Speaker system and sound output method

Abstract

The loudspeaker system is provided with: a loudspeaker device, which serves as a real sound source and is arranged outside the range of the projection surface of the display surface on which the display is projected; and a reflector, which has a reflection surface for reflecting the sound output from the loudspeaker device and positions the sound image of the virtual sound source within the range of the projection surface. At least a part of the reflection surface of the reflector is formed as an elliptical reflection surface. Thereby, the sound output from the loudspeaker device arranged outside the projection surface can be reflected on the reflector, so that the sound image is positioned inside the projection surface, the display position of the projection image can be aligned with the output position of the sound, and a comfortable viewing state can be provided to the viewer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present technology relates to the technical field of a speaker system having a reflector that reflects sound output from a speaker device and a sound output method. Background Art

[0002] There is a speaker system in which sound output from a speaker device arranged on the rear surface side of a screen is transmitted through the screen and can be heard from the display surface side of the screen, and the screen used in such a speaker system is called a transmissive screen (for example, see Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2). The transmissive screen is formed with, for example, a large number of small holes as sound transmission holes.

[0003] In a speaker system using such a transmissive screen, a viewer recognizes sound output from the speaker device arranged on the rear surface side as if it is output from the display surface. Therefore, the display position of the video displayed on the display surface and the output position of the sound are aligned with each other, thereby ensuring a comfortable viewing state in which the viewer does not feel discomfort.

[0004] Citation List

[0005] Patent Document

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-10193

[0007] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-179074 Summary of the Invention

[0008] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0009] Meanwhile, in recent years, videos and images are often displayed on liquid crystal displays, light-emitting diode (LED) displays using LEDs as light sources, etc., and such displays are also used as display devices in, for example, theaters such as movie theaters.

[0010] However, it is difficult for the above-mentioned displays to form sound transmission holes, and therefore, the speaker device is located outside the outer periphery of the display. Therefore, the display position of the video and the output position of the sound may not be aligned with each other, and there is a possibility that a comfortable viewing state of the viewer cannot be ensured.

[0011] In view of this, the object of the speaker system and the sound output method according to the present technology is to achieve alignment between the display position of the video and the output position of the sound and to ensure a comfortable viewing state of the viewer.

[0012] Solutions to the Problems

[0013] As a first aspect, a speaker system according to the present technology includes: a speaker device arranged outside the area of a projection surface on which a display is projected, the speaker device serving as a real sound source; and a reflector having a reflecting surface that reflects sound output from the speaker device, the reflector positioning a sound image of a virtual sound source within the area of the projection surface, wherein the reflector has an elliptical reflecting surface in at least a part of the reflecting surface.

[0014] With this configuration, the sound output from the speaker device arranged outside the area of the projection surface is reflected by the reflector, and the sound image of the virtual sound source is located within the area of the projection surface.

[0015] As a second aspect, in the above speaker system, it is desirable that the speaker device be arranged at or near one of the foci of the elliptical reflecting surface.

[0016] With this configuration, it is easy to collect the sound output from the speaker device and reflected by the elliptical reflecting surface at the other focus of the elliptical reflecting surface.

[0017] As a third aspect, in the above speaker system, it is desirable that the reflector be arranged outside the area of the projection surface.

[0018] With this configuration, it is difficult for the speaker device and the reflector to enter the field of view of a viewer watching an image or picture displayed on the display surface.

[0019] As a fourth aspect, in the above speaker system, it is desirable that the sound image of the virtual sound source be positioned at the central part of the projection surface.

[0020] With this configuration, the sound is recognized as if it is output from the central part of the display surface of the display.

[0021] As a fifth aspect, in the above speaker system, it is desirable that the speaker device and the reflector be arranged above the display.

[0022] With this configuration, the speaker device and the reflector are arranged at a position where it is easy to ensure space, and it is difficult to limit the size and shape of the speaker device and the reflector.

[0023] As a sixth aspect, in the above speaker system, it is desirable that the midpoint between the two foci on the elliptical reflecting surface be located outside the area of the projection surface.

[0024] With this configuration, the sound easily propagates from the virtual sound source in a direction close to the central part of the display surface.

[0025] As a seventh aspect, in the above speaker system, it is desirable that the elliptical reflecting surface have a major axis inclined with respect to the display surface.

[0026] With this configuration, the output direction of the sound from the virtual sound source can be arranged to correspond to the direction of the inclination of the major axis.

[0027] As an eighth aspect, in the above-described speaker system, it is desirable that the virtual sound source is located at a position closer to the display surface than the speaker device in a direction orthogonal to the display surface.

[0028] With this configuration, the distance between the virtual sound source and the display surface is smaller than the distance between the speaker device and the surface in the direction orthogonal to the display surface of the display.

[0029] As a ninth aspect, in the above-described speaker system, it is preferable that a plurality of reflectors are provided, the foci of each of the plurality of reflectors coincide with each other, and the sound output from the speaker device is sequentially reflected by the elliptical reflecting surfaces of the plurality of reflectors.

[0030] With this configuration, the sound image of the sound sequentially reflected by the elliptical reflecting surfaces formed by the plurality of reflectors can be positioned as a virtual sound source within the area of the projection surface, so that the speaker device can be positioned at a desired position according to the number of reflectors.

[0031] As a tenth aspect, in the above-described speaker system, it is desirable that, among two of the reflectors that sequentially reflect sound, the major axis of the elliptical reflecting surface of one of the two reflectors and the major axis of the elliptical reflecting surface of the other of the two reflectors are orthogonal to each other.

[0032] With this configuration, the length directions of the two reflectors are orthogonal.

[0033] As an eleventh aspect, it is preferable that, in the above-described speaker system, a plurality of the reflectors are provided, and a plurality of the speaker devices are provided corresponding to the plurality of reflectors, and the speaker system further includes a delay circuit that synchronizes the sounds output from the virtual sound sources respectively corresponding to the plurality of speaker devices.

[0034] With this configuration, the sounds from the virtual sound sources corresponding to the respective speaker devices are synchronized by the delay circuit and reach the viewer.

[0035] As a twelfth aspect, in the above-described speaker system, it is desirable that a plurality of speaker devices and a plurality of reflectors are arranged around the display.

[0036] With this configuration, the sound images of the sounds output from the plurality of speaker devices arranged around the display are confined as one or more virtual sound sources within the area of the projection surface.

[0037] As a thirteenth aspect, it is desirable that the above-described speaker system further includes a parabolic reflector having a parabolic reflecting surface formed in a parabolic shape, wherein the sound output from the speaker device is reflected by the parabolic reflecting surface toward the elliptical reflecting surface.

[0038] According to this structure, the sound is reflected by the parabolic reflecting surface and enters the elliptical reflecting surface in a parallel or substantially parallel state.

[0039] As a fourteenth aspect, preferably, the above-described speaker system further includes a shielding wall that shields the sound output from the speaker device and not reflected by the elliptical reflecting surface.

[0040] Thus, the sound output from the speaker device and not reflected by the elliptical reflecting surface is shielded by the shielding wall and is difficult to reach the viewer.

[0041] As a fifteenth aspect, in the above-described speaker system, preferably, the speaker device is arranged at the rear side of the display, the reflector is arranged in a region from the rear side of the display to outside the outer periphery of the display, and since the sound output from the speaker device is reflected twice by the elliptical reflecting surface, the sound image of the virtual sound source is positioned within the region of the projection surface.

[0042] Thus, the speaker device is arranged at a position where the viewer cannot see it, and the speaker device does not enter the viewer's field of view.

[0043] As a sixteenth aspect, in the above-described speaker system, preferably, the curvature of the elliptical reflecting surface is variable, and the position of the speaker device changes according to the shift of the focal position caused by the change in the curvature of the elliptical reflecting surface.

[0044] Thus, by changing the position of the speaker device, the position of the virtual sound source where the sound image is located can be changed.

[0045] As a seventeenth aspect, the sound output method according to the present technology includes: outputting sound from a speaker device arranged outside the region of the display surface of a projection display on a projection surface, the speaker device serving as a real sound source; and reflecting the sound output from the speaker device by an elliptical reflecting surface formed on a reflector to position the sound image of a virtual sound source within the region of the projection surface.

[0046] Thus, the sound output from the speaker device arranged outside the region of the projection surface is reflected by the reflector, and the sound image of the virtual sound source is located within the region of the projection surface. Description of the Drawings

[0047] Figure 1 With Figures 2 to 18An embodiment of a speaker system and a sound output method according to the present technology is shown together, and it is a diagram for describing the coverage angle of a speaker device.

[0048] Figure 2 It is a diagram showing the basic configuration of the first embodiment.

[0049] Figure 3 It is a diagram showing the configuration in which a shielding wall is provided in the first embodiment.

[0050] Figure 4 It is a diagram showing examples of different orientations of the speaker device in the first embodiment.

[0051] Figure 5 It is a diagram showing the configuration in which the midpoint of the focal length is located outside the outer periphery of the display in the first embodiment.

[0052] Figure 6 It is a diagram showing the configuration in which the reflector is tilted in the first embodiment.

[0053] Figure 7 It is a diagram showing the second embodiment.

[0054] Figure 8 It is a diagram showing the third embodiment.

[0055] Figure 9 It is a diagram showing the fourth embodiment.

[0056] Figure 10 It is a diagram showing the fifth embodiment.

[0057] Figure 11 It is a diagram showing the sixth embodiment.

[0058] Figure 12 It is a diagram showing the seventh embodiment.

[0059] Figure 13 It is a diagram showing the eighth embodiment.

[0060] Figure 14 It is a diagram showing the ninth embodiment.

[0061] Figure 15 It is a diagram showing the configuration in which a plurality of speaker devices are arranged in the same space in the ninth embodiment.

[0062] Figure 16 It is a diagram showing the tenth embodiment.

[0063] Figure 17 It is a diagram showing the configuration in which the speaker devices are arranged on the upper side and the lower side in the tenth embodiment.

[0064] Figure 18 This is a diagram showing an example in which a part of the reflector has an acoustic absorption function in the tenth embodiment. Detailed Embodiment

[0065] Next, modes for embodying a speaker system and a sound output method according to the present technology will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0066] <Coverage Angle of Speaker Device>

[0067] First, the coverage angle of the speaker device 1 will be described (see Figure 1 ).

[0068] Generally, the nominal coverage angle of a speaker device can be obtained by measuring the sound pressure level on a 360-degree circumference when a constant electrical input is applied.

[0069] The nominal coverage angle of the speaker device is defined as the "angle at which the sound pressure is 6 dB SPL (absolute value) lower than the on-axis sound pressure level when the speaker device outputs sound in the direction of axis P", and the sound pressure level on the circumference R centered on the output position Q is measured. When the point where the circumference R intersects the axis P is defined as the reference point S and the sound pressure at the reference point S is defined as 0 dB, the points T and T where the sound pressure is 6 dB SPL lower than the sound pressure level at the reference point S on the circumference R are measured, and the angle between the points T and T across the reference point S is defined as the nominal coverage angle A. The nominal coverage angle A is less than 180 degrees. The nominal coverage angle A of the speaker device 1 is, for example, 120 degrees.

[0070] On the other hand, the effective coverage angle of the speaker device can generally be obtained by measuring the sound pressure level on the listening plane when a constant electrical input is applied.

[0071] The effective coverage angle of the speaker device is defined as the "angle at which the sound pressure is 6 dB SPL (absolute value) lower than the on-axis sound pressure level when the speaker device outputs sound in the direction of axis P", and the sound pressure level on the listening plane J is measured. When the point where the listening plane J intersects the axis P is defined as the reference point S and the sound pressure at the reference point S is defined as 0 dB, the points K and K where the sound pressure is 6 dB SPL lower than the sound pressure level at the reference point S on the listening plane J are measured, and the angle between the points K and K across the reference point S is defined as the effective coverage angle B. The effective coverage angle B is less than the nominal coverage angle A. The effective coverage angle B of the speaker device 1 is, for example, 90 degrees.

[0072] <Basic Configuration of Speaker System>

[0073] Next, the basic configuration of the speaker system (first embodiment) will be described (see Figures 2 to 6 ).

[0074] It should be noted that the following first to tenth embodiments describe examples in which the loudspeaker system according to the present technology is applied to a loudspeaker system used in a theater (such as a cinema). However, it should be noted that the loudspeaker system according to the present technology is not limited to being applied to a loudspeaker system used in a theater such as a cinema, and can be widely applied to various loudspeaker systems such as a loudspeaker system used at home and a loudspeaker system used in an outdoor facility such as a stadium.

[0075] In addition, in the following description, the orientation of the display is used as a reference to indicate the front-back direction, the vertical direction, and the horizontal direction in the state where the listener is seated, and the display surface of the display surface is defined as the front direction.

[0076] However, the front-back direction, the vertical direction, and the horizontal direction described below are defined only for convenience, and when implementing the present technology, they are not limited to the definitions described below.

[0077] The loudspeaker system 10 includes a loudspeaker device 1 and a reflector 2 and is used in a configuration including a display 20 (see Figure 2 ).

[0078] The front surface of the display 20 is entirely formed as, for example, a display surface 21 for displaying a video or an image. However, the display surface 21 may be formed in a region other than the outer peripheral portion on the front surface of the display 20. The region in front of the display surface 21 is arranged as a projection surface 21a on which a video or an image is projected.

[0079] The viewer 100 views the video and image displayed on the display surface 21 of the display 20 and listens to the sound output from the loudspeaker device 1. The viewer 100 is located in front of the display 20.

[0080] The loudspeaker device 1 functions as a true sound source for outputting sound and is arranged, for example, in an orientation that outputs sound backward.

[0081] The reflector 2 is arranged, for example, above the display 20 and outside the region of the projection surface 21a. The reflector 2 is formed in an elliptical shape that is concave in the forward direction, and the entire inner surface is formed as an elliptical reflecting surface 3. In addition, the inner surface of the reflector 2 is formed as a reflecting surface, and at least a part of the reflecting surface is formed as the elliptical reflecting surface 3, and the part where the sound output from the loudspeaker device 1 arrives is formed as the elliptical reflecting surface 3.

[0082] The reflector 2 is arranged such that the major axis direction (the direction connecting the foci F1 and F2) extends along the vertical direction, and the minor axis direction extends along the horizontal direction, and is formed, for example, in a shape smaller than a semi-elliptical shape. Specifically, for example, the reflector 2 is formed in a shape that is approximately half of a semi-elliptical shape. For example, the lower end of the reflector 2 is aligned with the front end at the upper end of the display 20.

[0083] It should be noted that in Figure 2 , the shape of the ellipse connected to the reflector 2 is represented by a dotted line as an elliptical virtual line D, the two foci of the ellipse are represented as F1 and F2, and the focal length is represented as L. The upper focus F1 is located outside the area of the projection surface 21a, and the lower focus F2 is located inside the area of the projection surface 21a. The lower focus F2 is, for example, located at a position directly in front of the central portion M of the display surface 21.

[0084] The speaker device 1 is disposed above the upper focus F1 of the reflector 2 or near it. Specifically, the output position of the sound output from the speaker device 1 is preferably located at or near the focus F1. As described above, since the speaker device 1 is disposed near the upper focus F1 of the reflector 2, the speaker device 1 is located outside the area of the projection surface 21a.

[0085] In the speaker system 10 configured in this way, when sound is output from the speaker device 1 as a real sound source, the output sound is reflected by the elliptical reflecting surface 3 of the reflector 2, collected at the focus F2, and propagated to the viewer 100.

[0086] At this time, since the sound output from the speaker device 1 is collected at the focus F2, the sound image of this sound is concentrated on the focus F2, and a virtual sound source is formed at the focus F2.

[0087] In particular, since the speaker device 1 is disposed near the focus F1 of the elliptical reflecting surface 3, the sound output from the speaker device 1 and reflected by the elliptical reflecting surface 3 is likely to gather at the focus F2 of the elliptical reflecting surface 3. Therefore, the sound image of the virtual sound source can be easily positioned at the desired position.

[0088] As a result, the viewer 100 seems to hear the sound output from the speaker device 1 as if it is output from the central portion of the display surface 21 of the display 20.

[0089] As described above, in the speaker system 10, the sound image of the virtual sound source is directly positioned in front of the central portion of the projection surface 21a, and thus, the sound is recognized as if it is output from the central portion of the display surface 21 of the display 20. Thereby, the display position of the video displayed on the display surface 21 of the display 20 and the output position of the sound are aligned with each other, and thus a comfortable viewing state without discomfort can be ensured.

[0090] In addition, the speaker device 1 and the reflector 2 are arranged above the display 20 such that the speaker device 1 and the reflector 2 are located at positions where space can be easily ensured. Therefore, it is difficult to limit the shapes and sizes of the speaker device 1 and the reflector 2, and the degree of freedom in design can be improved.

[0091] In addition, due to the configuration in which the speaker device 1 and the reflector 2 are arranged above the display 20, sound is easily transmitted obliquely downward and forward from the display 20, whereby a good sound listening state with high sound pressure and high directivity can be ensured for the viewer 100.

[0092] However, the speaker device 1 is not limited to being arranged above the display 20, and can be arranged at any position as long as it is located outside the region of the projection surface 21a that is more outward than the outer periphery of the display 20.

[0093] In this way, by arranging the speaker device 1 outside the region of the projection surface 21a, the speaker device 1 is difficult to enter the field of view of the viewer 100 who is watching the image and the image displayed on the display surface 21, and the visual recognition of the viewer 100 can be improved.

[0094] In addition, the reflector 2 is not limited to being arranged above the display 20, and can be arranged at any position as long as it is located outside the region where the projection surface 21a is outside the outer periphery of the display 20.

[0095] In this way, by arranging the reflector 2 and the speaker device 1 outside the region of the projection surface 21a, the speaker device 1 and the reflector 2 are difficult to enter the field of view of the viewer 100 who is watching the image, and the visual recognition of the viewer 100 can be further improved.

[0096] It should be noted that although the above description indicates an example in which the focus F2 for positioning the sound image is directly in front of the central portion M of the display surface 21, the focus F2 is not limited to being directly in front of the central portion M, and can be located at any position within the region of the projection surface 21a. The position of the focus F2 can be arranged by appropriately changing the lengths of the major axis and minor axis of the ellipsoid forming the reflector 2, the positional relationship between the reflector 2 and the display 20, etc.

[0097] In addition, the output angle (coverage angle) of the sound from the speaker device 1 is set, for example, within a range below the nominal coverage angle. Therefore, the reflector 2 only needs to be formed such that the elliptical reflecting surface 3 has a size for reflecting the sound output within a range equal to or less than the nominal coverage angle. Since the elliptical reflecting surface 3 is formed to have a size for reflecting the sound output within a range equal to or less than the nominal coverage angle, the reflector 2 can be miniaturized, and the viewer 100 can listen to the sound at high sound pressure.

[0098] However, the output angle of the sound from the speaker device 1 can also be set within a range below the effective coverage angle. In this case, the reflector 2 can be further reduced, and the viewer 100 can listen to the sound at a higher sound pressure.

[0099] In addition, when the sound is output from the speaker device 1 toward the rear, a part of the output sound does not propagate toward the elliptical reflection surface 3 but propagates forward or obliquely downward in front of the speaker device 1 (see arrow A), and can reach the viewer 100 earlier than the sound reflected by the elliptical reflection surface 3.

[0100] In this case, for example, a shielding wall 30 can also be arranged at a position where the sound traveling around the speaker device 1 propagates (refer to Figure 3 ). The shielding wall 30 is, for example, arranged below the speaker device 1, and can also be arranged on the side or in front of the speaker device 1.

[0101] In this way, by arranging the shielding wall 30 that shields the sound output from the speaker device 1 and not reflected by the elliptical reflection surface 3, the sound output from the speaker device 1 and not reflected by the elliptical reflection surface 3 is shielded by the shielding wall 30 and is difficult to reach the viewer 100. Therefore, by aligning the display position of the image displayed on the display 20 with the sound output position, a comfortable viewing state without discomfort can be ensured.

[0102] In the above description, as an example, the speaker system 10 including the speaker device 1 configured with an orientation to output sound toward the rear has been described, but for example, a speaker system 10X including the speaker device 1 configured with an orientation to output sound toward the rear and obliquely downward can also be adopted (refer to Figure 4 ).

[0103] Thereby, even when the output angle of the sound output from the speaker device 1 is small, the elliptical reflection surface 3 can be effectively used to propagate the sound in the required direction.

[0104] In addition, by outputting the sound from the speaker device 1 toward the rear and obliquely downward, a speaker device 1 with a small sound output angle can be used, and the selection range of the speaker device 1 that can be used can be expanded.

[0105] On the other hand, the speaker system 10Y can be used instead of the speaker system 10 so that the sound propagates more upward from the virtual sound source (see Figure 5 ).

[0106] The speaker system 10Y includes: a speaker device 1 arranged to output sound backward; and a reflector 2Y having a larger size in the vertical direction than the reflector 2 of the speaker system 10. In the reflector 2Y, the midpoint T between the focal points F1 and F2 is located, for example, above the display 20. Therefore, the elliptical reflecting surface 3 has a larger area in the major axis direction, so that a larger area can reflect sound. Therefore, the sound output at a larger angle is also reflected by the elliptical reflecting surface 3 and collected at the focal point F2.

[0107] As described above, in the speaker system 10Y, the midpoint T between the focal points F1 and F2 on the elliptical reflecting surface 3 is located outside the area of the projection surface 21a. Compared with the case where the speaker device 1 outputs sound backward, the sound easily propagates upward from the virtual sound source. Therefore, a viewer 100 located at a higher position can listen to the sound with a high sound pressure.

[0108] In addition, in order to make the sound propagate more upward from the virtual sound source in the speaker system 10Y, the speaker system 10Z (see Figure 6 ) can be used.

[0109] In the speaker system 10Z, the reflector 2 is tilted so that the front side is raised with respect to the vertical direction, and the major axis is tilted so that the front side is raised with respect to the display 20. The speaker device 1 is arranged in a state where the reflector 2 is tilted to output sound backward and obliquely downward. Since the reflector 2 is tilted, the midpoint T between the focal points F1 and F2 is located, for example, above the display 20.

[0110] In the speaker system 10Z, the reflector 2 is tilted so that the front side is raised. Therefore, similarly to the speaker system 10Y, compared with the structure in which the speaker device 1 outputs sound backward, the sound easily propagates upward from the virtual sound source, and a viewer 100 located at a higher position can hear the sound with a high sound pressure.

[0111] In addition, the major axis of the elliptical reflecting surface 3 is tilted with respect to the display surface 21 of the display 20 so that the sound from the virtual sound source can be output in the direction according to the tilt direction of the major axis. Thus, a good sound listening state can be ensured.

[0112] <Speaker System According to the Second Embodiment>

[0113] Next, the speaker system 10A according to the second embodiment will be described (see Figure 7 ).

[0114] Note that since the speaker system 10A according to the second embodiment has the same basic configuration as the speaker system 10 according to the first embodiment, only the differences from the speaker system 10 according to the first embodiment will be described in detail (the same applies to the following descriptions of the speaker systems according to the third to tenth embodiments).

[0115] The speaker system 10A includes a speaker device 1 and a plurality of reflectors 2, for example, two reflectors 2, 2.

[0116] The speaker device 1 is arranged to output sound forward.

[0117] Both reflectors 2, 2 are arranged above the display 20 and outside the area of the projection surface 21a. The reflectors 2, 2 are offset from each other perpendicularly. The upper reflector 2 is defined as the reflector 2V, and the lower reflector 2 is defined as the reflector 2W. The reflector 2V is set to be semi-elliptical, and the reflector 2W is formed to have a size that is half the size of the approximate semi-elliptical size.

[0118] The reflector 2V is formed in a shape that is recessed in the backward direction, and the reflector 2W is formed in a shape that is recessed in the forward direction. The lower end of the reflector 2V and the upper end of the reflector 2W are in the same position in the vertical and horizontal directions, and the lower end of the reflector 2V is in front of the upper end of the reflector 2W. Both the reflector 2V and the reflector 2W are arranged in a direction where the major axis direction coincides with the vertical direction.

[0119] When the upper focus and the lower focus of the reflector 2V are defined as F1 and F2 respectively, and the upper focus and the lower focus of the reflector 2W are defined as F3 and F4 respectively, the lower focus F2 of the reflector 2V and the upper focus F3 of the reflector 2W coincide with each other.

[0120] The speaker device 1 is disposed at or near the upper focus F1 of the reflector 2V and outside the area of the projection surface 21a.

[0121] In the speaker system 10A configured as described above, when sound is output from the speaker device 1, the output sound is reflected by the elliptical reflecting surface 3 of the reflector 2V, collected at the focus F2 (focus F3), reflected by the elliptical reflecting surface 3 of the reflector 2W, collected at the focus F4, and propagated to the viewer 100.

[0122] At this time, since the sound output from the speaker device 1 is collected at the focus F4, the sound image of this sound is located at the focus F4, and a virtual sound source is formed at the focus F4.

[0123] Therefore, the viewer 100 recognizes that the sound output from the speaker device 1 seems to be output from the display surface 21 of the display 20.

[0124] As described above, the speaker system 10A has a plurality of reflectors 2, and the foci of each of the plurality of reflectors coincide with each other. The sound output from the speaker device 1 is sequentially reflected by the elliptical reflecting surfaces 3 of the plurality of reflectors 2.

[0125] Therefore, the sound image of the sound sequentially reflected by the elliptical reflecting surfaces 3 formed on the plurality of reflectors 2 is within the range of the projection surface 21a as a virtual sound source, and the speaker device 1 can be arranged at a desired position according to the number of reflectors 2. Thus, the degree of freedom in designing the arrangement position of the speaker device 1 can be improved.

[0126] It should be noted that although the example of arranging two reflectors 2, 2 has been described above, three or more reflectors 2, 2,... can be arranged in the speaker system 10A. In this case, the foci of each of the reflectors 2, 2,... on which the sound is sequentially reflected coincide with each other.

[0127] <Speaker System According to the Third Embodiment>

[0128] Next, the speaker system 10B according to the third embodiment will be described (see Figure 8 ).

[0129] The speaker system 10B includes a speaker device 1 and a plurality of reflectors 2, such as two reflectors 2, 2.

[0130] The speaker device 1 is arranged to output sound forward.

[0131] Both reflectors 2, 2 are arranged above the display 20 and outside the area of the projection surface 21a. The reflectors 2, 2 are staggered from each other in the horizontal direction. One of the reflectors 2, 2 is defined as the reflector 2V, and the other is defined as the reflector 2W. The reflector 2V is arranged in a semi-elliptical shape, and the reflector 2W is formed to have a size half of the size of the semi-elliptical shape approximately.

[0132] The reflector 2V is formed in a shape that is recessed in the backward direction, and the reflector 2W is formed in a shape that is recessed in the forward direction. The first end of the reflector 2V in the horizontal direction and the upper end of the reflector 2W are in the same position in the vertical and horizontal directions, and the first end of the reflector 2V in the horizontal direction is in front of the upper end of the reflector 2W. The reflector 2V is arranged in a direction where the major axis direction coincides with the horizontal direction, and the reflector 2W is arranged in a direction where the major axis direction coincides with the vertical direction.

[0133] When the left and right foci of the reflector 2V are defined as F1 and F2 respectively, and the upper and lower foci of the reflector 2W are defined as F3 and F4 respectively, the focus F2 of the reflector 2V and the upper focus F3 of the reflector 2W coincide with each other.

[0134] The speaker device 1 is arranged near the focus F1 of the reflector 2V and outside the area of the projection surface 21a.

[0135] In the speaker system 10B configured as described above, when sound is output from the speaker device 1, the output sound is reflected by the elliptical reflection surface 3 of the reflector 2V, collected at the focus F2 (focus F3), reflected by the elliptical reflection surface 3 of the reflector 2W, collected at the focus F4, and propagated toward the viewer 100.

[0136] At this time, since the sound output from the speaker device 1 is collected at the focus F4, the sound image of this sound is located at the focus F4, and a virtual sound source is formed at the focus F4.

[0137] Therefore, the viewer 100 recognizes that the sound output from the speaker device 1 seems to be output from the display surface 21 of the display 20.

[0138] As described above, the speaker system 10B includes a plurality of reflectors 2, and the sound output from the speaker device 1 is sequentially reflected by the elliptical reflection surfaces 3 of the plurality of reflectors 2.

[0139] Therefore, the sound image of the sound sequentially reflected by the elliptical reflection surfaces 3 formed on the plurality of reflectors 2 is located within the range of the projection surface 21a as a virtual sound source, and the speaker device 1 can be arranged at a desired position according to the number of reflectors 2. Thus, the design freedom of the arrangement position of the speaker device 1 can be improved.

[0140] In addition, the two reflectors 2, 2 that sequentially reflect sound are arranged such that the major axis of the elliptical reflection surface 3 of one is orthogonal to the major axis of the elliptical reflection surface 3 of the other, so that the length directions of the two reflectors 2, 2 are orthogonal. Thus, the space of the reflectors 2, 2 can be reduced.

[0141] It should be noted that although the example of arranging two reflectors 2, 2 has been described above, three or more reflectors 2, 2,... can be arranged in the speaker system 10B. In this case, the foci of each reflector among the reflectors 2, 2,... that sequentially reflect sound coincide with each other, and the major axis directions of the reflectors 2, 2,... that sequentially reflect sound are orthogonal to each other.

[0142] <Speaker System According to the Fourth Embodiment>

[0143] Next, the speaker system 10C according to the fourth embodiment will be described (see Figure 9 ).

[0144] The speaker system 10C includes a plurality of speaker devices 1, 1,... and a plurality of reflectors 2, 2,....

[0145] The speaker device 1 is arranged in an orientation that outputs sound rearward.

[0146] The reflectors 2, 2,... are arranged outside the outer periphery of the display 20 and are located outside the area of the projection surface 21a. The reflectors 2, 2,... are arranged, for example, above the display 20, below the display 20, and on both sides of the display 20 in the horizontal direction so as to be vertically and horizontally symmetric.

[0147] Each reflector 2 is formed in a shape that is recessed in the forward direction. The reflectors 2, 2,... arranged above and below the display 20 are arranged with the major axis direction aligned with the vertical direction, and the reflectors 2, 2 arranged on both sides of the display 20 in the horizontal direction are arranged with the major axis direction aligned with the horizontal direction.

[0148] When the foci of the reflectors 2, 2,... located outside the outer periphery of the display 20 are defined as F1, F1,... respectively, and the foci located inside the outer periphery of the display 20 are defined as F2, F2,... respectively, the foci F2 of the reflectors 2, 2,... located above the display 20 coincide with the foci F2 of the reflectors 2, 2,... located below the display 20, and the foci F2 of the reflectors 2, 2 located on both sides of the display 20 coincide with the foci F2 of the reflectors 2, 2,... located above and below the display 20 in the horizontal direction.

[0149] In the speaker system 10C configured as described above, when sound is output from the speaker devices 1, 1,..., the output sound is reflected by the elliptical reflecting surfaces 3, 3,... of the reflectors 2, 2,..., collected at the foci F2, F2, and F2, and propagated toward the viewer 100.

[0150] At this time, since the sound output from the speaker devices 1, 1,... is collected at the three foci F2, F2, and F2, the sound images of the sound are respectively located at the foci F2, F2, and F2. Therefore, virtual sound sources are respectively formed at the foci F2, F2, and F2.

[0151] Therefore, the viewer 100 recognizes that the sound output from the speaker devices 1, 1,... is output from the display surface 21 of the display 20.

[0152] As described above, in the speaker system 10C, a plurality of reflectors 2 and a plurality of speaker devices 1 are arranged around the display 20.

[0153] Therefore, since the sound image of the sound output from the plurality of speaker devices 1 arranged around the display 20 is localized in the area of the projection surface 21a, virtual sound sources can be formed at multiple positions respectively, and an increase in sound pressure and a wide-range sound output can be achieved.

[0154] In addition, in the above example, an example of localizing the sound image of the sound at three positions is described. However, depending on the number, orientation, etc. of the reflectors 2, the positions and the number of the sound images for localizing the sound can be freely set.

[0155] Specifically, in a cinema or the like, a total of three speakers including a center speaker, a left speaker, and a right speaker or a total of five speakers are often used. And due to the above configuration of forming virtual sound sources at multiple positions, a surround sound system similar to the case of using such a plurality of speakers can be realized.

[0156] <Speaker System According to the Fifth Embodiment>

[0157] Next, a speaker system 10D according to the fifth embodiment will be described (see Figure 10 ).

[0158] The speaker system 10D includes a plurality of speaker devices 1, 1,... and a plurality of reflectors 2, 2,...

[0159] The speaker device 1 is arranged in an orientation that outputs sound backward.

[0160] The reflectors 2, 2,... are arranged outside the outer periphery of the display 20 and are located outside the area of the projection surface 21a. The reflectors 2, 2,... are arranged, for example, above and below the display 20 so as to be vertically and horizontally symmetric.

[0161] Each reflector 2 is formed in a shape that is concave in the forward direction. The reflectors 2, 2,... arranged above and below the display 20 are placed in such a way that the major axis directions are different from each other, and the inclination angle or the inclination direction of the major axis direction changes sequentially in the horizontal direction. Specifically, the major axis direction of the reflector 2 located at the center in the horizontal direction coincides with the vertical direction, and the inclination angle of the major axis direction of the reflectors 2, 2,.... Except for the reflector 2 located at the center in the horizontal direction, the inclination angle of the reflector 2 located at the center in the horizontal direction increases as it moves away from the reflector 2 located at the center in the horizontal direction. The reflectors 2, 2,... are arranged such that the inclination directions of the reflectors 2, 2,... are symmetric with respect to the reflector 2 located at the center in the horizontal direction in the horizontal direction.

[0162] When the foci of the reflectors 2, 2,... located outside the outer periphery of the display 20 are defined as F1, F1,... respectively, and the foci located inside the outer periphery of the display 20 are defined as F2, F2,... respectively, at the foci F2, F2,... all the reflectors 2, 2,... coincide with each other. For example, the foci F2, F2,... coincide with each other directly in front of the central portion of the projection surface 21a.

[0163] In the speaker system 10D configured as described above, when sound is output from the speaker device 1, the output sound is reflected by the elliptical reflecting surface 3 of the reflector 2, collected at the focus F2, and propagated toward the viewer 100.

[0164] At this time, since the sound output from the speaker devices 1, 1,... is collected at the focus F2, the sound image of the sound is located at the focus F2, and a virtual sound source is formed at the focus F2.

[0165] Therefore, the viewer 100 recognizes that the sound output from the speaker devices 1, 1,... is output from the display surface 21 of the display 20.

[0166] As described above, in the speaker system 10D, a plurality of reflectors 2 and a plurality of speaker devices 1 are arranged around the display 20.

[0167] Therefore, the sound image of the sound output from the plurality of speaker devices 1 arranged around the display 20 is located within the area of the projection surface 21a as a single virtual sound source, and the sound pressure can be increased.

[0168] <Speaker System According to the Sixth Embodiment>

[0169] Next, a speaker system 10E according to the sixth embodiment will be described (see Figure 11 ).

[0170] The speaker system 10E includes a speaker device 1, a reflector 2, and a parabolic reflector 4.

[0171] The speaker device 1 is configured to output sound forward.

[0172] The reflector 2 is arranged above the display 20 and outside the area of the projection surface 21a. The reflector 2 is formed in a shape that is recessed upward, and is arranged in an orientation where the major axis direction coincides with the vertical direction.

[0173] The speaker device 1 is arranged at or near the upper focus F1 of the reflector 2 and outside the area of the projection surface 21a.

[0174] The parabolic reflector 4 is formed in a shape that is recessed in the backward direction and has an inner surface formed as a parabolic reflecting surface 4a. The parabolic reflector 4 is disposed in front of the speaker device 1.

[0175] In the speaker system 10E configured as described above, when sound is output from the speaker device 1, the output sound is reflected by the parabolic reflecting surface 4a of the parabolic reflector 4 and propagates toward the elliptical reflecting surface 3 of the reflector 2 in a parallel or substantially parallel state. The sound reflected by the parabolic reflecting surface 4a is reflected by the elliptical reflecting surface 3 of the reflector 2, collected at the focal point F2, and propagated toward the viewer 100.

[0176] At this time, since the sound output from the speaker device 1 is collected at the focal point F2, the sound image of this sound is concentrated on the focal point F2, and a virtual sound source is formed at the focal point F2.

[0177] Therefore, the viewer 100 recognizes that the sound output from the speaker device 1 seems to be output from the display surface 21 of the display 20.

[0178] As described above, the speaker system 10E is provided with a parabolic reflector 4 having a parabolic reflecting surface 4a formed in a parabolic shape, so that the sound output from the speaker device 1 is reflected by the parabolic reflecting surface 4a toward the elliptical reflecting surface 3.

[0179] Therefore, the sound is reflected by the parabolic reflecting surface 4a and incident on the elliptical reflecting surface 3 in a parallel or substantially parallel state, whereby high directivity can be ensured and attenuation of the sound pressure can be suppressed.

[0180] In addition, the linearity of the sound is enhanced, whereby the sound is less likely to attenuate. Thus, the speaker device 1 can propagate sound over a long distance with a small output.

[0181] <Speaker System According to the Seventh Embodiment>

[0182] Next, a speaker system 10F according to the seventh embodiment will be described (see Figure 12 ).

[0183] The speaker system 10F includes a speaker device 1 and a reflector 2F.

[0184] The speaker device 1 is arranged in an orientation that outputs sound rearward.

[0185] The reflector 2F is arranged to extend from a region above the display 20 to a region on the rear side of the display 20 and is located outside the region of the projection surface 21a. The reflector 2F is formed in a shape that is almost three-quarters of an ellipse and is arranged such that the major axis direction extends along the vertical direction and the minor axis direction extends along the front-rear direction.

[0186] The speaker device 1 is disposed near the lower focus F2 of the reflector 2F. The speaker device 1 is disposed on the back side of the display 20 and is located outside the region of the projection surface 21a.

[0187] In the speaker system 10F configured as described above, when sound is output from the speaker device 1, the output sound is reflected by the elliptical reflecting surface 3 of the reflector 2F, collected at the focus F1, reflected again by the elliptical reflecting surface 3 to travel toward the display surface 21 of the display 20, and collected at or near the focus F2. The sound collected at or near the focus F2 is reflected by the display surface 21 and propagates toward the viewer 100.

[0188] At this time, since the sound output from the speaker device 1 converges near the focus F2, the sound image of the sound is localized near the focus F2. Therefore, a virtual sound source is formed at or near the focus F2.

[0189] As described above, in the speaker system 10F, the speaker device 1 is disposed on the rear side of the display 20, the reflector 2F is arranged to extend from a region on the rear side of the display 20 to a region outside the outer periphery of the display 20, and the sound output from the speaker device 1 is reflected multiple times by the elliptical reflecting surface 3, so that the sound image of the virtual sound source is confined within the region of the projection surface 21a.

[0190] Therefore, the speaker device 1 is disposed at a position where the viewer 100 cannot see it, and the speaker device 1 does not enter the field of view of the viewer 100. Thereby, the visibility of the viewer 100 can be improved. In addition, since the speaker device 1 is disposed on the rear side of the display 20, the wiring disposed on the rear side of the display 20 can be used.

[0191] In addition, since the portion of the reflector 2F located on the rear side of the display 20 is arranged as a semi-ellipse, the elliptical reflecting surface 3 reflects all the sound output from the speaker device 1, and all the sound output from the speaker device 1 is reflected by the elliptical reflecting surface 3 by one reflection. Therefore, by reducing the loss of sound, the sound pressure can be increased.

[0192] In addition, since the speaker device 1 is disposed on the rear side of the display 20, the sound propagated around the speaker device 1 is shielded by the display 20, so that a comfortable viewing state of the viewer 100 can be ensured.

[0193] Speaker system according to the eighth embodiment

[0194] Next, the speaker system 10G according to the eighth embodiment will be described (see Figure 13 ).

[0195] The speaker system 10G includes a speaker device 1 and a reflector 2.

[0196] The speaker device 1 is arranged in a direction that outputs sound backward.

[0197] The reflector 2 is arranged above the display 20 and outside the area of the projection surface 21a. The reflector 2 includes a deformable material and has, for example, a piezoelectric film (not shown) attached to its outer surface. A voltage can be applied to the piezoelectric film. When a voltage is applied to the piezoelectric film, the piezoelectric film deforms into a curvature corresponding to the magnitude of the applied voltage.

[0198] Therefore, the elliptical reflection surface 3 of the reflector 2 is deformed into a curvature corresponding to the deformation of the piezoelectric film, and the focal length between the focal points F1 and F2 is changed by the deformation.

[0199] The speaker device 1 is disposed above the upper focal point F1 of the reflector 2 or near it. The speaker device 1 can be moved by a moving mechanism (not shown) and moves according to the position of the focal point F1 that changes along with the deformation of the reflector 2. Therefore, since the speaker device 1 can be moved, the speaker device 1 is always located near the position-changing focal point F1. The speaker device 1 is disposed outside the area of the projection surface 21a regardless of the moving position of the speaker device 1.

[0200] In addition, the deformation state of the reflector 2 when it is deformed may also include a plurality of predetermined deformation states. For example, the deformation state can be set to a first deformation state having a first curvature, a second deformation state having a second curvature, and a third deformation state having a third curvature. In this case, the position of the focal point F1 is also determined in each of the preset deformation states. Therefore, the speaker devices 1, 1, and 1 can also be fixed at the position where the changed focal point F1 is located or near it, respectively.

[0201] In the speaker system 10G configured as described above, when sound is output from the speaker device 1, the output sound is reflected by the elliptical reflection surface 3 of the reflector 2, collected at the focal point F2, and propagated to the viewer 100.

[0202] At this time, since the sound output from the speaker device 1 is collected at the focal point F2 where the position changes, the sound image of the sound is located at each focal point F2. Therefore, a virtual sound source is formed at each focal point F2.

[0203] As described above, in the speaker system 10G, the curvature of the elliptical reflecting surface 3 is changed, and the position of the speaker device 1 is changed according to the displacement of the focal position caused by the change in the curvature of the elliptical reflecting surface 3. Therefore, by changing the position of the speaker device 1, the position of the virtual sound source where the sound image is located can be changed, so that the display position of the video and the output position of the sound can be changed according to the display state of the display surface 21.

[0204] <Speaker System According to the Ninth Embodiment>

[0205] Next, the speaker system 10H according to the ninth embodiment will be described (see Figure 14 ).

[0206] The speaker system 10H includes a plurality of speaker devices 1 and a plurality of reflectors 2. For example, the speaker system 10H includes three speaker devices 1, 1, and 1 and three reflectors 2, 2, and 2. In addition, in the following description, an example in which three speaker devices 1 and three reflectors 2 are arranged is described, but the number of speaker devices 1 and the number of reflectors 2 to be arranged can be arbitrarily set as long as they are two or more.

[0207] The speaker device 1 is arranged in a direction of outputting sound backward.

[0208] The reflectors 2, 2, and 2 are arranged outside the outer periphery of the display 20 and are located outside the area of the projection surface 21a. The reflectors 2, 2, and 2 are located above the display 20 and are separated from each other in the front-rear direction, for example. Each reflector 2 is formed in a shape that is recessed in the forward direction and is arranged in an orientation in which the major axis direction coincides with the vertical direction.

[0209] In addition, horizontal light-shielding plates 40, 40 facing the vertical direction are attached to the reflectors 2, 2 other than the reflector 2 arranged on the rearmost side. Each horizontal light-shielding plate 40 protrudes backward from the lower end of the reflector 2. The upper ends of the reflectors 2, 2, and 2 are fixed to the lower surface of the fixing plate 41 facing the vertical direction. The upper end of a vertical light-shielding plate 42 facing the front-rear direction is fixed to the lower surface of the fixing plate 41 in front of the speaker device 1 arranged on the foremost side, and a horizontal light-shielding plate 40 is attached to the lower end of the vertical light-shielding plate 42. The horizontal light-shielding plate 40 protrudes backward from the lower end of the vertical light-shielding plate 42.

[0210] The speaker devices 1, 1, and 1 are respectively arranged near the foci F1, F1, F1 of the reflectors 2, 2, and 2. The speaker devices 1, 1, and 1 are respectively arranged in different spaces 46, 46, 46 partitioned by the reflector 2, the horizontal light-shielding plate 40, the fixing plate 41, and the vertical light-shielding plate 42.

[0211] Speaker devices 1, 1, and 1 are respectively connected to the original sound source 43 via amplifiers 44, 44, 44. In the speaker devices 1, 1 other than the speaker device 1 arranged at the rearmost side, delay circuits 45, 45 are built in between the original sound source 43 and the amplifiers 44, 44.

[0212] In the speaker system 10H configured in this way, when sound is output from the original sound source 43, the sound amplified by the amplifiers 44, 44, 44 is output from the speaker devices 1, 1, and 1 respectively. At this time, the two speaker devices 1, 1 on the front side delay the sound through the delay circuits 45, 45 and output the delayed sound. That is, the sound output from the speaker device 1 arranged at the center in the front-rear direction is output with a delay relative to the sound output from the speaker device 1 arranged at the rearmost side, and the sound output from the speaker device 1 arranged at the foremost side is output with a delay relative to the sound output from the speaker device 1 arranged at the center in the front-rear direction.

[0213] When sound is output from the speaker devices 1, 1, and 1, the horizontal light-shielding plates 40, 40, 40 and the vertical light-shielding plate 42 shield the sound that propagates around the speaker devices 1, 1, and 1 and propagates forward or obliquely downward and then forward.

[0214] In addition, when sound is output from the speaker devices 1, 1, and 1, the sound traveling around the speaker device 1 arranged at the rearmost side is shielded by the reflector 2 arranged at the center in the front-rear direction, and the sound traveling around the speaker device 1 arranged at the center in the front-rear direction is shielded by the reflector 2 arranged at the foremost side. Therefore, the reflector 2 arranged at the center part in the front-rear direction and the reflector 2 arranged at the foremost side have the functions of reflecting the sound required for listening and shielding the sound that propagates around the speaker devices 1, 1 and is not required to be listened to, can reduce the number of parts, and can ensure the simplification of the structure and improve the functions of the reflectors 2, 2.

[0215] As described above, the sound output from the speaker devices 1, 1, and 1 is reflected by the elliptical reflection surfaces 3, 3, 3 of the reflectors 2, 2, and 2 that converge at the focal points F2, F2, F2 respectively and propagates toward the viewer 100.

[0216] At this time, since the sound output from the speaker devices 1, 1, and 1 is respectively collected at the focal points F2, F2, F2, the sound images of each sound are concentrated at the focal points F2, F2, F2. Therefore, virtual sound sources are respectively formed at the focal points F2, F2, and F2.

[0217] As a result, the viewer 100 recognizes that the sound output from the speaker devices 1, 1, and 1 seems to be output from the display surface 21 of the display 20.

[0218] In addition, as described above, since the sounds output from the speaker device 1 disposed at the center in the front-rear direction and the speaker device 1 disposed at the frontmost side are delayed by the delay circuits 45 and 45 and then output, the sounds output from each virtual sound source are propagated to the viewer 100 synchronously.

[0219] As described above, in the speaker system 10H, speaker devices 1, 1, and 1 are correspondingly disposed with respect to the plurality of reflectors 2, 2, and 2, and delay circuits 45 and 45 for synchronizing the sounds output from the virtual sound sources corresponding to the plurality of speaker devices 1, 1, and 1 are arranged.

[0220] Therefore, the sounds output from the virtual sound sources corresponding to the speaker devices 1, 1, and 1 are synchronized by the delay circuits 45 and 45 and reach the viewer 100, so that the sound pressure can be increased and a comfortable sound listening state with high directivity can be ensured.

[0221] In addition, in the above description, an example in which the speaker devices 1, 1, and 1 are respectively disposed in different spaces 46, 46, and 46 partitioned by the reflector 2 and the vertical light-shielding plate 42 and the like has been described, but the speaker devices 1, 1, and 1 may also be disposed in the same space 47 (refer to Figure 15 ).

[0222] For example, the reflector 2, the horizontal light-shielding plate 40, the fixing plate 41, and the vertical light-shielding plate 42 are provided. In the space 47 partitioned by the horizontal light-shielding plate 40, the fixing plate 41, and the vertical light-shielding plate 42, speaker devices 1, 1, and 1 separated and disposed in the front-rear direction are disposed. The upper end of the reflector 2 is fixed to the rear end of the fixing plate 41. The rearmost speaker device 1 is disposed near the focal point F1 of the reflector 2.

[0223] According to this structure, when sound is output from the original sound source 43, the sound output from the speaker device 1 disposed at the center portion in the front-rear direction is output with a delay with respect to the sound output from the speaker device 1 disposed at the frontmost side, and the sound output from the speaker device 1 disposed at the rearmost side is output with a delay with respect to the sound output from the speaker device 1 disposed at the center portion in the front-rear direction.

[0224] When sound is output from the speaker devices 1, 1, and 1, the unnecessary sound is shielded by the horizontal light-shielding plate 40 and the vertical light-shielding plate 42.

[0225] As described above, the sounds output from the speaker devices 1, 1, and 1 are reflected by the elliptical reflection surface 3 of the reflector 2, collected at the focal point F2, and propagated to the viewer 100.

[0226] At this time, since the sounds output from the speaker devices 1, 1, and 1 are collected at the focal point F2, the sound image of the sound is localized at the focal point F2, and a virtual sound source is formed at the focal point F2.

[0227] Thus, the viewer 100 recognizes that the sound output from the speaker devices 1, 1, and 1 is output from the display surface 21 of the display 20.

[0228] In addition, as described above, since the sounds output from the speaker device 1 disposed at the center in the front-rear direction and the speaker device 1 disposed at the foremost side are delayed by the delay circuits 45, 45 and output, the sounds output from the respective virtual sound sources propagate to the viewer 100 synchronously.

[0229] According to the above structure, the speaker devices 1, 1, and 1 are arranged in the same space 47, the horizontal light-shielding plate 40 is arranged below the speaker devices 1, 1, and 1, and there is no gap below the speaker devices 1, 1, and 1. Therefore, the effect of shielding the sound unnecessary when the sound is output from the speaker devices 1, 1, and 1 can be improved, the sound pressure can be increased, and a more comfortable sound listening state with high directivity can be ensured.

[0230] <Speaker System According to the Tenth Embodiment>

[0231] Next, a speaker system 10I according to the tenth embodiment will be described (see Figure 16 ).

[0232] The speaker system 10I includes a speaker device 1 and a reflector 2I.

[0233] The speaker device 1 is arranged in an orientation that outputs sound forward and obliquely upward.

[0234] The reflector 2I is arranged in front of the upper end of the display 20 and is formed in a semi-elliptical shape having, for example, a semi-ellipse along the long axis direction. The long axis direction is inclined such that the front side is lowered with respect to the vertical direction.

[0235] The speaker device 1 is arranged near one of the foci F1 of the reflector 2I. The speaker device 1 is arranged inside the reflector 2I and outside the region of the projection surface 21a. The speaker device 1 is arranged in the long axis direction of the reflector 2I in a sound output orientation opposite to the focus F2.

[0236] In the speaker system 10I configured as described above, when sound is output from the speaker device 1, the output sound is reflected twice by the elliptical reflection surface 3 of the reflector 2I and is concentrated at the focus F2. The sound collected at the focus F2 is reflected by the display surface 21 and propagates toward the viewer 100.

[0237] At this time, since the sound output from the speaker device 1 is collected at the focal point F2, the sound image of this sound is concentrated at the focal point F2, and a virtual sound source is formed at the focal point F2. In the direction (front-back direction) orthogonal to the display surface 21, the virtual sound source formed at the focal point F2 is located at a position closer to the display surface 21 in the speaker device 1 disposed near the focal point F1.

[0238] As described above, in the speaker system 10I, in the direction orthogonal to the display surface 21 of the display 20, the virtual sound source is closer to the display surface 21 relative to the speaker device 1.

[0239] Therefore, relative to the speaker device 1 which is a real sound source, since the virtual sound source is located at a position closer to the display surface 21, the viewer 100 can listen to the sound with high directivity.

[0240] In addition, by making the reflector 2I semi-elliptical and causing the elliptical reflecting surface 3 to reflect the entire sound output from the speaker device 1, sound loss can be reduced and the sound pressure can be increased.

[0241] Furthermore, by adjusting the tilt angle of the reflector 2I and the position of the reflector 2I relative to the display 20, the sound can easily propagate from the virtual sound source in the necessary direction and toward the necessary area, and the sound can be propagated in the necessary direction and toward the necessary area while increasing the design freedom.

[0242] It should be noted that although the above description indicates an example in which the reflector 2I is disposed in front of the display 20 on the upper end side, the reflectors 2I and 2I can be disposed in front of the display 20 on the upper end side and the lower end side respectively (see Figure 17 ). In this case, the lower reflector 2I is tilted such that the major axis direction is tilted so that the front side rises with respect to the vertical direction.

[0243] According to this structure, it is possible to propagate the sound in the necessary direction and toward the necessary area while ensuring high sound pressure and high directivity.

[0244] In addition, in the case of outputting unnecessary sound that is unnecessary for the viewer 100 listening to the sound, the speaker system 10I can be configured such that the sound-absorbing material 50 is attached to a part of the reflector 2I or a part of the reflector 2I is formed as a sound-absorbing wall (see Figure 18 ). Examples of such unnecessary sound include sound that reaches the ceiling surface or the floor surface and echoes unintentionally, and sound that is reflected, delayed, and propagated toward the viewer 100 on the ceiling surface or the floor surface (see Figure 17 G, G in).

[0245] As described above, since the sound absorption material 50 is attached to a part of the reflector 2I or a part of the reflector 2I is formed as a sound absorption wall, unnecessary sound that is unnecessary for the viewer 100 listening to the sound is absorbed by the sound absorption material 50 or the sound absorption wall, so that a comfortable viewing state of the viewer 100 can be ensured without discomfort. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0247] As described above, each speaker system 10 to 10I includes: a speaker device 1 disposed outside the area of the projection surface 21a and serving as a real sound source; and a reflector 2 (2Y, 2V, 2W, 2F, 2I) having a reflection surface that reflects the sound output from the speaker device 1 and localizes the sound image of the virtual sound source within the area of the projection surface 21a, and at least a part of the reflector 2 (2Y, 2V, 2W, 2F, 2I) has an elliptical reflection surface 3.

[0248] Therefore, the sound output from the speaker device 1 disposed outside the area of the projection surface 21a of the display surface 21 of the display 20 is reflected by the reflector 2 (2Y, 2V, 2W, 2F, 2I), and its sound image is located within the area of the projection surface 21a. Therefore, it is possible to align the display position of the video with the sound output position, and a comfortable viewing state of the viewer 100 can be ensured.

[0249] In addition, as a sound output method, each speaker system 10 to 10I uses the following method: outputting sound from the speaker device 1, which is disposed outside the area of the projection surface 21a and functions as an actual sound source; and reflecting the sound output from the speaker device 1 through the elliptical reflection surface 3 formed on the reflector 2 (2Y, 2V, 2W, 2F, 2I) to localize the sound image of the virtual sound source within the area of the projection surface 21a.

[0250] Therefore, the sound output from the speaker device 1 disposed outside the area of the projection surface 21a of the display surface 21 of the display 20 is reflected by the reflector 2 (2Y, 2V, 2W, 2F, 2I), and its sound image is located within the area of the projection surface 21a. Therefore, it is possible to align the display position of the video with the sound output position, and a comfortable viewing state of the viewer 100 can be ensured.

[0251] <THE TECHNOLOGY>

[0252] This technology may also have the following configurations. (1)

[0254] A speaker system, comprising:

[0255] A loudspeaker device, which is arranged outside the area of a projection surface on which a display is projected, and the loudspeaker device serves as a real sound source; and

[0256] A reflector, which has a reflecting surface for reflecting sound output from the loudspeaker device, and the reflector positions a sound image of a virtual sound source within the area of the projection surface,

[0257] wherein the reflector has an elliptical reflecting surface in at least a part of the reflecting surface. (2)

[0259] The loudspeaker system according to (1) above,

[0260] wherein the loudspeaker device is arranged at one focus of the elliptical reflecting surface or near one focus of the elliptical reflecting surface. (3)

[0262] The loudspeaker system according to (1) or (2) above,

[0263] wherein the reflector is arranged outside the area of the projection surface. (4)

[0265] The loudspeaker system according to any one of (1) to (3) above,

[0266] wherein the sound image of the virtual sound source is positioned at the central part of the projection surface. (5)

[0268] The loudspeaker system according to any one of (1) to (4) above,

[0269] wherein the loudspeaker device and the reflector are arranged above the display. (6)

[0271] The loudspeaker system according to any one of (1) to (5) above,

[0272] wherein the midpoint between two foci on the elliptical reflecting surface is located outside the area of the projection surface. (7)

[0274] The loudspeaker system according to any one of (1) to (6) above,

[0275] wherein the elliptical reflecting surface has a major axis inclined with respect to the display surface. (8)

[0277] The loudspeaker system according to any one of (1) to (7) above,

[0278] Among them, the virtual sound source is located at a position closer to the display surface than the speaker device in a direction orthogonal to the display surface. (9)

[0280] The speaker system according to any one of the above (1) to (8),

[0281] Among them, a plurality of the reflectors are provided,

[0282] The foci of each of the plurality of reflectors coincide with each other, and

[0283] The sound output from the speaker device is sequentially reflected by the elliptical reflection surfaces of the plurality of reflectors. (10)

[0285] The speaker system according to the above (9),

[0286] Among them, in two reflectors that sequentially reflect sound, the major axis of the elliptical reflection surface of one of the two reflectors and the major axis of the elliptical reflection surface of the other of the two reflectors are orthogonal to each other. (11)

[0288] The speaker system according to any one of the above (1) to (8),

[0289] Among them, a plurality of the reflectors are provided, and

[0290] A plurality of the speaker devices are provided corresponding to the plurality of reflectors,

[0291] The speaker system further includes a delay circuit that synchronizes the sound output from the virtual sound sources corresponding to the plurality of speaker devices respectively. (12)

[0293] The speaker system according to any one of the above (1) to (11),

[0294] Among them, the plurality of speaker devices and the plurality of reflectors are arranged around the display. (13)

[0296] The speaker system according to any one of the above (1) to (12) further includes:

[0297] A parabolic reflector having a parabolic reflection surface formed in a parabolic shape,

[0298] Among them, the sound output from the speaker device is reflected by the parabolic reflection surface toward the elliptical reflection surface. (14)

[0300] The loudspeaker system according to any one of (1) to (12) above further includes:

[0301] A shielding wall that shields the sound included in the sound output from the loudspeaker device and not reflected by the elliptical reflection surface. (15)

[0303] The loudspeaker system according to any one of (1) to (14) above,

[0304] wherein the loudspeaker device is arranged on the rear side of the display,

[0305] a reflector is arranged in a region from the rear side of the display to outside the outer periphery of the display, and

[0306] the sound image of the virtual sound source is positioned within the region of the projection surface due to the sound output from the loudspeaker device being reflected twice by the elliptical reflection surface. (16)

[0308] The loudspeaker system according to any one of (1) to (15) above,

[0309] wherein the elliptical reflection surface has a variable curvature, and

[0310] the position of the loudspeaker device changes according to the shift of the position of the focus caused by the change in the curvature of the elliptical reflection surface. (17)

[0312] A sound output method, comprising:

[0313] outputting sound from a loudspeaker device arranged outside the region of the display surface of a projection display on a projection surface, the loudspeaker device serving as a real sound source; and

[0314] reflecting the sound output from the loudspeaker device through an elliptical reflection surface formed on a reflector, thereby positioning the sound image of a virtual sound source within the region of the projection surface.

[0315] List of reference numerals

[0316] 20 Display

[0317] 21 Display surface

[0318] 21a Projection surface

[0319] 10 Loudspeaker system

[0320] 1 Loudspeaker device

[0321] 2 Reflectors

[0322] 3 Elliptical Reflective Surfaces

[0323] 30 Shielding Walls

[0324] 100 Viewers

[0325] 10X Speaker System

[0326] 10Y Speaker System

[0327] 2Y Reflector

[0328] 10Z Speaker System

[0329] 10A Speaker System

[0330] 2V Reflector

[0331] 2W Reflector

[0332] 10B Speaker System

[0333] 10C Speaker System

[0334] 10D Speaker System

[0335] 10E Speaker System

[0336] 4 Parabolic Reflectors

[0337] 4a Parabolic Reflective Surface

[0338] 10F Speaker System

[0339] 2F Reflector

[0340] 10G Speaker System

[0341] 10H Speaker System

[0342] 45 Delay Circuit

[0343] 10I Speaker System

[0344] 2I Reflector

Claims

1. A loudspeaker system, comprising: A loudspeaker device, which is arranged outside the area of the projection surface of the display surface on which the display is projected, and the loudspeaker device serves as a real sound source; And A reflector, which has a reflection surface for reflecting the sound output from the loudspeaker device, and the reflector locates the sound image of the virtual sound source within the area of the projection surface, Wherein, the reflector has an elliptical reflection surface in at least a part of the reflection surface, Wherein, the elliptical reflection surface has a variable curvature, and The position of the loudspeaker device changes according to the shift of the position of the focus caused by the change of the curvature of the elliptical reflection surface.

2. The loudspeaker system according to claim 1, Among them, The loudspeaker device is arranged at one focus of the elliptical reflection surface or near one focus of the elliptical reflection surface.

3. The loudspeaker system according to claim 1, Among them, The reflector is arranged outside the area of the projection surface.

4. The loudspeaker system according to claim 1, Among them, The sound image of the virtual sound source is located at the central part of the projection surface.

5. The loudspeaker system according to claim 1, Among them, The loudspeaker device and the reflector are arranged above the display.

6. The loudspeaker system according to claim 1, Among them, The midpoint between the two foci on the elliptical reflection surface is located outside the area of the projection surface.

7. The loudspeaker system according to claim 1, Among them, The elliptical reflection surface has a major axis inclined with respect to the display surface.

8. The loudspeaker system according to claim 1, Among them, The virtual sound source is located at a position closer to the display surface with respect to the loudspeaker device in a direction orthogonal to the display surface.

9. The loudspeaker system according to claim 1, Among them, A plurality of the reflectors are provided, The foci of each of the plurality of reflectors coincide with each other, and The sound output from the loudspeaker device is sequentially reflected by the elliptical reflection surfaces of the plurality of reflectors.

10. The loudspeaker system according to claim 9, Among them, Among two of the reflectors that sequentially reflect the sound, the major axis of the elliptical reflection surface of one of the two reflectors and the major axis of the elliptical reflection surface of the other of the two reflectors are orthogonal to each other.

11. The loudspeaker system according to claim 1, Among them, A plurality of the reflectors are provided, and A plurality of the loudspeaker devices are provided corresponding to the plurality of reflectors, The loudspeaker system further includes a delay circuit for synchronizing the sounds output from the virtual sound sources respectively corresponding to the plurality of loudspeaker devices.

12. The loudspeaker system according to claim 1, Among them, The plurality of loudspeaker devices and the plurality of reflectors are arranged around the display.

13. The loudspeaker system according to claim 1, further comprising: A parabolic reflector, which has a parabolic reflection surface formed in a parabolic shape, Wherein, the sound output from the loudspeaker device is reflected by the parabolic reflection surface towards the elliptical reflection surface.

14. The loudspeaker system according to claim 1, further comprising: A shielding wall that shields the sound included in the sound output from the loudspeaker device and not reflected by the elliptical reflecting surface.

15. The loudspeaker system according to claim 1, Among them, The loudspeaker device is arranged at the rear side of the display, The reflector is arranged in a region from the rear side of the display to outside the outer periphery of the display, and The sound image of the virtual sound source is positioned within the region of the projection surface due to the sound output from the loudspeaker device being reflected twice by the elliptical reflecting surface.

16. A sound output method, comprising: Outputting sound from a loudspeaker device arranged outside the region of the projection surface on which the display surface of the display is projected, the loudspeaker device serving as a real sound source; And Reflecting the sound output from the loudspeaker device through an elliptical reflecting surface formed on the reflector, thereby positioning the sound image of the virtual sound source within the region of the projection surface, wherein the elliptical reflecting surface has a variable curvature, and The position of the loudspeaker device changes according to the shift of the position of the focus caused by the change in the curvature of the elliptical reflecting surface.

Images