Generation device, generation method, and generation program

Abstract

A generation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: an acquisition unit that acquires a first head-related transfer function characteristic of a user serving as a measurement target by using a first measurement signal; and a generation unit that generates a second measurement signal by convolving an inverse characteristic of the first head-related transfer function characteristic acquired by the acquisition unit into a predetermined measurement signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a generation device, a generation method, and a generation program for generating a measurement signal for measuring a head-related transfer function. Background Art

[0002] A technology for stereoscopically reproducing a sound image in headphones or the like is used using a head-related transfer function (HRTF) that mathematically represents how sound reaches the ear from a sound source.

[0003] For example, there is known a technology capable of more flexibly reproducing an acoustic space using acoustic parameters obtained by actual measurement and acoustic parameters in a virtual reproduction space.

[0004] Reference List

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent document 1: WO 2021 / 187229 A Summary of the invention

[0007] Technical issues

[0008] According to the technology of the related art, various acoustic spaces intended by content creators can be reproduced with high accuracy.

[0009] It is known that the reproducibility of the acoustic space is further improved by accurately measuring each individual HRTF. However, in a general HRTF measurement system, since the spatial characteristics of the measurement position, the characteristics of the speaker for outputting the measurement signal, the characteristics of the background noise, etc. are different, it is not necessary to perform measurements suitable for each environment. The measurer can adjust the environment to obtain an appropriate measurement result, but manually adjusting the environment for each measurement requires a large amount of work for the measurer.

[0010] Thus, the present disclosure proposes a generation device, a generation method, and a generation program that are capable of performing optimal measurement while reducing the burden associated with the measurement of HRTF.

[0011] Solution to the problem

[0012] In order to solve the above problems, a generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: an acquiring unit, which uses a first measurement signal to acquire a first head-related transfer function characteristic of a user as a measurement target; and a generating unit, which generates a second measurement signal by convolving the inverse characteristic of the first head-related transfer function characteristic acquired by the acquiring unit into a predetermined measurement signal. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a generation process according to an embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 is a diagram (1) showing a measurement signal according to an embodiment.

[0015] Figure 3 is a diagram (2) showing a measurement signal according to an embodiment.

[0016] Figure 4 is a diagram (3) showing a measurement signal according to an embodiment.

[0017] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating a process of adjusting a measurement time according to an embodiment.

[0018] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating a user interface according to an embodiment.

[0019] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing an overview of a generation process according to an embodiment.

[0020] Figure 8 : is a diagram showing a configuration example of a generating device according to the present embodiment.

[0021] Fig. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a generation process according to an embodiment.

[0022] Fig.10 2 is a diagram illustrating a user interface according to a modified example.

[0023] Fig.11 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of an example of a computer that realizes the function of a generating device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each of the following embodiments, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated description thereof will be omitted.

[0025] The present disclosure will be described in the order of the following items.

[0026] 1. Implementation Method

[0027] 1-1. Overview of Generation Processing According to Embodiment

[0028] 1-2. Configuration of Generating Device According to Embodiment

[0029] 1-3. Flow of Generation Processing According to Embodiment

[0030] 1-4. Modifications of the Embodiments

[0031] 1-4-1. Types of measurement signals

[0032] 1-4-2.Generate device mode

[0033] 2. Other Implementation Methods

[0034] 3. Effects of the Generating Device According to the Present Disclosure

[0035] 4. Hardware Configuration

[0036] (1. Implementation Method)

[0037] (1-1. Overview of Generation Processing According to Embodiment)

[0038] First, refer to Figure 1 An overview of a generation process according to an embodiment is described. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a generation process according to an embodiment.

[0039] pass Figure 1 The generating device 100 shown in performs the generating process according to the embodiment. For example, the generating device 100 is an information processing terminal such as a server, a personal computer (PC), or a tablet terminal. The generating device 100 generates a signal for HRTF measurement through the generating process according to the embodiment, and measures the HRTF of the user using the generated signal. The generating device 100 can output the measurement signal from its own device or can control the output of the signal in the output device that outputs the measurement signal through wired or wireless communication.

[0040] Generally, HRTF is acquired by measuring an acoustic signal for measurement using a microphone equipped in the outer ear of the subject, a dummy head microphone, etc. For example, the acquired HRTF is used for sound reproduction technology in content such as games and music. Because HRTF has large individual differences, it is desirable to use the HRTF of the user watching the content to achieve a more effective acoustic generation effect.

[0041] Reproduction filtering of the personalized HRTF (personalized data) is achieved by convolving the inverse function of the HRTF from the earphone to the user's ear into the HRTF from the measurement speaker to the ear. Here, the HRTF from the measurement speaker to the user's ear can be measured by reproducing the measurement signal from the speaker at the measurement position and using the microphone itself inserted into the user's ear.

[0042] However, in a general HRTF measurement system, it is not necessary to perform measurements suitable for each environment due to differences in the spatial characteristics of the measurement location, the characteristics of the speaker used to output the measurement signal, the characteristics of the background noise, etc. The measurer can adjust the environment to obtain an appropriate measurement result, but manually adjusting the environment for each measurement requires a large amount of work for the measurer. The frequency characteristics of the measured HRTF are not flat, but the ordinary measurement signal has a flat frequency characteristic or a similar frequency characteristic.

[0043] From the above, when a normal measurement signal is used in the measurement of HRTF, the following problems may occur: depending on the frequency bandwidth, the signal-to-noise ratio (SN ratio) during measurement cannot be sufficiently guaranteed, or the measurement cannot be performed efficiently, so that the measurement time is extended. That is, in the measurement of HRTF, it is necessary to consider the spatial characteristics (reverberation time and background noise) and HRTF characteristics during measurement to perform measurement that sufficiently obtains the SN ratio, and optimize the measurement time and perform the measurement efficiently.

[0044] Therefore, the generating device 100 according to the present disclosure solves the above-mentioned problem according to the configuration described below. Specifically, the generating device 100 uses a first measurement signal (for example, a known flat measurement signal) in a preliminary measurement to obtain a first HRTF of a user as a measurement target. In addition, for the subsequent actual measurement, the generating device 100 generates a second measurement signal (a measurement signal generated by the generating device 100 in the present embodiment) by convolving the inverse characteristics of the acquired first HRTF into a predetermined measurement signal. That is, the second measurement signal is a measurement signal having a non-flat frequency characteristic, and the inverse characteristics of the temporary HRTF are convolved. The fact that the inverse characteristics of the temporary HRTF are convolved into the measurement signal means that a sufficient SN ratio can be obtained for each frequency relative to the head-related transfer function characteristics to be measured in the actual measurement. As described above, the generating device 100 does not measure the HRTF using an ordinary measurement signal, but performs a measurement that fully guarantees the SN ratio by generating a measurement signal of the HRTF.

[0045] Reference Figure 1 An overview of the above-mentioned processing is described. Figure 1 The example of FIG. 1 shows a case where the HRTF of the user 10 is measured using the measurement signal generated by the generating device 100. Figure 1 In the embodiment, the measurement signal is output from the speakers 20A and 20B as output devices (hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish the speakers from each other, the speakers are collectively referred to as the speakers 20). The user 10 equips the microphone 30 in the auricle and observes the measurement signal output from the speaker 20A or the speaker 20B. Figure 1 In the example of FIG. 1 , only two output devices (the speakers 20A and 20B) are shown, but in reality, the speakers 20 are installed as many as are required for the measurement of the HRTF so as to surround the user 10 .

[0046] In an embodiment, before generating the second measurement signal, the generating device 100 pre-measures the HRTF of the user 10 using the first measurement signal (a signal having a known flat characteristic) (referred to as a “temporary HRTF” for distinction).

[0047] Thereafter, the generating device 100 generates a measurement signal for each user by convolving the inverse characteristics of the temporary HRTF measured in the preliminary measurement into a predetermined measurement signal (e.g., the first measurement signal used in the preliminary measurement) (step S10). Although the details will be described below, the generating device 100 may generate the second measurement signal by considering not only the inverse characteristics of the temporary HRTF but also environmental characteristics such as background noise.

[0048] The generating device 100 uses the generated second measurement signal to measure the HRTF of the user 10. For example, the generating device 100 obtains the HRTF corresponding to the direction directly in front of the user 10 by outputting the second measurement signal from the speaker 20A installed directly in front of the user 10 and observing the output signal using the microphone 30. The generating device 100 obtains the HRTF corresponding to the direction 30 degrees to the left by outputting the second measurement signal from the speaker 20B installed toward the user 10 in a direction 30 degrees to the left and observing the output signal using the microphone 30. By repeating this observation, the generating device 100 obtains the HRTF of the user 10. As described above, since the HRTF needs to output the measurement signal to the user 10 in various directions, the second measurement signal is also generated as a signal corresponding to each direction. That is, the generating device 100 generates a second measurement signal corresponding to each user and each direction by convolving the inverse characteristics of the temporary HRTF obtained corresponding to a specific direction into the measurement signal output from the specific direction.

[0049] As described above, the generating device 100 generates a different measurement signal for each user, thereby making it possible to sufficiently obtain the SN ratio in the measurement of the HRTF.

[0050] Next, use Figure 2 2 and subsequent figures will specifically illustrate the measurement signal generated by the generating device 100. First, Figure 2 In the following, the relationship between the background noise at the measurement position and the measurement signal generated by the generation device 100 will be described. Figure 2 is a diagram (1) showing a measurement signal according to an embodiment.

[0051] Figure 2 The graph 40 shown in the figure shows the relationship between the first measurement signal and the background noise characteristics. The horizontal axis of the graph 40 represents the frequency, and the vertical axis of the graph 40 represents the level (the strength of the signal or sound). The first measurement signal chart 42 shows the frequency characteristics of the first measurement signal. For example, the first measurement signal is a time-stretched pulse (TSP) signal that is generally used to measure HRTF, etc. The TSP signal is a sweep signal that is smoothly output from low frequency to high frequency, and is widely used to measure frequency characteristics, etc.

[0052] The background noise graph 44 is a graph showing the background noise observed at the measurement position where the HRTF of the user 10 is measured. That is, it can be said that the difference between the first measurement signal graph 42 and the background noise graph shown in FIG. 40 indicates the SN ratio. Figure 2 As shown, a high level of background noise is generally observed in the low frequency bandwidth, and a low level of background noise is observed in the high frequency bandwidth. Therefore, even if the measurement signal output is flat, there is no problem in the high frequency bandwidth. However, since the level of the measurement signal is close to the level of the background noise in the low frequency bandwidth, a sufficient SN ratio may not be obtained depending on the level of the measurement signal.

[0053] Next, we will refer to Figure 3 Describe the considerations Figure 1 The temporary HRTF and Figure 2 The second measurement signal is generated due to the background noise shown in FIG. Figure 3 is a diagram (2) showing a measurement signal according to an embodiment.

[0054] As mentioned above, Figure 2 The first measurement signal shown in FIG42 shows a signal having a flat frequency characteristic. However, it is desired that the measurement signal used for measurement can sufficiently ensure the level difference from the HRTF assumed to be observed in the actual measurement. Therefore, the generating device 100 performs the following processing to generate a second measurement signal, that is, a measurement signal for actual measurement.

[0055] First, the generating device 100 adjusts the characteristic difference between the measurement signal and the background noise to be consistent so that the level difference between the measurement signal and the background noise becomes as large as possible. In addition, before measuring the accurate HRTF of the user 10, the generating device 100 performs a preliminary measurement to obtain a temporary HRTF. The generating device 100 generates a second measurement signal by obtaining an inverse characteristic of the temporary HRTF and convolving the inverse characteristic and the background noise envelope characteristic into the first measurement signal.

[0056] Figure 3 The graph 46 shown in shows the background noise envelope characteristic and the inverse characteristic of the temporary HRTF observed by the generating apparatus 100. Figure 3 The background noise envelope characteristic graph 50 shown in FIG. 5 is obtained by linearly approximating the frequency characteristic of the background noise observed at the measurement position. The temporary HRTF characteristic graph 52 indicates the frequency characteristic of the temporary HRTF of the user 10 acquired by preliminary measurement. The temporary HRTF inverse characteristic graph 54 shows the inverse characteristic of the temporary HRTF characteristic graph 52.

[0057] The generating device 100 generates a second measurement signal by convolving the background noise envelope characteristic and the inverse characteristic of the temporary HRTF into the first measurement signal. Figure 3 . As described above, when actual measurement is performed for the HRTF of the user 10, the second measurement signal generated by the generating device 100 does not have a flat frequency characteristic, and has a characteristic that is assumed to have the highest SN ratio over the entire frequency. That is, when measuring the HRTF of the user 10 in the actual measurement, the generating device 100 may generate a second measurement signal in which the characteristic difference (SN ratio) with the background noise is uniform, and it is assumed that the SN ratio for the HRTF is sufficiently obtained over the entire frequency.

[0058] exist Figure 3 In the process of optimizing the frequency characteristics of the second measurement signal, the following is described. Figure 4 Describes the optimization of the level of the entire second measurement signal. Figure 4 is a diagram (3) showing a measurement signal according to an embodiment.

[0059] Figure 4 The graph 58 shown in FIG. 5 illustrates the level difference between the background noise envelope characteristic graph 50 and the measured signal. For example, it is assumed that the level difference between the signal graph 60 and the background noise envelope characteristic graph 50 is 50 dB, the level difference between the signal graph 62 and the background noise envelope characteristic graph 50 is 40 dB, the level difference between the signal graph 64 and the background noise envelope characteristic graph 50 is 30 dB, the level difference between the signal graph 66 and the background noise envelope characteristic graph 50 is 20 dB, and the level difference between the signal graph 68 and the background noise envelope characteristic graph 50 is 10 dB.

[0060] The generating device 100 determines the level of the measurement signal based on the designation made by the measurer or the generally suitable value of the SN ratio. The SN ratio can be adjusted by increasing the signal length, but when the signal length is unnecessarily increased, it takes time to measure. Since the HRTF measurement needs to output signals from various angles while keeping the user 10 still, it is desirable to shorten the signal length as much as possible to quickly complete the measurement. Therefore, the generating device 100 determines the measurement signal length in consideration of the minimum SN ratio that the measurer wants to ensure or the minimum SN ratio assumed to be required in the measurement.

[0061] For example, when receiving a designation from the measurer indicating that the measurer wants to set the SN ratio to "40 dB", the generating device 100 adjusts the level of the generated measurement signal so that the level difference between the measurement signal and the background noise envelope characteristic curve graph 50 is 40 dB. Specifically, the generating device 100 adjusts the level of the measurement signal by adjusting the signal length of the measurement signal (the length of TSP). For example, when the length of the TSP signal becomes N times, the sound pressure becomes root (square root) N times.

[0062] After determining the level of the signal, the generating device 100 Figure 3 The second measurement signal is generated by convolving the inverse characteristic of the temporary HRTF shown in FIG. Therefore, in order to optimize the measurement time, the generation device 100 can optimize the measurement signal length by taking into account the minimum SN ratio.

[0063] After determining a measurement signal length as described above, the generating device 100 may further perform a process of adjusting the entire measurement time of the HRTF. Figure 5 Describe this. Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating a process of adjusting a measurement time according to an embodiment.

[0064] The graph 80 is a graph conceptually showing the relationship between the length of the signal output from each speaker 20 and the entire measurement time. The signal length 82 indicates the length of each measurement signal.

[0065] As described above, in consideration of the burden on the user 10 in the measurement, it is desirable that the entire measurement time is short. Therefore, the generation device 100 can superimpose (overlap) the signal output from the single speaker 20 within a range that does not interfere with the measurement. Since the measurement signal is reproduced sequentially for each frequency bandwidth, if the response time (i.e., reverberation time) for each frequency bandwidth can be ensured in the measurement signal for each output destination (hereinafter referred to as a "channel"), the generation device 100 can overlap the measurement signal.

[0066] Here, the generating device 100 measures the reverberation time T in the measurement environment in the preliminary measurement. After outputting the signal from the previous channel, the generating device 100 starts the signal output of the subsequent channel at a time interval of the reverberation time T. For example, Figure 5 As shown in , after outputting the signal of 1 channel, the generating apparatus 100 provides an interval of the reverberation time T and starts outputting the signal of 2 channels while outputting the signal of 1 channel.

[0067] Therefore, the generation device 100 can shorten the entire measurement time by overlapping and outputting the measurement signal within a range that has no influence on the measurement. Thus, the generation device 100 can reduce the burden on the user 10 and the measurer.

[0068] Next, we will Figure 6 An example of a user interface for measurement is described in . Figure 6 is a diagram showing a user interface 86 according to an embodiment. The user interface 86 is displayed on a display or the like connected to the generating apparatus 100, for example.

[0069] In the HRTF measurement of the user 10 , the measurer can smoothly perform the measurement by inputting a numerical value into the user interface 86 or performing an operation on the user interface 86 .

[0070] For example, the measurer inputs a numerical value of the target SN ratio in the window 88. The generating device 100 determines the signal length of the second measurement signal to be generated based on the input numerical value.

[0071] When there is data of a temporary HRTF of the user 10 acquired in advance as data for generating the second measurement signal, the measurer selects the data in the window 90. When the measurer does not have data of a temporary HRTF of the user 10 or wants to omit preliminary measurement, the measurer may select data storing a general HRTF as the temporary HRTF for generating the second measurement signal in the window 90.

[0072] When the measurer desires to perform preliminary measurement and acquire the reverberation time and the temporary HRTF, the measurer presses the preliminary measurement button 92 with the cursor 96. Here, the generating device 100 performs preliminary measurement using the first measurement signal or the like and acquires the reverberation time in the measurement environment and the temporary HRTF of the user 10. The generating device 100 may measure the background noise in the measurement environment before and after the measurer presses the preliminary measurement button 92 at the timing when no signal or the like is output.

[0073] When the preliminary measurement is finished and the actual measurement is ready, the measurer presses the actual measurement button 94 with the cursor 96. Here, the generating device 100 outputs the generated second measurement signal and performs the actual measurement on the HRTF of the user 10. The generating device 100 can quickly complete the measurement by superimposing the output of the second measurement signal based on the reverberation time T in measurement.

[0074] Next, we will refer to Figure 7 The overall configuration of the generation process according to the embodiment is described. Figure 7 is a block diagram showing an overview of a generation process according to an embodiment.

[0075] The generating device 100 acquires measurement data from the microphone 30 equipped by the user 10 (step S20 ). The measurement data acquired in step S20 includes data related to preliminary measurement, data related to background noise measured at the measurement location, etc. The generating device 100 stores the acquired data in the storage unit 120 .

[0076] The generating device 100 calculates the background noise envelope characteristic based on the measurement data (step S22). The generating device 100 measures the reverberation time in the measurement environment based on the measurement data (step S24).

[0077] The generating device 100 receives input of setting information from the measurer or user 10 via the user interface (step S26). For example, the generating device 100 receives the type of signal used as the measurement signal (whether the signal is a TSP signal or another signal, whether the frequency is swept from a low frequency or a high frequency, etc.) and settings related to the measurement of the target SN ratio, etc. The generating device 100 selects the measurement signal based on the received information (step S28). Considering the background noise envelope characteristics, the generating device 100 adjusts the measurement signal based on the target SN ratio so that the frequency characteristics become a uniform level.

[0078] The generating device 100 measures the temporary HRTF of the user 10 based on the data obtained by the preliminary measurement and calculates the inverse characteristic of the temporary HRTF (step S30). Then, the generating device 100 convolves the inverse characteristic of the temporary HRTF into the measurement signal selected in step S28 (step S32).

[0079] Thereafter, the generating device 100 performs processing such as setting the overlapping time of the measurement signal based on the calculated reverberation time (step S34 ) Then, in actual measurement, the generating device 100 performs control so that the generated measurement signal is output from each speaker 20 .

[0080] (1-2. Configuration of Generating Device According to Embodiment)

[0081] Next, we will refer to Figure 8 The configuration of the generating device 100 according to the embodiment is described. Figure 8 : is a diagram showing a configuration example of the generating device 100 according to the present embodiment.

[0082] like Figure 8 As shown, the generating device 100 includes a communication unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a control unit 130. The generating device 100 may include an input unit (e.g., a touch panel) for receiving various operations from a user or the like who operates the generating device 100, and a display unit (e.g., a liquid crystal display) for displaying various types of information.

[0083] The communication unit 110 is implemented by, for example, a network interface card (NIC), etc. The communication unit 110 is connected to a network N (the Internet, near field communication (NFC), Bluetooth, etc.) in a wired or wireless manner, and transmits information to and receives information from the speaker 20, the microphone 30, etc. via the network N.

[0084] The storage unit 120 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor storage element such as a random access memory (RAM) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk.

[0085] The storage unit 120 stores various types of information related to the measurement. For example, the storage unit 120 stores temporary HRTF data of the user 10 obtained by temporary measurement, background noise envelope characteristics, reverberation time, etc. When there is HRTF data of the user 10 measured in advance, the storage unit 120 stores such data. The storage unit 120 stores the first measurement signal used for preliminary measurement, the generated second measurement signal, etc. The storage unit 120 stores the HRTF data of the user 10 measured using the second measurement signal, etc.

[0086] For example, the control unit 130 is implemented by a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessing unit (MPU), or the like that executes a program (e.g., a generation program according to the present disclosure) stored in the generation device 100 using a random access memory (RAM) or the like as a work area. The control unit 130 is a controller and can be implemented by, for example, an integrated circuit such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field programmable gate array (FPGA).

[0087] like Figure 8 As shown, the control unit 130 includes an acquisition unit 131, a generation unit 132, an output control unit 133, and a measurement unit 134, and implements or executes the functions and operation effects of the information processing described below. The internal configuration of the control unit 130 is not limited to Figure 8 The configuration shown in , and may be another configuration as long as the information processing described below is performed.

[0088] The acquisition unit 131 acquires various types of information. For example, the acquisition unit 131 acquires a first HRTF (temporary HRTF) of the user 10 as a measurement target using the first measurement signal.

[0089] The acquisition unit 131 acquires the target SN ratio in the measurement of the HRTF of the user 10. For example, the acquisition unit 131 acquires the target SN ratio via Figure 6 The user interface 86 shown in the figure, etc., obtains the target SN ratio in the measurement of the HRTF of the user 10 from the measurer, etc. When there is no designation from the measurer, etc., the acquisition unit 131 can obtain the target SN ratio in the measurement based on the target value freely set in advance (the SN ratio with the background noise characteristic is ensured to be 40dB, etc.). The generation unit 132 described below adjusts the level of the second measurement signal based on the SN ratio obtained by the acquisition unit 131.

[0090] The acquisition unit 131 acquires background noise characteristics in the measurement environment. For example, during temporary measurement, the acquisition unit 131 measures background noise using the microphone 30 installed at the measurement location in a silent state with no output signal for a predetermined time, and acquires background noise characteristics based on the measured data.

[0091] The acquisition unit 131 acquires the reverberation time in the measurement environment. For example, during temporary measurement, the acquisition unit 131 measures the reverberation time at the measurement position using a pulse signal for reverberation time measurement or the like and acquires measurement data.

[0092] When the temporary measurement of the HRTF of the user 10 is omitted, the acquisition unit 131 may acquire the general HRTF data in advance. Here, when generating the second measurement signal, the generation unit 132 may use the general HRTF as the temporary HRTF. Therefore, although there is a possibility that the second measurement signal is not as accurate as the temporary HRTF of the user 10 itself, the generation unit 132 may generate the second measurement signal according to the inverse characteristics of the HRTF while saving the time of the preliminary measurement.

[0093] The generation unit 132 generates a second measurement signal by convolving the inverse characteristic of the temporary HRTF acquired by the acquisition unit 131 into a predetermined measurement signal.

[0094] The generation unit 132 adjusts the output value (level) of the second measurement signal based on the target SN ratio acquired by the acquisition unit 131. For example, the generation unit 132 adjusts the output value of the second measurement signal by adjusting the output time of the second measurement signal. Therefore, the generation unit 132 can generate a measurement signal that fully ensures the SN ratio of the measurement with respect to the HRTF.

[0095] The generation unit 132 adjusts the output value of the second measurement signal based on the background noise characteristic acquired by the acquisition unit 131. Therefore, the generation unit 132 can generate a measurement signal capable of ensuring a sufficient SN ratio regardless of the measurement environment.

[0096] In addition, based on the reverberation time in the measurement environment, the generation unit 132 can adjust the time at which the second measurement signal is output. Specifically, when the second measurement signal is output from a plurality of output devices (speakers 20) based on the reverberation time, the generation unit 132 adjusts the overlap time, which is the timing at which the signals overlap each other. Thus, since the generation unit 132 can shorten the measurement time associated with the HRTF, the burden on the measurer and the user 10 can be reduced.

[0097] The output control unit 133 controls the speaker 20 to output the second measurement signal generated by the generation unit 132. As described above, the second measurement signal is generated differently for each angle corresponding to the temporary HRTF. Therefore, the output control unit 133 appropriately specifies the output destination and outputs the signal so that the measurement signal is output from the speaker 20 corresponding to each measurement signal.

[0098] The measurement unit 134 measures the second HRTF (HRTF in actual measurement) of the user 10 based on the second measurement signal outputted by the output control unit 133 .

[0099] For example, the measurement unit 134 is based on the input Figure 6 The HRTF of the user 10 is measured by using the second measurement signal adjusted by the SN ratio, signal type, etc. of the user interface 86 shown in FIG. Thus, the measurement unit 134 can measure the HRTF of the user 10 more accurately and quickly than the case in the related art using a measurement signal having a constant frequency characteristic or an inappropriate output level.

[0100] (1-3. Flow of Generation Processing According to Embodiment)

[0101] Next, we will refer to Fig. 9 The flow of the generation process according to the embodiment is described. Fig. 9 : is a flowchart showing the flow of generation processing according to an embodiment.

[0102] First, the generating apparatus 100 performs preliminary measurement in the same measurement environment as that in which the HRTF is measured (step S101 ).

[0103] In the preliminary measurement, the generating device 100 measures the background noise in the measurement environment and obtains the background noise envelope characteristics (step S102). The generating device 100 obtains the target SN ratio in the measurement based on the obtained background noise envelope characteristics (step S103). For example, the generating device 100 may receive the designation of the SN ratio from the measurer or may obtain the SN ratio based on a preset recommended value.

[0104] When the SN ratio is determined, the generating device 100 calculates an output value to be set in the second measurement signal, and determines the measurement signal length of each channel based on the calculated value (step S104).

[0105] The generating device 100 outputs a first measurement signal in preliminary measurement and acquires a temporary HRTF of the user 10 (step S105 ).

[0106] The generating device 100 convolves the inverse characteristic of the temporary HRTF obtained for each channel in step S105 into a measurement signal having the signal length determined in step S104 (step S106). Through this process, the generating device 100 can determine the measurement signal characteristic of the second measurement signal of each channel (step S107).

[0107] The generating device 100 acquires the reverberation time in the preliminary measurement (step S108). The generating device 100 determines the overlap time based on the acquired reverberation time and determines the measurement signal length in all channels through the overlap process (step S109).

[0108] Then, the generating device 100 measures the HRTF of the user 10 using the generated second measurement signal (step S110 ).

[0109] (1-4. Modifications of the Embodiments)

[0110] The information processing according to the above-described embodiment may be accompanied by various modifications. Hereinafter, modifications of the embodiment will be described.

[0111] (1-4-1. Type of measurement signal)

[0112] In the above embodiment, an example using a TSP signal that outputs a sweep signal from a low frequency to a high frequency as a measurement signal is described. However, the measurement signal is not limited thereto and can be freely set.

[0113] Will refer to Fig.10 Describe this. Fig.10 2 is a diagram illustrating a user interface according to a modified example. Fig.10 A display example of a user interface displayed when the user 10 or the measurer selects the type of measurement signal is shown.

[0114] For example, the measurer can select whether the measurement signal is a TSP signal or a pulse signal in the signal type selection field 200. The measurer can shorten the measurement time by selecting the pulse signal.

[0115] When the TSP signal is selected, the measurer can select whether to move the frequency from the low frequency to the high frequency or vice versa in the frequency selection field 202. The measurer can select whether to set the frequency bandwidth of the signal to be output in the sound pressure spectrum selection field 204 linearly or logarithmically. The measurer can select whether to perform measurement while overlapping the measurement signals in the output mode selection field 206.

[0116] Therefore, the generating device 100 can flexibly change the measurement signal according to the request of the measurer and the user 10, the measurement environment, and the measurement time.

[0117] (1-4-2. Mode of generating device)

[0118] In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the generating apparatus 100 receives a designation from a measurer via a user interface to generate a second measurement signal and measures an HRTF.

[0119] However, the generation process according to the present embodiment may not necessarily be performed by the generation device 100. For example, the generation process according to the embodiment may be a process performed by a generation program according to the present disclosure. Here, the measurer may perform the generation process according to the embodiment by installing the generation program in a general-purpose computer or the like and executing the installed generation program. That is, the generation process according to the present embodiment may have a mode of measurement application performed by various information processing devices.

[0120] (2. Other Implementation Methods)

[0121] In addition to each of the above-described embodiments, the processing according to each of the above-described embodiments may be performed in various different forms.

[0122] In the processes described in the above embodiments, some or all of the processes described as being automatically performed may be performed manually, or some or all of the processes described as being manually performed may be automatically performed by known methods. In addition, unless otherwise specified, the process flow, specific names, and information including various types of data and parameters shown in the literature and drawings may be freely changed. For example, the various types of information shown in the various figures are not limited to the information shown.

[0123] Each component of each device shown in the drawings is conceptual in function and is not necessarily physically configured as shown in the drawings. That is, the specific form of distribution and integration of the devices is not limited to the form shown, and some or all configurations may be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in freely selected units according to various loads, usage conditions, etc.

[0124] The above-described embodiment and modified examples can be appropriately combined within a range in which the processing contents do not conflict with each other.

[0125] The effects described in this specification are merely exemplary and not limiting, and other effects may be provided.

[0126] (3. Effects of the Generating Device According to the Present Disclosure)

[0127] As described above, the generating device (generating device 100 in the embodiment) according to the present disclosure includes an acquiring unit (acquisition unit 131 in the embodiment) and a generating unit (generation unit 132 in the embodiment). The acquiring unit acquires the first head-related transfer function characteristic (temporary HRTF) of the user as the measurement target using the first measurement signal. The generating unit generates a second measurement signal by convolving the inverse characteristic of the first head-related transfer function characteristic acquired by the acquiring unit into a predetermined measurement signal.

[0128] Therefore, the generation device according to the present disclosure generates a measurement signal for each individual measuring HRTF, thereby reducing the labor of the measurer to manually adjust the measurement environment and improving the accuracy of HRTF measurement. That is, the generation device can perform optimal measurement while reducing the burden associated with HRTF measurement.

[0129] The acquisition unit acquires a target signal-to-noise ratio (SN ratio) in the measurement of the user head-related transfer function. The generation unit adjusts the output value of the second measurement signal based on the target SN ratio. Specifically, the generation unit adjusts the output value of the second measurement signal by adjusting the output time of the second measurement signal.

[0130] In this way, the generating device can generate a measurement signal by acquiring a target SN ratio from a measurer or the like and adjusting the output value of the measurement signal in advance according to the target SN ratio, and appropriate data can be measured using the measurement signal.

[0131] The acquisition unit acquires the background noise characteristics in the measurement environment. The generation unit adjusts the output value of the second measurement signal based on the background noise characteristics.

[0132] Therefore, the generating means can generate the measurement signal in consideration of the measurement environment by adjusting the output value of the measurement signal based on the background noise.

[0133] The acquisition unit acquires the reverberation time in the measurement environment. Based on the reverberation time, the generation unit adjusts the time when the second measurement signal is output. For example, based on the reverberation time, the generation unit adjusts the overlap time, which is the timing at which the signals overlap each other when the second measurement signals are output from a plurality of output devices (the speakers 20 in the embodiment).

[0134] Therefore, because the generating device shortens the measurement time by performing the overlapping process on the measurement signal based on the reverberation time, the burden related to the measurement on the measurer or user can be reduced.

[0135] The generating device also includes: an output control unit (output control unit 133 in the implementation embodiment), which executes control so that a second measurement signal is output from the output device; and a measuring unit (measuring unit 134 in the implementation embodiment), which measures the second head-related transfer function characteristics of the user based on the second measurement signal, and the output of the second measurement signal is controlled by the output control unit.

[0136] Therefore, the generating device can accurately measure the individual HRTF by measuring the HRTF using the generated second measurement signal.

[0137] The acquisition unit acquires a target SN ratio in measuring a second head-related transfer function of the user via a user interface. The generation unit adjusts an output value of the second measurement signal based on the target SN ratio. The measurement unit measures a second head-related transfer function characteristic of the user using the second measurement signal adjusted by the generation unit.

[0138] In this way, the generating device can provide an environment in which a measurer or user can easily perform measurement by providing a user interface and performing measurement. Therefore, the generating device can further reduce the burden associated with measurement.

[0139] The acquisition unit acquires a head related transfer function characteristic of a user or a general head related transfer function characteristic measured using the first measurement signal as a first head related transfer function characteristic.

[0140] Therefore, the generating device can generate the measurement signal using the general HRTF data.Therefore, since the generating device can save time and effort for preliminary measurement, the measurement can be completed faster.

[0141] (4. Hardware Configuration)

[0142] For example, by having Fig.11 The computer 1000 of the configuration shown in embodies an information device such as the generating device 100 according to each of the above-described embodiments. Hereinafter, the generating device 100 according to the embodiment will be described as an example. Fig.11 10 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of an example of a computer 1000 that realizes the functions of the generating apparatus 100. The computer 1000 includes a CPU 1100, a RAM 1200, a read-only memory (ROM) 1300, a hard disk drive (HDD) 1400, a communication interface 1500, and an input / output interface 1600. Each unit of the computer 1000 is connected by a bus 1050.

[0143] The CPU 1100 operates based on the program stored in the ROM 1300 or the HDD 1400, and controls each unit. For example, the CPU 1100 loads the program stored in the ROM 1300 or the HDD 1400 onto the RAM 1200, and executes processing corresponding to various programs.

[0144] The ROM 1300 stores a boot program such as a basic input output system (BIOS) executed by the CPU 1100 when the computer 1000 is started, a program depending on the hardware of the computer 1000 , and the like.

[0145] The HDD 1400 is a computer-readable recording medium that non-transiently records a program executed by the CPU 1100 , data used by the program, and the like. Specifically, the HDD 1400 is a recording medium that records a generation program according to the present disclosure as an example of the program data 1450 .

[0146] The communication interface 1500 is an interface through which the computer 1000 is connected to an external network 1550 (eg, the Internet). For example, the CPU 1100 receives data from another device via the communication interface 1500 or transmits data generated by the CPU 1100 to another device.

[0147] The input / output interface 1600 is an interface through which the input / output device 1650 is connected to the computer 1000. For example, the CPU 1100 receives data from input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse via the input / output interface 1600. The CPU 1100 transmits data to an output device such as a display, a speaker, or a printer via the input / output interface 1600. The input / output interface 1600 can be used as a medium interface for reading a program recorded in a predetermined recording medium, etc. For example, the medium is an optical recording medium such as a digital versatile disk (DVD) or a phase change rewritable disk (PD), a magneto-optical recording medium such as a magneto-optical disk (MO), a magnetic tape medium, a magnetic recording medium, a semiconductor memory, etc.

[0148] For example, when the computer 1000 is used as the generating device 100 according to the embodiment, the CPU 1100 of the computer 1000 implements the functions of the control unit 130 and the like by executing the generating program loaded on the RAM 1200. The HDD 1400 stores the generating program and data according to the present disclosure in the storage unit 120. The CPU 1100 reads the program data 1450 from the HDD 1400 and executes the program data, or as another example, may acquire the program from another device via the external network 1550.

[0149] The present technology may also have the following configurations.

[0150] (1) A generating device comprising:

[0151] an acquisition unit that uses the first measurement signal to acquire a first head-related transfer function characteristic of a user who is a measurement target; and

[0152] The generating unit generates a second measurement signal by convolving an inverse characteristic of the first head related transfer function characteristic acquired by the acquiring unit into a predetermined measurement signal.

[0153] (2) The generating device according to (1), wherein:

[0154] Get Unit

[0155] obtaining a target signal-to-noise ratio (SN ratio) in the measurement of the user's head-related transfer function, and

[0156] Generate Unit

[0157] The output value of the second measurement signal is adjusted based on the target SN ratio.

[0158] (3) The generating device according to (2), wherein:

[0159] Generate Unit

[0160] The output value of the second measurement signal is adjusted by adjusting the output time of the second measurement signal.

[0161] (4) The generating device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein:

[0162] Get Unit

[0163] Obtain the background noise characteristics of the measurement environment, and

[0164] Generate Unit

[0165] An output value of the second measurement signal is adjusted based on the background noise characteristic.

[0166] (5) The generating device according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein:

[0167] Get Unit

[0168] Get the reverberation time in the measurement environment, and

[0169] Generate Unit

[0170] The time at which the second measurement signal is output is adjusted based on the reverberation time.

[0171] (6) The generating device according to (5), wherein:

[0172] Generate Unit

[0173] An overlapping time is adjusted based on the reverberation time, the overlapping time being a timing at which signals overlap each other when the second measurement signals are output from the plurality of output devices.

[0174] (7) The generating device according to any one of (1) to (6), further comprising:

[0175] an output control unit that performs control so that the second measurement signal is output from the output device; and

[0176] The measuring unit measures a second head-related transfer function characteristic of the user based on the second measurement signal, and the output of the second measurement signal is controlled by the output control unit.

[0177] (8) The generating device according to (7), wherein:

[0178] Get Unit

[0179] acquiring, via a user interface, a target SN ratio in measuring a second head-related transfer function of the user,

[0180] Generate Unit

[0181] adjusting the output value of the second measurement signal based on the target SN ratio, and

[0182] Measuring unit

[0183] A second head-related transfer function characteristic of the user is measured using the second measurement signal adjusted by the generation unit.

[0184] (9) The generating device according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein:

[0185] Get Unit

[0186] A head related transfer function characteristic of a user measured using the first measurement signal or a general head related transfer function characteristic is acquired as a first head related transfer function characteristic.

[0187] (10) A generation method comprising:

[0188] acquiring, by a computer, a first head-related transfer function characteristic of a user as a measurement target using the first measurement signal; and

[0189] The second measurement signal is generated by the computer by convolving the acquired inverse characteristic of the first head-related transfer function characteristic into a predetermined measurement signal.

[0190] (11) A generating program for causing a computer to:

[0191] an acquisition unit that uses the first measurement signal to acquire a first head-related transfer function characteristic of a user who is a measurement target; and

[0192] The generating unit generates a second measurement signal by convolving an inverse characteristic of the first head related transfer function characteristic acquired by the acquiring unit into a predetermined measurement signal.

[0193] Reference Numbers List

[0194] 10 Users

[0195] 20 Speakers

[0196] 30 Microphone

[0197] 100 Generator

[0198] 110 Communication unit

[0199] 120 storage units

[0200] 130 Control unit

[0201] 131 Get Unit

[0202] 132 Generation Unit

[0203] 133 Output control unit

[0204] 134 Measurement units.

Claims

1. A generating device, comprising: an acquisition unit, which uses the first measurement signal to acquire a first head-related transfer function characteristic of a user as a measurement target; as well as A generating unit that generates a second measurement signal by convolving an inverse characteristic of the first head related transfer function characteristic acquired by the acquiring unit into a predetermined measurement signal.

2. The generating device according to claim 1, wherein: The acquisition unit obtaining a target signal-to-noise ratio (SN ratio) in measuring a head-related transfer function of the user, and The generating unit An output value of the second measurement signal is adjusted based on the target SN ratio.

3. The generating device according to claim 2, wherein: The generating unit The output value of the second measurement signal is adjusted by adjusting the output time of the second measurement signal.

4. The generating device according to claim 1, wherein: The acquisition unit Obtain the background noise characteristics of the measurement environment, and The generating unit An output value of the second measurement signal is adjusted based on the background noise characteristic.

5. The generating device according to claim 1, wherein: The acquisition unit Get the reverberation time in the measurement environment, and The generating unit The time at which the second measurement signal is output is adjusted based on the reverberation time.

6. The generating device according to claim 5, wherein: The generating unit An overlapping time is adjusted based on the reverberation time, the overlapping time being a timing at which signals overlap each other when the second measurement signals are output from a plurality of output devices.

7. The generating device according to claim 1, further comprising: an output control unit configured to perform control so that the second measurement signal is output from an output device; as well as The measuring unit measures a second head-related transfer function characteristic of the user based on the second measurement signal, and the output of the second measurement signal is controlled by the output control unit.

8. The generating device according to claim 7, wherein: The acquisition unit acquiring, via a user interface, a target SN ratio in measuring a second head-related transfer function of the user, The generating unit The output value of the second measurement signal is adjusted based on the target SN ratio, and the measurement unit The second head-related transfer function characteristic of the user is measured using the second measurement signal adjusted by the generation unit.

9. The generating device according to claim 1, wherein: The acquisition unit A head related transfer function characteristic of the user measured using the first measurement signal or a general head related transfer function characteristic is acquired as the first head related transfer function characteristic.

10. A generation method comprising: using the first measurement signal to obtain, by a computer, a first head-related transfer function characteristic of a user as a measurement target; as well as A second measurement signal is generated by the computer by convolving the acquired inverse characteristic of the first head-related transfer function characteristic into a predetermined measurement signal.

11. A program for causing a computer to: an acquisition unit that uses the first measurement signal to acquire a first head-related transfer function characteristic of a user who is a measurement target; and A generating unit that generates a second measurement signal by convolving an inverse characteristic of the first head related transfer function characteristic acquired by the acquiring unit into a predetermined measurement signal.

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