Loudspeaker

Abstract

The invention provides a loudspeaker. A speaker (10) is provided with: a first housing (24) that is transmissive; a first LED element and a second LED element disposed within the first housing (24); and a control unit that drives the first LED element and the second LED element on the basis of a sound signal from the outside. The second LED element is disposed above the first LED element at a distance from the first LED element. The first LED element is arranged to have an upward optical axis. The second LED element is arranged to have a downward optical axis. The speaker (10) allows the light of the first LED element and the second LED element based on the sound signal to be seen by a user from the side surface of the speaker (10) through the first housing (24). As a result, light emitted from the LED element in conjunction with sound can efficiently reach the eyes of a user.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with application number 202080097897.8. The filing date of the original application is April 3, 2020, and the name of the invention is “Speaker”. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a speaker, and more particularly to a speaker in which a housing of the speaker is made transparent by using a transmissive member so that the inner space thereof can be used for light performances and the like. Background Art

[0003] In the past, there is a known speaker that has a speaker unit (also called a speaker part) facing upward and has a light-emitting element linked to sound. With such a device, the user can enjoy both sound and light. Patent document 1 discloses a speaker with a light-emitting function, in which the speaker unit is facing upward, and an LED element is provided on the outer periphery of a top plate arranged on the upper side of the speaker unit.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-80254.

[0007] Non-patent literature

[0008] Non-patent document 1: http: / / www.shaba-audio.com / page368?_l=EN

[0009] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0010] In a speaker having a light-emitting element linked to sound, there is also an example in which the light-emitting element is arranged in the internal space of the speaker, but there is a problem that the housing forming the internal space itself becomes a shielding object that blocks the light of the light-emitting element. A structure is desired to suppress the shielding caused by the housing and allow the light emitted from the light-emitting element to reach the user's eyes. Summary of the invention

[0011] An object of the present invention is to provide a device that allows light emitted from a light emitting element and linked to sound to reach the eyes of a user while suppressing obstruction caused by a housing.

[0012] Solutions for solving problems

[0013] The speaker of the present invention is characterized in that the speaker comprises: a first shell which is transmissive; a first LED element and a second LED element which are arranged in the first shell; and a control unit which drives the first LED element and the second LED element based on a sound signal from the outside, the second LED element being arranged on the upper side at a distance from the first LED element, the first LED element being arranged to have an upward optical axis, and the second LED element being arranged to have a downward optical axis, and the speaker makes the light of the first LED element and the second LED element based on the sound signal visible to the user from the side of the speaker via the first shell.

[0014] In the speaker of the present invention, it can also be set that the speaker also has a first head and a first base, and the speaker makes the light of the first LED element and the second LED element based on the sound signal visible to the user from the side of the speaker via the first shell arranged between the first head and the first base.

[0015] In the speaker of the present invention, the surface of the first base portion on the first shell side may include a mirror surface.

[0016] The speaker of the present invention may further include a first connection unit having a reflective outer surface, and the first head portion and the first base portion may be connected by the first connection unit.

[0017] In the speaker of the present invention, an LED unit including the first LED element and the second LED element may be arranged in the first housing.

[0018] In the speaker of the present invention, the LED unit may include a second head portion and a second base portion, the first LED element may be mounted on the second base portion, and the second LED element may be mounted on the second head portion.

[0019] The speaker of the present invention may further include a second connection unit having a reflective outer surface, and the second head unit and the second base unit may be connected by the second connection unit.

[0020] In the speaker of the present invention, it can also be set that the speaker also has a first head and a first base, the first shell is arranged between the first head and the first base, and a third LED element is installed on the outer periphery of the first shell side of the first base in a manner having an optical axis toward the first shell side.

[0021] In the speaker of the present invention, it can also be set that the control unit supplies a first drive signal based on a signal with the first frequency domain of the sound signal as a main component to the first LED element, and supplies a second drive signal based on a signal with a second frequency domain of the sound signal relatively higher than the first frequency domain as a main component to the second LED element.

[0022] In the speaker of the present invention, the control unit may switch the drive signal supplied to the first LED element from the first drive signal to the second drive signal in response to a user operation.

[0023] In the speaker of the present invention, it can also be set that the third LED element arranged in the first shell is set to have an upward optical axis, and the control unit supplies a third drive signal based on a signal with a third frequency range of the sound signal relatively lower than the first frequency range as a main component to the third LED element.

[0024] In the speaker of the present invention, the control unit may correct the third drive signal based on a transition of the sound signal and a current sound signal.

[0025] The speaker of the present invention may further include a signal generating unit, and when the sound signal is not supplied from the outside, the control unit may drive the first LED element and the second LED element based on a signal generated by the signal generating unit instead of the sound signal.

[0026] In the speaker of the present invention, it can also be set that when the speaker is observed from the front, as a plurality of the LED units, there is a central side LED unit arranged on the central side, and a left LED unit and a right LED unit respectively arranged on the left and right of the central side LED unit, and the control unit supplies a driving signal based on the left signal component of the sound signal to at least one of the first LED element and the second LED element of the left LED unit, supplies a driving signal based on the right signal component of the sound signal to at least one of the first LED element and the second LED element of the right LED unit, and supplies a driving signal based on a mixed signal component of the left signal component and the right signal component to at least one of the first LED element and the second LED element of the central side LED unit.

[0027] In the speaker of the present invention, it can also be set that the first head includes a speaker part arranged upward, the first head includes a frame on which the upper end of the first connecting unit is installed, and a buffer material, a plurality of bosses are arranged at intervals on the upper surface of the frame, the buffer material is arranged on the upper surface of the frame avoiding each of the bosses, a fixing part arranged on the periphery of the speaker part is arranged and fixed on each of the bosses of the frame, and the space formed by each of the bosses between the lower surface of the fixing part of the speaker part and the upper surface of the frame is blocked by the buffer material.

[0028] In the speaker of the present invention, a 1 / 2 beam angle of at least one of the first LED element and the second LED element of the LED unit may be equal to or greater than 120 degrees.

[0029] Effects of the Invention

[0030] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent light from being blocked by the first housing and allow the light emitted from the first LED element and the second LED element in conjunction with sound to reach the eyes of the user. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 is a front side stereogram of the speaker;

[0032] Figure 2 is a rear side stereogram of the speaker;

[0033] Figure 3 is the front view of the speaker;

[0034] Figure 4 is the rear view of the speaker;

[0035] Figure 5 It is a left side view of the speaker;

[0036] Figure 6 It is a right side view of the speaker;

[0037] Figure 7 is a top view of the speaker;

[0038] Figure 8 is a bottom view of the speaker;

[0039] Fig. 9 It is a diagram schematically showing the arrangement of the components on the platform;

[0040] Fig.10 is a diagram for explaining light reaching the user's eyes from a speaker;

[0041] Fig.11 is a front view of a portion of the first head;

[0042] Fig.12 is a perspective view of a portion of a first head;

[0043] Fig.13 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a first head;

[0044] Fig.14 It is a schematic block diagram of the electrical system of the loudspeaker;

[0045] Fig.15 is a diagram for explaining the processing of the control unit in the first mode;

[0046] Fig.16 It is a diagram for explaining the processing of the control unit in the second mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The structures described below are examples for illustration and can be appropriately changed in accordance with the specifications of the components constituting the speaker. The same reference numerals are given to the same elements in all the drawings, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0048] Figures 1 to 8 1 is an external view of speaker 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 This is a front side stereogram. Figure 2 This is a rear side stereogram. Figure 3 is the main view, Figure 4 is the rear view, Figure 5 This is the left side view. Figure 6 This is the right side view. Figure 7 It is a top view. Figure 8 The speaker 10 is a device that wirelessly receives music signals and audio signals (hereinafter also referred to as sound signals) from a terminal such as a smartphone, a tablet, or a personal computer (PC), generates sound from the speaker unit 16 based on the sound signal, and emits light in conjunction with the sound.

[0049] The speaker 10 is a sealed speaker, a so-called monaural speaker having only one speaker unit, but as described below, it has the function of visually experiencing a three-dimensional effect by driving two LED elements corresponding to the left signal component and the right signal component of the sound signal respectively.

[0050] The speaker 10 has a substantially cylindrical shape and includes a main unit 12 and three LED units 14C, 14L, and 14R disposed in the main unit 12. The main unit 12 reminds people of a stage, a theater, a performance space, etc. where performers appear, and the three LED units 14C, 14L, and 14R remind people of three performers standing on a platform (stage).

[0051] The main unit 12 includes: a first base portion 21 (also referred to as a base assembly), which includes a battery, a control unit, etc.; a first head portion 22 (also referred to as a head assembly), which is disposed on the upper side of the first base portion 21 and includes an upward-facing speaker portion 16; and a first housing 24, which is disposed between the first base portion 21 and the first head portion 22. Figure 1 , 2 In FIG. 7 , the mesh member disposed on the speaker unit 16 is shown with the mesh holes omitted. The speaker unit 16 is as shown in FIG. Fig.12 As shown in FIG. 1 , the speaker unit 16 is configured to include a speaker driver for driving the cone. Figure 1 , 2 As shown, the first housing 24 is a transparent cover (colorless cover) having a cylindrical shape, and is made of acrylic resin with emphasis on transmittance.

[0052] The first base portion 21 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and by reducing the cylindrical radius of the upper portion, the upper portion enters the first housing 24 and blocks the lower opening of the first housing 24. The upper surface of the first base portion 21 forms a platform 34, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, three LED units 14C, 14L, and 14R are erected on the platform 34. Figure 4 As shown, on the lower side of the first base portion 21 and the back side of the speaker, there are provided: a button group 30, which is composed of a power button 160, a volume switching button 162, and a mode switching button 164; and a connector portion 32, which is connected to the terminal of a charger for charging the battery arranged in the first base portion 21.

[0053] The first head 22 also has a substantially cylindrical shape, and the lower portion enters the first housing 24 and blocks the upper opening of the first housing 24 by reducing the cylindrical radius of the lower portion. The first head 22 includes a cover 60 that covers the lower periphery of the speaker portion 16.

[0054] The first base 21 and the first head 22 are connected by two columns 26 as the first connection unit. The column 26 has a tubular shape, and a wiring is arranged inside to electrically connect the control unit located in the first base 21 and the speaker unit 16 of the first head 22. The column 26 is made of stainless steel, and has reflectivity by applying nickel plating and colorless painting on the outer surface.

[0055] The three LED units 14C, 14L, and 14R all have the same structure. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish the three LED units 14C, 14L, and 14R, each LED unit 14C, 14L, and 14R is referred to as an LED unit 14. The LED unit 14 includes a second base portion 41, a second head portion 42 disposed on the upper side of the second base portion 41, and a second housing 44 disposed between the second base portion 41 and the second head portion 42. The second housing 44 is a cylindrical transparent cover (colorless cover) similar to the first housing 24, and is made of acrylic resin with emphasis on transmittance.

[0056] The second base portion 41 has a roughly cylindrical shape, and by reducing the radius of the cylinder at the upper portion, the upper portion enters the second housing 44 and blocks the lower opening of the second housing 44. The outer surface of the second base portion 41 is reflective by plating. A lower LED element 51 (also referred to as a first LED element) is installed in the center of the upper portion of the second base portion 41 in a manner having an upward optical axis, and a through hole (not shown) is provided on the inner side of each of the second base portion 41 and the first base portion 21, and wiring passes through the through hole, and the first LED element 51 is electrically connected to the control unit in the first base portion 21 through the wiring.

[0057] The second head 42 also has a substantially cylindrical shape, and by reducing the cylindrical radius of the lower portion, the lower portion enters the second housing 44 and blocks the upper opening of the second housing 44. The outer surface of the second head 42 is also reflective by plating. An upper LED element 52 (also referred to as a second LED element) is mounted in the center of the lower portion of the second head 42 in a manner having an optical axis facing downward. The lower LED element 51 and the upper LED element 52 are arranged to face each other.

[0058] The second base portion 41 and the second head portion 42 are connected by two columns 46 as the second connection unit. The column 46 has a tubular shape, and a wiring for electrically connecting the upper LED element 52 to the control unit in the first base portion 21 is arranged inside. The wiring passes through the above-mentioned through holes provided inside the second base portion 41 and the first base portion 21. The column 46 is made of stainless steel similar to the column 26, and has reflectivity by applying nickel plating and colorless painting on the outer surface.

[0059] The lower LED elements 51 and the upper LED elements 52 of each of the LED units 14C, 14L, and 14R are driven by the control unit to emit light in conjunction with the sound output from the speaker unit 16 .

[0060] Fig. 93 is a diagram schematically showing the arrangement of the components on the platform 34 of the first base portion 21. In the speaker 10, the side opposite to the side having the button group 30 is used as the side (front side) observed by the user 100. However, this is a typical usage mode and does not limit the side from which the user 100 observes the speaker 10.

[0061] When the speaker 10 is viewed from above, the LED units 14C, 14L, and 14R are arranged so that the lines connecting their respective centers form an equilateral triangle. Figure 3 ), an LED unit 14C is arranged in the width direction of the speaker ( Figure 3 In the center of the LED unit 14C (in the left-right direction), an LED unit 14L and an LED unit 14R are respectively arranged on both sides of the LED unit 14C in the speaker width direction. Hereinafter, the LED unit 14C, the LED unit 14L, and the LED unit 14R are respectively referred to as the center side LED unit 14C, the left side LED unit 14L, and the right side LED unit 14R.

[0062] like Figure 1 , 2 As shown in FIG. 9 , a circular reflector 36 is disposed at the center of the platform 34 and at the second base 41 side of the three LED units 14C, 14L, and 14R. The reflector 36 is made of ABS resin, and aluminum is deposited on the upper surface and then colorless painted to form a mirror surface.

[0063] like Fig. 9 As shown, a plurality of platform LED elements 53 (also referred to as third LED elements) are arranged on the outer periphery of the platform 34 in a manner having an upward optical axis. The platform LED elements 53 are mounted on the outer periphery of the upper side of the first base portion 21. The platform LED elements 53 are arranged in a group of two LED elements, and three groups of LED elements are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction, and are arranged in a manner located between the three LED units 14C, 14L, and 14R. The platform LED elements 53 are electrically connected to the control section in the first base portion 21 through wiring, and are driven by the control section to emit light in conjunction with the sound output from the speaker section 16.

[0064] Next, the irradiation angles of the lower LED element 51 and the upper LED element 52 of the LED unit 14 will be described. The lower LED element 51 and the upper LED element 52 are wide irradiation angle elements with a 1 / 2 beam angle of 130 degrees. Fig.10 1 / 2 beam angle of the lower LED element 51 of the LED unit is depicted in FIG. Since the lower LED element 51 has an upward optical axis, at least half the brightness of the brightness directly above the lower LED element 51 can be obtained in the range from directly above to the direction inclined by 65 degrees.

[0065] like Fig.10 As shown, assuming that the speaker 10 is placed on the low table 150 and the user 100 is sitting on the sofa 152 next to the low table 150, the position of the user's 100 eyes is located in a direction inclined by about 60 to 65 degrees from directly above the lower LED element 51. Therefore, the user 100 can obtain sufficient brightness from the lower LED element 51. Generally, as long as the brightness does not become less than half, humans will not recognize or find it difficult to recognize the dimming, so the user can feel the brightness similar to that directly above the lower LED element 51.

[0066] Furthermore, even if the lower LED element 51 or the upper LED element is directly to the side (horizontal direction, Fig.10 In the left and right directions), it is also possible to ensure a brightness of about 20% of the maximum brightness of the lower LED element 51 or the upper LED element, so that a sufficient amount of light can be provided to the user 100. In addition, in the present embodiment, an element with a 1 / 2 beam angle of 130 degrees is used as the lower LED element 51 and the upper LED element 52, but any element with a 1 / 2 beam angle of more than 120 degrees can be used.

[0067] In addition, the optical axes of the lower LED element 51, the upper LED element 52, and the platform LED element 53 of the LED unit 14 mounted on the speaker 10 are directed upward or downward, and since the optical axes are not directed in the horizontal direction, it is also possible to suppress the user 100 from feeling dazzled. The user 100 can enjoy the light performance linked to the sound of the speaker 10 at the optimal brightness.

[0068] Next, the fixing structure of the speaker section 16 of the first head section 22 is described. In the speaker 10 of the present embodiment, since the space between the first base section 21 and the first head section 22 is used as a space for light performance, the user can see a space that is not visible from the outside like a conventional wooden speaker. In the conventional speaker, even if the screws fixing the speaker section 16 are exposed in the speaker box, it will not be a problem because it is an invisible space, but in the speaker 10 of the present embodiment, there is a problem that the screws are visible. Therefore, the speaker 10 of the present embodiment adopts a characteristic structure for the fixing structure of the speaker section 16 to solve this problem.

[0069] Fig.11 , 12 13 are a front view, a perspective view, and an exploded perspective view of a part of the first head 22, respectively. Fig.11 , 12 And 13 also shows two columns 26. Fig.13As shown, the first head 22 has, from top to bottom, a pressing plate 70 for pressing the speaker 16 from above, an annular upper buffer pad 72, the speaker 16, an annular upper buffer frame 74 (also called a buffer material), an annular frame 76, an annular lower buffer frame 78, and a cabinet 80. The upper ends of the two columns 26 are mounted on the frame 76.

[0070] The speaker unit 16 has a fixing portion 19 whose upper peripheral edge protrudes outward. The fixing portion 19 of the speaker unit 16 is provided with a plurality of holes, and the speaker unit 16 is fixed to the frame 76 by inserting screws into the holes and screwing them into the frame 76.

[0071] Here, the speaker unit 16 is not directly screwed to the frame 76, but a boss 82 is provided on the frame 76 and screwed to the boss 82. On the upper surface of the frame 76, a plurality of cylindrical bosses 82 are provided at intervals in a manner corresponding to the positions of the screw holes of the fixing portion 19 of the speaker unit 16. The fixing portion 19 of the speaker unit 16 is placed on the boss 82 of the frame 76, and each screw of the fixing portion 19 of the speaker unit 16 is screwed into the hole of each boss 82 of the frame 76. By adopting such a fixing structure, the speaker unit 16 can be firmly fixed to the frame 76, and the screw can be prevented from protruding from the lower side of the first head 22 and being seen by the user.

[0072] On the other hand, the speaker 10 of the present embodiment is a sealed type. When the boss 82 is provided on the frame 76, a space is formed between the lower surface of the fixing portion 19 of the speaker unit 16 and the upper surface of the frame 76 in the portion without the boss 82, making it impossible to maintain sealing. In order to deal with this problem, the speaker 10 of the present embodiment has an upper buffer frame 74 (buffer material) that avoids each boss 82 and is arranged on the upper surface of the frame 76. The upper buffer frame 74 blocks the space formed by the boss 82 between the lower surface of the fixing portion 19 of the speaker unit 16 and the upper surface of the frame 76. In this way, the sealing of the speaker 10 can be ensured. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a lower buffer frame 78 is provided on the lower side of the frame 76, and an upper buffer pad 72 is provided on the upper side of the speaker unit 16, thereby improving the sealing of the speaker 10.

[0073] Next, the electrical system of speaker 10 will be described. Fig.14 1 is a schematic block diagram of an electrical system of the speaker 10 . The speaker 10 includes a control unit 90 , a receiving unit 96 , and a battery 98 . These are arranged inside the first base unit 21 .

[0074] The control unit 90 includes a processor 92 and a memory 94. The processor 92 operates according to a program stored in the memory 94, and controls the speaker unit 16, the lower LED element 51, the upper LED element 52, and the platform LED element 53 of each LED unit 14. The memory 94 is a memory (RAM, ROM, flash memory, etc.) composed of, for example, semiconductor elements, and stores programs and various data.

[0075] The receiving unit 96 sequentially receives audio signals from a terminal 102 such as a smartphone and transmits them to the control unit 90. The terminal 102 transmits the audio signals to the receiving unit 96 of the speaker 10 using wireless communication based on standards such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0076] The battery 98 supplies power to each part of the speaker 10 that requires power. The battery 98 is a secondary battery, and the charger terminal is connected to the connector part 32 (see FIG. 1 ) provided on the side of the first base part 21. Figure 2 , Figure 4 ) is powered and charged.

[0077] Operation information of each button of the button group 30 provided on the side surface of the first base portion 21 is input to the control unit 90. Figure 4 As shown, the button group 30 includes a power button 160 with a power mark, two volume switching buttons 162 with "+" and "-", and a mode switching button 164 with a star mark. The control unit 90 controls the supply and non-supply of power from the battery 98 to each part of the speaker 10 according to the operation information of the power button 160. In addition, the control unit 90 controls the volume of the speaker unit 16 according to the operation information of the volume switching button 162. In addition, the control unit 90 controls the light performance mode (described later) of the LED element according to the operation information of the mode switching button 164.

[0078] The control unit 90 includes a power amplifier (not shown), and the processor 92 of the control unit 90 drives the speaker unit 16 through the power amplifier based on the sound signal sequentially sent from the receiving unit 96. In addition, the control unit 90 also includes an LED driver (not shown), and the processor 92 of the control unit 90 drives each LED element through the LED driver based on the sound signal.

[0079] Next, the control of each LED element by the control unit 90 is described in detail. The speaker 10 has a plurality of modes so that even with the same sound signal, the light emission mode of the LED element changes. This is a light performance mode, and in this embodiment, there are a first mode and a second mode. It is designed that the first mode and the second mode are switched every time the mode switching button 164 is pressed. Fig.15 FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the processing of the control unit 90 in the first mode. Fig.161 is a diagram schematically showing the processing of the control unit 90 in the second mode. Fig.15 , while explaining the first mode.

[0080] like Fig.15 As shown, since the processor 92 of the control unit 90 operates according to the program, it functions as a signal component extraction unit 110, an automatic gain control unit 112 (hereinafter referred to as the AGC unit 112), a filter 114, an integration unit 116, and a dynamic range control unit 118 (hereinafter referred to as the DRC unit 118). In addition, the processor 92 also functions as an internal signal generation unit 124 (signal generation unit) for generating a drive signal for driving each LED element when no sound signal is provided from the terminal 102. Fig.15 , a plurality of AGC units 112, filters 114, integrating units 116, and DRC units 118 are shown corresponding to the signals supplied to the respective LED elements.

[0081] First, the sound signal is input to the signal component extraction unit 110, and a left signal component (L signal component), a right signal component (R signal component), and a mixed signal component of the left and right signal components (L+R signal component) are extracted from the sound signal.

[0082] The L signal component, the R signal component, and the L+R signal component are respectively input to the AGC unit 112 , and a signal (an automatic gain controlled signal) with the gain of each signal component adjusted is generated and output from the AGC unit 112 .

[0083] Then, each output signal of the AGC unit 112 is input to the filter 114 and band-limited. Specifically, the L+R signal component after gain adjustment is passed through filter 1 (for example, a low-pass filter with a cutoff frequency set to any value in the range of 100 to 200 Hz) to extract the low-frequency (first frequency domain) component, and through filter 2 (for example, a high-pass filter with a cutoff frequency set to any value in the range of 200 to 400 Hz) to extract the mid-high frequency (second frequency domain) component. In addition, the L+R signal component after gain adjustment is passed through filter 3 (a low-pass filter with a cutoff frequency set to, for example, below 100 Hz) to extract the component corresponding to the striking sound of, for example, a percussion instrument (bass drum, etc.), and the filter 3 is used to extract the component of the frequency band (third frequency domain) lower than that of filter 1. The L signal component and the R signal component after gain adjustment are respectively passed through filters 2L and 2R (high-pass filters with a cutoff frequency set to, for example, any value in the range of 200 to 400 Hz) to extract the mid-high frequency component (second frequency domain).

[0084] The signal components filtered by each filter are integrated by the integration unit 116, and the dynamic range is adjusted by the DRC unit 118, thereby becoming the basic signal of the drive signal of each LED element. Each basic signal is input to the LED driver corresponding to each LED element and converted into a drive signal, which is supplied to each LED element.

[0085] In the present embodiment, a drive signal (first drive signal) generated by the low-frequency (first frequency domain) component of the L+R signal component that has passed through the filter 1 is supplied to the lower LED elements 51C, 51L, 51R of each LED unit. As a result, the lower LED elements 51C, 51L, 51R of each LED unit emit light in conjunction with the bass (bass sound, drum sound, etc.) in the music played from the speaker unit 16.

[0086] In addition, the drive signal (second drive signal) generated by the mid-high frequency (second frequency domain) component of the L+R signal component passing through the filter 2 is supplied to the upper LED element 52C of the center LED unit, the drive signal (second drive signal) generated by the mid-high frequency (second frequency domain) component of the L signal component passing through the filter 2L is supplied to the upper LED element 52L of the left LED unit, and the drive signal (second drive signal) generated by the mid-high frequency (second frequency domain) component of the R signal component passing through the filter 2R is supplied to the upper LED element 52R of the right LED unit. As a result, the upper LED elements 52C, 52L, and 52R of each LED unit emit light in conjunction with the mid-high frequency (singer's voice, guitar sound, etc.) in the music played from the speaker unit 16. Furthermore, the upper LED element 52L of the left LED unit and the upper LED element 52R of the right LED unit respectively emit light corresponding to the L signal component and the R signal component, respectively, and a three-dimensional effect is visually expressed. Alternatively, a predetermined ratio of the R signal component may be added to the L signal component, or a predetermined ratio of the L signal component may be added to the R signal component, so that the number of upper LED elements 52L and 52R that are turned off is reduced.

[0087] In addition, a driving signal (third driving signal) generated by the low-frequency (third frequency domain) component of the L+R signal component that has passed through the filter 3 is supplied to the platform LED element 53. As a result, the platform LED element 53 emits light in conjunction with the lower bass (drum sound, etc.) in the music played from the speaker section 16.

[0088] In this way, various driving signals generated by combining different sound signal components (L signal component, R signal component, L+R signal component) and different frequency components are supplied to each LED element arranged three-dimensionally in the up and down, left and right, and front and back directions, thereby enabling complex light emission (light show) linked to sound.

[0089] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the processor 92 operates according to a program, and thus functions as a correction unit that corrects the driving signal of the LED element based on the L+R signal component before gain adjustment by the AGC unit 112. The correction unit determines the so-called chorus part (climax part) of the music based on the transition of the L+R signal component and the current L+R signal component, and corrects the driving signal (third driving signal) of the platform LED element 53 in such a way as to increase the light amount of the platform LED element 53 by a predetermined amount in the chorus part. As a result, at the climax part of the music, the user's excitement can be further enhanced by the light performance accompanying the music.

[0090] In addition, in this embodiment, the internal signal generating unit 124 is used to make a predetermined number of LED elements emit light even when no sound signal is supplied from the terminal 102 such as a smartphone (when the speaker unit 16 is muted and no sound is emitted). For example, when no sound signal is input, all LED elements may be illuminated, or only the platform LED element 53 may be illuminated.

[0091] The internal signal generating unit 124 generates a signal based on white noise, which attenuates the high frequency component through the filter 4, and is processed by the integrating unit 116 and the DRC unit 118 to be used as a driving signal for the LED element. By supplying this driving signal to the LED element, a so-called 1 / f fluctuation (the LED element emits light like a fluctuation) is realized. By adding such light emission control, a light show that will not make you tired can be realized even when there is no input sound signal. In addition, in the present embodiment, the processor 92 adjusts the driving signal of each LED element in such a way that the light of each LED element gradually dims (fades out) when the music played from the speaker unit 16 ends, and then gradually brightens (fades in) the light of each LED element through the internal signal generating unit 124.

[0092] In the above description, L and R signal components are supplied to the upper LED element 52L of the left LED unit and the upper LED element 52R of the right LED unit, respectively, but L+R signal components may be supplied to these LED elements 52L and 52R.

[0093] Next, refer to Fig.16, while explaining the second mode. In the second mode, in the signal component extraction unit 110, only the L+R signal component is extracted from the sound signal. The L+R signal component is input to the AGC unit 112 and the gain is adjusted. The L+R signal after the gain adjustment passes through the filter 1 (low-pass filter) to extract the low-frequency (first frequency domain) component, and passes through the filter 2 (high-pass filter) to extract the medium-high frequency (second frequency domain) component. The low-frequency component of the L+R signal component that passes through the filter 1 passes through the integration unit 116 and the DRC unit 118 to become the basic signal of the driving signal of the platform LED element 53. The medium-high frequency component of the L+R signal component that passes through the filter 2 passes through the integration unit 116 and the DRC unit 118 to become the basic signal of the driving signal of the lower LED elements 51C, 51L, 51R and the upper LED elements 52C, 52L, 52R of each LED unit. Each basic signal is input to the LED driver corresponding to each LED element and converted into a driving signal, and supplied to each LED element. In addition, the driving of the LED element using the internal signal generating section 124 during the silent mode is the same as that in the first mode.

[0094] In this way, the drive signal of each LED element is switched according to the user's operation of the mode switching button 164. Since there are a plurality of modes, it is possible to provide a light show according to the user's preference.

[0095] Next, the effects of speaker 10 according to the present embodiment described above will be described.

[0096] According to the speaker 10 of the present embodiment, since the main unit 12 having the first base portion 21, the first head portion 22, and the first housing 24 and the LED units 14 having the second base portion 41, the second head portion 42, and the second housing 44 have the same shape, the speaker 10 can obtain high aesthetics with a sense of unity. Light emitted from the lower LED element 51 and the upper LED element 52 of each LED unit 14 based on the music signal reaches the eyes of the user 100 in a state of being slightly diffusely reflected by the first housing 22 and the second housing 44, together with the speaker design having a sense of transparency and a sense of unity, so that the user 100 can feel comfortable.

[0097] In addition, according to the speaker 10 of the present embodiment, since each LED unit 14 (object) having a transparent second housing 44 is provided in the transparent first housing 24 of the main unit 12, there are very few obstructions such as obstructions to the light emitted from the lower LED element 51, the upper LED element 52, and the platform LED element 53 of each LED unit 14, and light can be used efficiently. The optical axis of each LED element is directed upward or downward, and although it is not directed in the direction of the user (horizontal direction), as described above, since the lower LED element 51 and the upper LED element 52 of each LED unit 14 have a wide irradiation angle, the user can feel sufficient brightness. In addition, since the outer surfaces of the columns 26 and 46, the outer surfaces of the second base portion 41 and the second head portion 42 of each LED unit 14 are reflective, and the platform 34 has a mirror surface, a large amount of reflected light can be obtained, and the optimal brightness can be ensured.

[0098] The speaker 10 of this embodiment provides a new entertainment method. For example, the main unit 12 reminds people of the stage, theater, performance space, etc. where performers appear, and the LED unit 14 reminds people of the performers themselves. The main unit 12 can also be called a stage unit or a theater unit, and the LED unit 14 can also be called a performer unit. Like three performers standing on the platform of the stage, the three performer units 14 stand upright on the first base portion 21.

[0099] The speaker 10 exhibits various emotions depending on the environment in which the speaker 10 is placed, the music played from the speaker 10, and the like. For example, the speaker 10 is placed in a slightly dark room. Then, when the user listens to rock music or pop music, the fluctuating light of the LED element before the music starts playing (when there is no input) implemented by the internal signal generating section 124 increases the excitement of the live performance that is about to begin. When the music starts playing, the platform LED element 53 illuminates the performer unit 14 with strong light, causing the three performer units 14 to appear in front of the user, and the user is suddenly surrounded by the excitement of the live performance.

[0100] The platform LED element 53 emits light in a manner linked to the sound of percussion instruments, for example, to illuminate the side (second housing 44) of the performer unit 14. The lower LED element 51 of the performer unit 14 emits light in a manner linked to the sound of a bass or drums and bass, for example, in the manner of a performer tapping his feet, and the upper LED element 52 of the performer unit 14 emits light in a manner linked to the sound of a guitar, the sound of a lead singer, etc. In the first mode, the performer units 14L and 14R on the left and right sides emit light in a manner of performing different performances, for example, so that the user can see the performance as if there are performers on the left and right sides, respectively. When the climax of the music is reached, a strong light is further emitted from the platform LED element 53 through the correction unit 120, and the user is surrounded by a comfortable sense of movement through the strong light seen along with the music.

[0101] The speaker 10 of this embodiment provides a new entertainment method for watching music. This is completely different from images such as music videos. Just like when reading a book, the user can freely imagine the scenes and characters that appear in the book, and can freely imagine the three performers standing on the platform 34 of the first base part 21. The user's eyes will not receive unnecessary information, and the user will feel comfortable through the music and the light linked to it. The speaker 10 with a sense of transparency and unity and the light it presents in conjunction with the music will not make the user feel bored.

[0102] When the music ends, the light fades out quietly to calm the user's excitement, leaving behind the moving aftertaste of the sound and light. Then, the fluctuating light of the LED element fades in through the internal signal generator 124. This makes people feel the same anticipation as waiting for the next live performance to begin.

[0103] The user cannot easily predict how the speaker 10 will light up. When playing new music, the user can expect what kind of light-emitting mode it will be, and can experience the feeling of accelerated heartbeat and excitement.

[0104] It should be noted that the speaker 10 of the above embodiment is one mode of the speaker of the present invention, and the speaker of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. As long as the main purpose of the present invention is not changed, the components constituting the speaker 10 of the above embodiment that are partially removed, added, changed in position, changed in form (shape, style, color, etc.), changed in action, etc. are also within the scope of the speaker of the present invention.

[0105] For example, the following methods are also within the scope of the speaker of the present invention. However, only one example is given here. The shape of the main unit 12 and the LED unit 14 can be a prism (triangular prism, quadrangular prism, etc.) or a shape close thereto. The columns 26 and 46 of the main unit 12 and the LED unit 14 can be arranged on the central side of each unit. The first shell 24 and the second shell 44 can have a shielding property in part. An LED element (referred to as a head LED element) with a downward optical axis can be arranged on the first head 22 to illuminate the inside of the first shell 24 from above. The platform LED element 53 can be arranged on the central side of the platform 34. The number of LED units 14 can be one, two or more than four, and the number of LED elements in the LED unit 14 can be one or more than three. One or all of the LED elements in one or more LED units 14 can be illuminated based on the left signal component, the right signal component or the mixed signal component of the sound signal. It is also possible to illuminate one or more head LED units or platform LED elements 53 based on the left signal component, the right signal component or the mixed signal component of the sound signal. One or more LED elements may be arranged to have an optical axis in a horizontal direction, an obliquely upward direction, or an obliquely downward direction. A plurality of speaker units 16 may be provided. A part or all of the plurality of speaker units 16 may be used to output stereo sound. One, two or more, or all of the speaker units 16 may be arranged to face the side so as to output sound in a horizontal direction. In addition, the characteristic parts described above may be appropriately combined to form a structure.

[0106] In the above-mentioned embodiments, the processor refers to a processor in a broad sense, including a general-purpose processor (such as a CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.), a special-purpose processor (such as an ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, an FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, a programmable logic device, etc.). The work of the processor can be completed not only by one processor, but also by the collaboration of multiple processors physically existing in separate locations.

[0107] Description of Reference Numerals

[0108] 10: Speaker

[0109] 12: Main unit (stage unit)

[0110] 14, 14C, 14L, 14R: LED unit (performer unit)

[0111] 16: Speaker

[0112] 19: Fixed part

[0113] 21: First base part (base assembly)

[0114] 22: First head (head component)

[0115] 24: First Shell

[0116] 26: Column (first connection unit)

[0117] 30: Button Group

[0118] 32: Connector

[0119] 34: Platform

[0120] 36: Reflector

[0121] 41: Second base part

[0122] 42: Second Head

[0123] 44: Second Shell

[0124] 46: Column (second connection unit)

[0125] 51, 51C, 51L, 51R: lower LED element (first LED element) 52, 52C, 52L, 52R: upper LED element (second LED element) 53: Platform LED element (third LED element)

[0126] 60: Hood

[0127] 70: Press plate

[0128] 72: Upper cushion

[0129] 74: Upper buffer frame (buffer material)

[0130] 76: Framework

[0131] 78: Lower buffer frame

[0132] 80: Shell

[0133] 82: Boss

[0134] 90: Control Department

[0135] 92: Processor

[0136] 94: Memory

[0137] 96: Receiving Department

[0138] 98: Battery

[0139] 100: User

[0140] 102: Terminal

[0141] 110: Signal component extraction unit

[0142] 112: AGC (Automatic Gain Control)

[0143] 114: Filter

[0144] 116: Integral unit

[0145] 118: DRC (Dynamic Range Control)

[0146] 120: Correction Unit

[0147] 124: Internal signal generating unit

[0148] 150: Low table

[0149] 152: Chair

[0150] 160: Power button

[0151] 162: Volume switch button

[0152] 164: Mode switch button

Claims

1. A loudspeaker, characterized in that: The speaker has: A first housing having transmissive properties; A first LED element and a second LED element, which are disposed in the first housing; as well as a control unit configured to drive the first LED element and the second LED element based on an external sound signal, The second LED element is arranged above the first LED element at a distance therefrom. The first LED element is arranged to have an optical axis pointing upwards, The second LED element is arranged to have an optical axis facing downwards, The speaker allows the light of the first LED element and the second LED element based on the sound signal to be viewed by a user from a side of the speaker via the first housing.

2. The loudspeaker according to claim 1, characterized in that The speaker also has a first head portion and a first base portion, The speaker allows the light of the first LED element and the second LED element based on the sound signal to be viewed by a user from a side surface of the speaker via the first housing disposed between the first head portion and the first base portion.

3. The loudspeaker according to claim 2, characterized in that A surface of the first base portion on the first housing side includes a mirror surface.

4. The loudspeaker according to claim 2, characterized in that Also having a first connecting unit, the first connecting unit having a reflective outer surface, The first head portion and the first base portion are connected by the first connection unit.

5. The loudspeaker according to claim 1, characterized in that An LED unit including the first LED element and the second LED element is disposed in the first housing.

6. The loudspeaker according to claim 5, characterized in that The LED unit has a second head portion and a second base portion, The first LED element is mounted on the second base portion. The second LED element is mounted on the second head.

7. The loudspeaker according to claim 6, characterized in that Also having a second connecting unit, the second connecting unit having a reflective outer surface, The second head portion and the second base portion are connected by the second connection unit.

8. The loudspeaker according to claim 5, characterized in that The speaker also has a first head portion and a first base portion, The first housing is disposed between the first head and the first base. A third LED element is mounted on an outer peripheral portion of the first base portion on the first housing side so as to have an optical axis facing the first housing side.

9. The loudspeaker according to claim 5, characterized in that The control unit supplies a first drive signal based on a signal having a first frequency range of the sound signal as a main component to the first LED element, and supplies a second drive signal based on a signal having a second frequency range of the sound signal relatively higher than the first frequency range as a main component to the second LED element.

10. The loudspeaker according to claim 9, characterized in that The control unit switches the drive signal supplied to the first LED element from the first drive signal to the second drive signal in response to a user operation.

11. The loudspeaker according to claim 9, characterized in that The third LED element disposed in the first housing is arranged to have an optical axis facing upward, The control unit supplies a third drive signal based on a signal having a third frequency range of the sound signal relatively lower than the first frequency range as a main component to the third LED element.

12. The loudspeaker according to claim 11, characterized in that The control unit corrects the third drive signal based on the transition of the sound signal and the current sound signal.

13. The loudspeaker according to claim 5, characterized in that It also has a signal generating unit, When the sound signal is not supplied from the outside, the control unit drives the first LED element and the second LED element based on the signal generated by the signal generating unit instead of the sound signal.

14. The loudspeaker according to claim 5, characterized in that When the speaker is viewed from the front, the plurality of LED units include a central LED unit disposed at the center, and a left LED unit and a right LED unit disposed on the left and right of the central LED unit, respectively. The control unit supplies a driving signal based on the left signal component of the sound signal to at least one of the first LED element and the second LED element of the left LED unit, supplies a driving signal based on the right signal component of the sound signal to at least one of the first LED element and the second LED element of the right LED unit, and supplies a driving signal based on a mixed signal component of the left signal component and the right signal component to at least one of the first LED element and the second LED element of the central side LED unit.

15. The loudspeaker according to claim 4, characterized in that The first head portion includes a speaker portion disposed upward, The first head portion includes a frame on which the upper end of the first connecting unit is mounted, and a buffer material. A plurality of bosses are provided at intervals on the upper surface of the frame. The buffer material is arranged on the upper surface of the frame avoiding the bosses. The fixing portion provided on the outer periphery of the speaker unit is arranged and fixed on each boss of the frame, and the space formed by each boss between the lower surface of the fixing portion of the speaker unit and the upper surface of the frame is blocked by the buffer material.

16. The loudspeaker according to claim 5, characterized in that A 1 / 2 beam angle of at least one of the first LED element and the second LED element of the LED unit is greater than or equal to 120 degrees.

Images