Acoustic system

Abstract

To provide an acoustic system which can amplify and output a sound to a wider range.SOLUTION: An acoustic system 10 comprises: a first acoustic device 20 that amplifies a first sound; and a second acoustic device 40 that amplifies a second sound. One of the first acoustic device 20 and the second acoustic device 40 is a movable type acoustic device, and the other one is an existing acoustic device. The first acoustic device 20 includes: first sound output means of amplifying and outputting the first sound; and first sound communication means of transmitting a first sound data relating to the first sound to the second acoustic device. The second acoustic device 40 includes: second sound communication means of receiving the first sound data from the first sound communication means; second sound conversion means of converting the first sound data received by the second sound communication means to a sound; and second sound output means of amplifying and outputting the sound based on the second sound and the first sound data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to audio systems. [Background technology]

[0002] There are various types of audio equipment that amplifies and outputs sound. Patent Document 1 discloses a broadcasting facility that amplifies and outputs sound within a facility. Patent Document 2 discloses a megaphone as an example of an audio equipment different from that disclosed in Patent Document 1. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-211003 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2004-254262 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, in an audio device that outputs sound in a loud voice, it is desirable to be able to output the sound in a loud voice over a wider range. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The audio system includes a first audio device that amplifies a first sound and a second audio device that amplifies a second sound, wherein one of the first audio device and the second audio device is a portable audio device and the other is an installed audio device, the first audio device has a first audio output means that amplifies and outputs the first sound, and a first audio communication means that transmits first audio data related to the first sound to the second audio device, and the second audio device has a second audio communication means that receives the first audio data from the first audio communication means, a second audio conversion means that converts the first audio data received by the second audio communication means into audio, and a second audio output means that amplifies and outputs the second sound and audio based on the first audio data.

[0006] According to this configuration, the second audio device can amplified-output audio based on the first audio data of the first audio device, so the range in which the first audio is amplified-output can be widened. Therefore, by combining the first audio device and the second audio device, the audio system can amplified-output audio over a wider range. Effect of the Invention

[0007] The sound system can amplify and output sound over a wider range. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an audio system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the audio system of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of the first acoustic device in FIG. [Figure 4] 3 is a diagram showing an example of a display unit of the second audio device in FIG. 2. [Diagram 5] 4 is a first sequence diagram showing an example of processing of a first acoustic device and a second acoustic device in an acoustic system. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a second sequence diagram showing an example of processing by a first acoustic device and a second acoustic device in an acoustic system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] <Embodiment> An audio system 10 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0010] <Sound system> 1, an audio system 10 is disposed in a facility 1. The audio system 10 is configured to broadcast the voice of a speaker to unspecified people located in the facility 1. Examples of the facility 1 include shopping malls, office buildings, schools, research institutes, government buildings, factories, stadiums, etc.

[0011] A building 2 is erected on the site of facility 1. Within the site of facility 1, there may be vacant land 2A around building 2. Vacant land 2A is a space or place where an unspecified number of people can gather, such as a plaza. Vacant land 2A is used, for example, as a road, courtyard, grounds, parking lot, bicycle parking lot, etc. for facility 1. In the example of FIG. 3, building 2 is the main building and annex. Vacant land 2A is a parking lot, bicycle parking lot, and grounds.

[0012] The acoustic system 10 includes a first acoustic device 20 and a second acoustic device 40. One of the first acoustic device 20 and the second acoustic device 40 is a portable acoustic device, and the other is a pre-installed acoustic device. The acoustic system 10 may include a plurality of first acoustic devices 20. The speakers include a first speaker S1 and a second speaker S2. The second speaker S2 is located at a different location from the first speaker S1. The first speaker S1 is a user who uses the first acoustic device 20. The voice of the first speaker S1 is input to the first acoustic device 20. The second speaker S2 is a user who uses the second acoustic device 40. The voice of the second speaker S2 is input to the second acoustic device 40. The number of users who use the second acoustic device 40 may be a plurality of users. The users who use the second acoustic device 40 may include a user other than the second speaker S2. The acoustic system 10 includes a server 60. The first acoustic device 20 communicates with the second acoustic device 40 via the server 60 .

[0013] The first acoustic device 20 is configured so as to be portable by the user who uses the first acoustic device 20. The first acoustic device 20 can be used in a state where the user holds the first acoustic device 20 in his / her hand. The second acoustic device 40 is installed so as to be mounted in the facility 1. The range in which the second acoustic device 40 outputs sound in an amplified manner is wider than the range in which the first acoustic device 20 outputs sound in an amplified manner.

[0014] <1st audio equipment> As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the first acoustic device 20 is configured to amplify and output both the first sound V1 and the sound based on the second sound data VD2. The first acoustic device 20 amplifies the first sound V1. The first acoustic device 20 of this embodiment amplifies the first sound V1 by processing the first sound V1 into a louder sound and then amplifying and outputting the sound. The first sound V1 is a sound emitted by the first speaker S1. The first acoustic device 20 has a first microphone 21, a first amplifier 22, and a first speaker 23. The first microphone 21 acquires the first sound V1. The first amplifier 22 amplifies the first sound V1 acquired by the first microphone 21. The first speaker 23 amplifies and outputs the first sound V1 amplified by the first amplifier 22.

[0015] The first audio device 20 is a portable audio device. One example of a portable audio device is a portable megaphone. The megaphone is configured by integrating a first microphone 21, a first amplifier 22, and a first speaker 23. The first audio device 20 has a case 24. The case 24 forms the outer shape of the megaphone. The case 24 is formed with a grip portion that can be gripped by the first speaker S1 of the first audio device 20. The case 24 houses the first microphone 21, the first amplifier 22, and the first speaker 23. The case 24 is configured of, for example, resin.

[0016] The first acoustic device 20 has a first control unit 25. The first control unit 25 executes electrical control related to the first acoustic device 20. The first control unit 25 is configured to generate first audio data VD1 related to the first audio V1 based on the first audio V1 acquired by the first microphone 21. The first control unit 25 includes an arithmetic processing device that executes a predetermined control program. The arithmetic processing device includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The first control unit 25 may include one or more microcomputers.

[0017] The first control unit 25 has an ADC (Analog Digital Converter) circuit and a DAC (Digital Analog Converter) circuit. The ADC circuit converts an analog signal into a digital signal. The DAC circuit converts a digital signal into an analog signal. The first control unit 25 may have a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) circuit. The DSP circuit digitally processes a digital signal.

[0018] The first acoustic device 20 includes a first communication unit 26. The first communication unit 26 is connectable to a network, for example, through cellular communication such as LTE (Long Term Evolution) and 5G, and LAN communication such as Wi-Fi. The first communication unit 26 communicates with devices different from the first acoustic device 20 via the network. The network is, for example, the Internet. The devices different from the first acoustic device 20 include a second acoustic device 40. The first acoustic device 20 is connected to a server 60, for example, via the network. The server 60 is connected to the second acoustic device 40.

[0019] The first audio device 20 has a first audio acquisition means 27, a first audio output means 28, and a first audio communication means 30. The first audio acquisition means 27 acquires a first audio V1. The first audio acquisition means 27 includes a first microphone 21. The first audio acquisition means 27 may include a first amplifier 22. The first audio output means 28 amplifies and outputs the first audio V1. The first audio output means 28 includes a first speaker 23. The first audio communication means 30 communicates with the second audio device 40. The first audio communication means 30 includes a first communication unit 26. The first audio communication means 30 is configured to transmit information about the first audio device 20 to the second audio device 40. The information about the first audio device 20 is information different from the first audio data VD1. The information about the first audio device 20 is at least one of position information D1, direction information D2, video information D3, and device information D4.

[0020] The first audio device 20 has a first microphone 21 and a first audio conversion means 29. The first audio conversion means 29 converts the first audio V1 acquired by the first audio acquisition means 27 into first audio data VD1. The first audio conversion means 29 includes, for example, the first control unit 25. The first audio conversion means 29 is configured to include an ADC circuit and a DAC circuit of the first control unit 25. The first audio conversion means 29 converts the first audio V1 into the first audio data VD1 by digitizing the first audio V1 by, for example, the ADC circuit of the first control unit 25. The first audio conversion means 29 may include a DSP circuit of the first control unit 25. The first audio conversion means 29 may perform digital processing of the first audio data VD1 by the DSP circuit of the first control unit 25.

[0021] The first acoustic device 20 has a first reception notification unit 31. The first reception notification unit 31 is formed on the outer surface of the case 24 of the first acoustic device 20 so that the user holding the first acoustic device 20 can confirm, for example. When the first audio communication means 30 receives the second audio data VD2 from the second audio communication means 49, the first reception notification unit 31 notifies the user using the first acoustic device 20 that the second audio data VD2 has been received by, for example, at least one of audio and light. When the first reception notification unit 31 notifies the user using the first acoustic device 20 that the second audio data VD2 has been received by audio, the first reception notification unit 31 includes an alarm speaker. When the alarm speaker receives the second audio data VD2, it notifies the user that the data has been received by loudly outputting the audio. The notification speaker may be the first speaker 23 or may be provided separately from the first speaker 23. When the first reception notification unit 31 notifies the reception of the second voice data VD2 by light, the first reception notification unit 31 includes an notification lamp. When the second voice data VD2 is received, the notification lamp notifies the reception of the data by outputting light.

[0022] The first reception notification unit 31 may notify the user of the first audio device 20 that the second audio data VD2 has been received by at least one of a screen display and vibration in addition to or instead of at least one of a sound and a light. When the first reception notification unit 31 notifies the user of the first audio device 20 that the second audio data VD2 has been received by displaying the screen, the first reception notification unit 31 includes a liquid crystal display (LCD). When the first audio communication means 30 receives the second audio data VD2, at least one of a predetermined character, a notification, and a symbol is displayed on the LCD. When the first reception notification unit 31 notifies the user of the first audio device 20 that the second audio data VD2 has been received by vibration, the first reception notification unit 31 has a vibration function. When the first audio communication means 30 receives the second audio data VD2, the vibration function vibrates the first audio device 20.

[0023] The first acoustic device 20 has a first output switching unit 32. The first output switching unit 32 switches the output state of the first acoustic device 20. The output state of the first acoustic device 20 includes a first output state, a second output state, and a third output state. The first output switching unit 32 is configured to switch the output state of the first acoustic device 20 between the first output state, the second output state, and the third output state. The first output state is a state in which the first audio output means 28 outputs both the first audio V1 and the audio based on the second audio data VD2 in an amplified manner. The second output state is a state in which the first audio output means 28 outputs only the first audio V1 in an amplified manner. The third output state is a state in which the first audio output means 28 outputs only the audio based on the second audio data VD2 in an amplified manner. A user who uses the first acoustic device 20 switches the output state of the first acoustic device 20 to any one of the first to third output states by operating the first output switching unit 32. The first output switching unit 32 includes, for example, a switch. By operating the switch of the first output switching unit 32, the output state of the first acoustic device 20 is switched to any one of the first to third output states.

[0024] The first acoustic device 20 has a first call unit 33. The first call unit 33 is connected to the second acoustic device 40 so that a user using the first acoustic device 20 can make a call with a user using the second acoustic device 40. The first call unit 33 performs data communication with the second acoustic device 40 via, for example, a server 60. The first call unit 33 is connected to the server 60 by the first communication unit 26. The first call unit 33 has at least an output unit that amplifies and outputs the voice received via the server 60 in order to make a call. The first call unit 33 may include an input unit that inputs the voice of the first speaker S1 together with the output unit. The first call unit 33 includes, for example, a first headset 33A as an input / output unit. The first headset 33A is provided with a microphone and a speaker for use by a user using the first acoustic device 20. The first headset 33A is connected to the first acoustic device 20, for example, by wire or wirelessly. The first call unit 33 may have, as an output unit, a narrow-directional speaker provided on a main body case of the first acoustic device 20 so as to face the direction of a user (first speaker S1) who uses the first acoustic device 20. For example, when the first acoustic device 20 is a grip-type megaphone, this narrow-directional speaker is preferably disposed in a position opposite the first speaker 23 and in the vicinity of the first microphone 21 disposed so as to face the speaker when gripped.

[0025] The first acoustic device 20 has a position acquisition means 34. The position acquisition means 34 acquires position information D1 of the first acoustic device 20. The position information D1 is, for example, the position coordinates of the first acoustic device 20. The position acquisition means 34 includes, for example, a position sensor 34A. Examples of the position sensor 34A include a Global Positioning System (GPS), a Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS), and Galileo operated by Europe. The position sensor 34A may be an Indoor Position System (IPS), a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE, registered trademark) beacon, or an Ultra Wide Band (UWB).

[0026] The first audio communication means 30 transmits the position information D1 to the second audio device 40. The first audio communication means 30 transmits to the second audio device 40 the position information D1 acquired by the position sensor 34A.

[0027] The first acoustic device 20 has a direction acquisition means 35. The direction acquisition means 35 acquires direction information D2 of the first acoustic device 20. The direction information D2 is, for example, information about the direction in which the first speaker 23 of the first acoustic device 20 amplified and output audio. The direction acquisition means 35 includes, for example, a gyro sensor 35A. The gyro sensor 35A acquires, from the inclination of the first acoustic device 20, the direction in which the first speaker 23 of the first acoustic device 20 amplified and output audio.

[0028] The first audio communication means 30 transmits the direction information D2 to the second audio device 40. The first audio communication means 30 transmits to the second audio device 40 the direction information D2 acquired by the gyro sensor 35A.

[0029] The first audio device 20 has an image acquiring means 36. The image acquiring means 36 acquires image information D3 relating to an image around the first audio device 20. The image acquiring means 36 includes, for example, a camera 36A. The camera 36A is attached to the case 24 of the first audio device 20 so as to capture, for example, an image in the direction in which the first microphone 21 of the first audio device 20 amplifies and outputs sound. In the case in which the first audio device 20 is a megaphone, the camera 36A may be attached to the horn of the megaphone. One example of the camera 36A is a video camera.

[0030] The first audio communication means 30 transmits the video information D3 to the second audio device 40. The first audio communication means 30 transmits to the second audio device 40 the video information D3 acquired by the camera 36A.

[0031] The first acoustic device 20 has a status display unit 37 that displays device information D4. The device information D4 is information related to the status of the first acoustic device 20. Examples of the device information D4 include a current location, a radio wave status with the server 60, and a remaining battery level. The status display unit 37 is provided on the outer surface of the case 24 of the first acoustic device 20 so that a user who uses the first acoustic device 20 can check the status. The device information D4 is generated by, for example, the first control unit 25. The first audio communication means 30 transmits the device information D4 to the second acoustic device 40.

[0032] The first acoustic device 20 has a light-emitting unit 38. The light-emitting unit 38 emits light so that unspecified people can confirm the location of the first acoustic device 20. The light-emitting unit 38 is provided, for example, on a megaphone horn. The light-emitting unit 38 makes it easy for unspecified people to confirm the location of the first acoustic device 20. The color of light emitted by the light-emitting unit 38 may be changed depending on the presence or absence of communication with the second acoustic device 40, the type of disaster that has occurred, and the like. By changing the color of light emitted by the light-emitting unit 38, information can be transmitted to hearing-impaired people. The first audio communication means 30 may transmit information regarding the color of the light-emitting unit 38 to the second acoustic device 40.

[0033] <Second audio equipment> As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the second audio device 40 amplifies the second sound V2. The second sound V2 is a sound produced by the second speaker S2. The second audio device 40 of the present embodiment processes the second sound V2 into a louder sound, and then amplifies and outputs the sound at a plurality of locations, thereby amplifying the second sound V2. The second audio device 40 has a second microphone 41, a second amplifier 42, and a second speaker 43. The second microphone 41 acquires the second sound V2. The second amplifier 42 amplifies the second sound V2 acquired by the second microphone 41. The second speaker 43 amplifies and outputs the second sound V2 amplified by the second amplifier 42. The second audio device 40 has a plurality of second speakers 43.

[0034] The second audio device 40 is an existing type audio device. The existing type audio device is arranged in the facility 1. That is, the second audio device 40 is a non-portable type, unlike a portable type that is assumed to be carried by hand or attached to the body and can be amplified. An example of an existing type audio device is a broadcasting facility provided in the facility 1. The second microphone 41 and the second amplifier 42 of the broadcasting facility are arranged in, for example, the control room 3 of the facility 1. The broadcasting contents, broadcasting range, volume of the sound, etc. of the broadcasting facility are controlled from the control room 3. A user (second speaker S2) who uses the second audio device 40 is located in the control room 3. A plurality of second speakers 43 are arranged in the facility 1. The plurality of second speakers 43 are fixed to the walls, ceiling, roof of the building 2, electric poles, poles, etc. of the open space 2A. The plurality of second speakers 43 may be ceiling-embedded speakers, or may be speakers attached to a high place such as the roof or pole of the facility 1. The second speakers 43 may be speakers that are temporarily installed for a certain period of time on a stage for an event such as a concert. The second speakers 43 may also be arranged in the control room 3. The second speaker 43 arranged in the control room 3 is configured not to output the second sound V2 as a loudspeaker while the second microphone 41 is acquiring the second sound V2. Examples of the second audio device 40 are emergency broadcast equipment, in-house broadcast equipment, and disaster prevention administrative radio equipment.

[0035] The second acoustic device 40 has a second control unit 44. The second control unit 44 executes electrical control regarding the second acoustic device 40. The second control unit 44 is configured to generate second audio data VD2 based on the second audio V2 acquired by the second acoustic device 40. The second control unit 44 includes a calculation processing unit that executes a predetermined control program. The calculation processing unit includes, for example, a CPU or an MPU. The second control unit 44 may include one or more microcomputers. The second control unit 44 includes an ADC circuit and a DAC circuit. The second control unit 44 may include a DSP circuit.

[0036] The second acoustic device 40 includes a second communication unit 45. The second communication unit 45 is connectable to a network, for example, by a LAN (Local Area Network). The second communication unit 45 communicates with devices different from the second acoustic device 40 via the network. The devices different from the second acoustic device 40 include the first acoustic device 20. The second acoustic device 40 is connected to a server 60, for example, via the network.

[0037] The second audio device 40 has a second audio output means 47, a second audio conversion means 48, and a second audio communication means 49. The second audio device 40 has a second audio acquisition means 46. The second audio acquisition means 46 acquires a second audio V2. The second audio acquisition means 46 includes a second microphone 41. The second audio acquisition means 46 may include a second amplifier 42. The second audio output means 47 amplifies and outputs the second audio V2. The second audio output means 47 includes a second speaker 43. The second audio communication means 49 is configured to receive information related to the first audio device 20 from the first audio communication means 30. The second audio communication means 49 includes a second communication unit 45.

[0038] The second voice conversion means 48 converts the second voice V2 acquired by the second voice acquisition means 46 into second voice data VD2. The second voice conversion means 48 includes, for example, the second control unit 44. The second voice conversion means 48 includes an ADC circuit and a DAC circuit of the second control unit 44. The second voice conversion means 48 converts the second voice V2 into the second voice data VD2 by digitizing it using, for example, the ADC circuit of the second control unit 44. The second voice conversion means 48 may include a DSP circuit of the second control unit 44. The second voice conversion means 48 may perform digital processing of the second voice data VD2 using the DSP circuit of the second control unit 44.

[0039] The second audio device 40 has a fourth output state, a fifth output state, and a sixth output state as switchable output states. The fourth output state is a state in which the loud output of both the second audio V2 and the audio based on the first audio data VD1 is permitted. The fifth output state is a state in which the loud output of only the second audio V2 is permitted. The sixth output state is a state in which the loud output of only the audio based on the first audio data VD1 is permitted. When the second audio device 40 is in the fourth output state, the second audio output means 47 loudly outputs both the second audio V2 and the audio based on the first audio data VD1. When the second audio device 40 is in the fifth output state, the second audio output means 47 loudly outputs only the second audio V2 regardless of the reception of the first audio data VD1. When the second acoustic device 40 is in the sixth output state, the second audio output means 47 amplifies and outputs only the audio based on the first audio data VD1, regardless of the input of the second audio V2.

[0040] The second acoustic device 40 has a second output switching unit 50. The second output switching unit 50 is configured to switch the output state of the second acoustic device 40 among a fourth output state, a fifth output state, and a sixth output state. The fourth output state is a state in which the second audio output means 47 outputs both the second audio V2 and the audio based on the first audio data VD1 in an amplified manner. The fifth output state is a state in which the second audio output means 47 outputs only the second audio V2 in an amplified manner. The sixth output state is a state in which the second audio output means 47 outputs only the audio based on the first audio data VD1 in an amplified manner. The second speaker S2 of the second acoustic device 40 operates the second output switching unit 50 to switch the output state of the second acoustic device 40 to any one of the fourth to sixth output states. The second output switching unit 50 includes, for example, a switch. By operating the switch of the second output switching unit 50, the output state of the second acoustic device 40 is switched to any one of the fourth to sixth output states.

[0041] The second acoustic device 40 has a second call unit 51. The second call unit 51 is connected to the first acoustic device 20 so that a user using the second acoustic device 40 can make a call with a user using the first acoustic device 20. The second call unit 51 is configured to be able to make a call with the first call unit 33 of the first acoustic device 20. The second call unit 51 has at least an output unit that amplifies and outputs the voice received via the server 60 in order to make a call. The second call unit 51 may include an input unit that inputs the voice of the second speaker S2 together with the output unit. The second call unit 51 includes, for example, a second headset 51A as an input / output unit. The second call unit 51 may be configured by separately arranging a microphone different from the second microphone 41 and a speaker different from the second speaker 43 in the control room 3.

[0042] The second acoustic device 40 includes a display unit 52. The display unit 52 displays information about the first acoustic device 20 received by the second audio communication means 49. The content displayed on the display unit 52 is controlled by the second control unit 44 of the second acoustic device 40. The display unit 52 displays position information D1, direction information D2, video information D3, and device information D4 of the first acoustic device 20. An example of the display unit 52 is a display type monitor. The display unit 52 may be a monitor of a smartphone or a tablet.

[0043] <Server> The server 60 is, for example, a cloud server accessible via the Internet. The server 60 is, for example, configured by one or more server devices. The server 60 may be disposed within the facility 1, or may be disposed in a location different from the facility 1. The server 60 is connected to the first acoustic device 20 and the second acoustic device 40. The server 60 is connected to a network, for example, by a LAN. The server 60 is connected to the first acoustic device 20 and the second acoustic device 40 via the network.

[0044] <Amplified output of audio based on second audio data VD2 by first audio device> 1 and 2, the first acoustic device 20 amplifies and outputs the voice of the second speaker S2 of the second acoustic device 40. The first audio output means 28 amplifies and outputs the voice based on the second audio data VD2 generated by the second acoustic device 40.

[0045] The second audio communication means 49 of the second audio device 40 transmits the second audio data VD2 to the first audio device 20. The second audio communication means 49 transmits the second audio data VD2 to the first audio device 20 via the network.

[0046] The first voice communication means 30 receives the second voice data VD2 from the second voice communication means 49. The first voice conversion means 29 converts the second voice data VD2 received by the first voice communication means 30 into voice. The first voice conversion means 29 converts the second voice data VD2 into voice by, for example, analogizing the second voice data VD2 using a DAC circuit in the first control unit 25.

[0047] The first audio output means 28 outputs the first audio V1 and audio based on the second audio data VD2. When the output state of the first audio device 20 is the first output state or the second output state, and the first audio acquisition means 27 acquires the first audio V1, the first audio output means 28 outputs the first audio V1. When the output state of the first audio device 20 is the first output state or the third output state, and the first audio communication means 30 acquires the second audio data VD2, the first audio output means 28 amplified and outputs audio based on the second audio data VD2.

[0048] When the first audio acquisition means 27 has not acquired the first audio V1, the first audio output means 28 does not amplified-output the first audio V1. When the first audio communication means 30 has not acquired the second audio data VD2, the first audio output means 28 does not amplified-output the audio based on the second audio data VD2. The first audio output means 28 amplified-outputs the first audio V1 and the audio based on the second audio data VD2 according to the output state of the first audio device 20.

[0049] The first audio device 20 has a priority setting means 39. The priority setting means 39 sets priorities of the first audio V1 and audio based on the second audio data VD2. The priority setting means 39 is included in, for example, the first control unit 25. When the output state of the first audio device 20 is the second output state, audio based on the second audio data VD2 is not amplified and therefore setting of priorities by the priority setting means 39 may be omitted.

[0050] The priority setting means 39 allows a user who uses the first audio device 20 to set priorities. The priority setting means 39 includes, for example, a switch for priority switching. By operating the switch for priority switching, the priorities of the first audio V1 and the audio based on the second audio data VD2 are set.

[0051] The first acoustic device 20 is configured to preferentially amplify and output the first sound V1 or the sound based on the second sound data VD2, whichever has a higher priority, when both the first sound V1 and the sound based on the second sound data VD2 are input to the first sound output means 28. For example, when the priority of the first sound V1 is higher than the priority of the sound based on the second sound data VD2, if the first sound acquisition means 27 acquires the first sound V1 while the first sound output means 28 is amplifying and outputting the sound based on the second sound data VD2, the first sound output means 28 stops amplifying and outputting the first sound V1 based on the second sound data VD2. Or, if the priority of the audio based on the second audio data VD2 is higher than the priority of the first audio V1, when the first audio communication means 30 receives the second audio data VD2 while the first audio output means 28 is amplified output of the first audio V1, the first audio output means 28 stops the amplified output of the first audio V1 and amplified output the audio based on the second audio data VD2.

[0052] <Amplified output of audio based on the first audio data VD1 by the second audio device> 1 and 2, the second acoustic device 40 amplifies and outputs the voice of the first speaker S1 of the first acoustic device 20. The second audio output means 47 amplifies and outputs the voice based on the first audio data VD1 generated by the first acoustic device 20.

[0053] The first audio communication means 30 transmits the first audio data VD1 to the second audio device 40. The first audio communication means 30 transmits the first audio data VD1 to the second audio device 40 via a network.

[0054] The second audio communication means 49 receives the first audio data VD1 from the first audio communication means 30. The second audio conversion means 48 converts the first audio data VD1 received by the second audio communication means 49 into audio. The second audio conversion means 48 converts the first audio data VD1 into audio by, for example, converting the first audio data VD1 into analog form using a DAC circuit.

[0055] The second audio output means 47 loudly outputs the second audio V2 and audio based on the first audio data VD1. When the output state of the second audio device 40 is the fourth output state or the fifth output state and the second audio acquisition means 46 acquires the second audio V2, the second audio output means 47 loudly outputs the second audio V2. When the output state of the second audio device 40 is the fourth output state or the sixth output state and the second audio communication means 49 acquires the first audio data VD1, the second audio output means 47 loudly outputs the audio based on the first audio data VD1.

[0056] The second audio output means 47 does not output the second audio V2 when the second audio acquisition means 46 has not acquired the second audio V2. The second audio output means 47 does not output audio based on the first audio data VD1 when the second audio communication means 49 has not acquired the first audio data VD1. The second audio output means 47 amplifies and outputs the second audio V2 and the audio based on the first audio data VD1 according to the output state of the second audio device 40.

[0057] The second audio device 40 has an additional priority setting means 44A. The additional priority setting means 44A sets the priorities of the second audio V2 and the audio based on the first audio data VD1. The additional priority setting means 44A is included in, for example, the second control unit 44. When the output state of the second audio device 40 is the fifth output state, audio based on the first audio data VD1 is not output, and therefore the setting of the priorities by the additional priority setting means 44A may be omitted.

[0058] The additional priority setting means 44A is set by a user who uses the second audio device 40. The additional priority setting means 44A includes, for example, an additional switch for priority switching. By operating the additional switch for priority switching, the priorities of the second audio V2 and the audio based on the first audio data VD1 are set.

[0059] The second audio device 40 is configured to preferentially amplify and output the second audio V2 or the audio based on the first audio data VD1, whichever has a higher priority, when both the second audio V2 and the audio based on the first audio data VD1 are input to the second audio output means 47. For example, when the priority of the second audio V2 is higher than the priority of the audio based on the first audio data VD1, if the second audio acquisition means 46 acquires the second audio V2 while the second audio output means 47 is outputting the audio based on the first audio data VD1, the second audio output means 47 stops outputting the audio based on the first audio data VD1 and amplifies and outputs the second audio V2. Or, if the priority of the audio based on the first audio data VD1 is higher than the priority of the second audio V2, when the second audio communication means 49 receives the first audio data VD1 while the second audio output means 47 is outputting the second audio V2, the second audio output means 47 stops outputting the second audio V2 and amplified output the audio based on the first audio data VD1.

[0060] <Sound system operation> 1 and 3, a plurality of first acoustic devices 20 are carried within a facility 1 by users who use the respective first acoustic devices 20. The first acoustic devices 20 move with the movement of the users who use the first acoustic devices 20. The users who use the first acoustic devices 20 are located, for example, indoors, on the roof, or in an open space 2A of a building 2. A control room 3 in which a user who uses a second acoustic device 40 is located is provided, for example, within the building 2.

[0061] Fig. 4 shows an example of an image displayed on the display unit 52. As shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 4, a user who uses the second audio device 40 can grasp the state of the first audio device 20 by the display unit 52. Fig. 4 shows a case where three first audio devices 20 identified by M-1, M-2 and M-3 are in operation. The display unit 52 is divided into a first display unit 53, a second display unit 54, a third display unit 55, a fourth display unit 56, a fifth display unit 57 and a user operation unit 58.

[0062] The first display unit 53 displays a plan view of the facility 1. The second display unit 54 displays a perspective view of the facility 1. The first display unit 53 and the second display unit 54 display icons corresponding to the first audio devices 20 of M-1, M-2, and M-3, respectively. The icons corresponding to the first audio devices 20 of M-1, M-2, and M-3 are displayed at locations corresponding to the position information D1 of the first audio devices 20 in the facility 1. The icons corresponding to the first audio devices 20 of M-1, M-2, and M-3 are displayed so as to incline toward the direction in which the first audio devices 20 amplify and output the audio, based on the direction information D2 of the first audio devices 20. An icon indicating the range in which the audio of the corresponding first audio device 20 is output may be added to each icon. In the example of the first display unit 53 in FIG. 4, a triangular mark is an example of an icon indicating the range in which the audio of the first audio device 20 is output.

[0063] The third display section 55 displays an image captured by the camera 36A of the first audio device 20 of M-1. The fourth display section 56 displays an image captured by the camera 36A of the first audio device 20 of M-2. The fifth display section 57 displays an image captured by the camera 36A of the first audio device 20 of M-3. The division of the display section 52 may be changed depending on the number of first audio devices 20.

[0064] The user operation unit 58 is a user interface for a user who uses the second acoustic device 40 in the control room 3 of the facility 1, such as the second speaker S2, to operate the second acoustic device 40. The user operation unit 58 has a first acoustic device selection unit 58A. In the first acoustic device selection unit 58A, icons corresponding to the first acoustic devices 20 of M-1, M-2, and M-3 are displayed. The user can select one of the first acoustic devices 20 from the first acoustic devices 20 of M-1, M-2, and M-3 by selecting one of the icons. In FIG. 4, the first acoustic device 20 of M-1 is selected. In the first display unit 53 and the second display unit 54, the selected first acoustic device 20 of M-1 is displayed in an emphasized manner. In addition, the third display unit 55 corresponding to the selected first acoustic device 20 of M-1 among the third display unit 55, the fourth display unit 56, and the fifth display unit 57 is displayed in an emphasized manner. The first audio device selection section 58A may display the remaining battery power and radio wave status of each of the first audio devices 20, M-1, M-2, and M-3.

[0065] The user operation unit 58 has a selected audio device monitor unit 58B. The selected audio device monitor unit 58B displays the following fields: current location, output direction, output direction image, output sound, ambient noise, and battery status of the first audio device 20 selected in the first audio device selection unit 58A. The current location of the first audio device 20 selected in the first audio device selection unit 58A is displayed in the current location field. The current location of the first audio device 20 may be a coordinate or a name in the facility 1, such as a room name. The output direction field displays the direction in which the first audio device 20 selected in the first audio device selection unit 58A amplifies and outputs audio. When the output direction image is selected by the user, the image captured by the camera 36A of the first audio device 20 selected in the first audio device selection unit 58A is enlarged and displayed. In the example of FIG. 4, the third display unit 55 is enlarged and displayed. When the output sound is selected by the user, the sound output by the first audio device 20 is output from the second speaker 43 installed in the control room 3. When the ambient noise is selected by the user, the ambient noise acquired by the first audio acquisition means 27 of the first audio device 20 is output from the second speaker 43 installed in the control room 3. For example, the first audio acquisition means 27 may be configured to acquire background noise of the first audio device 20 in addition to the first audio V1. The first audio communication means 30 may transmit audio data related to the background noise of the first audio device 20 to the second audio device 40. The battery status displays the remaining battery level of the first audio device 20 selected in the first audio device selection unit 58A.

[0066] The user operation unit 58 has a remote speech operation unit 58C. A remote announcement and an icon of an instruction or a call are displayed on the remote speech operation unit 58C. When the icon of the remote announcement is operated by the user, the second acoustic device 40 transmits the second voice data VD2 to the first acoustic device 20. The second acoustic device 40 may be configured to transmit the second voice data VD2 to one or more first acoustic devices 20 selected by the first acoustic device selection unit 58A when the icon of the remote announcement is operated by the user. When the icon of the instruction or a call is selected by the user, the second call unit 51 of the second acoustic device 40 starts a call with the first call unit 33 of the first acoustic device 20. The second acoustic device 40 may be configured to be able to make a call with the first call unit 33 of the first acoustic device 20 selected by the first acoustic device selection unit 58A when the icon of the instruction or a call is selected by the user.

[0067] The first acoustic device selection unit 58A can select a first acoustic device 20 that amplifies and outputs audio based on the second audio data VD2, and a first acoustic device 20 that communicates with the second acoustic device 40. The first acoustic device 20 that amplifies and outputs audio based on the second audio data VD2 is one, more than one, or all of the multiple first acoustic devices 20. The first acoustic device 20 that communicates with the second acoustic device 40 is one, more than one, or all of the multiple first acoustic devices 20.

[0068] The user operation unit 58 may be provided with a first audio device selection unit 58A for remote announcement and a first audio device selection unit 58A for instruction or call. The first audio device selection unit 58A for remote announcement is configured to enable the second audio device 40 to select the first audio device 20 to which the second audio device 40 transmits the second audio data VD2 when the icon for instruction or call is selected by the user. The first audio device selection unit 58A for instruction or call is configured to enable the second audio device 20 to be used by the second call unit 51 of the second audio device 40 when the icon for instruction or call is selected by the user.

[0069] With reference to FIG. 5, an example of a process in which the first acoustic device 20 amplifies and outputs the second sound V2 acquired by the second acoustic device 40 in the acoustic system 10 will be described. When the second microphone 41 acquires the second sound V2 in the second acoustic device 40 (S11), the second microphone 41 transmits the acquired second sound V2 to the second control unit 44 (S12). The second control unit 44 converts the second sound V2 into second sound data VD2 (S13). The second control unit 44 outputs the second sound data VD2 to the second communication unit 45 (S14). The second communication unit 45 transmits the second sound data VD2 to the first communication unit 26 of the first acoustic device 20 (S15). The first communication unit 26 outputs the second sound data VD2 to the first control unit 25 (S16). The first control unit 25 converts the second sound data VD2 into sound (S17). The first control unit 25 transmits a sound based on the second sound data VD2 to the first speaker 23 (S18). The first speaker 23 outputs the sound based on the second sound data VD2 in an amplified form (S19).

[0070] The first acoustic device 20 receives the second audio data VD2 and outputs the audio based on the second audio data VD2 in a loudspeaker manner only when the output state is the first output state or the third output state (S16 to S19).

[0071] When the output state is the first output state, the first acoustic device 20 switches between the amplified output of the sound based on the second sound data VD2 (S19) and the amplified output of the first sound V1 in accordance with the above-mentioned priority setting.

[0072] When the output state is the third output state, even if the first audio device 20 acquires the first audio V1 of the first speaker S1 from the first microphone 21 during amplified output of audio based on the second audio data VD2 (S19), the first audio device 20 continues the amplified output of audio based on the second audio data VD2 (S19) without amplified output of the first audio V1.

[0073] In the acoustic system 10, while the first acoustic device 20 is outputting the sound based on the second audio data VD2 as an amplified sound (S11 to S19), the first speaker S1 and the second speaker S2 can be talking to each other through the first aural communication unit 33 and the second aural communication unit 51 in parallel with this process. That is, in parallel with the transmission of the second audio data VD2 by the second acoustic device 40 (S11 to S15), the second aural communication unit 51 generates audio data (hereinafter, audio data for the second call) based on the audio inputted through an input unit (headset 51A or another microphone). The second aural communication unit 51 transmits the audio data for the second call to the first aural communication unit 33. The first acoustic device 20 amplifies and outputs the voice for a call from the output unit (headset 33A or narrow-directivity speaker) of the first aural communication unit 33 by playing back the second audio data VD2 while outputting the voice for a call from the first speaker 23 (S16 to S19) in parallel. In addition, in parallel with the amplifying and outputting the voice based on the second audio data VD2 by the first acoustic device 20 (S16 to S19), the first aural communication unit 33 generates audio data (hereinafter, the voice data for a first aural communication) based on the voice inputted by the input unit (headset 31A or another microphone). The first aural communication unit 33 transmits the voice data for a first aural communication to the second aural communication unit 51. The second acoustic device 40 transmits the second audio data VD2 (S11 to S15) and, in parallel with this, reproduces the first audio data for the call to output the audio for the call from the output unit (headset 51A or another speaker) of the second call unit 51 in an amplified manner. With this configuration, while the first acoustic device 20 outputs the audio based on the first audio V1 or the second audio data VD2 in an amplified manner, the second speaker S2 can instruct the first speaker S1 about the audio amplification by the first acoustic device 20, the first speaker S1 can report to the second speaker S2 about the audio amplification by the first acoustic device 20, and the first speaker S1 and the second speaker S2 can have a conversation.

[0074] With reference to FIG. 6, an example of a process in which the second acoustic device 40 amplifies and outputs the first sound V1 acquired by the first acoustic device 20 in the acoustic system 10 will be described. When the first microphone 21 acquires the first sound V1 in the first acoustic device 20 (S21), the first microphone 21 transmits the acquired first sound V1 to the first control unit 25 (S22). The first control unit 25 converts the first sound V1 into first sound data VD1 (S23). The first control unit 25 outputs the first sound data VD1 to the first communication unit 26 (S24). The first communication unit 26 transmits the first sound data VD1 to the second communication unit 45 of the second acoustic device 40 (S25). The second communication unit 45 outputs the first sound data VD1 to the second control unit 44 (S26). The second control unit 44 converts the first sound data VD1 into sound (S27). The second control unit 44 transmits the sound based on the first sound data VD1 to the second speaker 43 (S28). The second speaker 43 outputs the sound based on the first sound data VD1 in an amplified form (S29).

[0075] The second audio device 40 receives the first audio data VD1 and outputs the amplified audio based on the first audio data VD1 only when the output state is the fourth output state or the sixth output state (S26 to S29).

[0076] When the output state is the fourth output state, the second acoustic device 40 switches between the amplified output of the sound based on the first sound data VD1 (S29) and the amplified output of the second sound V2 in accordance with the priority setting described above.

[0077] When the output state is the sixth output state, even if the second audio device 40 acquires the second audio V2 of the second speaker S2 from the second microphone 41 during amplified output of audio based on the first audio data VD1 (S29), the second audio device 40 continues the amplified output of audio based on the first audio data VD1 (S29) without amplified output of the second audio V2.

[0078] In the acoustic system 10, while the second acoustic device 40 is outputting the amplified audio based on the first audio data VD1 (S21 to S19), the first speaker S1 and the second speaker S2 can communicate with each other through the first communication unit 33 and the second communication unit 51 in parallel with this process. That is, in parallel with the transmission of the first audio data VD1 by the first acoustic device 20 (S21 to S25), the first communication unit 33 generates the first communication audio data based on the audio inputted through the input unit (headset 31A or another microphone). The first communication unit 33 transmits the first communication audio data to the second communication unit 51. The second acoustic device 40 amplifies and outputs the voice for a call from the output unit (headset 51A or another speaker) of the second aural communication unit 51 by playing back the voice data for the first call while amplifying and outputting the voice for a call from the output unit (headset 51A or another speaker) of the second aural communication unit 51 in parallel with the amplifying and outputting the voice for a call based on the first voice data VD1 (S26 to S29). In addition, the second acoustic device 40 amplifies and outputs the voice for a call from the output unit (headset 51A or another microphone) of the second aural communication unit 51 in parallel with the amplifying and outputting the voice for a call based on the first voice data VD1 (S26 to S29). The second aural communication unit 51 transmits the voice data for a second aural communication to the first aural communication unit 33. The first acoustic device 20 transmits the first voice data VD1 (S21 to S25), and in parallel therewith, reproduces the second voice data for a call to amplify and output the voice for a call from the output unit (headset 31A or narrow-directivity speaker) of the first call unit 33. With this configuration, while amplifying and outputting the second voice V2 or the voice based on the first voice data VD1 from the second acoustic device 40, the first speaker S1 can instruct the second speaker S2 about amplifying the voice by the second acoustic device 40, the second speaker S2 can report to the first speaker S1 about the amplifying the voice by the second acoustic device 40, and the first speaker S1 and the second speaker S2 can have a conversation.

[0079] <Operation of the embodiment> A first effect of this embodiment will be described. The existing audio equipment is installed in the facility 1 so as to amplify and output broadcasts such as information about the facility 1 and background music to unspecified people in the facility 1. The existing audio equipment may also be used to call people in the facility 1 to evacuate in the event of a disaster such as an earthquake or fire. The existing audio equipment has multiple speakers. By arranging multiple speakers in the building 2 and the open space 2A of the facility 1, broadcasts can be output to unspecified people in the facility 1. However, due to noise caused by congestion, the arrangement of speakers, and other reasons, some people may have difficulty hearing the broadcasts made by the existing audio equipment. Compared to the existing audio equipment that is permanently installed in the facility 1, the portable audio equipment may be able to change the position where the audio is output, the direction where the audio is output, and other factors as desired, so that people in the facility 1 may be able to hear the broadcasts more easily than the existing audio equipment. Portable audio devices allow a speaker to output sound while moving around, and are therefore used to output sound in an amplified manner in indoor spaces where there are no permanent speakers, outdoors, etc.

[0080] In the acoustic system 10, the first acoustic device 20 has the first audio communication means 30 and can communicate with the second acoustic device 40 via the server 60. The first acoustic device 20 can acquire second audio data VD2 based on the second audio V2 acquired by the second acoustic device 40 via the server 60 and can output audio based on the second audio data VD2. Since the first acoustic device 20 is a portable acoustic device, the first acoustic device 20 can output audio based on the second audio data VD2 in a place in the facility 1 where it is difficult to hear the broadcast output from the second acoustic device 40, which is an installed acoustic device.

[0081] Since the first audio device 20 can output audio based on the second audio data VD2 of the second audio device 40, the range in which the second audio V2 is output can be widened by the first audio device 20. Since the audio amplified and output by the second audio device 40 can also be heard by people around the first audio device 20, the second audio V2 can be more suitably broadcast within the facility 1 by arranging the first audio device 20 in a location where it is difficult to hear the audio amplified and output by the second audio device 40.

[0082] Furthermore, the second audio device 40 can acquire the first audio data VD1 based on the first audio V1 acquired by the first audio device 20 via the server 60. Since the second audio device 40 can output audio based on the first audio data VD1, the user using the first audio device 20 can broadcast peripheral information of the first audio device 20 within the facility 1 by the second audio device 40. For example, when a problem occurs in the facility 1, the user using the first audio device 20 can move to the location where the problem occurs, and the local situation can be broadcast within the facility 1 while guiding people at the location where the problem occurs. Possible problems that may occur in the facility 1 include crowded entrances and exits, damage to equipment such as glass or elevators, and the occurrence of disasters such as fires.

[0083] A second effect of this embodiment will be described. The first acoustic device 20 transmits information about the first acoustic device 20, such as position information D1, direction information D2, video information D3, and device information D4, to the second acoustic device 40. The information about the first acoustic device 20 is displayed on a display unit 52 arranged in the control room 3. The user using the second acoustic device 40 can grasp the state of the first acoustic device 20 by the information about the first acoustic device 20 displayed on the display unit 52. The user using the first acoustic device 20 and the user using the second acoustic device 40 can communicate with each other by the first call unit 33 of the first acoustic device 20 and the second call unit 51 of the second acoustic device 40. The user using the first acoustic device 20 can transmit peripheral information about the first acoustic device 20 to the user using the second acoustic device 40 by the first call unit 33. The user using the second acoustic device 40 can instruct the user using the first acoustic device 20 based on the situation of the position, direction, surroundings, etc. of the first acoustic device 20. Therefore, the user of the first acoustic device 20 can act based on the instructions of the user of the second acoustic device 40. In this way, the user of the first acoustic device 20 and the user of the second acoustic device 40 can cooperate with each other.

[0084] The user of the second acoustic device 40 can select the first acoustic device 20 that transmits the second audio data VD2 and the first acoustic device 20 that the second call unit 51 will talk to by using the first acoustic device selection unit 58A. While all the first acoustic devices 20 output the second audio V2 acquired by the second acoustic device 40 as in the process of FIG. 5, the first acoustic device 20 that will talk to the second call unit 51 can be only the specified first acoustic device 20. The user who uses the second acoustic device 40 can talk to the specified first acoustic device 20 by the second call unit 51. For example, when a broadcast different from the second audio V2 is required at the location where the specified first acoustic device 20 is located, the user who uses the second acoustic device 40 talks to the user who uses the specified first acoustic device 20. The user who uses the specified first acoustic device 20 can amplify the information conveyed by the user who uses the second acoustic device 40.

[0085] <Effects of the embodiment> The effects of this embodiment will be described. (1) The audio system 10 includes a first audio device 20 and a second audio device 40. The first audio device 20 includes a first audio output means 28 and a first audio communication means 30. The first audio communication means 30 transmits first audio data VD1 to the second audio device 40. The second audio device 40 includes a second audio communication means 49, a second audio conversion means 48, and a second audio output means 47. The second audio communication means 49 receives the first audio data VD1 from the first audio communication means 30. The second audio conversion means 48 converts the first audio data VD1 into audio. The second audio output means 47 amplifies and outputs the second audio V2 and audio based on the first audio data VD1.

[0086] According to this configuration, the second audio device 40 can output audio based on the first audio data VD1 of the first audio device 20, so that the range in which the first audio V1 is output can be widened. Therefore, by combining the first audio device 20 and the second audio device 40, the audio system 10 can output audio over a wider range.

[0087] Of the first acoustic device 20 and the second acoustic device 40, one is a portable acoustic device and the other is an existing acoustic device. In this embodiment, the first acoustic device 20 is a portable acoustic device, and the second acoustic device 40 is an existing acoustic device. The first speaker S1 can directly output sound to people around the first acoustic device 20 using the first acoustic device 20. According to the above configuration, people around the second acoustic device 40 can also hear the sound amplified and output by the first acoustic device 20. Therefore, people around the second acoustic device 40 can understand the situation around the first acoustic device 20. For example, in the facility 1, when a problem such as congestion, equipment failure, or fire occurs around the first acoustic device 20, people around the first acoustic device 20 can be guided while the situation is conveyed to people around the second acoustic device 40.

[0088] Since the first acoustic device 20 is portable, the first acoustic device 20 can suitably complement the output range of the installed second acoustic device 40. For example, in a place in the facility 1 where the audio output of the second acoustic device 40 is difficult to hear, the first acoustic device 20 can output audio.

[0089] (2) The first acoustic device 20 has a first microphone 21 and a first voice conversion means 29. The first voice V1 is the voice of the speaker acquired by the first microphone 21. The first voice conversion means 29 converts the first voice V1 into first voice data VD1.

[0090] According to this configuration, the range in which the voice of the speaker of the first acoustic device 20 is output can be made wider.

[0091] (3) The second audio device 40 has an additional priority setting means 44A. The additional priority setting means 44A sets the priority of the second audio V2 and the audio based on the first audio data VD1. When both the second audio V2 and the audio based on the first audio data VD1 are input to the second audio output means 47, the second audio device 40 is configured to preferentially amplify and output the audio with a higher priority out of the second audio V2 and the audio based on the first audio data VD1.

[0092] According to this configuration, out of the second audio V2 and the audio based on the first audio data VD1, the audio with the higher priority can be broadcast from the second audio device 40 with priority.

[0093] (4) The second audio device 40 has a fourth output state, a fifth output state, and a sixth output state as switchable output states. The fourth output state is a state in which amplified output of both the second audio V2 and the audio based on the first audio data VD1 is permitted. The fifth output state is a state in which amplified output of only the second audio V2 is permitted. The sixth output state is a state in which amplified output of only the audio based on the first audio data VD1 is permitted. When the second audio device 40 is in the fourth output state, the second audio output means 47 amplified output of both the second audio V2 and the audio based on the first audio data VD1. When the second audio device 40 is in the fifth output state, the second audio output means 47 amplified output of only the second audio V2 regardless of reception of the first audio data VD1. When the second acoustic device 40 is in the sixth output state, the second audio output means 47 amplifies and outputs only the audio based on the first audio data VD1, regardless of the input of the second audio V2.

[0094] According to this configuration, by switching the output state of the second acoustic device 40, it is possible to suitably select output of the second sound V2 and sound based on the first sound data VD1.

[0095] (5) The first acoustic device 20 has a first call unit 33. The first call unit 33 is connected to the second acoustic device 40 so that a user using the first acoustic device 20 can make a call with a user using the second acoustic device 40.

[0096] According to this configuration, since a user using the first acoustic device 20 can talk to a user using the second acoustic device 40, it is possible to suitably link the first acoustic device 20 and the second acoustic device 40. For example, the user using the first acoustic device 20 can communicate the situation of the location where the user using the first acoustic device 20 is located to the user using the second acoustic device 40. For example, the user using the second acoustic device 40 can communicate the situation in the facility 1, the situation of other users using the first acoustic devices 20, etc. to the user using the first acoustic device 20.

[0097] (6) The first acoustic device 20 includes a position acquisition means 34. The position acquisition means 34 acquires position information D1 of the first acoustic device 20. The first audio communication means 30 transmits the position information D1 to the second acoustic device 40.

[0098] According to this configuration, the user who uses the second acoustic device 40 can easily grasp the position of the first acoustic device 20, and therefore the first acoustic device 20 and the second acoustic device 40 can cooperate with each other in an appropriate manner.

[0099] (7) The first acoustic device 20 includes a direction acquisition means 35. The direction acquisition means 35 acquires direction information D2 of the first acoustic device 20. The first audio communication means 30 transmits the direction information D2 to the second acoustic device 40.

[0100] According to this configuration, the user using the second acoustic device 40 can ascertain the direction of the first acoustic device 20, and therefore the first acoustic device 20 and the second acoustic device 40 can cooperate with each other in an appropriate manner.

[0101] (8) In the second acoustic device 40, the second audio communication means 49 is configured to receive information about the first acoustic device 20 different from the first audio data VD1 from the first audio communication means 30. The second acoustic device 40 has a display unit 52. The display unit 52 displays the information about the first acoustic device 20 received by the second audio communication means 49.

[0102] According to this configuration, the display unit 52 of the second acoustic device 40 allows the user using the second acoustic device 40 to conveniently grasp information related to the first acoustic device 20. The information related to the first acoustic device 20 includes video information D3 of the surroundings of the first acoustic device 20 captured by a video acquisition means 36 provided in the first acoustic device 20. The video information D3 allows the user using the second acoustic device 40 to grasp surrounding information such as the number of people in the output direction of the first acoustic device 20, their movements, and the surrounding situation.

[0103] (9) The audio system 10 includes a server 60. The server 60 is connected to the first audio device 20 and the second audio device 40. The first audio device 20 communicates with the second audio device 40 via the server 60.

[0104] According to this configuration, the first acoustic device 20 and the second acoustic device 40 can perform data communication suitably via the server 60.

[0105] The first acoustic device 20 and the second acoustic device 40 perform data communication via the server 60. The first acoustic device 20 can suitably transmit the first audio data VD1, the position information D1, the direction information D2, the video information D3, and the device information D4 to the second acoustic device 40. The second acoustic device 40 can suitably transmit the second audio data VD2 to the first acoustic device 20. In addition, not only various data can be exchanged between the first acoustic device 20 and the second acoustic device 40, but also users can communicate with each other via the first call unit 33 and the second call unit 51. Since the first acoustic device 20 and the second acoustic device 40 perform data communication via the server 60, the first acoustic device 20 can suitably move within the facility 1 while communicating with each other.

[0106] <Modification> The above-described embodiments are examples of possible forms of the audio system, and are not intended to limit the forms. The audio system may take forms different from those illustrated in the above-described embodiments. Examples of such forms include forms in which a part of the configuration of the embodiment is replaced, changed, or omitted, or forms in which a new configuration is added to the embodiment. Modified examples of the embodiment are shown below.

[0107] <First Modification> The sound system 10 may be configured to amplify broadcast sounds other than the voice of the speaker to unspecified people in the facility 1. The broadcast sounds other than the voice of the speaker include at least one of business broadcasts and emergency broadcasts. Business broadcasts are broadcasts that play sound sources stored in advance in a memory or the like, such as background music (BGM), regular chimes, and prerecorded audio data. Emergency broadcasts are broadcasts that are linked to fire alarms and emergency earthquake alerts in emergencies such as fires and earthquakes. In emergency broadcasts, sound sources stored in advance in a memory or the like are played, such as alarm sounds, signal sounds such as "fire! fire! fire has broken out on the third floor. Please remain calm and evacuate." When an emergency broadcast is to be amplified, if the sound system 10 is amplifying a business broadcast, the sound system 10 will amplify the emergency broadcast after stopping the amplification of the business broadcast.

[0108] The second voice V2 of this modification includes the playback sound of the built-in sound source in addition to or instead of the voice emitted by the second speaker S2. The playback sound of the built-in sound source includes at least one of business broadcast and emergency broadcast. The second audio device 40 of this modification amplifies the playback sound of the built-in sound source in addition to or instead of the voice emitted by the second speaker S2. The second audio output means 47 of this modification reproduces the built-in sound source, amplifies it with the second amplifier 42, and outputs it as a loud voice from the second speaker 43. In this modification, the second audio data VD2 corresponds to the audio data of the built-in sound source. The second audio data VD2 related to the built-in sound source may be stored in a memory provided in the second control unit 44, for example. The second control unit 44 is configured to transmit the second audio data VD2 related to the built-in sound source to the first audio device 20 by the second audio communication means 49 when making a business broadcast or an emergency broadcast.

[0109] The first audio device 20 of this modification amplifies and outputs the playback sound of a built-in sound source in addition to or instead of the voice of the second speaker S2 of the second audio device 40. The second audio communication means 49 of the second audio device 40 of this modification transmits second audio data VD2 related to the built-in sound source to the first audio device 20. The first audio communication means 30 receives the second audio data VD2 related to the built-in sound source from the second audio communication means 49. The first audio conversion means 29 converts the second audio data VD2 related to the broadcast sound received by the first audio communication means 30 into audio.

[0110] The first audio output means 28 of this modification amplifies and outputs audio based on the second audio data VD2 related to the built-in audio source in addition to or instead of the first audio V1 and the second audio data VD2 of the embodiment. When the output state of the first audio device 20 is the first output state or the third output state, if the first audio communication means 30 acquires the second audio data VD2 related to the broadcast sound, the first audio output means 28 amplifies and outputs audio based on the second audio data VD2 related to the broadcast sound. This allows the first audio device 20 to output a general broadcast or emergency broadcast of the second audio device 40.

[0111] In this modification, in the acoustic system 10 shown in Fig. 5, the processes of S11 to S13 are omitted in the process in which the first acoustic device 20 amplified and output the second sound V2 acquired by the second acoustic device 40. In this modification, in S14, the second control unit 44 amplified and output the second sound data VD2, which is sound data of the built-in sound source, to the second communication unit 45. The processes from S15 onwards are the same as those in Fig. 5 in the embodiment.

[0112] In this modification, the second audio device 40 holds built-in audio source data. The built-in audio source data corresponds to audio data of the built-in audio source. The second audio V2 is a playback sound of the built-in audio source data. The second audio data VD2 is the built-in audio source data. With this configuration, the first audio device 20 can amplify and output audio based on the built-in audio source data.

[0113] <Other Modifications> The portable audio device may be configured such that at least one of the first microphone 21, the first amplifier 22, and the first speaker 23 is configured separately. For example, the portable audio device may be a hands-free type audio device in which the first microphone 21 is a headset and the first amplifier 22 and the first speaker 23 are provided on a waist belt. The headset is connected to the first amplifier 22 and the first speaker 23 provided on the waist belt by wire or wirelessly. The portable audio device may be a shoulder type audio device in which the first microphone 21 is a handheld microphone and the first amplifier 22 and the first speaker 23 are hung on the shoulder of the user by a shoulder belt. The handheld microphone is connected to the first amplifier 22 and the first speaker 23 hung on the shoulder of the user by a shoulder belt by wire or wirelessly. Alternatively, the portable audio device may be a portable PA amplifier or a portable speaker. The portable PA amplifier or portable speaker has a first amplifier 22 and a first speaker 23. The portable PA amplifier or portable speaker is provided with a jack to which the first microphone 21 is attached via a wire. The portable PA amplifier or portable speaker may be connected to the first microphone 21 wirelessly.

[0114] The first audio communication means 30 may communicate with the server 60 via a communication device different from the first audio device 20. The communication device is, for example, an information processing device having a CPU or an MPU. An example of the communication device is a terminal such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, or a tablet computer. The communication device may be a personal computer. The first communication unit 26 communicates with the communication device, for example, by Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0115] The first output state may be a state in which the first audio output means 28 outputs only audio based on the second audio data VD2. In this modification, the first output state may be set when the switch of the first output switching unit 32 is not pressed, and the second output state may be set when the switch of the first output switching unit 32 is pressed.

[0116] The second audio device 40 may determine whether the first audio device 20 is in use or not from the direction information D2. The use state is, for example, a state in which the first audio device 20 is outputting the first audio V1 or audio based on the second audio data VD2. For example, the second audio device 40 determines that the first audio device 20 is in use when it is determined from the direction information D2 that the first speaker 23 of the first audio device 20 faces sideways. For example, the second audio device 40 determines that the first audio device 20 is not in use when it is determined from the direction information D2 that the first speaker 23 of the first audio device 20 faces downward.

[0117] The second audio device 40 may have a permitted output state and a non-permitted output state as switchable output states. The permitted output state is a state in which amplified output of audio based on the first audio data VD1 is permitted. The non-permitted output state is a state in which amplified output of audio based on the first audio data VD1 is not permitted. Only when the second audio device 40 is in the permitted output state, the second audio output means 47 amplified output of audio based on the first audio data VD1. With this configuration, the output state of the second audio device 40 can be switched to a state in which audio based on the first audio data VD1 is not amplified.

[0118] The third output state may be omitted from the output states of the first acoustic device 20.

[0119] For example, the second control unit 44 may set priorities of the second sound V2 and the sound based on the first sound data VD1. When the output state of the second sound device 40 is the fourth output state, and both the second sound V2 and the sound based on the first sound data VD1 are input to the second sound output means 47, the second sound device 40 may be configured to preferentially amplify and output the second sound V2 or the sound based on the first sound data VD1, whichever has a higher priority.

[0120] The first acoustic device 20 may have the first sound acquisition means 27, the first sound output means 28, the first sound conversion means 29, and the first sound communication means 30, and the other components may be omitted. Alternatively, the second acoustic device 40 may have the second sound acquisition means 46, the second sound output means 47, the second sound conversion means 48, and the second sound communication means 49, and the other components may be omitted.

[0121] The priority setting means 39 may set priorities by a user who uses the second acoustic device 40. In this modification, the first acoustic device 20 receives, from the second acoustic device 40, information regarding the priorities set by the user who uses the second acoustic device 40.

[0122] The priority setting means 39 may be configured to make the priority of the first sound V1 and the sound based on the second sound data VD2 unchangeable. In this modification, the priority of the first sound V1 and the sound based on the second sound data VD2 may be set, for example, at the time of shipping the first audio device 20 from a factory.

[0123] The audio system 10 does not have to include the server 60. The first audio device 20 and the second audio device 40 may be connected to communicate with each other via an external server provided separately from the audio system 10.

[0124] The first audio device 20 may be an installed audio device, and the second audio device 40 may be a portable audio device. Both the first audio device 20 and the second audio device 40 may be portable audio devices. Both the first audio device 20 and the second audio device 40 may be installed audio devices. Even when configured as in this modified example, by combining the first audio device 20 and the second audio device 40, sound can be output over a wider range.

[0125] In the first modification, the first audio device 20 may hold built-in audio source data. The first audio V1 may be a playback sound of the built-in audio source data. The first audio data VD1 may be the built-in audio source data. With this configuration, the second audio device 40 can amplify and output audio based on the built-in audio source data held by the first audio device 20. [Explanation of symbols]

[0126] 10...acoustic system, 20...first acoustic device, 21...first microphone, 28...first audio output means, 29...first audio conversion means, 30...first audio communication means, 33...first call unit, 34...position acquisition means, 35...direction acquisition means, 39...priority setting means, 40...second acoustic device, 47...second audio output means, 48...second audio conversion means, 49...second audio communication means, 52...display unit, 60...server.

Claims

1. An audio system including a first audio device that amplifies a first sound and a second audio device that amplifies a second sound, One of the first acoustic device and the second acoustic device is a portable acoustic device and the other is an existing acoustic device, The first acoustic device is a first sound output means for amplifying and outputting the first sound; a first audio communication means for transmitting first audio data relating to the first audio to the second audio device, The second acoustic device is a second voice communication means for receiving the first voice data from the first voice communication means; a second voice conversion means for converting the first voice data received by the second voice communication means into voice; and second audio output means for loudly outputting the second audio and an audio based on the first audio data.

2. the first acoustic device includes a first microphone and a first sound conversion means; the first voice is a voice of a speaker acquired by the first microphone, 2. The acoustic system according to claim 1, wherein the first sound conversion means converts the first sound into the first sound data.

3. the first audio device holds built-in sound source data; the first sound is a reproduced sound of the built-in sound source data, The audio system according to claim 1 , wherein the first audio data is the built-in audio source data.

4. The second acoustic device is a priority setting unit for setting a priority of the second voice and a voice based on the first voice data; The acoustic system according to claim 1, configured such that when both the second audio and an audio based on the first audio data are input to the second audio output means, the audio having a higher priority out of the second audio and the audio based on the first audio data is output preferentially.

5. the second acoustic device has, as switchable output states, an allowed output state in which amplified output of sound based on the first audio data is permitted, and an unallowed output state in which amplified output of sound based on the first audio data is not permitted, 2. The audio system according to claim 1, wherein the second audio output means amplifies and outputs the audio based on the first audio data only when the second audio device is in the permitted output state.

6. the second acoustic device has, as switchable output states, a fourth output state permitting amplified output of both the second sound and a sound based on the first sound data, a fifth output state permitting amplified output of only the second sound, and a sixth output state permitting amplified output of only the sound based on the first sound data; When the second acoustic device is in the fourth output state, the second audio output means amplifies and outputs both the second audio and the audio based on the first audio data, When the second acoustic device is in the fifth output state, the second audio output means amplifies and outputs only the second audio, regardless of whether the first audio data is received; 2. The acoustic system according to claim 1, wherein when the second acoustic device is in the sixth output state, the second audio output means amplified and output only the audio based on the first audio data, regardless of the input of the second audio.

7. The audio system according to claim 1 , wherein the first audio device has a first call section connected to the second audio device so that a user using the first audio device can make a call with a user using the second audio device.

8. The first acoustic device is a portable acoustic device, the first acoustic device has a position acquisition means for acquiring position information of the first acoustic device, The audio system according to claim 1 , wherein the first audio communication means transmits the position information to the second audio device.

9. The first acoustic device is a portable acoustic device, the first acoustic device has a direction acquisition means for acquiring direction information of the first acoustic device, The audio system according to claim 1 , wherein the first audio communication means transmits the direction information to the second audio device.

10. the second audio communication means is configured to receive information about the first acoustic device, which is different from the first audio data, from the first audio communication means; The audio system according to claim 1 , wherein the second audio device has a display unit that displays information about the first audio device received by the second audio communication means.

11. a server connected to the first acoustic device and the second acoustic device, The audio system according to claim 1 , wherein the first audio device communicates with the second audio device via the server.

Images