receiving antenna 38 provided exclusively through the receiving antenna 38,
Here, the signal sent as one radio wave is separated into three signals. These separated three signals are reproduced equipment 1
It is reproduced by 0 and is output to the liquid crystal projection display 32, the decoder 16 and the level controller 20 connected thereto.

Next, the operation of each of the above sound field generators will be described with reference to the flowcharts. Figure 5
2A shows an operation performed when reproducing the recording medium on which the sound field generation signal is recorded in the device shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. so,
It shows an operation that is performed when a desired three-dimensional sound field is recorded on a recording medium. In the description of this operation, a video tape recorder is used as the reproducing device 10 and the recording device 18, and the recording medium used in both devices is a magnetic tape. When a magnetic tape on which a sound field generation signal for realizing a three-dimensional sound field is recorded together with an audio signal and a video signal is reproduced by a video tape recorder, these three signals are input at the same time, and the respective signals are internally generated. Separated and output. That is, the sound field generation signal is output to the decoder 16, the audio signal is output to the level controller 20, and the video signal is output to the liquid crystal projection display 32 (S).
1, S2). The liquid crystal projection display 32 reproduces the image recorded on the screen 33 based on the output image signal. On the other hand, the decoder 16 outputs the output sound field generation signal to the level controller 20 as digital data. The level controller 20 takes out data regarding the output level that matches the sound field generation signal, and sets the output level for each channel based on the data (S3). The level controller 20 simultaneously outputs the input acoustic signal to each channel at the set level. 8CH amplifier 24
Outputs the acoustic signal output for each channel to the speakers S1 to S8 after amplifying the acoustic signal output for each channel with a constant amplification factor.
Each of the speakers S1 to S8 will reproduce the acoustic signal at a volume proportional to the set level (S
4). The above process is repeated until the reproduction by the video tape recorder is completed. In addition,
The above processing is designed to be performed at extremely high speed,
The reading of the above-mentioned three types of signals and the accompanying sound field formation are performed in real time (S5).

Since the above-mentioned processing is performed continuously over time, for example, by recording a sound field generation signal for generating an optimum three-dimensional sound field on a magnetic tape on which an action movie is recorded, You'll be able to watch movies at home that you can't even imagine. That is, in a scene in which a helicopter launches a missile toward this side in the image, by creating a state in which the sound image (missile) moves from the upper right to the lower left as shown by the solid line in FIG. Combined with the effect of, it will be possible to reproduce a very powerful situation due to the acoustic effect of a missal flying over here. Of course, such movement of the sound image is performed by changing the ratio of the reproduction volume to be output from each speaker over time by the above-described processing. Similarly,
A scene where a helicopter passes over the sky as shown by the long dotted line, a scene where bullets fly to this side as shown by the dashed line, and a scene where a rat approaches your feet as shown by the dotted line. It can be created realistically. The reason why such a sound field movement can be realized is that the eight speakers are arranged at the positions shown in FIG. Further, in order to realize sound image movement with a sense of localization, in addition to the speakers arranged at the four corners, one or a plurality of speakers may be arranged in the middle between them. In this case, the number of channels is increased by the number of additional speakers, and the sound field generation signal to be recorded on the recording medium is complicated, but the localization of the sound image is improved. Assuming a normal home theater, it seems that eight speakers are sufficient as in the embodiment, but since the sense of localization of the sound image becomes weaker as the room becomes larger, in such a case, as described above, The number of speakers to be placed should be increased appropriately so that the sense of localization is not diminished. If stereoscopic images, which will surely become the mainstream in the future, become widespread in ordinary households, the device of the present invention will be indispensable for creating a realistic sensation.

Next, a process for recording the sound field generation signal by the same device will be described. First, when a magnetic tape on which only audio signals and video signals are recorded is played back by a video tape recorder, the audio signals of these two signals are directed to the level controller 20, and the video signals are directed to the liquid crystal projection display 32. Each is output (S10, S11). The liquid crystal projection display 32 reproduces the image recorded on the screen 33 based on the output image signal. Since the sound field generation signal is not input to the decoder 16, the level controller 20 inputs the sound field generation signal corresponding to the movement of the stick 12 output from the encoder 14 (S12). The level controller 20 takes out data regarding the output level that matches the sound field generation signal output according to the operation of the stick 12,
The output level for each channel will be set based on the data, while the sound field generation signal, together with the audio signal and the video signal currently being reproduced by the video tape recorder, is connected to the recording device 18 as the video signal. It is output to the tape recorder and recorded on the video tape (S13). The level controller 20 simultaneously outputs the input acoustic signal to each channel at the set level. The 8CH amplifier 24 amplifies the audio signal output for each channel with a constant amplification factor and outputs the amplified audio signal to each of the speakers S1 to S8. Each of the speakers S1 to S8 will reproduce the acoustic signal at a volume proportional to the set level (S14, 15). The above processing is repeatedly performed at high speed until the recording operation is completed (S16).

As described above, by operating the stick 12, the three-dimensional sound field to be reproduced can be easily created. In other words, the operator can operate the stick 12 while watching the image displayed on the screen 33 and actually record the sound field to be recorded. Therefore, as described above, when the scene in which the missile is launched from the helicopter toward this side is captured, at the same time as the missile is launched, the stick 12 is moved from the upper right to the lower left as shown by the solid line in FIG. ) Is moved so as to create a moving state, a sound field generation signal generated according to the movement of the stick 12 is recorded in the video tape recorder together with the audio signal and the video signal. Of course, if the recorded magnetic tape is reproduced by a video tape recorder, the stereoscopic sound field at the time of recording is automatically reproduced based on the recorded sound field generation signal.

FIG. 7 shows operations performed when the desired stereophonic field is recorded on the recording medium in the apparatus shown in FIG. Similar to the flowchart of FIG. 5B, when a magnetic tape on which a sound field generation signal is not recorded is reproduced by a video tape recorder, the sound signal is directed to the level controller 20 and the video signal is directed to the liquid crystal projection display 32. Are output respectively (S2
1, S22). If the operation key 13 is not pressed, the level controller 20 outputs only the reproduced acoustic signal at a preset level, and the 8CH amplifier 24
Outputs the acoustic signal output for each channel to the speakers S1 to S8 after amplifying the acoustic signal output for each channel with a constant amplification factor.
In this case, normally, the speaker only on the front side of the listener is driven (S23, S27). On the other hand, if the operation key 13 is pressed, the encoder 15 outputs a selection signal corresponding to the contact signal, and the pattern selection unit 17
Indicates the pattern data corresponding to the selection signal in the RAM 10
It is taken out from and given to the level controller 20. The pattern data is, as the sound field movement pattern, various fixed patterns such as left and right movement, forward and backward movement, and rotation. Therefore, the sound image can be rotated by simply pressing the operation key (S24). The level controller 20 takes out data relating to the output level that matches the sound field generation signal sequentially output according to the pattern selected from the pattern selection unit 17, and sets the output level for each channel based on the data. On the other hand, this sound field generation signal is output to the video tape recorder connected as the recording device 18 together with the audio signal and the video signal currently being reproduced by the video tape recorder and recorded on the video tape (S2).
5). The level controller 20 simultaneously outputs the input acoustic signal at each channel at this set level (S26). The 8CH amplifier 24 amplifies the audio signal output for each channel with a constant amplification factor and outputs the amplified audio signal to each of the speakers S1 to S8. Speakers S1 to S
Each of the eight reproduces an acoustic signal with a volume proportional to the set level (S27). The above processing is repeatedly performed at high speed until the recording operation is completed (S28). As described above, if various sound field patterns are standardized and stored and the patterns can be reproduced only by button operation when necessary, it is difficult to realize the movement of the sound image that matches the image. Since the sound field can be moved by a simple operation, it can be said that it is appropriate for the purpose of obtaining the acoustic effect as a play such as disco. Of course, if there are many types of stored sound field patterns, it is possible to obtain a stereoscopic sound field that can be fully enjoyed in a home theater. Further, even when the movement of the sound image is recorded, it can be performed by a relatively easy operation.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are flow charts showing a process of transmitting and receiving a sound field generation signal from a broadcasting station at the same time as another signal via a radio wave in the apparatus shown in FIG. When transmitting, the transmitter 36 inputs the video signal and the audio signal output from the broadcasting device 35 and also inputs the sound field generation signal (S30, 31) and modulates them so that they can be transmitted by one radio wave. And transmits via the transmitting antenna 37 (S32). When receiving, the receiver 39 receives the transmitted radio wave via the receiving antenna 38 (S40), and the reproducing device 10 includes the sound field generation signal, the acoustic signal, and the video signal included in the radio wave. 2, the sound field generation signal is output to the decoder 14 shown in FIG. 2, the video signal is output to the liquid crystal projection display 32, and the acoustic signal is output to the level controller 20 (S).
41). The process of generating the three-dimensional sound field after this is shown in FIG.
It is similar to the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG.

As described above, according to the three-dimensional sound field generating apparatus of the present invention, a sound field can be created by a very simple operation. It should be noted that in the embodiment described above, FIG.
As described above, an example in which eight speakers are arranged to reproduce a three-dimensional sound field is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this, and if reproduction of movement of a sound image in the vertical direction is not required, four speakers provided at four corners are provided. The present invention can be applied even to a case where a planar sound field is reproduced in. Further, if a video is not required, a device that reproduces a three-dimensional sound field based on only audio signals may be used. Further, although a magnetic tape is mainly exemplified as the recording medium, for example, a large capacity semiconductor chip or an IC card can also be applied. Further, when the device of the present invention is applied to a theater or the like, the reproducing device 10 includes a mixer, and the acoustic signal output from the reproducing device 10 is reproduced purely regardless of the device. Speakers will be placed in front of the theater.

Further, it is possible to operate the lighting device and the like in synchronization based on the signal obtained from the level controller 20 of the three-dimensional sound field generating device of the present invention. By doing so, in addition to the acoustic effect, it is possible to expect an improvement in the realistic sensation due to the lighting effect.

[0036]

As described above, according to the present invention, an arbitrary three-dimensional sound field can be obtained by a very simple operation.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a basic configuration block diagram of a three-dimensional sound field generation device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an example of a three-dimensional sound field generation device capable of generating an arbitrary sound field.

FIG. 3 is an example of a stereoscopic sound field generating apparatus that can easily reproduce sound fields of various patterns.

FIG. 4 is an embodiment of a three-dimensional sound field generation device capable of generating an arbitrary sound field by radio waves.

5 is an operation flowchart of the apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining movement of a sound image.

7 is an operation flowchart of the apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is an operation flowchart of the apparatus shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 ... Reproducing device (sound field generation signal output means, reproduction signal output means) 12 ... Stick (sound field generation signal generation means) 13 ... Operation key (sound field generation signal generation means) 14, 15 ... Encoder (sound field generation signal) Generating means 16 Decoder (sound field generating signal generating means) 17 Pattern selecting section (sound field generating signal generating means) 18 Recording device 19 RAM (sound field generating signal generating means) 20 Level controller (output level setting) 22) RAM (output level setting means) 24 ... 8CH amplifier (amplifying means) 30 ... Theater room 32 ... Liquid crystal projection display 33 ... Screen S1 to S8 ... Speaker 35 ... Broadcast equipment (sound field generation signal output means, Reproduction signal output means)

Claims (20)

[Claims] 1. A reproduction signal output means for outputting a reproduction signal related to sound, a sound field generation signal generation means for generating a sound field generation signal for generating a three-dimensional sound field, and a sound field generation signal based on the sound field generation signal. An output level setting means for setting an output level of the reproduction signal corresponding to each of a plurality of speakers, and a stereophonic sound field generating apparatus. 2. A reproduction signal output means for outputting a reproduction signal related to sound, a sound field generation signal generation means for generating a sound field generation signal for generating a three-dimensional sound field, and the sound field generation signal alone or A three-dimensional sound field generation device, comprising: a storage unit that stores the reproduction signal. 3. A reproduction signal output means for outputting a reproduction signal regarding sound, a sound field generation signal generation means for generating a sound field generation signal for generating a three-dimensional sound field, and the reproduction signal for the sound field generation signal. A three-dimensional sound field generation device, comprising: 4. A plurality of speakers arranged around a listener, a reproduction signal output means for outputting a reproduction signal related to sound, and a sound field generation signal for generating a stereoscopic sound field by the plurality of speakers. A sound field generation signal generating means, an output level setting means for setting the output level of each of the plurality of speakers based on the sound field generation signal, and an output level set by the output level setting means. A three-dimensional sound field generation device comprising: an amplification unit that amplifies the reproduction signal based on the amplification signal and drives each of the plurality of speakers. 5. The plurality of speakers are arranged around the listener so that the listener can recognize three-dimensional movement of sounds in the left-right direction, the front-back direction, and the up-down direction. The three-dimensional sound field generation device according to claim 4. 6. The four or more speakers are arranged at least in the front-rear, left-right direction with respect to the listening position of the listener, and further upward or downward of the listening position so that the sound image can be moved in the vertical direction. 6. The three-dimensional sound field generation device according to claim 5, wherein at least one or more units are arranged in one or both of the directions. 7. The plurality of speakers are arranged so that movement of sound in the front, rear, left and right directions above the listening position of the listener,
5. The stereophonic sound according to claim 4, wherein at least eight units are arranged in the up, down, front, back, left, and right directions so that the sound movements in the front, rear, left, and right directions below the listening position can be respectively recognized. Field generator. 8. The plurality of speakers are arranged in a front-rear direction, a left-right direction, and a front-rear direction of the listener so that the localization of the sound image becomes clear.
The three-dimensional sound field generation device according to claim 4, wherein a plurality of units are arranged in the vertical direction. 9. The plurality of speakers are arranged around the listener so that the listener can recognize planar sound movements in the left-right direction and the front-back direction. Item 3. The three-dimensional sound field generation device according to item 4. 10. The stereoscopic sound field generating apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the plurality of speakers are arranged at least four in the front-rear, left-right direction with respect to the listening position of the listener. 11. The plurality of speakers are arranged in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction of the listener so as to clarify the localization of the sound image, respectively. 3D sound field generator. 12. The reproducing signal output means is a reproducing means for reproducing an acoustic signal recorded on a recording medium, a receiving means for outputting an acoustic signal received via an electric wave, or a minute signal for outputting an acoustic signal from a microphone. 4. One of the signal amplification means is included.
The stereoscopic sound field generation device according to claim 4. 13. The recording medium is in the form of a magnetic tape in which an acoustic signal is recorded as a change in magnetization, or in the form of an optical disk or a magnetic tape in which the acoustic signal is stored as digital data, or an IC chip. The three-dimensional sound field generation device according to claim 12, wherein the three-dimensional sound field generation device has a shape. 14. The sound field generation signal generating means has a function of designating an output ratio of the reproduction signal at each arbitrary time for each channel. 3D sound field generator. 15. The sound field generation signal generating means is means for manually instructing an output ratio of each of the channels,
15. The three-dimensional sound field generating apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising any one of means for calling various patterns stored in advance and automatically instructing an output ratio according to the patterns. 16. The sound field generation signal generating means separates the sound field generation signal received together with the acoustic signal via a reading means for reading the sound field generation signal recorded together with the acoustic signal in the recording medium or a radio wave. 2. A conversion means for converting the sound field generation signal read or separated by these means into a signal which can be read by the output level setting means. The three-dimensional sound field generation device according to claim 4. 17. The recording medium is in the form of a magnetic tape in which an acoustic signal and a sound field generation signal are recorded as a change in magnetization, or the acoustic signal and the sound field generation signal are stored as digital data. The three-dimensional sound field generating device according to claim 16, wherein the three-dimensional sound field generating device is in the form of an optical disc, a magnetic tape, or an IC chip. 18. The setting for setting the signal level of the reproduction signal distributed to each of the plurality of speakers, based on the sound field generation signal output from the sound field generation signal generation means, by the output level setting means. Means for outputting the reproduced signal to each of the amplifier means for independently driving each of the plurality of speakers at the signal level set by the setting means. The stereoscopic sound field generation device according to claim 1 or claim 4. 19. The three-dimensional sound field generating apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the amplifying means is a main amplifier independently connected to each of the plurality of speakers. 20. The magnetic tape as a change in magnetization, wherein the storage means is independent of the sound field generation signal output from the sound field generation signal generation means or together with the reproduction signal output from the reproduction signal output means. 3. The three-dimensional sound field generation device according to claim 2, wherein the three-dimensional sound field generation device is a device for storing the data in an optical disk, a magnetic tape, or an IC chip as digital data.