Audio equipment, server, audio system, audio equipment control method and medium

By setting up a network interface and processing unit in the audio equipment, obtaining the output value of the amplifier and sending it to an external device for analysis, the problem of difficult-to-predict poor conditions of the audio equipment is solved, and the reliability and maintenance efficiency of the equipment are improved.

CN111903055BActive Publication Date: 2025-09-09YAMAHA CORP
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN201980020391.4
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2018-03-22
Filing Date
2019-03-07
Publication Date
2025-09-09
Estimated Expiration
2039-03-07

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In the prior art, it is difficult to predict the bad condition of audio equipment during use and confirm it from the outside, resulting in problems such as sound cessation not being discovered in time.

Method used

By installing a network interface, amplifier, and processing unit in audio equipment, the amplifier's output value is acquired and sent to an external device via the network for analysis, thereby predicting fault conditions.

Benefits of technology

It is possible to confirm the fault information of the audio equipment from the outside and predict problems such as sound cessation, thereby improving the reliability and maintenance efficiency of the equipment.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The audio device (1) comprises: a network interface (103); an amplifier (109) for amplifying an audio signal received via the network interface (103); and a processing unit (150) for acquiring an output value of the signal from the amplifier (109) and transmitting the output value of the signal via the network interface (103).
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] One embodiment of the present invention relates to an audio device, a server, an audio system, a method for controlling the audio device, and a program for inputting or outputting an audio signal. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses that a signal of a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) 6 is output to a simulator 10 , thereby debugging the DSP 6 using the simulator 10 .

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 07-111686 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] It is important for an audio device not to stop producing sound during use. In other words, it is important for an audio device to predict whether a malfunction such as sound stopping will occur. Patent Document 1 does not disclose predicting the occurrence of a malfunction.

[0008] An object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide an audio device, a server, an audio system, an audio device control method, and a program that enable confirmation of information for predicting a malfunction of the audio device from outside the audio device.

[0009] Means for solving problems

[0010] An audio device includes: a network interface; an amplifier for amplifying an audio signal received via the network interface; and a processing unit for acquiring an output value of the signal from the amplifier and transmitting the output value of the signal via the network interface.

[0011] Effects of the Invention

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, information for predicting a malfunction of the audio device can be confirmed from outside the audio device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 It is a block diagram showing the configuration of the audio device 1 .

[0014] Figure 2 This is a flowchart showing the operation of the audio system 1 .

[0015] Figure 31 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an audio system 100 including an audio device 1 and a mixer 11 connected to the audio device 1 .

[0016] Figure 4 It is a block diagram showing the structure of the mixer 11.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a flowchart showing the operation of the mixer 11 .

[0018] Figure 6 It is a block diagram showing the structure of the speaker 13.

[0019] Figure 7 It is a block diagram showing a more detailed structure of the amplifier 109 .

[0020] Figure 8 This is a block diagram showing the detailed configuration of the amplifier 109 according to the first modification.

[0021] Figure 9 This is a block diagram showing the detailed configuration of the amplifier 109 according to the second modification.

[0022] Figure 10 This is a block diagram showing the detailed configuration of the amplifier 109 according to the third modification.

[0023] Figure 11 This is a graph showing the frequency characteristics of impedance.

[0024] Figure 12 This is a graph showing the frequency characteristics of impedance.

[0025] Figure 13 This is a block diagram showing the structure of an audio system.

[0026] Figure 14 It is a block diagram showing the structure of the mixer 11.

[0027] Figure 15 : is a graph showing the frequency characteristics of the impedance calculated by the signal processing unit 106 .

[0028] Figure 16 : is a graph showing the frequency characteristics of the impedance calculated by the signal processing unit 204 .

[0029] Figure 17 It is a diagram showing a display example on the display 201 of the mixer 11.

[0030] Figure 18 This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the amplifier 109 which is powered off when there is no sound. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Figure 1This is a block diagram showing the configuration of audio equipment 1 as one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a flowchart showing the operation of the audio system 1 . Figure 3 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an audio system 100 including an audio device 1 and a mixer 11 connected to the audio device 1 . Figure 4 It is a block diagram showing the structure of the mixer 11. Figure 5 This is a flowchart showing the operation of the mixer 11 .

[0032] The audio device 1 includes a network interface (I / F) 103, an amplifier 109, and a transmitter 150. The network I / F 103 receives an audio signal from an external device (e.g., a mixer 11) via a network (S11). The network I / F 103 inputs the received audio signal to the amplifier 109. Figure 1 Although omitted in FIG, the audio device 1 includes a D / A converter that converts a digital audio signal into an analog audio signal.

[0033] Furthermore, the audio device 1 may include a signal processing unit (digital signal processor (DSP)) that processes the audio signal received by the network I / F 103 .

[0034] The amplifier 109 amplifies the input analog audio signal and outputs it (S12). The analog audio signal is input to a speaker (not shown) and output as sound.

[0035] The transmitter 150 acquires the output value of the amplifier 109 ( S13 ). The transmitter 150 acquires the current value or the voltage value as an example of the output value of the amplifier 109 via, for example, a current sensor or a voltage sensor provided in the amplifier 109 .

[0036] The transmission unit 150 transmits the acquired output value of the amplifier 109 (S14) via the network I / F 103. For example, the transmission unit 150 transmits the output value to the mixer 11 connected via the network.

[0037] like Figure 4 As shown, the mixer 11 includes a network I / F 205 and an analysis unit 210. The network I / F 205 receives the output value (S21). In other words, the network I / F 205 acts as a receiving unit. The analysis unit 210 analyzes the received output value (S22). Based on the analysis results of the analysis unit 210, the mixer 11 predicts whether a malfunction is likely to occur in the audio device 1. For example, if the voltage value is abnormally high or the current value is abnormally high, there is a possibility that a malfunction such as sound cessation may occur in the audio device 1.

[0038] As described above, one embodiment of the present invention enables information for predicting a malfunction of the audio device 1 to be confirmed from outside the audio device 1 (for example, the mixer 11 ).

[0039] then, Figure 6 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the speaker 13. The speaker 13 is one specific example of the audio device 1.

[0040] The speaker 13 includes a display 101 , a user interface (I / F) 102 , a network interface (I / F) 103 , a flash memory 104 , a RAM 105 , a signal processing unit 106 , a CPU 107 , a D / A converter 108 , an amplifier 109 , a speaker unit 111 , a power converter 131 , and an AC power supply unit 132 .

[0041] The display 101, user I / F 102, network I / F 103, flash memory 104, RAM 105, signal processing unit 106, CPU 107, D / A converter 108, amplifier 109, and signal processing unit 106 are connected to a bus 151. A speaker unit 111 is connected to the amplifier 109.

[0042] The power converter 131 supplies power (direct current) for driving the amplifier 109. Furthermore, the power converter 131 can also supply power to various components of the speaker 13. For example, the power converter 131 can also supply power for driving the CPU 107. The power converter 131 converts alternating current (AC) from an AC power supply into direct current (DC).

[0043] AC power supply unit 132 supplies AC power to power converter 131. AC power supply unit 132 is connected to an AC power source or power supply cart for the equipment. AC power supply unit 132 receives AC power from the AC power source or power supply cart for the equipment and supplies the AC power to power converter 131.

[0044] The display 101 is comprised of, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode), and displays various information. The user interface 102 is comprised of switches, knobs, or a touch panel, and receives user operations. If the user interface 102 is a touch panel, it and the display 101 together form a graphical user interface (GUI).

[0045] The CPU 107 reads the program stored in the flash memory 104 as a storage medium into the RAM 105 to implement predetermined functions. For example, the CPU 107 displays an image for accepting user operations on the display 101 and accepts selection operations on the image through the user interface 102, thereby implementing a GUI.

[0046] In addition, the program read out by CPU 107 does not need to be stored in the flash memory 104 in this device. For example, the program can also be stored in the storage medium of an external device such as a server. In this case, CPU 107 reads the program from the server to RAM 105 and executes it each time.

[0047] The network I / F 103 receives an audio signal (which is a signal transmitted by a user) from an external device (eg, the mixer 11) via a network. Figure 2 Same action as S11).

[0048] The signal processing unit 106 is composed of a DSP for performing various signal processing. The signal processing unit 106 performs signal processing such as mixing, equalization, or compression on the audio signal input via the network I / F 103. The signal processing unit 106 outputs the processed audio signal to the D / A converter 108.

[0049] The D / A converter 108 converts the input audio signal into an analog audio signal. The amplifier 109 amplifies the analog audio signal and outputs it (which is the same as the analog audio signal). Figure 2 The analog audio signal is input to the speaker unit 111 and output as sound.

[0050] Figure 7 This is a block diagram showing a more detailed configuration of amplifier 109. Amplifier 109 includes an amplifier element 90 and a current-voltage (V1) detection circuit 91. Amplifier element 90 is connected to power converter 131. Amplifier element 90 receives power from power converter 131, amplifies, and outputs the analog audio signal output from D / A converter 108.

[0051] The VI detection circuit 91 is connected to the subsequent stage of the amplifier element 90 and detects the current value and voltage value as an example of the output value of the amplifier element 90. The signal processing unit 106 obtains the current value and voltage value (which are related to the output value) from the VI detection circuit 91. Figure 2 The signal processing unit 106 sends the acquired output value (which is the same as S13) via the network I / F 103. Figure 2 That is, in this example, the signal processing unit 106 obtains the output value of the amplifier 109 and sends the output value via the network I / F 103, thereby forming Figure 1The sending unit 150 is shown.

[0052] In this example, transmission unit 150 is comprised of a DSP that receives and processes audio signals via network I / F 103. Therefore, audio system 1 does not require additional hardware for transmitting the output value of amplifier 109. Alternatively, transmission unit 150 may be implemented by software executed by CPU 107. In this case, audio system 1 can also transmit the output value of amplifier 109 without requiring additional hardware for transmitting the output value.

[0053] Figure 8 1 is a block diagram showing the detailed structure of the amplifier 109 of the modification example 1. The amplifier 109 of the modification example 1 includes a VI detection circuit 901 instead of the VI detection circuit 91. The other structures are the same as Figure 7 The same structure as shown in the block diagram.

[0054] VI detection circuit 901 is connected between power converter 131 and amplifier 109. VI detection circuit 901 detects the value (current value and voltage value) of the DC power supplied from power converter 131 to amplifier 109. Signal processing unit 106 obtains the current value and voltage value of power converter 131 from VI detection circuit 901. Signal processing unit 106 transmits the obtained current value and voltage value of power converter 131 via network I / F 103. That is, in this example, signal processing unit 106 obtains the current value and voltage value from power converter 131 and transmits them via network I / F 103.

[0055] Thus, analysis unit 210 can predict whether a malfunction is likely to occur due to the DC power supplied by power converter 131. For example, if a malfunction occurs in various components of power converter 131, the voltage or current may decrease. Therefore, if the voltage or current of power converter 131 is abnormally low, a malfunction such as a sound stoppage may occur in audio system 1.

[0056] Therefore, in Modification 1, as information for predicting a malfunction of audio device 1 , the state of the DC power of power converter 131 is confirmed from outside audio device 1 (eg, mixer 11 ).

[0057] Figure 9 1 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of speaker 13 according to Modification 2. Speaker 13 according to Modification 2 includes VI detection circuit 902 .

[0058] The VI detection circuit 902 is connected between the AC power supply unit 132 and the power converter 131. The VI detection circuit 902 detects the value (current value and voltage value) of the alternating current power supplied by the AC power supply unit 132 to the power converter 131. The signal processing unit 106 obtains the current value and voltage value of the AC power supply unit 132 from the VI detection circuit 902. The signal processing unit 106 transmits the obtained current value and voltage value of the AC power supply unit 132 via the network interface 103. That is, in this example, the signal processing unit 106 obtains the current value and voltage value of the alternating current power output by the AC power supply unit 132 and transmits them via the network interface 103.

[0059] Thus, the analyzing unit 210 can predict whether a malfunction may occur due to the alternating current of the AC power supply unit 132. For example, if the power supply voltage on the device side drops abnormally, a malfunction such as sound stopping may occur in the audio device 1.

[0060] Therefore, in Modification 2, as information for predicting a malfunction of the audio device 1 , the state of the alternating current of the AC power supply unit 132 is confirmed from outside the audio device 1 (eg, the mixer 11 ).

[0061] in addition, Figure 7 、 Figure 8 as well as Figure 9 The structures shown can be realized individually, but can also be combined Figure 7 、 Figure 8 and Figure 9 The structure shown.

[0062] then, Figure 10 1 is a block diagram showing the detailed structure of the amplifier 109 of the modification example 3. In the amplifier 109 of the modification example 3, the signal processing unit 106 includes an analysis unit 110A. Figure 7 The block diagram shown is the same.

[0063] In addition, Figure 10 In the example of FIG, the signal processing unit 106 realizes the function of the analysis unit 110A, but the analysis unit 110A may be constituted by other hardware. In addition, the CPU 107 may realize the function of the analysis unit 110A by software.

[0064] The analysis unit 110A analyzes the current value and voltage value of the amplifier 109 detected by the VI detection circuit 91. For example, the analysis unit 110A calculates the frequency characteristics of the impedance as an example of analysis. The analysis unit 110A converts the time axis signal of the impedance calculated based on the current value and voltage value into a frequency axis signal by FFT (Fast Fourier Transform). The analysis unit 110A outputs the frequency characteristics of the impedance. The analysis result is as follows: Figure 10 As shown, the image is output to an external device via the network I / F 103 or displayed on the display 101 by the CPU 107 .

[0065] Figure 11 This is a graph showing the frequency characteristics of impedance. The horizontal axis of the graph is frequency (Hz) and the vertical axis is impedance (Ω). A general amplifier including amplifier 109 generates a resonance point in impedance due to the electrical characteristics of each component or the mechanical characteristics of the components of the speaker unit (such as the speaker cone and the enclosure). Figure 10 In the example, there is a resonance point near 100 Hz.

[0066] Furthermore, if a fault occurs in the speaker unit 111, the impedance of the amplifier 109 may change rapidly in a short period of time. Figure 12 As shown, if a frequency with extremely high impedance (a singular point) occurs, current stops flowing, and amplifier 109 becomes unable to control the speaker. Furthermore, if a frequency with extremely low impedance (a singular point) occurs, the speaker cone instantly reaches its maximum amplitude, rendering it unable to vibrate. If these conditions persist, amplifier 109 or speaker unit 111 may malfunction, resulting in a loss of sound.

[0067] Therefore, audio equipment 1 calculates the frequency characteristics of the impedance and outputs the calculated frequency characteristics externally as analysis results (or displays them on display 101). Thus, by observing the frequency characteristics of the impedance, the user can predict in advance whether a problem such as sound cessation will occur. Alternatively, when a singular point such as the one described above occurs, CPU 107 can display a warning on display 101, for example, allowing the user to predict in advance whether a problem such as sound cessation will occur.

[0068] then, Figure 13 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of acoustic system 100A. Acoustic system 100A includes mixer 11, a plurality of switches (switch 12A, switch 12B), and a plurality of speakers (speakers 13A to 13F).

[0069] Each device is connected via a network cable. For example, mixer 11 is connected to switch 12A. Switch 12A is connected to switch 12B and speaker 13A. Switch 12B is connected to switch 12A and speaker 13D. Speakers 13A, 13B, and 13C are connected to switch 12A via a daisy chain. Speakers 13D, 13E, and 13F are also connected to switch 12B via a daisy chain. However, the connections between devices are not limited to Figure 13 In addition, the devices do not need to be connected via a network, and may be connected via a communication line such as a USB cable, HDMI (registered trademark), or MIDI, or may be connected via a digital audio cable.

[0070] The mixer 11 is an example of a server. The mixer 11 inputs audio signals from other devices connected via a network, or outputs audio signals to other devices. Speakers 13A to 13F are examples of audio equipment, and have the same structure and function as the speaker 13. In addition, the server is not limited to the mixer 11. For example, an information processing device such as a personal computer is also an example of a server. In addition, a system composed of hardware or software for performing operations such as recording, editing, or mixing audio (DAW: Digital Audio Workstation) is also an example of a server.

[0071] Figure 14 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the mixer 11. The mixer 11 includes a display 201, a user I / F 202, an audio I / O (input / output) 203, a signal processing unit (DSP) 204, a network I / F 205, a CPU 206, a flash memory 207, and a RAM 208. These components are connected via a bus 271.

[0072] CPU 206 is a control unit that controls the operation of mixer 11. CPU 206 performs various operations by reading a predetermined program stored in flash memory 207, which serves as a storage medium, into RAM 208 and executing the program. For example, CPU 206 receives current and voltage values ​​of each amplifier from speakers 13A to 13F via network I / F 205.

[0073] In addition, the program read by the CPU 206 does not need to be stored in the flash memory 207 in this device. For example, the program can also be stored in a storage medium of an external device such as a server. In this case, the CPU 206 reads the program from the server to the RAM 105 and executes it each time.

[0074] The signal processing unit 204 is composed of a DSP for performing various signal processing. The signal processing unit 204 performs signal processing such as mixing, equalization, and compression on the audio signal input via the audio I / O 203 or the network I / F 205. The signal processing unit 204 outputs the processed audio signal to other devices such as the speaker 13A via the audio I / O 203 or the network I / F 205.

[0075] In addition, the signal processing unit 204 inputs the current value and voltage value of each amplifier from the CPU 206. The signal processing unit 204 constitutes the analysis unit 210. The analysis unit 210 of the signal processing unit 204 analyzes the output value of each amplifier from the speakers 13A to the speakers 13F (the current value and voltage value of the amplifier 109). For example, the analysis unit 210 of the signal processing unit 204 also calculates the frequency characteristics of the impedance. However, the signal processing unit 204 has higher performance than the signal processing unit 106 of the speakers 13A to the speakers 13F and has a high analysis function. Therefore, the signal processing unit 204 can calculate the frequency characteristics of the impedance with a higher resolution than the signal processing unit 106 of the speakers 13A to the speakers 13F. As a result, the signal processing unit 204 can accurately determine the singular point that may cause a malfunction.

[0076] Figure 15 is a graph showing the frequency characteristics of the impedance calculated by the signal processing unit 106, Figure 16 : is a graph showing the frequency characteristics of the impedance calculated by the signal processing unit 204 .

[0077] like Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown, since the frequency characteristics of the impedance calculated by the signal processing section 106 and the signal processing section 204 are digital signals, they are discrete values. The number of discrete values, that is, the resolution, depends on the number of taps of the digital filter implemented by the DSP and on the resources of the DSP. The signal processing section 204 of the mixer 11 is implemented by a high-performance and large number of DSPs to process audio signals of a large number of channels. On the other hand, since the signal processing section 106 provided in the speaker 13 processes the audio signals of one or more channels sent from the mixer 11, a DSP with relatively low performance is used compared to the DSP of the signal processing section 204 of the mixer 11. Therefore, as Figure 15 as well as Figure 16 As shown in FIG. 1 , the resolution of the frequency characteristic of the impedance calculated by the signal processing unit 106 is lower than the resolution of the frequency characteristic of the impedance calculated by the signal processing unit 204 of the mixer 11. Therefore, in the frequency characteristic of the impedance calculated by the signal processing unit 106, there is a possibility that the resonant frequency having a steep peak characteristic (high Q value) cannot be extracted. In contrast, Figure 16As shown, since the frequency characteristic of the impedance calculated by the signal processing unit 204 has a high resolution, the resonance frequency having a steep peak characteristic can be accurately extracted.

[0078] In this way, mixer 11 receives the amplifier output value from each speaker, enabling highly accurate analysis that would otherwise be impossible to calculate for each speaker. In particular, when impedance changes rapidly over a short period of time, there is a risk of producing a characteristic so steep that it would be difficult for each speaker to detect. However, because mixer 11 performs highly accurate analysis, users can predict the likelihood of a problem beforehand.

[0079] In addition, in the mixer 11, the user can view the analysis results of multiple speakers at a glance. Figure 17 As shown, the mixer 11 displays the frequency characteristics of the impedances of the plurality of speakers 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D on the display 201 of the mixer 11 .

[0080] In this case, the user can easily identify the speaker that is likely to cause a problem among the multiple speakers that are set. Therefore, even if the number of speakers set increases, the user can easily reset which speaker to send which audio signal and which signal processing to perform. For example, if the user determines that there is a high possibility of a problem occurring in a certain speaker (the first speaker), the user changes the settings of the mixer 11. For example, the user can replace the bus set to the first speaker with another speaker (the second speaker) to output the audio signal of the bus from the second speaker.

[0081] Furthermore, the user can determine whether the possibility of a malfunction occurring only in a specific speaker or in a plurality of speakers in a coordinated manner is high by observing the display on the display 201. Figure 17 As shown, if the same singular point appears in multiple speakers 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D, the user of mixer 11 can see that the problem is not caused by each speaker alone, but rather a problem that occurs in conjunction with multiple devices. This allows the user to narrow down the common causes of multiple devices, such as problems with the device's power supply, problems with the space where the speakers are installed, or problems with the device that mounts multiple speakers (such as a rack for an array installation).

[0082] Furthermore, as described above, if the user of mixer 11 determines that a particular speaker is likely to experience a problem, they can take appropriate measures by, for example, configuring a setting to route the audio signal being sent to that particular speaker to another speaker. Furthermore, if a steep, high impedance characteristic (a high Q-value peak) exists within a specified frequency band, CPU 206 of mixer 11 can route the audio signal being sent to that speaker to another speaker. In this case, CPU 206 functions as a control unit that controls the parameters of the audio system based on the analysis results of the analysis unit.

[0083] While this embodiment illustrates an example of calculating the frequency characteristics of impedance, analysis is not limited to calculating the frequency characteristics of impedance. For example, average current and average voltage values ​​can be calculated, or instantaneous values ​​can be compared with average values. Since the output of amplifier 109 is an AC signal, any method for analyzing AC signals can be applied.

[0084] Furthermore, since the amplifier's output values ​​(voltage and current) are analog audio signals themselves, they can be analyzed as sound. By listening to the amplifier's output values ​​(voltage and current) as sound, the user can determine, for example, if there is loud noise, that a problem is likely to have occurred.

[0085] In addition, the description of the present embodiment is illustrative in all aspects and is not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is not represented by the above-mentioned embodiment, but by the scope of the claims. Furthermore, the scope of the present invention is intended to include all changes within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of the claims.

[0086] For example, Figure 18 1 is a block diagram showing the structure of the amplifier 109 which cuts off the power supply when no sound is heard in order to reduce power consumption. Figure 18 In FIG. 5 , the amplifier 109 includes an amplifying element 90 , a VI detection circuit 91 , an input detection circuit 95 , and a switch 50 .

[0087] Input detection circuit 95 is connected to the upstream stage of amplifier element 90 and detects the level of the audio signal input to amplifier element 90. CPU 107 determines whether an audio signal is being input based on the detection result of input detection circuit 95. For example, if the level of the audio signal detected by input detection circuit 95 is above a predetermined value, CPU 107 determines that an audio signal is being input. If the level of the audio signal is below a predetermined value, CPU 107 determines that an audio signal is not being input. If CPU 107 determines that an audio signal is not being input, it opens switch 50, shutting off power to amplifier element 90. This reduces unnecessary power consumption.

[0088] On the other hand, even when the switch 50 is off, the CPU 107 turns on the switch 50 when the voltage value detected by the VI detection circuit 91 exceeds the specified threshold value. When the power supply of the amplifier element 90 is cut off, the paper cone of the speaker unit vibrates freely. Therefore, the paper cone of the speaker unit sometimes vibrates due to the influence of the sound from other speakers. If the paper cone of the speaker unit vibrates, the back electromotive force may cause damage to the amplifier element 90. In particular, in the case of a PA (Public Address) system in a large space, a large number of speakers are installed adjacent to each other. In addition, the volume of each speaker becomes very large. Therefore, the vibrations between the multiple speakers greatly affect each other.

[0089] Therefore, even if the power to amplifier element 90 is turned off, CPU 107 still turns on switch 50 to turn on the power if the voltage detected by V1 detection circuit 91 exceeds a predetermined threshold. When power is supplied to amplifier element 90, the operation of the speaker unit's cone is controlled by the power from the power supply (the power of the output signal). Thus, amplifier 109 prevents damage to amplifier element 90 caused by the back electromotive force generated by the vibration of the speaker unit's cone.

[0090] And, as Figure 13 As shown, when the output value of each speaker is transmitted to mixer 11, mixer 11 can monitor the back electromotive force of each speaker. In this case, mixer 11 transmits a power-on instruction to the speaker whose back electromotive force exceeds a specified value. By externally outputting the amplifier's output value, users can monitor the status of each speaker from a server. This reduces power consumption in audio equipment and prevents problems before they occur.

[0091] Label Description

[0092] 11…Mixer

[0093] 12A, 12B... switch

[0094] 13, 13A, 13B, 13C, 13D, 13E, 13F…speakers

[0095] 50…Switch

[0096] 90…Amplifying element

[0097] 91…VI detection circuit

[0098] 95…Input detection circuit

[0099] 100…Sound system

[0100] 101…Display

[0101] 102…User I / F

[0102] 103…Network I / F

[0103] 104…Flash memory

[0104] 105…RAM

[0105] 106…Signal Processing Unit

[0106] 107…CPU

[0107] 108…D / A converter

[0108] 109…Amplifier

[0109] 110A…Analysis Department

[0110] 111…Speaker unit

[0111] 131…Power converter

[0112] 132…AC Power Supply

[0113] 150…Sending Department

[0114] 151…bus

[0115] 201…Display

[0116] 202…User I / F

[0117] 203…Audio I / F

[0118] 204…Signal Processing Department

[0119] 205…Network I / F

[0120] 206…CPU

[0121] 207…Flash memory

[0122] 208…RAM

[0123] 210…Analysis Department

[0124] 271…bus

[0125] 901, 902…VI detection circuit

Claims

1. An audio device comprising: A network interface, connected to a server via a network; an amplifier, amplifying an audio signal received via the network interface; a detection circuit that detects a current value and a voltage value of power supplied to the amplifier or outputted from the amplifier, and The processing unit obtains the current value and the voltage value detected by the detection circuit and transmits the obtained current value and voltage value to the server via the network interface. The server calculates the frequency characteristics of impedance and analyzes the current value and voltage value received from the audio device to predict the possibility of a problem occurring in the audio device.

2. The audio device according to claim 1, wherein The processing unit is a signal processing unit that processes the audio signal received via the network interface.

3. The audio device according to claim 1, further comprising: a power converter that supplies power to the amplifier, wherein The processing unit acquires the current value and the voltage value of the electric power supplied by the power converter, and transmits the acquired current value and voltage value via the network interface.

4. The audio device according to claim 3, further comprising: A power supply unit supplies alternating current to the power converter, and the power converter supplies direct current to the amplifier, wherein: The processing unit acquires the current value and the voltage value of the AC power supplied by the power supply unit, and transmits the acquired current value and voltage value via the network interface.

5. The audio device according to claim 1, wherein The processing unit further analyzes the current value and the voltage value.

6. A server capable of communicating with an audio device including an amplifier and a detection circuit for detecting a current value and a voltage value of power supplied to the amplifier or outputted from the amplifier, the server comprising: a network interface for receiving the current value and the voltage value detected by the detection circuit from the audio device; and At least one processing unit calculates frequency characteristics of impedance and analyzes the current value and the voltage value received from the network interface to predict the possibility of a problem occurring in the audio device.

7. The server according to claim 6, wherein: The at least one processing unit controls a parameter of the audio device based on an analysis result of the current value and the voltage value.

8. A sound system comprising: Audio equipment and servers, The audio equipment comprises: A first network interface connected to a server via a network; an amplifier, configured to amplify the audio signal received via the first network interface; a detection circuit for detecting a current value and a voltage value of power supplied to the amplifier or outputted from the amplifier; as well as a first processing unit that acquires the current value and the voltage value detected by the detection circuit and sends the acquired current value and voltage value to the server via the first network interface; The server has: a second network interface, receiving the current value and the voltage value from the audio device; as well as The second processing unit calculates frequency characteristics of impedance and analyzes the current value and the voltage value received from the second network interface to predict the possibility of a problem occurring in the audio device.

9. A method for controlling an audio device, the audio device comprising a network interface and an amplifier, wherein: The control method includes: Using the network interface, receiving an audio signal from a server via a network; using the network interface, inputting the audio signal into the amplifier; amplifying, using the amplifier, the audio signal received via the network interface; detecting a current value and a voltage value of power supplied to the amplifier or outputted from the amplifier; acquiring the detected current value and voltage value, and, The acquired current value and voltage value are sent to the server via the network interface. The server calculates the frequency characteristics of impedance and analyzes the current value and the voltage value to predict the possibility of a problem occurring in the audio device.

10. The method for controlling an audio device according to claim 9, wherein: The audio device includes a signal processing unit that processes the audio signal received via the network interface. The signal processing unit acquires the current value and the voltage value, and transmits the current value and the voltage value via the network interface.

11. The method for controlling an audio device according to claim 9, wherein: The audio device includes a power converter that supplies power to the amplifier, and the control method further includes: acquiring the current value and the voltage value of the power supplied by the power converter; The acquired current value and voltage value are sent via the network interface.

12. The method for controlling an audio device according to claim 11, wherein: The audio device further includes a power supply unit, The power supply unit supplies alternating current to the power converter, and the power converter supplies direct current to the amplifier.

13. The method for controlling an audio device according to claim 9, wherein: Also includes: The current value and the voltage value are analyzed.

14. A medium recording a program for causing an audio device including a network interface and an amplifier to: Using the network interface, receiving an audio signal from a server via a network; using the network interface, inputting the audio signal into the amplifier; amplifying, using the amplifier, the audio signal received via the network interface; detecting a current value and a voltage value of power supplied to the amplifier or outputted from the amplifier; acquiring the detected current value and voltage value, and, The acquired current value and voltage value are sent to the server via the network interface. The server calculates the frequency characteristics of impedance and analyzes the current value and the voltage value to predict the possibility of a problem occurring in the audio device.

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