Audio system, audio device, program and audio reproduction method

Abstract

To provide an audio system, an audio device, a reproduction method and a program, which suppress sound leakage to the outside even if a user listens to audio at a desired sound volume in a room.SOLUTION: A multichannel audio device 1 voice-outputs an audio reproduction signal of each channel from each reproduction speaker 2, and voice-outputs an opposite phase signal of the audio reproduction signal from an opposite phase speaker 3. An attenuation rate and delay time of the audio reproduction signal which is voice-outputted from each reproduction speaker 2 at an installation position of the opposite phase speaker 3 are previously stored, and the opposite phase signal of the audio reproduction signal of each channel is attenuated based on each attenuation rate, is delayed based on each delay time and is voice-outputted from the opposite phase speaker 3 during audio reproduction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an audio reproduction technology, and more particularly to a technology for suppressing sound leakage of an audio reproduction signal. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known a multi-channel audio device that uses multiple speakers to play back multi-channel audio content. For example, a multi-channel audio device described in Patent Document 1 plays back and amplifies an audio playback signal for each channel of the multi-channel audio content, and outputs the audio playback signal from a speaker corresponding to the channel.

[0003] Some multi-channel audio devices can set acoustic profile information (output timing, volume level, etc.) of an audio playback signal for each channel of a multi-channel audio content. For example, the multi-channel audio device described in Patent Document 2 collects a test signal output from a speaker corresponding to each channel of the multi-channel audio content with a dedicated measurement microphone installed at the listening point, and measures the delay time and attenuation rate. Then, acoustic profile information is set for each channel of the multi-channel audio content so that the acoustic characteristics of the audio playback signal output from the speaker corresponding to this channel are optimal at the listening point. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2002-367290 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2000-354300 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] According to conventional multi-channel audio devices such as those described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, a user can enjoy realistic sound by audio playback signals of each channel output from multiple speakers. In particular, according to the multi-channel audio device described in Patent Document 2, the user can enjoy optimal sound at the listening point.

[0006] However, when a user listens to audio at a preferred volume level indoors, the sound may leak outside the room, causing discomfort to people outside the room.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide a technology that can suppress sound leakage to the outside even when a user is listening to audio at a volume level of their choice indoors. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, in the present invention, an audio playback signal is output from a playback speaker, and an inverse phase signal of the audio playback signal is output from an inverse phase speaker. Here, an attenuation rate and a delay time of the audio playback signal output from the playback speaker at the installation position of the inverse phase speaker are stored in advance. Then, when the audio playback signal is output from the playback speaker, the inverse phase signal of the audio playback signal is attenuated based on the attenuation rate stored in advance and delayed based on the delay time stored in advance, and is output from the inverse phase speaker.

[0009] For example, the audio system of the present invention includes: An audio system including an audio device that outputs an audio playback signal, and a playback speaker that outputs the audio playback signal output from the audio device, Further equipped with an anti-phase speaker, The audio device comprises: an inverse phase signal generating means for generating an inverse phase signal of the audio playback signal; an installation position information storage means for storing an attenuation rate and a delay time of the audio playback signal output from the playback speaker at the installation position of the anti-phase speaker; an anti-phase signal output means for attenuating the anti-phase signal generated by the anti-phase signal generating means based on the attenuation rate stored in the installation position information storage means and delaying the anti-phase signal based on the delay time stored in the installation position information storage means, and outputting the signal to the anti-phase speaker; The anti-phase speaker is The inverted phase signal output from the audio device is output as audio.

[0010] For example, the audio device of the present invention has An audio device that outputs an audio playback signal to a playback speaker, an inverse phase signal generating means for generating an inverse phase signal of the audio playback signal; an installation position information storage means for storing an attenuation rate and a delay time of an audio playback signal output from the playback speaker at an installation position of an inverse phase speaker provided separately from the playback speaker; The anti-phase signal generating means includes an anti-phase signal output means for attenuating the anti-phase signal generated by the anti-phase signal generating means based on the attenuation rate stored in the installation position information storage means and delaying the anti-phase signal based on the delay time stored in the installation position information storage means before outputting the signal to the anti-phase speaker. Effect of the Invention

[0011] In the present invention, the attenuation rate and delay time of the audio playback signal output from the playback speaker at the installation position of the anti-phase speaker are stored in advance, and when the audio playback signal is output from the playback speaker, the anti-phase signal of this audio playback signal is attenuated based on the pre-stored attenuation rate and delayed based on the pre-stored delay time, and output from the anti-phase speaker. Therefore, the audio playback signal output from the playback speaker can be offset by the anti-phase signal at the installation position of the anti-phase speaker.

[0012] Therefore, according to the present invention, by installing an inverted phase speaker in a location where sound leakage to the outside is expected to occur, sound leakage to the outside can be suppressed even when a user listens to audio at a preferred volume level indoors. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a multi-channel audio system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram for explaining an operation of setting installation position information of the multi-channel audio system. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation of setting installation position information of the multi-channel audio system, which is a continuation of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic functional configuration diagram of the multi-channel audio device 1. As shown in FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating the installation position information setting process of multi-channel audio device 1. As shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the flow of signals in the audio reproduction process of the multi-channel audio device 1, and shows a part of the functional configuration diagram shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a schematic functional configuration of the wireless terminal 4. As shown in FIG. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is a flow diagram for explaining the installation location information setting process of the wireless terminal 4. As shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a multi-channel audio system according to the present embodiment.

[0016] As shown in the figure, the multi-channel audio system according to this embodiment is configured to include a multi-channel audio device 1 connected to a media server 5 via an access point 7 and a network 6 such as a WAN (Wide Area Network) or a LAN (Local Area Network), playback speakers 2-1 to 2-5 (hereinafter simply referred to as playback speakers 2) provided for each channel, an anti-phase speaker 3, and a wireless terminal 4 wirelessly connected to the multi-channel audio device 1 via the access point 7.

[0017] The multi-channel audio device 1 downloads multi-channel audio content from a media server 5, reproduces the downloaded multi-channel audio content into audio reproduction signals for each channel, and outputs the audio reproduction signals from reproduction speakers 2-1 to 2-5.

[0018] In this embodiment, an example is shown in which 5-channel multi-channel audio content is played back, and five playback speakers 2-1 to 2-5 corresponding to the C (Center) channel, FR (Front Right) channel, FL (Front Left) channel, SR (Surround Right) channel, and SL (Surround Left) channel are connected to the multi-channel audio device 1.

[0019] The anti-phase speaker 3 is installed in a location where there is a possibility of sound leaking to the outside, such as near a wall, window, or door of a room in which the multi-channel audio system is installed.

[0020] The multi-channel audio device 1 generates an inverse phase signal of an audio playback signal for each channel of a multi-channel audio content. Then, for each channel, the output volume level and output timing of the inverse phase signal are adjusted based on the attenuation rate and delay time (hereinafter, these are referred to as installation position information) of the audio playback signal output from the corresponding playback speaker 2 at the installation position of the inverse phase speaker 3, and these inverse phase signals are synthesized and output as sound from the inverse phase speaker 3. In this way, the audio playback signals output from the playback speaker 2 of each channel are offset near the installation position of the inverse phase speaker 3, suppressing sound leakage to the outside.

[0021] The wireless terminal 4 is a smartphone or tablet PC (Personal Computer) equipped with a microphone or a microphone input terminal, and functions as a controller for remotely operating the multi-channel audio device 1. In addition, the wireless terminal 4 measures the volume level and arrival timing of the audio playback signal output from the corresponding playback speaker 2 for each channel of the multi-channel audio content at the installation position of the anti-phase speaker 3, and transmits the measurement results to the multi-channel audio device 1.

[0022] 2 and 3 are sequence diagrams for explaining the operation of setting installation position information of the multi-channel audio system.

[0023] First, the user carries the wireless terminal 4 and moves to the installation position of the anti-phase speaker 3, and performs an operation of setting installation position information on the wireless terminal 4. When the wireless terminal 4 accepts the operation of setting installation position information from the user (S100), it transmits a C-channel test request to the multi-channel audio device 1 (S101). In response to this, the multi-channel audio device 1 transmits a test audio signal (hereinafter, called a test signal) to the C-channel playback speaker 2-1 (S102), and outputs the test signal as sound from the C-channel playback speaker 2-1 (S103). The wireless terminal 4 picks up the test signal output as sound from the C-channel playback speaker 2-1 with a built-in microphone or a microphone connected to the microphone input terminal, and measures the volume level and arrival timing of the test signal (S104).

[0024] Next, the wireless terminal 4 transmits an FR channel test request to the multi-channel audio device 1 (S105). In response to this, the multi-channel audio device 1 transmits a test signal to the FR channel playback speaker 2-2 (S106), and outputs the test signal as audio from the FR channel playback speaker 2-2 (S107). The wireless terminal 4 picks up the test signal output as audio from the FR channel playback speaker 2-2 using a built-in microphone or a microphone connected to the microphone input terminal, and measures the volume level and arrival timing of the test signal (S108).

[0025] Next, the wireless terminal 4 transmits an FL channel test request to the multi-channel audio device 1 (S109). In response to this, the multi-channel audio device 1 transmits a test signal to the playback speaker 2-3 of the FL channel (S110), and outputs the test signal as audio from the playback speaker 2-3 of the FL channel (S111). The wireless terminal 4 picks up the test signal output as audio from the playback speaker 2-3 of the FL channel using a built-in microphone or a microphone connected to the microphone input terminal, and measures the volume level and arrival timing of the test signal (S112).

[0026] Next, the wireless terminal 4 transmits an SR channel test request to the multi-channel audio device 1 (S113). In response to this, the multi-channel audio device 1 transmits a test signal to the SR channel playback speaker 2-4 (S114), and outputs the test signal as audio from the SR channel playback speaker 2-4 (S115). The wireless terminal 4 picks up the test signal output as audio from the SR channel playback speaker 2-4 using a built-in microphone or a microphone connected to the microphone input terminal, and measures the volume level and arrival timing of the test signal (S116).

[0027] Next, the wireless terminal 4 transmits an SL channel test request to the multi-channel audio device 1 (S117). In response to this, the multi-channel audio device 1 transmits a test signal to the SL channel playback speaker 2-5 (S118), and outputs the test signal as audio from the SL channel playback speaker 2-5 (S119). The wireless terminal 4 picks up the test signal output as audio from the SL channel playback speaker 2-5 using a built-in microphone or a microphone connected to the microphone input terminal, and measures the volume level and arrival timing of the test signal (S120).

[0028] Then, when the wireless terminal 4 completes the measurement of the volume level and arrival timing of the test signal for each channel, it transmits these measurement results to the multi-channel audio device 1 as the volume level and arrival timing of the test signal for each channel at the installation position of the anti-phase speaker 3 (S121). In response to this, the multi-channel audio device 1 calculates installation position information of the corresponding reproduction speaker 2 for each channel (S122). Specifically, based on the output volume level of the test signal from the corresponding reproduction speaker 2 for each channel and the volume level of the test signal at the installation position of the anti-phase speaker 3 (measurement result), it calculates the attenuation rate of the test signal at the installation position of the anti-phase speaker 3. Also, based on the output timing of the test signal from the reproduction speaker 2 and the arrival timing of the test signal at the installation position of the anti-phase speaker 3 (measurement result), it calculates the delay time of the test signal at the installation position of the anti-phase speaker 3 for each channel.

[0029] Then, the multi-channel audio device 1 registers, for each channel, the attenuation rate and delay time of the test signal as installation position information of the playback speaker 2 corresponding to that channel (S123).

[0030] 2 and 3, test requests are made in the order of C channel, FR channel, FL channel, SR channel, and SL channel to measure the volume level and arrival timing of the test signal at the installation position of the anti-phase speaker 3, but the measurement order is not limited to this. As long as the volume level and arrival timing of the test signal at the installation position of the anti-phase speaker 3 can be measured for all channels of the multi-channel audio content, measurements may be performed in any order for the multiple playback speakers 2.

[0031] Next, the multi-channel audio device 1 and the wireless terminal 4 that constitute the multi-channel audio system according to the present embodiment will be described in detail.

[0032] In addition, since existing general speakers can be used for the reproduction speaker 2 and the anti-phase speaker 3, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0033] First, the multi-channel audio device 1 will be described in detail.

[0034] FIG. 4 is a schematic functional configuration diagram of the multi-channel audio device 1. As shown in FIG.

[0035] As shown in the figure, the multi-channel audio device 1 has a wireless network interface unit 100, a playback speaker connection unit 101, an anti-phase speaker connection unit 102, a request receiving unit 103, a music acquisition unit 104, an audio playback unit 105, an anti-phase signal generation unit 106, an installation position information storage unit 107, a test signal output unit 108, a measurement result receiving unit 109, an installation position information calculation unit 110, an anti-phase signal output unit 111, and a main control unit 112.

[0036] The wireless network interface unit 100 is an interface for wirelessly connecting to the access point 7 .

[0037] Although not shown, the playback speaker connection unit 101 has connection terminals for connecting the playback speakers 2 corresponding to each channel. In this embodiment, the playback speaker connection unit 101 has a C channel connection terminal for connecting the C channel corresponding playback speaker 2-1, an FR channel connection terminal for connecting the FR channel corresponding playback speaker 2-2, an FL channel connection terminal for connecting the FL channel corresponding playback speaker 2-3, an SR channel connection terminal for connecting the SR channel corresponding playback speaker 2-4, and an SL channel connection terminal for connecting the SL channel corresponding playback speaker 2-5.

[0038] The antiphase speaker connection unit 102 has a connection terminal for connecting the antiphase speaker 3, although not shown.

[0039] The request receiving unit 103 receives various requests from the wireless terminal 4 via the wireless network interface unit 100 .

[0040] The music acquisition unit 104 accesses the media server 5 via the wireless network interface unit 100 in accordance with the music acquisition request received by the request receiving unit 103 from the wireless terminal 4 , and downloads multi-channel audio content from the media server 5 .

[0041] The audio playback unit 105 plays back the multi-channel audio content downloaded by the music acquisition unit 104 into audio playback signals of multiple channels (in this embodiment, FR channel, FL channel, C channel, SR channel, and SL channel). Then, for each channel, the audio playback signal is output as sound from the corresponding playback speaker 2 via the playback speaker connection unit 101.

[0042] The inverse phase signal generating unit 106 generates, for each channel, an inverse phase signal of the audio reproduction signal reproduced by the audio reproduction unit 105 .

[0043] The installation position information storage unit 107 stores installation position information for each reproduction speaker 2 (the attenuation rate and delay time of the audio signal outputted as sound from the reproduction speaker 2 at the installation position of the anti-phase speaker 3).

[0044] In accordance with a test request received by the request receiving unit 103 from the wireless terminal 4, the test signal output unit 108 outputs a test signal from the playback speaker 2 corresponding to the channel specified in the test request via the playback speaker connection unit 101.

[0045] The measurement result receiving unit 109 receives measurement results including the volume level and arrival timing of the test signal outputted as audio from each playback speaker 2 at the installation position of the anti-phase speaker 3 from the wireless terminal 4 via the wireless network interface unit 100.

[0046] The installation position information calculation unit 110 calculates installation position information for each playback speaker 2 based on the output volume level and output timing of the test signal from the playback speaker 2 and the volume level and arrival timing of the test signal at the installation position of the antiphase speaker 3 included in the measurement result received by the measurement result receiving unit 109. Specifically, for each playback speaker 2, the attenuation rate of the test signal at the installation position of the antiphase speaker 3 is calculated based on the ratio between the output volume level of the test signal and the volume level (measurement result) of the test signal at the installation position of the antiphase speaker 3. Also, for each playback speaker 2, the delay time of the test signal at the installation position of the antiphase speaker 3 is calculated based on the difference between the output timing of the test signal and the arrival timing (measurement result) of the test signal at the installation position of the antiphase speaker 3. Also, the installation position information calculation unit 110 stores the attenuation rate and delay time of the test signal calculated for each playback speaker 2 in the installation position information storage unit 107 as installation position information, linked to the corresponding playback speaker 2.

[0047] The antiphase signal output unit 111 adjusts the output volume level and output timing of the antiphase signal of the corresponding channel generated by the antiphase signal generation unit 106 for each playback speaker 2, based on the installation position information associated with the playback speaker 2 and stored in the installation position information storage unit 107. Specifically, for each playback speaker 2, the antiphase signal of the corresponding channel is attenuated according to the attenuation rate included in the installation position information associated with the playback speaker 2 and stored in the installation position information storage unit 107, and is delayed according to the delay time included in the installation position information associated with the playback speaker 2 and stored in the installation position information storage unit 107. The antiphase signal output unit 111 also synthesizes the antiphase signals of all channels whose output volume levels and output timings have been adjusted, and outputs the synthesized antiphase signal from the antiphase speaker 3 via the antiphase speaker connection unit 102.

[0048] The main control unit 112 comprehensively controls the units 100 to 111 of the multi-channel audio device 1.

[0049] 4 may be realized in hardware by an integrated logic IC such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or in software by a computer such as a DSP (Digital Signal Processor).Alternatively, it may be realized as a process in a general-purpose computer such as a PC (Personal Computer) including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, an auxiliary storage device such as a flash memory or a hard disk drive, and a wireless communication device such as a wireless LAN adapter, by the CPU loading a predetermined program from the auxiliary storage device into the memory and executing it.

[0050] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating the installation position information setting process of multi-channel audio device 1. As shown in FIG.

[0051] When the request receiving unit 103 receives a test request from the wireless terminal 4 via the wireless network interface unit 100 (YES in S200), it outputs this test request to the main control unit 112. In response to this, the main control unit 112 instructs the test signal output unit 108 to output a test signal to the playback speaker 2 corresponding to the channel specified in this test request. The test signal output unit 108 transmits the test signal to the playback speaker 2 instructed by the main control unit 112 via the playback speaker connection unit 101, and outputs the test signal as sound from this playback speaker 2 (S201).

[0052] Furthermore, the test signal output unit 108 notifies the main control unit 112 of the output volume level and output timing of the test signal from the playback speaker 2. In response to this, the main control unit 112 stores the output volume level and output timing notified from the test signal output unit 108 in association with the playback speaker 2 corresponding to the channel specified in the test request (S202).

[0053] Next, the main control unit 112 judges whether or not a test request with the specification of the corresponding channel has been received for all playback speakers 2 connected to the playback speaker connection unit 101 (S203). If a test request with the specification of the corresponding channel has not been received for some playback speakers 2 (NO in S203), the process returns to S200, and if a test request with the specification of the corresponding channel has been received for all playback speakers 2 (YES in S203), the process proceeds to S204.

[0054] In S204, when the measurement result receiving unit 109 receives the measurement results for the test signals output from each playback speaker 2 (the volume level and arrival timing of the test signal for each channel at the installation position of the anti-phase speaker 3) from the wireless terminal 4 via the wireless network interface unit 100 (YES in S204), it outputs these measurement results to the main control unit 112.

[0055] In response to this, the main control unit 112 notifies the installation position information calculation unit 110 of the measurement results for the test signals outputted as audio from each reproduction speaker 2 together with the output volume level and output timing associated with each reproduction speaker 2 and stored, and instructs calculation of installation position information for each reproduction speaker 2. In response to this, the installation position information calculation unit 110 calculates the installation position information for each reproduction speaker 2. Specifically, for each reproduction speaker 2, based on the ratio between the output volume level of the test signal and the volume level (measurement result) of the test signal at the installation position of the antiphase speaker 3, the attenuation rate of the test signal at the installation position of the antiphase speaker 3 is calculated, and based on the difference between the output timing of the test signal and the arrival timing (measurement result) of the test signal at the installation position of the antiphase speaker 3, the delay time of the test signal at the installation position of the antiphase speaker 3 is calculated. Then, the installation position information calculation unit 110 associates the attenuation rate and delay time of the test signal calculated for each reproduction speaker 2 with the corresponding reproduction speaker 2 as installation position information and stores them in the installation position information storage unit 107 (S205).

[0056] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the flow of signals in the audio reproduction process of the multi-channel audio device 1, and shows a part of the functional configuration diagram shown in FIG.

[0057] First, in accordance with an audio playback request received from the wireless terminal 4 via the request receiving unit 103, the main control unit 112 outputs the multi-channel audio content that has been downloaded from the media server 5 by the music acquisition unit 104 and specified in the audio playback request to the audio playback unit 105 (S300).

[0058] Next, the audio playback unit 105 plays back the multi-channel audio content input from the main control unit 112 into audio playback signals of multiple channels (in this embodiment, the FR channel, the FL channel, the C channel, the SR channel, and the SL channel).Then, it outputs the audio playback signals of multiple channels to the playback speaker connection unit 101 and the inverse phase signal generation unit 106 (S301, S302).

[0059] Next, the playback speaker connection unit 101 outputs the audio playback signals of the multiple channels input from the audio playback unit 105 to the playback speakers 2 of the corresponding channels (S303), and outputs the audio from these playback speakers 2.

[0060] On the other hand, the antiphase signal generating unit 106 generates antiphase signals for each of the audio reproduction signals of the multiple channels input from the audio reproduction unit 105 and outputs them to the antiphase signal output unit 111 (S304). In response to this, the antiphase signal output unit 111 adjusts the output volume level and output timing of the antiphase signal input from the antiphase signal generating unit 106 according to the installation position information associated with the reproduction speaker 2 corresponding to the channel of each antiphase signal and stored in the installation position information storage unit 107. Specifically, for each reproduction speaker 2, the antiphase signal of the corresponding channel is attenuated according to the attenuation rate included in the installation position information associated with this reproduction speaker 2, and is delayed according to the delay time included in the installation position information. Then, the antiphase signal output unit 111 synthesizes the antiphase signals of all the channels whose output volume levels and output timings have been adjusted, and outputs this synthesized antiphase signal to the antiphase speaker connection unit 102 (S305).

[0061] In response to this, the antiphase speaker connection unit 102 outputs the synthesized antiphase signal to the antiphase speaker 3 (S306), and the antiphase speaker 3 outputs the sound.

[0062] Next, the wireless terminal 4 will be described in detail.

[0063] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a schematic functional configuration of the wireless terminal 4. As shown in FIG.

[0064] As shown in the figure, the wireless terminal 4 has a wireless network interface unit 400, a man-machine interface unit 401, a various request transmission unit 402, a sound collection unit 403, a measurement unit 404, a measurement result transmission unit 405, and a main control unit 406.

[0065] The wireless network interface unit 400 is an interface for wirelessly connecting to the access point 7 .

[0066] The man-machine interface unit 401 is an interface for displaying information to a user and accepting various operations from the user, and has an input / output device such as a touch panel.

[0067] The various request transmitting unit 402 transmits various requests, such as a test request accompanied by a channel specification and an audio playback request accompanied by a song name specification, to the multi-channel audio device 1 via the wireless network interface unit 400 in accordance with various operations received from the user via the man-machine interface unit 401.

[0068] When the various request transmission unit 402 transmits a test request to the multi-channel audio device 1, the sound collection unit 403 collects the test signal output from the playback speaker 2 corresponding to the channel specified in the test request using a built-in microphone of the wireless terminal 4 itself or a microphone connected to a microphone input terminal.

[0069] The measurement unit 404 measures the volume level and arrival timing of the test signal collected by the sound collection unit 403 .

[0070] The measurement result transmitting unit 405 transmits the measurement result measured by the measuring unit 404 to the multi-channel audio device 1 via the wireless network interface unit 400 .

[0071] The main control unit 406 comprehensively controls the units 400 to 405 of the wireless terminal 4.

[0072] The functional configuration of the wireless terminal 4 shown in FIG. 7 is realized by the CPU executing a predetermined program in a portable computer such as a smartphone or tablet PC that is equipped with a CPU, a memory, an auxiliary storage device such as a flash memory, a wireless communication device such as a wireless LAN adapter, a microphone, and a speaker.

[0073] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram for explaining the installation location information setting process of the wireless terminal 4. As shown in FIG.

[0074] This flow starts when the man-machine interface unit 401 accepts an operation for setting installation location information from the user.

[0075] First, the main control unit 406 notifies the various request transmission unit 402 of unspecified channels among the multiple channels corresponding to the multiple playback speakers 2 connected to the multi-channel audio device 1, and instructs it to transmit a test request. In response to this, the various request transmission unit 402 transmits a test request accompanied by the specification of the channel notified by the main control unit 406 to the multi-channel audio device 1 via the wireless network interface unit 400 (S400).

[0076] Thereafter, when a test signal is outputted from the playback speaker 2 corresponding to the channel specified in the test request and is picked up by the sound pickup unit 403 (YES in S401), the measurement unit 404 measures the volume level and arrival timing of the test signal picked up by the sound pickup unit 403 (S402). Then, the measurement unit 404 notifies the main control unit 406 of these measurement results (volume level and arrival timing). In response to this, the main control unit 406 stores the measurement results notified by the measurement unit 404 in association with the channel specified in the test request transmitted in S400 (S403).

[0077] Next, the main control unit 406 judges whether or not there is any channel that is not specified in the test request transmitted by the various request transmission unit 402 among the multiple channels corresponding to the multiple playback speakers 2 connected to the multi-channel audio device 1 (S404). If there is an unspecified channel (YES in S404), the process returns to S400. On the other hand, if all the multiple channels have been specified and there is no unspecified channel (NO in S404), the main control unit 406 notifies the measurement result transmission unit 405 of the measurement result for the test signal of each of the multiple channels. In response to this, the measurement result transmission unit 405 transmits the measurement result for the test signal of each of the channels corresponding to the multiple playback speakers 2 connected to the multi-channel audio device 1 to the multi-channel audio device 1 via the wireless network interface unit 400 (S405).

[0078] One embodiment of the present invention has been described above.

[0079] In this embodiment, for each playback speaker 2, the attenuation rate and delay time of the test signal outputted as sound from this playback speaker 2 at the installation position of the anti-phase speaker 3 are stored as installation position information of this playback speaker 2, and when playing back multi-channel audio content, for each playback speaker 2, the anti-phase signal of the audio playback signal outputted as sound from this playback speaker 2 is attenuated based on the attenuation rate included in the installation position information of this playback speaker 2 and delayed based on the delay time included in the installation position information of this playback speaker 2. Then, anti-phase signals whose volume levels and output timings have been adjusted are synthesized, and this synthesized anti-phase signal is outputted as sound from the anti-phase speaker 3. Therefore, the audio playback signals outputted as sound from each playback speaker 2 can be offset at the installation position of the anti-phase speaker 3.

[0080] Therefore, according to this embodiment, by installing the anti-phase speaker 3 in a location where sound leakage from the room in which the multi-channel audio system is installed to the outside is likely to occur (e.g., near a window, wall, or door), sound leakage to the outside can be suppressed even when the user listens to multi-channel audio at a volume level of their choice indoors.

[0081] In addition, in this embodiment, in the installation position information setting process, the wireless terminal 4 collects the audio playback signal output from the playback speaker 2 for each playback speaker 2 using a built-in microphone or an external microphone arranged at the installation position of the anti-phase speaker 3, and associates the measurement results of the volume level and arrival timing with the channel corresponding to the playback speaker 2. Then, the wireless terminal 4 transmits the measurement results of the test signal of each channel to the multi-channel audio device 1. In response to this, the multi-channel audio device 1 calculates the installation position information of each playback speaker 2 based on the output volume level and output timing of the audio playback signal from the playback speaker 2 and the measurement results of the test signal of the channel corresponding to the playback speaker 2 received from the wireless terminal 4.

[0082] Therefore, according to this embodiment, even if the installation positions of the playback speakers 2-1 to 2-5 or the anti-phase speaker 3 are changed, the installation position information setting process is performed again to recalculate the installation position information of each playback speaker 2, thereby making it possible to suppress sound leakage to the outside even when the user listens to multi-channel audio at a volume level of their choice indoors.

[0083] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the present invention.

[0084] For example, in the above embodiment, the anti-phase speaker 3 may be a wireless speaker that is wirelessly connected to the multi-channel audio device 1 via the wireless network interface unit 100 and the access point 7. Alternatively, the anti-phase speaker 3 may be a wireless speaker that is wirelessly connected directly to the multi-channel audio device 1 by short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). In this case, it is preferable to correct the delay time included in the installation position information of each playback speaker 2 so that it is shorter by the transmission time of the audio signal transmitted from the multi-channel audio device 1 to the anti-phase speaker 3.

[0085] In the above embodiment, the sound collection unit 403 and the measurement unit 404 of the wireless terminal 4 may be built in the multichannel audio device 1, and a microphone may be attached externally to the multichannel audio device 1. In this case, when the multichannel audio device 1 receives a test request from the wireless terminal 4, it outputs a test signal from the playback speaker 2 corresponding to the channel specified in the test request, and the test signal is collected by the sound collection unit 403 built in the multichannel audio device 1 using an external microphone arranged at the installation position of the anti-phase speaker 3, and the volume level and arrival timing of the test signal are measured by the measurement unit 404 built in the multichannel audio device 1. Then, when the volume level and arrival timing of the test signal are measured for all the playback speakers 2, the measurement results are passed to the main control unit 112. Thereafter, S205 in FIG. 5 is executed to cause the installation position information calculation unit 110 to calculate the installation position information of each playback speaker 2.

[0086] In this case, the sound pickup unit 403, the measurement unit 404, and the measurement result transmission unit 405 can be omitted from the wireless terminal 4. Also, the measurement result reception unit 109 can be omitted from the multi-channel audio device 1. Furthermore, in this case, when the anti-phase speaker 3 is a wireless speaker, the microphone may be built into the anti-phase speaker 3.

[0087] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a low-pass filter may be built in the anti-phase signal output unit 111 of the multi-channel audio device 1 to cut high-frequency components of the anti-phase signal output from the anti-phase signal output unit 111 to the anti-phase speaker connection unit 102. In this way, only low-frequency components that are likely to leak outside the room are output as sound from the anti-phase speaker 3, thereby reducing the effect of the anti-phase signal on the listening environment inside the room.

[0088] In the above embodiment, communication between the multi-channel audio device 1 and the wireless terminal 4 is performed via the access point 7, but the present invention is not limited to this. Wireless communication may be performed directly between the multi-channel audio device 1 and the wireless terminal 4 by short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0089] In the above embodiment, a multi-channel audio system has been described as an example in which the multi-channel audio device 1 reproduces multi-channel audio content downloaded from the media server 5 into an audio playback signal for each channel, and outputs the audio from the playback speakers 2-1 to 2-5. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention is widely applicable to audio systems including an audio device that outputs an audio playback signal, and a playback speaker that outputs the audio playback signal output from the audio device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 1: Multi-channel audio device 2-1~2-5: Playback speakers 3: Anti-phase speaker 4: Wireless terminal 5: Media Server 6: Network 7: Access point 100, 400: Wireless network interface unit 101: Playback speaker connection 102: Anti-phase speaker connection 103: Request receiving unit 104: Music acquisition unit 105: Audio playback section 106: Inverse phase signal generation section 107: Installation position information storage unit 108: Test signal output unit 109: Measurement result receiving unit 110: Installation position information calculation unit 111: Inverse phase signal output unit 112, 406: Main control unit 401: Man-machine interface section 402: Various request transmission unit 403: Sound collection unit 404: Measurement unit 405: Measurement result transmission unit

Claims

1. An audio system including an audio device that outputs an audio playback signal, and a playback speaker that outputs the audio playback signal output from the audio device, Further equipped with an anti-phase speaker, The audio device comprises: an inverse phase signal generating means for generating an inverse phase signal of the audio playback signal; an installation position information storage means for storing an attenuation rate and a delay time of the audio playback signal output from the playback speaker at the installation position of the anti-phase speaker; an anti-phase signal output means for attenuating the anti-phase signal generated by the anti-phase signal generating means based on the attenuation rate stored in the installation position information storage means and delaying the anti-phase signal based on the delay time stored in the installation position information storage means, and outputting the signal to the anti-phase speaker; The anti-phase speaker is The inverted phase signal output from the audio device is output as an audio output. An audio system characterized by:

2. 2. An audio system according to claim 1, a wireless terminal for remotely controlling the audio device; The wireless terminal comprises: A built-in or external microphone a measuring means for collecting the audio playback signal output from the playback speaker with the microphone and measuring a volume level and arrival timing of the audio playback signal at a position where the anti-phase speaker is installed; a measurement result transmission means for transmitting a measurement result by the measurement means to the audio device, The audio device comprises: The system further includes a calculation means for calculating an attenuation rate and a delay time of the audio playback signal at the installation position of the anti-phase speaker based on an output volume level and an output timing of the audio playback signal from the playback speaker and the measurement result received from the wireless terminal, and storing the calculated attenuation rate and delay time in the installation position information storage means. An audio system characterized by:

3. 2. An audio system according to claim 1, a microphone connected to the audio device; The audio device comprises: a measuring means for collecting an audio playback signal output from the playback speaker with the microphone and measuring a volume level and arrival timing of the audio playback signal at a position where the anti-phase speaker is installed; and a calculation means for calculating an attenuation rate and a delay time of the audio playback signal at the installation position of the anti-phase speaker based on an output volume level and an output timing of the audio playback signal from the playback speaker and a measurement result by the measurement means, and storing the calculated attenuation rate and delay time in the installation position information storage means. An audio system characterized by:

4. 4. An audio system according to claim 3, the anti-phase speaker is a wireless speaker, The microphone is built into the anti-phase speaker. An audio system characterized by:

5. 5. An audio system according to claim 1, further comprising: The antiphase signal output means A low-pass filter is provided for cutting high-frequency components of the anti-phase signal to be output to the anti-phase speaker. An audio system characterized by:

6. 5. An audio system according to claim 1, further comprising: the audio device reproduces multi-channel audio and outputs the audio reproduction signal for each channel; The playback speaker is provided for each of the channels, the inverse phase signal generating means generates an inverse phase signal of the audio playback signal for each of the channels; the installation position information storage means stores, for each of the reproduction speakers, an attenuation rate and a delay time of an audio reproduction signal output from the reproduction speaker at the installation position of the anti-phase speaker; The antiphase signal output means attenuates the antiphase signal generated by the antiphase signal generation means for the channel corresponding to each of the reproduction speakers based on the attenuation rate stored in the installation position information storage means in association with the reproduction speaker, and delays the antiphase signal based on the delay time stored in the installation position information storage means in association with the reproduction speaker, and synthesizes and outputs the antiphase signal for each of the channels. An audio system characterized by:

7. 6. An audio system according to claim 5, the audio device reproduces multi-channel audio and outputs the audio reproduction signal for each channel; The playback speaker is provided for each of the channels, the inverse phase signal generating means generates an inverse phase signal of the audio playback signal for each of the channels; the installation position information storage means stores, for each of the reproduction speakers, an attenuation rate and a delay time of an audio reproduction signal output from the reproduction speaker at the installation position of the anti-phase speaker; The antiphase signal output means attenuates the antiphase signal generated by the antiphase signal generation means for the channel corresponding to each of the reproduction speakers based on the attenuation rate stored in the installation position information storage means in association with the reproduction speaker, and delays the antiphase signal based on the delay time stored in the installation position information storage means in association with the reproduction speaker, and synthesizes and outputs the antiphase signal for each of the channels. An audio system characterized by:

8. An audio device that outputs an audio playback signal to a playback speaker, an inverse phase signal generating means for generating an inverse phase signal of the audio playback signal; an installation position information storage means for storing an attenuation rate and a delay time of an audio playback signal output from the playback speaker at an installation position of an inverse phase speaker provided separately from the playback speaker; an anti-phase signal output means for attenuating the anti-phase signal generated by the anti-phase signal generating means based on the attenuation rate stored in the installation position information storage means and delaying the anti-phase signal based on the delay time stored in the installation position information storage means and outputting the signal to the anti-phase speaker; 1. An audio device comprising:

9. 9. An audio device according to claim 8, a measuring means for measuring a volume level and arrival timing of the audio playback signal output from the playback speaker at a position where the anti-phase speaker is installed; and a calculation means for calculating an attenuation rate and a delay time of the audio playback signal at the installation position of the anti-phase speaker based on a volume level and an output timing of the audio playback signal from the playback speaker and a measurement result by the measurement means, and storing the calculated attenuation rate and delay time in the installation position information storage means.

10. 10. An audio device according to claim 8 or 9, The antiphase signal output means A low-pass filter is provided for cutting high-frequency components of the anti-phase signal to be output to the anti-phase speaker.

1. An audio device comprising:

11. 10. An audio device according to claim 8 or 9, the audio device reproduces multi-channel audio and outputs the audio reproduction signal for each channel from the reproduction speaker corresponding to the channel; the inverse phase signal generating means generates an inverse phase signal of the audio playback signal for each of the channels; the installation position information storage means stores, for each of the playback speakers, an attenuation rate and a delay time of an audio playback signal output from the playback speaker at a location where the anti-phase speaker is installed; The antiphase signal output means attenuates the antiphase signal generated by the antiphase signal generation means for the channel corresponding to each of the reproduction speakers based on an attenuation rate stored in the installation position information storage means in association with the reproduction speaker, and delays the antiphase signal based on a delay time stored in the installation position information storage means in association with the reproduction speaker, and synthesizes and outputs the antiphase signal for each of the channels.

1. An audio device comprising:

12. 11. An audio device as claimed in claim 10, the audio device reproduces multi-channel audio and outputs the audio reproduction signal for each channel from the reproduction speaker corresponding to the channel; the inverse phase signal generating means generates an inverse phase signal of the audio playback signal for each of the channels; the installation position information storage means stores, for each of the playback speakers, an attenuation rate and a delay time of an audio playback signal output from the playback speaker at a location where the anti-phase speaker is installed; The antiphase signal output means attenuates the antiphase signal generated by the antiphase signal generation means for the channel corresponding to each of the reproduction speakers based on an attenuation rate stored in the installation position information storage means in association with the reproduction speaker, and delays the antiphase signal based on a delay time stored in the installation position information storage means in association with the reproduction speaker, and synthesizes and outputs the antiphase signal for each of the channels.

1. An audio device comprising:

13. A program for causing a computer to function as an audio device that outputs an audio playback signal to a playback speaker, an inverse phase signal generating means for generating an inverse phase signal of the audio playback signal; an installation position information storage means for storing an attenuation rate and a delay time of an audio playback signal output from the playback speaker at an installation position of an inverse phase speaker provided separately from the playback speaker; an anti-phase signal output means for attenuating the anti-phase signal generated by the anti-phase signal generating means based on the attenuation rate stored in the installation position information storage means and delaying the anti-phase signal based on the delay time stored in the installation position information storage means and outputting the signal to the anti-phase speaker; Making the computer function A program characterized by:

14. 1. An audio reproduction method for an audio system including an audio device that outputs an audio reproduction signal and a reproduction speaker that outputs the audio reproduction signal output from the audio device, comprising: Installing out-of-phase speakers, The audio device comprises: generating an inverse phase signal of the audio playback signal; outputting the opposite phase signal after attenuating and delaying the opposite phase signal based on a pre-stored attenuation rate and delay time of the audio playback signal output from the playback speaker at the installation position of the opposite phase speaker; The anti-phase speaker is The inverted phase signal output from the audio device is output as an audio output.

13. An audio playback method comprising:

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