Acoustic control system, acoustic control method, and acoustic control program

Abstract

To realize, in an arena / stadium facility including seating around a playing surface, audio movement throughout an entire seating by constructing a multi-channel playback environment using a distributed speaker system. The present disclosure is configured to control a speaker system provided in an arena / stadium facility including seating around a playing surface, and includes: a plurality of speaker devices for each area, the entire area of the seating being divided into a plurality of areas, the speaker devices being distributed in each of the divided areas; and acoustic control means configured, with respect to each of the plurality of speaker devices in each area, to group speaker devices selected from each area into one group, for each area, on the basis of an arrangement relationship between the respective speaker devices in the area, and to output a sound source signal to the speaker devices belonging to the group, for each group.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an acoustic control system, an acoustic control method, and an acoustic control program.Background Art

[0002] For example, in arena / stadium facilities, such as baseball fields and athletic fields, spectator seating is arranged so as to surround all around or part of a playing surface. Hereinafter, baseball fields and athletic fields are referred to as arenas / stadiums.

[0003] Conventionally, in an acoustic system in an arena / astadium, a plurality of speaker clusters are distributed so that each speaker cluster outputs audio towards the spectator seating. Generally, audio output from each speaker cluster is played back as monaural audio.

[0004] On the other hand, there has recently been a strong demand for entertainment in sports, events, and the like, and one aspect of this demand is the need to provide audios that create a sense of movement in large spaces.

[0005] Patent Literature 1 discloses a technique with regard to sound image movement. The technique described in Patent Literature 1 is a system that uses sound to guide people. Specifically, sound source devices are arranged along a leading passage, and a control device controls sound images of sound waves from each of the plurality of sound source devices.

[0006] Patent Literature 2 discloses a sound playback device that makes it possible to retain the feeling of width of a listening space even when a multi-channel input audio signal is played back using speakers having different frequency characteristics.Citation ListPatent Literature

[0007] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2000-285378 Patent Literature 2: International Publication No. WO 2012 / 042905 Summary of Invention Technical Problem

[0008] Incidentally, in music concert halls, theaters, and the like, large-scale, highly functional, and high-cost acoustic systems are used to improve a multi-channel environment having excellent acoustic effects.

[0009] However, when sports or general events are held, acoustic systems in arena / stadium facilities on site will be used. Generally, high-performance acoustic systems for multi-channel playback are not currently introduced in such arena / stadium facilities.

[0010] For example, a plurality of speaker clusters may be distributed in a baseball field or the like, but monaural sound is currently played back in practice, making it difficult to provide audio having a sense of movement using such equipment.

[0011] Accordingly, in view of the above-described problems, the present disclosure aims to provide an acoustic control system, an acoustic control method, and an acoustic control program, capable of constructing a multi-channel playback environment using a distributed speaker system designed for monaural playback in an arena / stadium facility including seating around a playing surface, thereby realizing audio movement throughout the entire seating area.Solution to Problem

[0012] In order to solve the above-described problems, a first aspect of the present disclosure provides an acoustic control system configured to control a speaker system provided in an arena / stadium facility including seating around a playing surface, the acoustic control system including: a plurality of speaker devices for each area, the entire area of the seating being divided into a plurality of areas, the speaker devices being distributed in each of the divided areas; and acoustic control means configured, with respect to each of the plurality of speaker devices in each area, to group speaker devices selected from each area into one group, for each area, on the basis of an arrangement relationship between the respective speaker devices in the area, and to output a sound source signal to the speaker devices belonging to the group, for each group.

[0013] A second aspect of the present disclosure provides an acoustic control method of controlling a speaker system provided in an arena / stadium facility including seating around a playing surface, a plurality of speaker devices being provided for each area, the entire area of the seating being divided into a plurality of areas, the speaker devices being distributed in each of the divided areas, the acoustic control method including, by acoustic control means, with respect to each of the plurality of speaker devices in each area, grouping speaker devices selected from each area into one group, for each area, on the basis of an arrangement relationship between the respective speaker devices in the area, and outputting a sound source signal to the speaker devices belonging to the group, for each group.

[0014] A third aspect of the present disclosure provides an acoustic control program of controlling a speaker system provided in an arena / stadium facility including seating around a playing surface, a plurality of speaker devices being provided for each area, the entire area of the seating being divided into a plurality of areas, the speaker devices being distributed in each of the divided areas, the acoustic control program causing a computer to function as acoustic control means, the acoustic control means configured, with respect to each of the plurality of speaker devices in each area, to group speaker devices selected from each area into one group, for each area, on the basis of an arrangement relationship between the respective speaker devices in the area, and to output a sound source signal to the speaker devices belonging to the group, for each group.Advantageous Effects of Invention

[0015] It is possible to construct the multi-channel playback environment using the distributed speaker system in a large facility surrounded by seating, such as an arena or a stadium, thereby realizing audio movement throughout the entire spectator seating area.Brief Description of Drawings

[0016] [Fig. 1] Fig. 1 is an overall configuration diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an acoustic system according to a first embodiment. [Fig. 2] Fig. 2 is an internal configuration diagram illustrating an internal configuration of an acoustic control apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Fig. 3] Fig. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining audio movement control in the first embodiment. [Fig. 4] Fig. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining how audio with a sense of movement is heard in the first embodiment (part 1). [Fig. 5] Fig. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining how the audio with the sense of movement is heard in the first embodiment (part 2). [Fig. 6] Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining output waveforms of a sound source signal of a matrix mixer in the first embodiment. [Fig. 7] Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a modified example of output waveforms of the matrix mixer in the first embodiment. [Fig. 8] Fig. 8 is an arrangement diagram in which two speaker clusters in the same area are grouped into one group, in the first embodiment. [Fig. 9] Fig. 9 is an arrangement diagram at the time when an auxiliary speaker is added to a speaker cluster, in the first embodiment. [Fig. 10] Fig. 10 is an internal configuration diagram illustrating an internal configuration of an acoustic control apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Fig. 11] Fig. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining gain control of an amplifier according to the second embodiment. The vertical axis indicates a value of the gain and the horizontal axis indicates the time. [Fig. 12] Fig. 12 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a case where audio movement speed (rotational speed) is controlled, in the second embodiment. [Fig. 13] Fig. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining adjustment of audio overlap between groups, in the second embodiment. [Fig. 14] Fig. 14 is an explanatory diagram for explaining control of audio movement direction (rotation direction) in the second embodiment. [Fig. 15] Fig. 15 is a configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of an acoustic system according to a third embodiment (example 1). [Fig. 16] Fig. 16 is a configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of an acoustic system according to the third embodiment (example 1). Description of Embodiments (A) First Embodiment

[0017] The following is a detailed description of a first embodiment of an acoustic control system, an acoustic control method, and an acoustic control program according to the present disclosure, with reference to the drawings.

[0018] This embodiment illustrates a case of applying the present disclosure to an acoustic control apparatus and an acoustic control method using a speaker system (acoustic system) installed in, for example, an arena / stadium facility provided with an arena / stadium, such as a baseball field and an athletic field, in which spectator seating (hereinafter also referred to seating) is arranged so as to surround all around or part of a playing surface. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the case of using the acoustic system of the arena / stadium facility.(A-1) Configuration of First Embodiment

[0019] Fig. 1 is an overall configuration diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an acoustic system according to a first embodiment. Fig. 2 is an internal configuration diagram illustrating an internal configuration of an acoustic control apparatus 5 according to the first embodiment.

[0020] Illustrated is a case where an acoustic system 100 according to the first embodiment is constructed in an arena / stadium. In Fig. 1, the hatched portion STD indicates spectator seating in the arena / stadium. For the sake of simplicity, it is assumed that the spectator seating STD is arranged to surround all four sides of the playing surface, and are configured, for example, in a stepped manner. However, it may also be formed with multiple tiers of spectator seating, such as second-tier or third-tier seats. The arrangement and configuration of the spectator seating STD may differ depending on the actual arena / stadium and are not limited to the example illustrated in Fig. 1.

[0021] In Fig. 1, the acoustic system 100 according to the first embodiment includes a plurality of speaker clusters 11 to 14, 21 to 24, and 31 to 34, and the acoustic control apparatus 5.

[0022] The speaker clusters 11 to 14, 21 to 24, and 31 to 34 output audio towards spectator seating STD (i.e., towards spectators) . The audio described herein includes tone, music, sound effect, song, voice, and the like.

[0023] The speaker clusters 11 to 14, 21 to 24, and 31 to 34 are formed by, for example, arranging a plurality of speaker systems side by side and connecting adjacent speaker systems with a connecting fitting or the like. The method of connecting multiple speaker systems is not particularly limited, and various methods can be used, such as connection in a longitudinal direction or a lateral direction.

[0024] For example, when the spectator seating STD has a roof, the speaker clusters 11 to 14, 21 to 24, and 31 to 34 are attached under the roof so that audio can be output toward the spectators. It is to be noted that as long as the speaker clusters 11 to 14, 21 to 24, and 31 to 34 are distributed throughout the arena / stadium, the arrangement method thereof is not particularly limited.

[0025] Moreover, in this embodiment, the speaker system of the acoustic system 100 is divided into three areas A1 to A3, and the speaker clusters are distributed in each of the areas A1 to A3. This embodiment illustrates a case where the number of speaker clusters in each of the areas A1 to A3 is the same, but the speaker clusters do not have to be divided into equal numbers. In this case, two speaker clusters may be regarded as one, or one speaker cluster may be regarded as two, to even out the numbers. Alternatively, two or more speaker clusters may play back audio simultaneously, and the level difference and playback timing delay may be used to play back as if there is a virtual speaker cluster between those clusters.

[0026] For example, the example of Fig. 1 illustrates a case where four speaker clusters are provided in each of the areas A1 to A3. In the numbers assigned to the speaker clusters, the first digit from the left (the tens digit) indicates the area number. The second digit from the left (the ones digit) is a number for identifying the speaker cluster and is also a group number. For example, in the case of speaker cluster 12, it refers to the "second" speaker cluster arranged in the "area A1". An example of a method of setting the group will be described later.

[0027] Here, it considers a plan view of the entire arena / stadium as viewed from above to below. The areas A1 to A3 are set to be adjacent to each other in a certain direction (one direction) with respect to the spectator seating STD surrounding around the playing surface. In other words, the areas A1 to A3 are divided so as to be connected to one another. In an example of Fig. 1, in a clockwise direction, the area A1 is adjacent to the area A2, the area A2 is adjacent to the area A3, and the area A3 is adjacent to the area A1. The method of dividing the area may be adopted as various methods, for example, taking into consideration a size (area) of the spectator seating, the number of seats, or the like.

[0028] Moreover, the speaker clusters for each area are also arranged at intervals along a certain direction. For example, in the area A1, the speaker clusters are arranged clockwise in the order of the speaker cluster 11, the speaker cluster 12, the speaker cluster 13, and the speaker cluster 14. In the areas A2 and A3, it is also preferable that the speaker clusters are arranged in the clockwise direction (in a certain direction) as in the area A1.

[0029] By arranging the speaker clusters in this manner, all of the speaker clusters 11 to 14, 21 to 24, and 31 to 34 are arranged in a certain direction so as to surround the playing surface. That is, in the case of this example, all of the speaker clusters 11 to 14, 21 to 24, and 31 to 34 can be arranged so as to surround the playing surface.

[0030] Here, with respect to the plurality of speaker clusters distributed in each area, on the basis of an arrangement relationship of the speaker clusters in each area, a speaker cluster is selected for each area and the selected speaker cluster in each area is grouped in one group.

[0031] For example, in the area A1, the speaker clusters are arranged clockwise in the order of the speaker cluster 11, the speaker cluster 12, the speaker cluster 13, and the speaker cluster 14. In the area A2, the speaker clusters are arranged clockwise in the order of the speaker cluster 21, the speaker cluster 22, the speaker cluster 23, and the speaker cluster 24. In the area A3, the speaker clusters are arranged clockwise in the order of the speaker cluster 31, the speaker cluster 32, the speaker cluster 33, and the speaker cluster 34.

[0032] In this case, based on the arrangement relationship of the speaker clusters in the areas A1 toA3 (i.e., the arrangement order in the "melting" direction), the "speaker cluster 11 in the area A1," the "speaker cluster 21 in the area A2," and the "speaker cluster 31 in the area A3", which are first arranged, are grouped in one group (e.g., "group 1").

[0033] Similarly, the "speaker cluster 12 in the area A1", the "speaker cluster 22 in the area A2" and the "speaker cluster 32 in the area A3" in the areas A1 to A3, which are second arranged, are grouped in one group (e.g., "group 2"). The "speaker cluster 13 in the area A1", the "speaker cluster 23 in the area A2" and the "speaker cluster 33 in the area A3", which are third arranged, are grouped in one group (e.g., "group 3"). The "speaker cluster 14 in the area A1", the "speaker cluster 24 in the area A2" and the "speaker cluster 34 in the area A3", which are fourth arranged, are grouped in one group (e.g., "group 4").

[0034] For the sake of simplicity, this embodiment illustrates a case where the groups are set fixedly, but it may enable it to change a definition of an area, and a definition of a group according to sound sources of a sound effect and audio to be played back. For example, this embodiment illustrates a case where division into three areas is performed, four speaker clusters are arranged in each area, and four groups are defined for each area. However, depending on the sound source of a sound effect or the like, division into four areas may be performed, three speaker clusters may be arranged in each area, and three groups may be defined for each area, allowing settings to be changed for each sound source.

[0035] Distances (arrangement intervals) between adjacent speaker clusters 11 to 14, 21 to 24, and 31 to 34 do not necessarily have to be the same. It is naturally desirable that the intervals be equal, but they do not have to be equal.

[0036] The number of divided areas is not limited to three, but may be two or not less than four. Moreover, the number of speaker clusters distributed in the area is not limited to four, but may be two or three, or not less than five.

[0037] The acoustic control apparatus 5 is configured to control the acoustic system 100. As illustrated in Fig. 2, the acoustic control apparatus 5 includes a control unit 51, a sound source unit 52, and a matrix mixer 53.

[0038] The sound source unit 52 holds an audio sound source to be output to the arena / stadium and is connected to the matrix mixer 53 via a multi-channel environment. For example, in the case of this example, the sound source unit 52 is connected to the matrix mixer 53 via four channels, and the sound source unit 52 outputs a sound source signal to the matrix mixer 53 from each of the four channels.

[0039] Here, the sound source unit 52 holds multi-channel sound source signals of sound effects, music, songs, and the like. The sound source unit 52 may hold a plurality of multi-channel sound source signals, and a multi-channel sound source to be played back can be selected depending on a situation of a game currently being played.

[0040] Moreover, the sound source unit 52 holds multi-channel sound source signals in which a group based on arrangement of the speaker clusters in the areas A1 to A3 is defined as one channel. In other words, the multi-channel sound source signals to be played back for each group are held in advance in the sound source unit 52, and the sound source unit 52 outputs the sound source signals to be played back in each group to the matrix mixer 53.

[0041] The control unit 51 includes, for example, a processor (computer), such as a digital processor, a ROM, a RAM, an EEPROM, an input / output interface, and the like, and the processor executes application software (e.g., an acoustic control program, audio adjustment, etc.), thereby realizing the functions of the acoustic system 100. The acoustic system 100 may be constructed by installing the acoustic control program. Moreover, the control unit 51 includes a mixing control unit 511 configured to perform mixing control of the matrix mixer 53.

[0042] The mixing control unit 511 controls the connection of the matrix mixer 53 as necessary on the basis of a type of the multi-channel sound source held in the sound source unit 52.

[0043] The matrix mixer 53 outputs the sound source signal supplied from the sound source unit 52 to each of the speaker clusters 11 to 14, 21 to 24, and 31 to 34. In this embodiment, the number of input channels of the matrix mixer 53 is four, but the number of channels may be set according to the number of speaker clusters for each area. Moreover, the number of outputs of the matrix mixer 53 is set to the total number (12) of the speaker clusters 11 to 14, 21 to 24, and 31 to 34, but is not limited to this example and may be set to a number depending on a system configuration.(A-2) Operation of First Embodiment(A-2-1) Basic Operation

[0044] Next, an operation of an acoustic output method in the acoustic system 100 according to the first embodiment will be described in detail, with reference to the drawings.

[0045] As illustrated in Fig. 2, the matrix mixer 53 is assumed to be connected to the speaker clusters belonging to each group.

[0046] As described above, the sound source unit 52 holds the multi-channel sound source signals to be played back in each group and outputs the sound source signals to be played back in each group to the matrix mixer 53.

[0047] For example, the multi-channel sound source is played back in the order of the group 1, the group 2, the group 3, the group 4, the group 1, ..., at predetermined intervals. The sound source unit 52 outputs the sound source signal for each group to be played back in the group 1 to group 4 to the matrix mixer 53.

[0048] As illustrated in Fig. 2, the matrix mixer 53 is connected to the speaker clusters, and therefore outputs the sound source signal of the group 1 from the sound source unit 52 to the "speaker cluster 11 in the area A1", the "speaker cluster 21 in the area A2", and the "speaker cluster 31 in the area A3", which belong to group 1.

[0049] Similarly, the matrix mixer 53 outputs the sound source signal of the group 2 from the sound source unit 52 to the "speaker cluster 12 in the area A1", the "speaker cluster 22 in the area A2", and the "speaker cluster 32 in the area A3", which belong to the group 2. The sound source signal of the group 3 is output to the "speaker cluster 13 in the area A1", the "speaker cluster 23 in the area A2", and the "speaker cluster 33 in the area A3", which belong to the group 3. The sound source signal of the group 4 is output to the "speaker cluster 14 in the area A1", the "speaker cluster 24 in the area A2", and the "speaker cluster 34 in the area A3", which belong to the group 4.

[0050] Accordingly, as illustrated in Figs. 3(A) to 3(D), the speaker clusters 11 through 14, the speaker clusters 21 through 24, and the speaker clusters 31 through 34, which are distributed in each area A1 to A3, will respectively output audio in sequence.

[0051] For example, as illustrated in Fig. 3(A), suppose that there is a spectator Y near the speaker cluster 11 in the area A1. A state of the audio that the spectator Y hears in this case will now be described. For the sake of simplicity, suppose that the sound source is "nice goal".

[0052] In this case, as illustrated in the example of Figure 4, if limiting the description to how the spectator Y hears the audio output from the four speaker clusters 11 to 14 in the area A1, louder audio will come from the speaker cluster 11 located closest. Thereafter, when the output destination is switched and the audio is output from the speaker cluster 12, the distance from the spectator Y increases, and therefore the audio is heard from the speaker cluster 12 at a proportionately lower volume. Moreover, when the output destination is switched to the speaker cluster 13, the distance from the spectator Y further increases, and therefore the audio is heard from the speaker cluster 13 at a proportionately even lower volume. Then, when the output destination is further switched, the spectator Y will hear the audio from the speaker cluster 14 at a proportionately even lower volume.

[0053] On the other hand, the spectator Y is also close to the area A3. Therefore, the audio from the speaker clusters 31 to 34 in the area A3 can also be heard, as illustrated in Fig. 5.

[0054] Accordingly, as illustrated in Fig. 5, the volume of audio from the third speaker cluster 13 and the fourth speaker cluster 14 in the area A1 will be relatively low, but the volume of audio heard from the same third speaker cluster 33 and same fourth speaker cluster 34 in the area A3 will be relatively high.

[0055] Although not illustrated in Fig. 5, in the area A2 (refer to Fig. 3(A), etc.), which is the farthest from a position of the spectator Y, the speaker clusters 21 to 24 also output the audio in sequence, but an impact thereof is small since the audio output from the closer speaker cluster dominates.

[0056] In other words, even in an arena / stadium having no sufficient speaker equipment, rather than a multi-channel environment such as concert halls, a multi-channel playback environment can be created simply and inexpensively by using the speaker system distributed in each area obtained by dividing the spectator seating STD. That is, it is possible to provide a sense of sound movement assuming a multi-channel environment to the entire spectator seating.

[0057] Although the multi-channel sound source signal to be prepared in the sound source unit 52 has been described as moving the audio to be played back in one direction, the present disclosure is not limited to this example. For example, the audio may move in a certain direction and in the opposite direction, or the audio may move back and forth between the certain direction and the opposite direction. Moreover, for example, an acoustic effect such as fireworks being launched from various locations may also be used.(A-2-2) Adjustment of Volume Levels

[0058] Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining output waveforms of a sound source signal of the matrix mixer 53 according to the first embodiment.

[0059] Fig. 6(A) illustrates signal waveforms output to the speaker clusters 11 to 14 in the area A1, Fig. 6 (B) illustrates signal waveforms output to the speaker clusters 21 to 24 in the area A2, and Fig. 6(C) illustrates signal waveforms output to the speaker clusters 31 to 34 in the area A3. The vertical axis represents the volume level, and the horizontal axis represents the time. The numbers attached to peaks of the signal waveform indicate the numbers of the speaker clusters to which the sound source signals are output.

[0060] In the case of the example in Figs. 6(A) to 6(C), the signals output from one speaker cluster to next speaker cluster partially overlap each other. For example, in Fig. 6(A), the signal waveforms partially overlap between the time T1 and the time T2 and the output volume of the speaker cluster 11 gradually decreases from the volume P to the volume 0 between the time T1 and the time T2, while the output volume of the speaker cluster 12 gradually increases from the volume 0 to the volume P between the time T1 and the time T2. By repeating this operation sequentially, it is possible to realize a sense of smooth movement of the audio.

[0061] Although Fig. 6 illustrates an example in which the signal waveform partially overlaps with the adjacent signal waveform, as illustrated in Fig. 7(A), the signal waveform does not have to overlap with the adjacent signal waveform, and in addition, a degree of the overlap may be increased or decreased. As illustrated in Fig. 7(B), an output period of the signal waveform may be adjusted to be longer depending on the audio to be output. That is, the period of the signal waveform may be adjusted in accordance with audio lengths and tunes, such as sound effects. Moreover, the output period of the signal waveform may be changed, as illustrated in Fig. 7(C). Accordingly, since the speed at which the audio moves throughout the entire spectator seating changes, the way the spectator Y feels the moving audio can be changed. That is, it is possible to improve the entertainment value of the sound effects.

[0062] Furthermore, as illustrates in Fig. 7(D), a pulse signal waveform may be used. Accordingly, for example, when it is desired that sound effects such as "footsteps" be moved across the entire spectator seating STD, it is possible to move a single, short sound, such as "thud", "thud", in the spectator seating STD, rather than gradually increasing / decreasing the volume. In this case, the adjacent signal waveforms are not partially overlapped, but they may be partially overlapped.

[0063] Naturally, the sound volume may be different for each speaker cluster.

[0064] Fig. 8(A) is an arrangement diagram in which two speaker clusters in the same area are grouped into one group, in the first embodiment.

[0065] In a baseball field illustrated in Fig. 8(A), spectator seating, such as back stands, may be arranged separately from each other. Even in such a case, in order to realize a sense of movement of audio, for example, a speaker cluster 43 is provided in each of the spectator seating arranged separately from each other in the back stand. In other words, two speaker clusters 43 are grouped as one group and each speaker cluster 43 is arranged in each area A4. This makes it possible to provide a sense of movement of audio even in the arena / stadium where the spectator seating does not surround the entire playing surface, i.e., even in the arena / stadium where the spectator seating only surrounds part of the playing surface.

[0066] Moreover, in Fig. 8 (B), an area A5 is newly provided. The area A5 is provided with speaker clusters 53, 54, and 55, which differ in arrangement number of the speaker clusters from other areas (e.g., any of the areas A1 to A4). Thus, the arrangement number may be different.

[0067] FIG. 8(B) illustrates an example in which the number of speaker clusters in the area is not the same, but other methods can also be applied. For example, two speaker clusters may be regarded as one, or one speaker cluster may be regarded as two, to even out the numbers. In other words, in the former case, both of the two speaker clusters belong to one group. In the latter case, one speaker cluster belongs to two groups.

[0068] As still another method, two or more speaker clusters may play back audio simultaneously, and the level difference and playback timing delay may be used to play back as if there is a virtual speaker cluster between those clusters.(A-2-3) Auxiliary Speaker

[0069] As illustrated in Fig. 9, one or more auxiliary speakers 6 may be provided in a speaker cluster, if needed, among the speaker clusters 11 to 14, 21 to 24, and 31 to 34.

[0070] For example, when there is an auxiliary speaker to support, for example, the seating under a balcony or rear seating, in a baseball field, auxiliary speakers 6 may be provided as speakers belonging the same group as the main speaker clusters 11 to 14, 21 to 24, and 31 to 34. As a result, even in a large baseball stadium where audio may not reach all areas, it is possible to deliver audio having a sense of movement even in such locations by linking the auxiliary speakers.(A-3) Advantageous Effects of First Embodiment

[0071] As described above, according to the first embodiment, even in arenas / stadiums having no sufficient speaker equipment for multi-channel playback, a multi-channel playback environment can be created simply and inexpensively by using the speaker system distributed in each area obtained by dividing the spectator seating. It is possible to provide a sense of audio movement assuming a multi-channel environment to the entire spectator seating.(B) Second Embodiment

[0072] The following is a detailed description of a second embodiment of an acoustic control system, an acoustic control method, and an acoustic control program according to the present disclosure, with reference to the drawings.

[0073] For example, in arenas / stadiums equipped with no high-performance speaker equipment for multi-channel playback, etc., speaker clusters are installed, but the sound source to be used is a monaural sound source in many cases.

[0074] Even in such a case, the second embodiment aims to output audio having a sense of movement, using a monaural sound source, in an environment similar to a multi-channel environment by distributing speaker clusters in each area as in the first embodiment.

[0075] In the second embodiment, the description will be given assuming a monaural sound source, but the present embodiment can also be applied to a multi-channel sound source instead of the monaural sound source.(B-1) Configuration of Second Embodiment

[0076] Fig. 10 is an internal configuration diagram illustrating an internal configuration of an acoustic control apparatus according to the second embodiment.

[0077] In Fig. 10, an acoustic control apparatus 5A according to the second embodiment includes a control unit 51A, a sound source unit 52A, a frequency band division unit 54, an amplifier 55 (55-1 to 55-4), and a matrix mixer 53.

[0078] The control unit 51A includes a mixing control unit 511 and a gain control unit 512. The gain control unit 512 is configured to control signal amplification (gain control) in the amplifier 55. The details of the gain control will be explained in the section of operation.

[0079] The sound source unit 52A holds a monaural sound source signal and outputs the monaural sound source signal to the frequency band division unit 54.

[0080] The frequency band division unit 54 is configured to divide the monaural sound source signal from the sound source unit 52A into a high-frequency signal (Hi) more than a predetermined frequency value, and a low-frequency signal (Lo) not more than the predetermined frequency value. The frequency band division unit 54 outputs the high-frequency signal (Hi) to each of the amplifiers 55-1 to 55-4 and outputs the low-frequency signal (Lo) to the matrix mixer 53. It is possible to freely determine the frequency value for discriminating between the low-frequency signal and the high-frequency signal.

[0081] The amplifier 55 amplifies an amplitude level (volume level) of the high-frequency signal (Hi) from the frequency band division unit 54 and supplies the amplified signal to the matrix mixer 53. The number of amplifiers 55 corresponds to the number of the speaker clusters arranged in each of the areas A1 to A3.

[0082] The matrix mixer 53 outputs the high-frequency signals respectively from four amplifiers 55-1 to 55-4 to the speaker clusters 11 to 14, 21 to 24, and 31-34 for each area, in the same manner as the first embodiment.

[0083] Moreover, the matrix mixer 53 turns on the connection to the speaker clusters 11 to 14, 21 to 24, and 31-34 and outputs the low-frequency signal (Lo) from the frequency band division unit 54 to the speaker clusters just as they are.

[0084] Thus, the low-frequency signal is constantly output from the speaker cluster, and the high-frequency signal is given a sense of movement as in the first embodiment, so that even when the monaural sound source is used, it is possible to output bass-heavy audio to the spectator seating STD.(B-2) Operation of Second Embodiment(B-2-1) Gain Control to Reproduce Sense of Movement

[0085] Fig. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining gain control of the amplifiers 55-1 to 55-4 according to the second embodiment. The vertical axis indicates a value of the gain and the horizontal axis indicates the time.

[0086] Fig. 11 (A) illustrates gain control of the amplifier 55-1, Fig. 11(B) illustrates gain control of the amplifier 55-2, Fig. 11(C) illustrates gain control of the amplifier 55-3, and Fig. 11(D) illustrates gain control of the amplifier 55-4. That is, Figs. 11(A) to 11(D) respectively illustrate gains of the groups 1 to 4.

[0087] The gain control unit 512 performs gain control as illustrated in Figs. 11(A) to 11(D) with respect to each of the amplifier 55-1 to 55-4.

[0088] For example, the gain control unit 512 periodically adds a gain to the amplifier 55-1 so that a peak value is set to 0 dB, as illustrated in Fig. 11(A). As illustrated in Figs. 11(A) to 11(D), since the gain periodicity is the same, but the gain phase is slightly shifted between adjacent amplifiers 55, it is possible to move the output audio from the speaker clusters 11 to 14. In the drawings (e.g., Figs. 11 to 14) according to the present application, the signals relating to the gain control have curved signal waveforms but may have discrete signal waveforms.

[0089] The amplifier 55-1 outputs a signal obtained by multiplying the sound source signal (high-frequency sound source signal) by the gain to the matrix mixer 53.

[0090] Moreover, in the matrix mixer 53, when the connection to each of the first speaker clusters 11, 21, 31 in the areas A1 to A3 is on, the high-frequency signal amplified by the amplifier 55-1 is output to each of the speaker clusters 11, 21, 31.

[0091] At this time, the matrix mixer 53 constantly outputs the low-frequency sound source signal to all the speaker clusters 11 to 14, 21 to 24, and 31 to 34.

[0092] Therefore, when the matrix mixer 53 outputs the high-frequency signal to the speaker clusters 11, 21, and 31, a signal obtained by superimposing the high-frequency signal on the low-frequency signal is output to the speaker clusters 11, 21, and 31.(B-2-2) Gain Control for Audio movement Speed (Rotational Speed)

[0093] Fig. 12 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a case where audio movement speed (rotational speed) is controlled.

[0094] Figs. 12(A) to 12(D) respectively illustrate gains of groups 1 to 4. A period of the gain control periodically performed on each of the amplifiers 55-1 to 55-4 is defined as "T". At this time, the gain control unit 512 can adjust a length of the period T. This period T corresponds to the time required for the speaker clusters, i.e., the speaker cluster of the group 1, the speaker cluster of the group 2, the speaker cluster of the group 3, and the speaker cluster of the group 4, to emit audio and complete one cycle.

[0095] Therefore, the larger the value of the period T set by the gain control unit 512 becomes, the slower the audio movement speed becomes, as illustrated in Fig. 12(E). In contrast, the smaller the value of the period T becomes, the faster the audio movement speed becomes, as illustrated in Fig. 12(F).

[0096] Thus, it is possible for the gain control unit 512 to adjust the audio movement speed by adjusting the value of the parameter T.(B-2-3) Adjustment of Audio Overlap between Groups

[0097] Fig. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining adjustment of audio overlap between groups.

[0098] In Fig. 13(A), for example, an overlap period between a waveform of "Gain 1" in the group 1 and a waveform of "Gain 2" in the group 2 is defined as "R". This period R corresponds to the overlap period between the audio of the speaker cluster in the group 1 and the audio of the speaker cluster in the next group 2.

[0099] Therefore, as illustrated in Fig. 13(A), the gain control unit 512 can adjust the overlap period of the audios between adjacent groups, such as the speaker cluster in the group 1 and the speaker cluster in the next group 2, to be shorter as the value of period R is made smaller. In contrast, as illustrated in Fig. 13 (B), the overlap period of the audios between adjacent groups can be adjusted to be longer as the value of period R is made larger.

[0100] Thus, it is possible for the gain control unit 512 to adjust the overlap of audios between the groups by adjusting the value of the parameter R. When the period R is set to "0", it is possible to provide audios without overlap.(B-2-4) Control of Audio movement Direction (Rotation Direction)

[0101] Fig. 14 is an explanatory diagram for explaining control of audio movement direction (rotation direction).

[0102] Figs. 14(A) to 14(D) respectively illustrate gains of groups 1 to 4.

[0103] For example, as in the above-described Figs. 12(A) to 12(D), when gain control is performed in the order of the group 1, the group 2, the group 3, and the group 4, the audio moves in the clockwise direction, as illustrated in Figs. 12(D) and 14(F) .

[0104] In contrast, as in Figs. 14(A) to 14(D), when gain control is performed in the order of the group 4, the group 3, the group 2, and the group 1, the audio moves in the counterclockwise direction, as illustrated in Fig. 14(E). The clockwise and counterclockwise directions can be switched at any timing under the control by the gain control unit 512. For example, the audio to be played back may be moved to one direction, or, for example, the audio may be moved in a certain direction and the opposite direction thereto. Alternatively, for example, the audio may move back and forth between the certain direction and the opposite direction. Alternatively, for example, the acoustic effect such as fireworks being launched from various locations may also be used.

[0105] Thus, it is possible for the gain control unit 512 to adjust the audio movement direction by changing the order of the gain control with respect to the amplifiers 55-1 to 55-4.(B-3) Advantageous Effects of Second Embodiment

[0106] As described above, according to the second embodiment, the gain is provided for each group and the playback level of the group that is sounding is gradually lowered while simultaneously raising the playback level of the group adjacent in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction, thereby the sounding speaker cluster can be changed sequentially over time to make it possible to reproduce a sense of movement of audio.

[0107] According to the second embodiment, the multi-channel sound source may be prepared for each group, but when the gain control is performed by the system side, it is possible to reproduce the sense of movement even using the monaural sound source.

[0108] In this method, since only some of the speaker clusters are used at the same time, when power in the low-frequency range is insufficient, the sound source can be divided into low-frequency range and middle-frequency to high-frequency range with a crossover, and the entire speaker system can be used for the low-frequency range. In accordance with the type and length of the sound source, the rotation speed, overlap, and direction are set as control parameters.(C) Third Embodiment

[0109] The following is a detailed description of a third embodiment of an acoustic control system, an acoustic control method, and an acoustic control program according to the present disclosure, with reference to the drawings.

[0110] For example, at sporting events held in stadiums or arenas, there is a demand for a master of ceremony, a public address announcer, a play-by-play announcer, or the like to use microphones to produce normal amplified sound from a speaker cluster.

[0111] Therefore, the third embodiment describes an acoustic control apparatus, which is described in the first or second embodiment, not only capable of activating a sound source for acoustic effects but also capable of switching simultaneously playing both of or playing one of a sound source for normal amplified sound and a sound source for acoustic effects.

[0112] In the following, an example will be given based on the acoustic control apparatus 5A in the second embodiment using a monaural sound source, but the present embodiment can also be applied to the acoustic control apparatus 5 in the first embodiment using a multi-channel sound source.(C-1) Configuration and Operation of Third Embodiment

[0113] Fig. 15 is a configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of an acoustic system according to the third embodiment (example 1).

[0114] In Fig. 15, an acoustic system 100B according to the third embodiment includes an acoustic control apparatus 5B, a power amplifier 56, and speaker clusters 11 to 14, 21 to 24, and 31 to 34.

[0115] Moreover, the acoustic control apparatus 5B includes a control unit 51B, a sound source unit 52A, a matrix mixer 53, a frequency band division unit 54, an amplifier 55, and a microphone 57.

[0116] The microphone 57 is a microphone used by a master of ceremony, etc. in an event in an arena / stadium or the like. The microphone 57 is connected to the matrix mixer 53. For the sake of simplicity, the microphone 57 is used in this case, but it is not limited to the microphone 57 and may be any input means for normal amplified sound in the arena / stadium facility.

[0117] The matrix mixer 53 is connected to the microphone 57 and M (M is positive integer) amplifiers 55 on an input side and is connected to the power amplifier 56 on an output side.

[0118] For example, the matrix mixer 53 is always connected to the speaker clusters 11 to 14, 21 to 24, and 31 to 34, and is capable of outputting a signal for normal amplified sound to all the speaker clusters 11 to 14, 21 to 24, and 31 to 34 when receiving an input signal for normal amplified sound.

[0119] In a state where the sound source for normal amplified sounds is output, when a monaural sound source signal from the sound source unit 52A is output, the matrix mixer 53 can also output a sound source for acoustic effects simultaneously with the sound source for normal amplified sound.

[0120] Moreover, the connection of the matrix mixer 53 is switched under the control of the switching unit 513 as required.

[0121] By providing the acoustic control apparatus 5B having the configuration as illustrated in Fig. 15, even when an event is held in an arena / stadium etc., it is also possible to simultaneously realize outputting of a voice of the master of ceremony and / or music from all speaker clusters and audio movement using the sound source signal, such as the audio from the sound source unit 52A.

[0122] In other words, by preparing an input for playback using an acoustic method for normal amplified sounds and an input for acoustic effects, it is possible to determine in an output unit such as a mixer whether to add the input for acoustic effects to the normal amplified sound or to use the input for acoustic effects alone, depending on the situation. Moreover, by being linked with the control of lighting equipment and video equipment, it is possible to realize a performance in which the sound moves in synchronization with the lighting and video.

[0123] Fig. 16 is a configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of an acoustic system according to the third embodiment (example 2).

[0124] In Fig. 16, an acoustic system 100C according to the third embodiment includes an acoustic control apparatus 5C, a power amplifier 56, and speaker clusters 11 to 14, 21 to 24, and 31 to 34.

[0125] The acoustic control apparatus 5C includes a control unit 51C, a first sound source unit 52A, a second sound source unit 52B, a matrix mixer 53, a first frequency band division unit 54A, a second frequency band division unit 54B, a first amplifier 55A, a second amplifier 55B, and a microphone 57.

[0126] The first sound source unit 52A holds a first sound source signal. The second sound source unit 52B holds a second sound source signal different from the first sound source signal.

[0127] Regarding the first sound source signal, one signal system is composed of the first sound source units 52A, the first frequency band division units 54A, and the first amplifiers 55A. This is called the first sound source signal system.

[0128] Regarding the second sound source signal, one signal system is composed of the second sound source unit 52B, the second frequency band division unit 54B, and the second amplifier 55B. This is called the second sound source signal system.

[0129] Although the case illustrated herein includes two first and second sound source units 52A and 52B, respectively having different sound sources, not less than three sound source units 52 may be provided. In this case, it is necessary to provide the frequency band division units 54 and the amplifiers 55 in numbers corresponding to the number of sound source units 52.

[0130] The gain control unit 512 can perform gain control for each of the first amplifier 55A and the second amplifier 55B.

[0131] For example, the gain control unit 512 can move audio in a certain direction by performing gain control for the first amplifier 55A of the first sound source signal. In contrast, the gain control unit 512 can move audio in a direction opposite to the certain direction by performing gain control for the second amplifier 55B of the second sound source signal. Thus, the audio of the first sound source signal can be moved in the certain direction, and the audio of the second sound source signal can move in the opposite direction.

[0132] The gain control unit 512 controls the gain of each of the first amplifier 55A and the second amplifier 55B, thereby making it possible to move each audio back and forth between the certain direction and the opposite direction.

[0133] The matrix mixer 53 is connected to the microphone 57, the first amplifier 55A, and the second amplifier 55B on the input side and is connected to the power amplifier 56 on the output side.

[0134] For example, the matrix mixer 53 is always connected to the speaker clusters 11 to 14, 21 to 24, and 31 to 34, and is capable of outputting a signal for normally amplified sound to all the speaker clusters 11 to 14, 21 to 24, and 31 to 34 when receiving an input signal for normally amplified sound.

[0135] Moreover, the matrix mixer 53 includes an input / output configuration for the first sound source signal, and an input / output configuration for the second sound source signal to make it possible to simultaneously use the first sound source signal and the second sound source signal.

[0136] In addition, by switching control by the switching unit 513 of the control unit 51B, it is possible to output the sound source for normal amplified sounds in any combination of the connection to the first amplifier 55A of the first sound source signal and the connection to the second amplifier 55B of the second sound source signal.

[0137] In accordance with such a configuration, even when there are two or more different sound sources as acoustic effect inputs, it is possible for an output unit such as a mixer to determine whether to add the acoustic effect input to normal amplified sound or to use the acoustic effect input alone, depending on a situation. For example, it is possible to move the audio of the first sound source signal in the certain direction, and at the same time, move the audio of the second sound source signal in the opposite direction, and further simultaneously output the normal amplified sound.(C-2) Advantageous Effects of Third Embodiment

[0138] As described above, according to the third embodiment, it can be incorporated into existing systems such as arenas / stadiums, and depending on the situation, it is possible to selectively determine to play back normal amplified sounds, to play back normal amplified sounds to which acoustic effects are added, or to play back acoustic effect sounds.

[0139] Moreover, according to the third embodiment, by being linked with the control of lighting equipment and video equipment, it is possible to realize a performance in which the audio moves in synchronization with the lighting and video.Reference Signs List

[0140] 100, 100B, and 100C: Acoustic control system; 5, 5A, 5B, and 5C: Acoustic control apparatus; 6: Auxiliary speaker; 11 to 14, 21 to 24, 31 to 34, 41 to 44: Speaker cluster; 51, 51A, 51B, and 51C: Control unit; 52: Sound source unit; 52A: Sound source unit (first sound source unit); 52B: Second sound source unit; 53: Matrix mixer; 54: Frequency band division unit; 54A: First frequency band division unit; 54B: Second frequency band division unit; 55: Amplifier; 55A: First amplifier; 55B: Second amplifier; 56: Power amplifier; 57: Microphone; 511: Mixing control unit; 512: Gain control unit; 513: Switching unit; A1 to A4: Area; and STD: Spectator seating.

Claims

1. An acoustic control system configured to control a speaker system provided in an arena / stadium facility including seating around a playing surface, the acoustic control system comprising: a plurality of speaker devices for each area, an entire area of the seating being divided into a plurality of areas, the speaker devices being distributed in each of the divided areas; and acoustic control means configured, with respect to each of the plurality of speaker devices in each area, to group speaker devices selected from each area into one group, for each area, on the basis of an arrangement relationship between the respective speaker devices in the area, and to output a sound source signal to the speaker devices belonging to the group, for each group.

2. The acoustic control system according to claim 1, wherein the acoustic control means switches an output destination to which the sound source signal is output for each group in accordance with a predetermined order.

3. The acoustic control system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of speaker devices for each area are arranged to be distributed along around the playing surface in the area, the speaker devices are grouped on the basis of an arrangement sequence of the speaker devices in the area, and the acoustic control means switches an output destination of the sound source signal for each group, and thereby the speaker device outputs audio in accordance with the arrangement sequence in the area.

4. The acoustic control system according to claim 1, wherein the acoustic control means includes a sound source unit, and a mixer unit configured to input sound source signals of a number of channels corresponding to a number of the groups from the sound source unit and to output the sound source signal to the speaker device for each area for each group.

5. The acoustic control system according to claim 1, wherein the acoustic control means includes a sound source unit configured to output a monaural sound source signal, a frequency band division unit configured to divide the monaural sound source signal from the sound source unit on the basis of a predetermined frequency band, a plurality of amplifiers, a number of which corresponds to the number of groups, the plurality of amplifiers configured to amplify a predetermined high-frequency band signal by the frequency band division unit, and a mixer unit configured to output the sound source signal to the speaker device for each area for each group with regard to the high-frequency band signal from each of the plurality of amplifiers, and to output the sound source signal to the all of the speaker devices in all area with regard to a predetermined low-frequency band signal from the frequency band division unit.

6. An acoustic control method of controlling a speaker system provided in an arena / stadium facility including seating around a playing surface, a plurality of speaker devices being provided for each area, the entire area of the seating being divided into a plurality of areas, the speaker devices being distributed in each of the divided areas, the acoustic control method comprising: by acoustic control means, with respect to each of the plurality of speaker devices in each area, grouping speaker devices selected from each area into one group, for each area, on the basis of an arrangement relationship between the respective speaker devices in the area, and outputting a sound source signal to the speaker devices belonging to the group, for each group.

7. An acoustic control program of controlling a speaker system provided in an arena / stadium facility including seating around a playing surface, a plurality of speaker devices being provided for each area, the entire area of the seating being divided into a plurality of areas, the speaker devices being distributed in each of the divided areas, the acoustic control program causing a computer to function as acoustic control means, the acoustic control means configured, with respect to each of the plurality of speaker devices in each area, to group speaker devices selected from each area into one group, for each area, on the basis of an arrangement relationship between the respective speaker devices in the area, and to output a sound source signal to the speaker devices belonging to the group, for each group.

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