Sound environment providing method, program, sound environment providing system, and information processor

Abstract

To provide a sound environment providing method capable of easily providing a sound environment that meets user needs.SOLUTION: The sound environment providing method includes the following steps: acquiring a piece of request information regarding user request for the sound environment (S101); acquiring a piece of sound source information regarding two or more sound sources out of a first sound source provided by a sound source producer, a second sound source provided by an administrator who manages the copyrighted items that are conditionally capable of being used, and a third sound source generated by a machine learning pre-trained model based on the acquired requested information (S102); generating a sound environment based on the acquired sound source information (S103); and outputting a piece of sound environment information regarding the generated sound environment (S104).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sound environment providing method, a program, a sound environment providing system, and an information processing device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a music providing device. This music providing device is a device for providing a music piece in response to a request from a client, and has a receiving means, a soliciting means, and a providing means. The receiving means receives characteristic information that indicates characteristics of a music piece that the client requests to be composed. The soliciting means solicits music data by providing the registered characteristic information in a form that the composer can recognize, and accepts the submitted music data. The providing means provides the submitted music data to the client. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2003-296604 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present invention provides a sound environment providing method, a program, a sound environment providing system, and an information processing device that can easily provide a sound environment that meets the needs of a user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A sound environment providing method according to one aspect of the present invention acquires request information related to a user's request for a sound environment. In the sound environment providing method, based on the acquired request information, sound source information related to two or more sound sources among a first sound source provided by a sound source producer, a second sound source provided by an administrator who manages copyrighted works that can be used under certain conditions, and a third sound source generated by a machine-learned trained model is acquired. In the sound environment providing method, the sound environment is generated based on the acquired sound source information. In the sound environment providing method, sound environment information related to the generated sound environment is output.

[0006] A program according to one aspect of the present invention causes one or more processors to execute the sound environment providing method.

[0007] A sound environment providing system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first acquisition unit, a second acquisition unit, a generation unit, and a provision unit. The first acquisition unit acquires request information related to a user's request for a sound environment. The second acquisition unit acquires sound source information related to two or more sound sources among a first sound source provided by a sound source producer, a second sound source provided by an administrator who manages copyrighted works that can be used under certain conditions, and a third sound source generated by a machine-learned trained model, based on the request information acquired by the first acquisition unit. The generation unit generates the sound environment based on the sound source information acquired by the second acquisition unit. The provision unit outputs sound environment information related to the sound environment generated by the generation unit.

[0008] An information processing device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a communication unit, an input receiving unit, a processing unit, and an output unit. The communication unit communicates with the sound environment providing system. The input receiving unit receives input of a user's request for a sound environment. The processing unit transmits request information regarding the request received by the input receiving unit to the sound environment providing system via the communication unit, and acquires the sound environment information from the sound environment providing system. The output unit outputs the sound environment information acquired by the processing unit. Effect of the Invention

[0009] The sound environment providing method, program, sound environment providing system, and information processing device of the present invention have an advantage in that they can easily provide a sound environment that meets the needs of a user. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration including a sound environment providing system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the sound environment providing system according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration including a sound environment providing system according to a modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the sound environment providing system according to the modified example of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component arrangement and connection forms, steps, and order of steps shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in the independent claims will be described as optional components.

[0012] In addition, each drawing is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily a precise illustration. In addition, in each drawing, the same reference numerals are used for substantially the same configuration, and duplicated explanations may be omitted or simplified.

[0013] (Embodiment) [composition] First, the configuration of a sound environment providing system 100 according to an embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration including the sound environment providing system 100 according to an embodiment. In the embodiment, the sound environment providing system 100 is realized by a server device. Note that the sound environment providing system 100 is not limited to a server device, and may be realized by an information terminal such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a personal computer.

[0014] In the embodiment, the sound environment providing system 100 is configured to be able to communicate with the information processing device 200 via a network N1 such as the Internet. The information processing device 200 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a personal computer, and is a device used by a person who uses the sound environment providing system 100. In the embodiment, the person who uses the sound environment system 100 is, for example, a user who is a customer who receives the sound environment provided, or a service provider who provides a service using the sound environment providing system 100. In addition, the sound environment is an environment in which sound is provided in a target space, for example, an office, by outputting sound from one or more sound devices installed in the target space.

[0015] Each acoustic device is installed on the ceiling, wall, floor, or desk of the target space. In the embodiment, each acoustic device is an omnidirectional speaker as an example. Each acoustic device reproduces content for realizing the sound environment selected by the user, which is the sound environment provided by the sound environment providing system 100. Each acoustic device may be a directional speaker such as a parametric speaker, a speaker using ultrasonic waves, or a speaker with a horn-shaped housing. When a directional speaker is used, it is expected to have the effect of reducing the proportion of a part of the sound leaking into other spaces. In addition, by providing a sound environment in the target space as described above, a so-called zoning effect can be expected.

[0016] Here, the zoning effect means, for example, a sense of division in the perception of space, and may include an effect that makes it easier for a user to recognize that multiple spaces are different from each other in appearance. The zoning effect may also include an effect that, through the user's recognition, makes it easier to encourage a change in the user's behavior or flow of movement as intended by the zoning. For example, assume that an arbitrary space is zoned with the intention that it will be a space where the user can easily perform work that requires concentration. In this case, if a user who sees the space uses the space with the main purpose of performing work that requires concentration, it can be said that the zoning effect has been achieved.

[0017] The zoning effect may also include the subjective effect or actual feeling of the user, or the effect that the physiological, psychological, and biological effects show a tendency according to the purpose of zoning when the user actually uses a zoned space. For example, assume that a given space is zoned with the intention of making it a space where it is easy to perform tasks that require concentration, and the user uses that space. In this case, if the user feels that they were able to concentrate by using the space, or if indexes and data are obtained that suggest that the user was concentrating as a psychological and biological effect, it can be said that the zoning effect has been achieved.

[0018] By providing a sound environment in the target space as described above, it is possible to zone the space without using fixtures or furniture. Therefore, zoning that instantly changes the atmosphere of the target space by acoustic control such as changing the content to be played is possible. That is, when zoning is performed by the above control, the change of content in the target space is completed in, for example, a few seconds. In this case, it is possible to change the atmosphere of the target space in a few seconds as a result. Here, if the layout of the target space is changed by manually moving fixtures or furniture, it takes 60 minutes, a few hours, a day, or even several days in some cases. From this point of view, zoning by the above control can have a very remarkable effect.

[0019] By zoning using the above control, it is possible to change the atmosphere of the target space in short cycles, such as by the hour, day, or month, compared to changing the layout of the target space by conventionally rearranging fixtures or furniture.

[0020] <Sound environment provision system> First, a description will be given of the sound environment providing system 100. As shown in Fig. 1, the sound environment providing system 100 includes a processing unit 1, a communication unit 2, and a storage unit 3. Note that the sound environment providing system 100 only needs to include at least the processing unit 1, and may not include the communication unit 2 and the storage unit 3.

[0021] The processing unit 1 performs processing to realize various functions of the sound environment providing system 100. The processing unit 1 is realized by, for example, a processor or a dedicated circuit. The processing unit 1 realizes various functions by hardware such as a processor executing a computer program (software) stored in the storage unit 3. The computer program may be stored in a memory provided in the hardware. In the embodiment, the processing unit 1 has, as functional components, a first acquisition unit 11, a second acquisition unit 12, a generation unit 13, and a provision unit 14.

[0022] The first acquisition unit 11 acquires request information regarding the user's request for the sound environment. The request for the sound environment may include, for example, a request to create an environment in which the person using the target space can easily relax, an environment in which the person using the target space can easily refresh, or an environment in which the person using the target space can easily concentrate. In addition, the request for the sound environment may include, for example, an upper or lower limit of the cost that can be invested to build the sound environment.

[0023] In the embodiment, the first acquisition unit 11 communicates with the information processing device 200 via the communication unit 2, and acquires a signal corresponding to the input of the user's request received by the information processing device 200, thereby acquiring the request information. For example, in a case where a service provider providing a service using the sound environment providing system 100 and the user hold a hearing, the first acquisition unit 11 can also acquire the request information by the service provider inputting the request to the information processing device 200 based on the hearing. In this case, the first acquisition unit 11 may acquire data recording the contents of the hearing, and analyze the acquired data using an appropriate voice analysis algorithm to extract and acquire the request information. In addition, for example, in a case where the user sends an e-mail describing the request to the service provider, the first acquisition unit 11 may acquire the e-mail, and analyze the acquired e-mail using an appropriate character analysis algorithm to extract and acquire the request information.

[0024] The second acquisition unit 12 acquires sound source information on two or more sound sources among the first sound source, the second sound source, and the third sound source, based on the request information acquired by the first acquisition unit 11. The first sound source is a sound source provided by a sound source producer 4. The second sound source is a sound source provided by an administrator 5. The third sound source is a sound source generated by a trained model 6 that has been machine-learned.

[0025] The sound source producer 4 is an individual or a business that produces sound sources as a business, and has a contract with a service provider that provides a service using the sound environment providing system 100. When the sound source producer 4 receives request information from the sound environment providing system 100, the sound source producer 4 creates a sound source according to the request information, and provides the created sound source to the sound environment providing system 100 as a first sound source. The sound source producer 4 may select a sound source according to the request information from a plurality of sound sources created in advance, and provide the selected sound source to the sound environment providing system 100 as a first sound source. In the embodiment, the sound source producer 4 creates, for example, a song played by an electronic musical instrument, a song with a voice including a mechanical voice, or sound effects as a sound source. The sound source created by the sound source producer 4 is not limited to the above-mentioned form.

[0026] The manager 5 is an individual or organization that manages copyrighted works that can be used under certain conditions, and has a contract with the service provider. In the embodiment, the manager 5 is Creative Commons (registered trademark). When the manager 5 receives request information from the sound environment providing system 100, the manager 5 selects a sound source according to the request information from among the multiple sound sources that the manager 5 manages, and provides the selected sound source to the sound environment providing system 100 as a second sound source. In the embodiment, the sound source managed by the manager 5 is, for example, the sound of wind, the sound of waves, the sound of thunder, the sound of animals, or the sound of insects, which is a sound other than voice and music emitted by the everyday environment in the natural world, and is a natural environmental sound that is likely to enhance the parasympathetic nerves of the user. Note that the sound source managed by the manager 5 is not limited to the above-mentioned aspect.

[0027] The trained model 6 is, for example, a neural network having a multi-layer structure, and is a model in which machine learning has been completed so that, when one or more parameters related to desired information are input, a sound source based on the one or more parameters is generated and output. The trained model 6 is, for example, a recurrent neural network (RNN), a variational autoencoder (VAE), or a generative adversarial network (GAN), and is machine-learned using a large number of learning data sets. When the trained model 6 receives desired information from the sound environment providing system 100, it generates a sound source according to the desired information, and provides the generated sound source to the sound environment providing system 100 as a third sound source. In the embodiment, the sound source generated by the trained model 6 is, for example, music classified as jazz or bossa nova, or a song played by an instrument. Note that the sound source generated by the trained model 6 is not limited to the above-mentioned aspect.

[0028] In the embodiment, the second acquisition unit 12 transmits the request information acquired by the first acquisition unit 11 to each of the sound source producer 4, the manager 5, and the trained model 6. Then, the second acquisition unit 12 acquires sound source information by selecting two or more sound sources from the first sound source provided by the sound source producer 4, the second sound source provided by the manager 5, and the third sound source generated by the trained model 6. For example, the second acquisition unit 12 may evaluate each of the first sound source, the second sound source, and the third sound source by an appropriate evaluation algorithm that evaluates the degree of agreement with the request from the user, and select two or more sound sources whose evaluation value is equal to or greater than a threshold value. Also, for example, when an upper or lower limit of the cost that the user can contribute to constructing a sound environment is determined, the second acquisition unit 12 may select two or more sound sources in consideration of the cost. Specifically, when a cost upper limit has been determined, the second acquisition unit 12 may acquire the amount required to acquire each of the first sound source, the second sound source, and the third sound source, and select two or more sound sources so as not to exceed the cost upper limit.

[0029] The generation unit 13 generates a sound environment based on the sound source information acquired by the second acquisition unit 12. In the embodiment, the generation unit 13 generates a sound environment by generating a composite sound source to be reproduced in a target space based on two or more sound sources selected by the second acquisition unit 12. Specific examples of the composite sound source are listed below. Note that the composite sound source may be generated by combining the first and second examples listed below. Also, the composite sound source may be generated in a manner other than the first and second examples listed below.

[0030] In the first example, the composite sound source is generated by combining two or more sound sources acquired by the second acquisition unit 12. In other words, in the first example, the process of generating a sound environment by the generation unit 13 includes a process of combining two or more sound sources into one sound source. In the first example, for example, when the two or more sound sources include music and natural environmental sounds, the composite sound source is a sound source in which the music and the natural environmental sounds are played simultaneously.

[0031] In the second example, the composite sound source is a sound source in which two or more sound sources are played back in a time series. In other words, in the second example, the process of generating a sound environment by the generation unit 13 includes a process of generating a sound environment in which different sound sources are played back in a plurality of time periods. In the second example, for example, when the two or more sound sources include a first music, a second music, and a third music, the composite sound source is a sound source in which the first music is played back in the morning time period, the second music is played back in the afternoon time period, and the third music is played back in the evening time period.

[0032] In addition, depending on the characteristics of each of the two or more sound sources constituting the composite sound source, the playback volume of each of the two or more sound sources may differ from each other. In such a case, the user's audible sound pressure may differ depending on the sound source being played back, which may impair the comfort of the sound environment. Therefore, the generation unit 13 may further execute a process of equalizing the playback volume of each of the two or more sound sources. In this case, the possibility that the user's audible sound pressure differs depending on the sound source being played back is reduced, and the comfort of the sound environment is less likely to be impaired.

[0033] Here, the sound environment generated by the generation unit 13 may include any one of an environment in which music classified as jazz or bossa nova is played (hereinafter referred to as the "first environment"), an environment in which natural environmental sounds are played (hereinafter referred to as the "second environment"), and an environment in which masking noise is played (hereinafter referred to as the "third environment").

[0034] The first environment is a sound environment in which a composite sound source is generated by combining a sound source including music classified as jazz or bossa nova with a sound source including the song of a wild bird. By playing such a composite sound source in the target space, a zoning effect that makes it relatively easy for the user to relax can be expected.

[0035] The second environment is a sound environment in which a composite sound source is played by combining a sound source including the sound of a flowing river (natural environmental sound) with a sound source including healing music that can be played during meditation. By playing such a composite sound source in the target space, a zoning effect can be expected that makes it relatively easy for the user to refresh.

[0036] The third environment is a sound environment in which a composite sound source generated by combining a sound source including a masking noise and a sound source including a bird's song is reproduced. The masking noise is, for example, white noise or colored noise, and is a sound that tends to enhance the parasympathetic nerves of the user. By reproducing such a composite sound source in the target space, a zoning effect that makes it relatively easy for the user to concentrate can be expected.

[0037] The providing unit 14 outputs sound environment information related to the sound environment generated by the generating unit 13. In the embodiment, the providing unit 14 communicates with the information processing device 200 via the communication unit 2, and causes the information processing device 200 to play the composite sound source, thereby providing the sound environment information to the user. The sound environment information may include a character string or an image indicating the reason for selecting the composite sound source. In this case, the character string or the image is displayed on the display of the information processing device 200, thereby providing the user with the sound environment information. The providing unit 14 may also provide the user with the sound environment information by controlling one or more acoustic devices installed in the target space to play the composite sound source, thereby allowing the user in the target space to directly experience the sound environment.

[0038] The communication unit 2 is a communication module (communication circuit) that communicates with the information processing device 200 via the network N1. The communication performed by the communication unit 2 is, for example, wireless communication, but may also be wired communication. The communication unit 2 may also communicate with the information processing device 200 via a repeater such as a router.

[0039] The storage unit 3 is a storage device that stores information necessary for the processing executed by the processing unit 1. The information stored in the storage unit 3 includes a computer program executed by the processing unit 1. The storage unit 3 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory. The storage unit 3 stores, for each user, the request information acquired by the first acquisition unit 11, the sound source information acquired by the second acquisition unit 12, and sound environment information related to the sound environment generated by the generation unit 13, etc.

[0040] <Information processing device> Next, a description will be given of the information processing device 200. The information processing device 200 includes a communication unit 21, a processing unit 22, an output unit 23, an input receiving unit 24, and a storage unit 25, as shown in FIG.

[0041] The communication unit 21 is a communication module (communication circuit) that communicates with the sound environment providing system 100 via the network N1. The communication performed by the communication unit 21 is, for example, wireless communication, but may also be wired communication. Furthermore, the communication unit 21 may communicate with the sound environment providing system 100 further via a repeater such as a router.

[0042] The processing unit 22 performs processing to realize various functions of the information processing device 200. The processing unit 22 is realized by, for example, a processor or a dedicated circuit. The processing unit 22 realizes various functions by hardware such as a processor executing a computer program (software) stored in the storage unit 25. The computer program may be stored in a memory provided in the hardware.

[0043] The processing unit 22 executes a process of transmitting request information regarding the request received by the input receiving unit 24 to the sound environment providing system 100 via the communication unit 21, and acquiring sound environment information from the sound environment providing system 100. This process is triggered by the input receiving unit 24 receiving an input of the user's request regarding the sound environment.

[0044] The output unit 23 outputs the sound environment information acquired by the processing unit 22. In the embodiment, the output unit 23 includes a display and a speaker provided in the information processing device 200. The display is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The output unit 23 outputs the sound environment information to the user by playing a composite sound source included in the sound environment information through a speaker. Furthermore, when the sound environment information includes a character string or an image, the output unit 23 outputs the sound environment information to the user by displaying the character string or the image on the display.

[0045] The input receiving unit 24 receives input of a user's request for a sound environment. The input receiving unit 24 is realized by, for example, a pointing device such as a mouse, or a keyboard (including a software keyboard). Note that, if the display installed in the information processing device 200 is a touch panel display, the input receiving unit 24 may be realized by the touch panel display.

[0046] The storage unit 25 is a storage device that stores information necessary for the processing executed by the processing unit 22. The information stored in the storage unit 25 includes computer programs executed by the processing unit 22. The storage unit 25 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory. The storage unit 25 stores sound environment information received from, for example, the sound environment providing system 100.

[0047] [Operation] An example of the operation (sound environment providing method) of the sound environment providing system 100 according to the embodiment will be described below. Fig. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the sound environment providing system 100 according to the embodiment.

[0048] First, the first acquisition unit 11 acquires request information (S101). In step S101, the first acquisition unit 11 communicates with the information processing device 200 via the communication unit 2, and acquires a signal corresponding to an input of a user's request accepted by the information processing device 200, thereby acquiring the request information.

[0049] Next, the second acquisition unit 12 acquires sound source information regarding two or more sound sources among the first sound source, the second sound source, and the third sound source based on the desired information acquired by the first acquisition unit 11 (S102). In step S102, the second acquisition unit 12 transmits the desired information acquired by the first acquisition unit 11 to each of the sound source producer 4, the administrator 5, and the trained model 6. Then, the second acquisition unit 12 acquires sound source information by selecting two or more sound sources from the first sound source provided by the sound source producer 4, the second sound source provided by the administrator 5, and the third sound source generated by the trained model 6.

[0050] Next, the generation unit 13 generates a sound environment based on the sound source information acquired by the second acquisition unit 12 (S103). In step S103, the generation unit 13 generates a composite sound source to be reproduced in a target space based on two or more sound sources selected by the second acquisition unit 12, thereby generating a sound environment.

[0051] Then, the providing unit 14 provides the sound environment information related to the sound environment generated by the generating unit 13 to the user (in other words, outputs the sound environment information) (S104). In step S104, the providing unit 14 communicates with the information processing device 200 via the communication unit 2, and causes the information processing device 200 to play back the composite sound source, thereby providing the sound environment information to the user.

[0052] [advantage] The advantages of the sound environment providing system 100 (sound environment providing method) according to the embodiment will be described below. As described above, the sound environment providing system 100 according to the embodiment generates a sound environment based on two or more sound sources according to a user's request, and outputs the generated sound environment. Therefore, the sound environment providing system 100 according to the embodiment has the advantage that it is easier to provide a sound environment that meets the user's request, compared to a case where a sound environment is generated and provided using only one sound source.

[0053] For example, when a composite sound source combining two or more sound sources is played in a target space, a synergistic effect of the two or more sound sources can be expected, compared to when only one sound source is played in the target space, and it is expected that it will be easier to provide a sound environment that meets the user's needs. Also, for example, when different sound sources are played in the target space for each time period, it is expected that the user will be less likely to tire of the sound source, compared to when only one sound source is always played in the target space.

[0054] (Modification) Although the embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. Modifications of the embodiment will be listed below. The modifications described below may be combined as appropriate.

[0055] 3 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration including a sound environment providing system 100A according to a modified example of the embodiment. The sound environment providing system 100A according to this modified example differs from the sound environment providing system 100 according to the embodiment in that it further includes a third acquisition unit 15. In the following, a description of the points in common with the sound environment providing system 100 according to the embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

[0056] The third acquisition unit 15 acquires service information related to acoustics provided by the service provider 7 based on the request information acquired by the first acquisition unit 11. The service provider 7 is an individual or business that provides services as a business, and has a contract with a service provider that provides a service using the sound environment providing system 100A. Upon receiving the request information from the sound environment providing system 100, the service provider 7 creates service information according to the request information, and provides the created service information to the sound environment providing system 100A.

[0057] In this modification, the service information is information related to the design of a sound field in a target space in which a sound environment is provided. In other words, in this modification, the service provider 7 is an individual or a business that designs sound fields as a business. Here, the design of a sound field may include, for example, a design related to reverberation in a target space, a design related to sound directivity, or a design that emphasizes a sound range of a specific frequency band. The service information provided to the sound environment providing system 100A may include, for example, a design drawing, a virtual acoustic model that can simulate the designed sound field, and the like.

[0058] In this modification, the generation unit 13 generates a sound environment based on the service information acquired by the third acquisition unit 15 in addition to the sound source information acquired by the second acquisition unit 12. Specifically, the generation unit 13 generates a sound environment including a composite sound source generated based on two or more sound sources selected by the second acquisition unit 12 and a virtual sound field reproduced based on the service information acquired by the third acquisition unit 15.

[0059] In this modification, the providing unit 14 communicates with the information processing device 200 via the communication unit 2, and causes the information processing device 200 to play a composite sound source, thereby providing the sound environment information to the user. Here, the information processing device 200 does not simply play the composite sound source, but plays a pseudo sound source that the user can hear when the composite sound source is played in a virtual sound field included in the sound environment information. The providing unit 14 may also provide the sound environment information to the user by controlling one or more acoustic devices installed in a specific space that reproduces the sound field included in the sound environment information to play the composite sound source, and allowing the user in the specific space to directly experience the sound environment.

[0060] An example of the operation (sound environment providing method) of the sound environment providing system 100A according to this modified example will be described below. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the sound environment providing system 100A according to the modified example of the embodiment. In the following, explanations of points common to the operation of the sound environment providing system 100 according to the embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

[0061] First, the first acquisition unit 11 acquires the request information (S201) similar to step S101. Next, the second acquisition unit 12 acquires the sound source information (S202) similar to step S102.

[0062] Next, the third acquisition unit 15 acquires service information related to the sound provided by the service provider 7 based on the request information acquired by the first acquisition unit 11 (S203). In step S203, the third acquisition unit 15 transmits the request information acquired by the first acquisition unit 11 to the service provider 7. Then, the third acquisition unit 15 acquires the service information provided by the service provider 7.

[0063] Next, the generation unit 13 generates a sound environment based on the sound source information acquired by the second acquisition unit 12 and the service information acquired by the third acquisition unit 15 (S204). In step S204, the generation unit 13 generates a sound environment including a composite sound source generated based on two or more sound sources selected by the second acquisition unit 12 and a virtual sound field reproduced based on the service information acquired by the third acquisition unit 15.

[0064] Then, the providing unit 14 provides the user with sound environment information related to the sound environment generated by the generating unit 13 (in other words, outputs the sound environment information) (S205). In step S205, the providing unit 14 communicates with the information processing device 200 via the communication unit 2, and provides the user with the sound environment information by playing back a pseudo sound source that the user can hear when a composite sound source is played back in a virtual sound field included in the sound environment information in the information processing device 200.

[0065] As described above, the sound environment providing system 100A according to this modified example generates a sound environment by further referring to services related to sound, and therefore has the advantage of being able to easily provide a sound environment that better meets the needs of the user.

[0066] (Other variations) In the above embodiment, the providing unit 14 of the sound environment providing system 100 provides one sound environment to the user, but this is not limited to the above. For example, the providing unit 14 may provide a plurality of sound environments to the user. In other words, the generating unit 13 may generate a plurality of sound environments. In this case, the user can compare the plurality of sound environments provided and select the sound environment that is considered to be optimal.

[0067] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the sound source creator 4 may provide multiple first sound sources to the sound environment providing system 100 instead of one first sound source. Similarly, the administrator 5 may provide multiple second sound sources to the sound environment providing system 100 instead of one second sound source. Similarly, the trained model 6 may provide multiple third sound sources to the sound environment providing system 100 instead of one third sound source.

[0068] Also, in the above embodiment, the sound source producer 4 may be a plurality of people, rather than a single person. In this case, the sound environment providing system 100 can receive a plurality of first sound sources from each of the plurality of sound source producers 4. Similarly, the administrator 5 may be a plurality of people (multiple organizations), rather than a single person (one organization). In this case, the sound environment providing system 100 can receive a plurality of second sound sources from each of the plurality of administrators 5. Similarly, the trained model 6 may be a plurality of people, rather than a single model. In this case, the sound environment providing system 100 can receive a plurality of third sound sources from each of the plurality of trained models 6.

[0069] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the sound environment providing system 100 is realized by a single device, but may be realized by multiple devices. When the sound environment providing system 100 is realized by multiple devices, the components of the sound environment providing system 100 may be distributed in any manner among the multiple devices. For example, in the above embodiment, the sound environment providing system 100 may be provided in a server device, or in an information terminal installed in a closed space. That is, the present invention may be realized by cloud computing or edge computing.

[0070] For example, the method of communication between the devices in the above-described embodiment is not particularly limited. Also, a relay device (not shown) may be involved in the communication between the devices.

[0071] In the above embodiment, each component may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory.

[0072] Furthermore, each component may be realized by hardware. For example, each component may be a circuit (or an integrated circuit). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or each may be a separate circuit. Furthermore, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit, or a dedicated circuit.

[0073] Furthermore, the general or specific aspects of the present invention may be realized as a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, or may be realized as any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium.

[0074] For example, the present invention may be realized as a sound environment providing method executed by a computer such as the sound environment providing system 100, or as a program for causing a computer to execute such a similarity determination method, or as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

[0075] In addition, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art may think of, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment within the scope that does not deviate from the spirit of the present invention.

[0076] (summary) As described above, in the sound environment providing method according to the first aspect, request information regarding a user's request for a sound environment is acquired (S101). In addition, in the sound environment providing method, based on the acquired request information, sound source information regarding two or more sound sources among a first sound source provided by a sound source producer 4, a second sound source provided by an administrator 5 that manages copyrighted works that can be used under certain conditions, and a third sound source generated by a machine-learned trained model 6 is acquired (S102). In addition, in the sound environment providing method, a sound environment is generated based on the acquired sound source information (S103). In addition, in the sound environment providing method, sound environment information regarding the generated sound environment is output (S104).

[0077] According to this sound environment providing method, a sound environment is generated based on two or more sound sources according to the user's needs, which has the advantage that it is easier to provide a sound environment that meets the user's needs compared to providing a sound environment using only one sound source.

[0078] In the sound environment providing method according to the second aspect, service information related to the sound provided from the service provider is further acquired based on the acquired request information in the first aspect (S203). In the process of generating a sound environment, a sound environment is generated based on the acquired service information (S204).

[0079] According to such a sound environment providing method, since a sound environment is generated by further referring to services related to sound, there is an advantage that a sound environment more suited to the user's needs can be easily provided.

[0080] In the sound environment providing method according to the third aspect, in the second aspect, the service information is information relating to the design of a sound field in a target space in which the sound environment is provided.

[0081] According to such a sound environment providing method, since a sound environment is generated taking into consideration the design of the sound field, there is an advantage that a sound environment that better meets the needs of the user can be easily provided.

[0082] In addition, in a sound environment providing method according to a fourth aspect, in any one of the first to third aspects, the process of generating the sound environment includes a process of combining two or more sound sources into one sound source.

[0083] According to such a sound environment providing method, a synergistic effect of two or more sound sources can be expected, and there is an advantage that a sound environment more suited to the user's needs can be easily provided.

[0084] In addition, in the sound environment providing method according to the fifth aspect, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the process of generating a sound environment includes a process of generating a sound environment in which different sound sources are played back in each of a plurality of time periods.

[0085] According to such a sound environment providing method, for example, a sound source suitable for each time period of the day, such as morning, afternoon, and evening, is reproduced, which has the advantage that it is easier to provide a sound environment that better suits the user's needs.

[0086] In addition, in the sound environment providing method according to the sixth aspect, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, the sound environment includes any one of an environment in which music classified as jazz or bossa nova is played, an environment in which natural environmental sounds are played, and an environment in which masking noise is played.

[0087] Such a sound environment providing method has the advantage that it is easy to provide a sound environment that is relatively easy to relax, a sound environment that is relatively easy to refresh, or a sound environment that is relatively easy to concentrate on.

[0088] A program according to a seventh aspect causes one or more processors to execute the sound environment providing method according to any one of the first to sixth aspects.

[0089] Such a program generates a sound environment based on two or more sound sources in response to the user's needs, which has the advantage that it is easier to provide a sound environment that meets the user's needs compared to a sound environment provided using only one sound source.

[0090] The sound environment providing system 100 according to the eighth aspect includes a first acquisition unit 11, a second acquisition unit 12, a generation unit 13, and a provision unit 14. The first acquisition unit 11 acquires request information related to a user's request for a sound environment. The second acquisition unit 12 acquires sound source information related to two or more sound sources among a first sound source provided by a sound source producer 4, a second sound source provided by an administrator 5 that manages copyrighted works that can be used under certain conditions, and a third sound source generated by a machine-learned trained model 6, based on the request information acquired by the first acquisition unit 11. The generation unit 13 generates a sound environment based on the sound source information acquired by the second acquisition unit 12. The provision unit 14 outputs sound environment information related to the sound environment generated by the generation unit 13.

[0091] According to such a sound environment providing system 100, a sound environment is generated based on two or more sound sources in response to the user's requests, which has the advantage that it is easier to provide a sound environment that meets the user's requests compared to a case in which a sound environment is provided using only one sound source.

[0092] Moreover, the information processing device 200 according to the ninth aspect includes a communication unit 21, an input receiving unit 24, a processing unit 22, and an output unit 23. The communication unit 21 communicates with the sound environment providing system 100 according to the eighth aspect. The input receiving unit 24 receives an input of a user's request for a sound environment. The processing unit 22 transmits request information related to the request received by the input receiving unit 24 to the sound environment providing system 100 via the communication unit 21, and acquires sound environment information from the sound environment providing system 100. The output unit 23 outputs the sound environment information acquired by the processing unit 22.

[0093] According to such an information processing device 200, sound environment information relating to a sound environment generated based on two or more sound sources in response to a user's request is output, which has the advantage that it is easier to provide a sound environment that meets the user's request compared to the case where sound environment information generated using only one sound source is output. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 100,100A Sound Environment Providing System 11 First acquisition part 12 Second acquisition part 13 Generation part 14 Providing Department 15 Third acquisition part 200 Information processing device 21 Communications Department 22 Processing section 23 Output section 24 Input reception section 4 Sound source producer 5 Administrator 6 Pre-trained models 7 Service provider

Claims

1. Acquire request information regarding a user's request for a sound environment; Based on the acquired request information, sound source information is acquired regarding two or more sound sources selected from a first sound source provided by a sound source producer, a second sound source provided by an administrator who manages conditionally available works, and a third sound source generated by a machine-learned trained model; generating the sound environment based on the acquired sound source information; outputting the generated sound environment information relating to the sound environment; Sound environment provision method.

2. Further acquiring service information related to sounds provided by a service provider based on the acquired request information; In the process of generating the sound environment, the sound environment is generated further based on the acquired service information. The sound environment providing method according to claim 1 .

3. The service information is information regarding a design of a sound field in a target space in which the sound environment is provided. The sound environment providing method according to claim 2 .

4. The process of generating the sound environment includes a process of combining the two or more sound sources into one sound source. The method for providing a sound environment according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The process of generating the sound environment includes a process of generating the sound environment in which different sound sources are reproduced in each of a plurality of time periods. The method for providing a sound environment according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The sound environment includes any one of an environment in which music classified as jazz or bossa nova is reproduced, an environment in which natural environmental sounds are reproduced, and an environment in which masking noise is reproduced. The method for providing a sound environment according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. One or more processors, Executing the sound environment providing method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, program.

8. A first acquisition unit that acquires request information regarding a user's request for a sound environment; A second acquisition unit that acquires sound source information on two or more sound sources among a first sound source provided by a sound source producer, a second sound source provided by an administrator that manages conditionally available works, and a third sound source generated by a machine-learned trained model based on the request information acquired by the first acquisition unit; a generation unit that generates the sound environment based on the sound source information acquired by the second acquisition unit; A providing unit that outputs sound environment information related to the sound environment generated by the generating unit. Sound environment provision system.

9. A communication unit for communicating with the sound environment providing system according to claim 8 ; an input receiving unit that receives an input of a user's desire for a sound environment; a processing unit that transmits request information regarding the request accepted by the input accepting unit to the sound environment providing system via the communication unit and acquires the sound environment information from the sound environment providing system; an output unit that outputs the sound environment information acquired by the processing unit, Information processing device.

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