Speaker system, speaker, wireless terminal, and program

Abstract

To provide speakers suitable for audio conferencing, music listening, etc., under an environment where third persons exist in the surrounding.SOLUTION: In a teleconferencing system, a personal speaker 2 is located with its speaker plane 200 facing a direction in which sound beams 203 outputted from a plurality of directional speakers provided on the speaker plane 200 reach a user's listening position after being reflected, for example, at a ceiling 4. A wireless terminal 3 collects the sound beams 203 outputted respectively from the plurality of directional speakers provided on the speaker plane 200 and detects the volume level of these sounds at the user's listening position, and turns off a directional speaker that is the source from which is outputted a sound beam 203 the detected volume level of which is less than a prescribed value. In this way, a directional speaker that could cause sound leakage among the plurality of directional speakers provided to the speaker plane 200 is turned off.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a speaker system suitable for voice conferences, music appreciation, etc. in an environment where there are third parties around.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a multi-person participation type video conference system. This video conference system is configured to include a central distribution device and a plurality of computers network-connected to the central distribution device.

[0003] The central distribution device mixes the voice data sent from computers other than this computer for each computer to generate conference voice data, and transmits the generated conference voice data to this computer. Further, the central distribution device synthesizes the image data sent from each computer to generate conference image data, and transmits the generated conference image data to each computer.

[0004] Cameras, microphones, monitors, and speakers are connected to the computers. The computers transmit the image data of the users photographed by the cameras and the voice data of the users picked up by the microphones to the central distribution device, and receive the conference image data and conference voice data from the central distribution device and output them from the monitors and speakers respectively.

[0005] Thereby, a plurality of geographically separated users (conference participants) can conduct a conference with the feeling of being in the same place while checking the videos of each user displayed on the computers.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] In the video conferencing system described in Patent Document 1, for example, when participating in a video conference from one's own seat in a company, there may be a case where one does not want the surrounding people, such as those sitting next to them, to hear the conference audio. However, if the volume is reduced so as not to be heard by the surrounding people, it becomes difficult to hear the conference audio, and there is a possibility of hindering the conference, such as missing what the participants in the conference are saying.

[0008] Although it is conceivable to use earphones or headphones instead of speakers, the user may feel burdened by wearing earphones or headphones for a long time. Therefore, it is not suitable for long video conferences.

[0009] This problem also occurs when the user wants to privately enjoy music without being heard by the surrounding people, such as those sitting next to them, in a space where others also use it, such as a café.

[0010] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a speaker system suitable for voice conferences, music appreciation, etc. in an environment where there is a third party around.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0011] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention realizes the following functions by a speaker and a wireless terminal that functions as a controller of the speaker.

[0012] The speaker has a plurality of directional speakers arranged in an array on the speaker surface, and the speaker surface is arranged facing in a direction in which the sound beams output from the plurality of directional speakers are reflected by surrounding objects (such as the ceiling) and reach the user's listening position.

[0013] The wireless terminal picks up the voice beams respectively output from a plurality of directional speakers at the user's listening position and detects their volume levels. For example, the wireless terminal causes the plurality of directional speakers to output voice beams of different frequencies, and detects the volume level of the received signal picked up at the user's listening position for each frequency of the voice beam, thereby detecting the volume levels of the voice beams respectively output from the plurality of directional speakers. Alternatively, the wireless terminal causes the plurality of directional speakers to output voice beams in sequence, picks up the voice beams in sequence at the user's listening position, and detects the volume level of the received signal, thereby detecting the volume levels of the voice beams respectively output from the plurality of directional speakers. Then, the wireless terminal turns off the directional speaker that is the output source of the voice beam whose detected volume level is less than a predetermined value.

[0014] Alternatively, the wireless terminal picks up the voice beams respectively output from a plurality of directional speakers at a peripheral position around the user's listening position in the same manner as described above and detects their volume levels. Then, the wireless terminal turns off the directional speaker that is the output source of the voice beam whose detected volume level is greater than or equal to a predetermined value.

[0015] For example, one aspect of the present invention is a speaker system including a speaker and a wireless terminal functioning as a controller of the speaker, wherein the speaker includes a plurality of directional speakers arranged in an array on the speaker surface, generation means for generating audio data of different frequencies for each of the directional speakers, output means for outputting, in accordance with an instruction from the wireless terminal, the audio data generated for each of the directional speakers by the generation means from the corresponding directional speakers, and on-off means for controlling the on-off of each of the directional speakers in accordance with an instruction from the wireless terminal, wherein the wireless terminal Instruction means for instructing the speaker to output audio data of different frequencies for each of the directional speakers; Sound collection means for collecting the audio data output at different frequencies for each of the directional speakers from the plurality of directional speakers; Analysis means for analyzing the volume level of the sound collection signal collected by the sound collection means for each frequency of the audio data output from the directional speaker; Off-instruction means for instructing the speaker to turn off the directional speaker that is the output source of the audio data whose volume level analyzed by the analysis means is less than a predetermined value or greater than or equal to the predetermined value.

[0016] Another aspect of the present invention is A speaker system including a speaker and a wireless terminal functioning as a controller of the speaker, The speaker includes A plurality of directional speakers arranged in an array on the speaker surface; Output means for outputting audio data input from the outside or generated internally from the plurality of directional speakers in a predetermined order according to an instruction of the wireless terminal; On-off means for controlling the on-off of each of the directional speakers according to an instruction of the wireless terminal; The wireless terminal includes Instruction means for instructing the speaker to output the audio data from the plurality of directional speakers in the predetermined order; Sound collection means for collecting the audio data output in the predetermined order from the plurality of directional speakers; Analysis means for analyzing the volume level of each of the sound collection signals of the audio data output in the predetermined order from the plurality of directional speakers and sequentially collected by the sound collection means; Off-instruction means for instructing the speaker to turn off the directional speaker that is the output source of the audio data whose volume level analyzed by the analysis means is less than a predetermined value or greater than or equal to the predetermined value.

Advantages of the Invention

[0017] In the present invention, the speaker is arranged with the speaker surface facing in the direction in which the sound beams output from the plurality of directional speakers are reflected and reach the user's listening position. The wireless terminal picks up the sound beams respectively output from the plurality of directional speakers at the user's listening position or a peripheral position of the listening position and detects the volume level thereof, and turns off the directional speaker that is the output source of the sound beam whose detected volume level is less than a predetermined value (when the wireless terminal is arranged at the user's listening position) or greater than or equal to a predetermined value (when the wireless terminal is arranged at a peripheral position of the user's listening position). By doing so, among the plurality of directional speakers, the directional speaker that may cause sound leakage can be turned off. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a speaker system suitable for a voice conference, music appreciation, etc. in an environment where there is a third party around.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a video conferencing system according to this embodiment.

[0021] As shown in the figure, the video conferencing system according to this embodiment includes a video conferencing terminal 1, a personal speaker 2, and a wireless terminal 3.

[0022] The video conferencing terminal 1 is a network terminal equipped with a camera, a microphone, and a display. It transmits the image data of the user captured by the camera and the voice data of the user picked up by the microphone to a video conferencing server (not shown) via the network, and receives the conference image data and conference voice data from the video conferencing server and outputs them from the monitor and the personal speaker 2 respectively. Thereby, a plurality of geographically separated users (participants in the video conference) can conduct a conference as if they were in the same place while checking the video of each user displayed on the video conferencing terminal 1.

[0023] The personal speaker 2 is wirelessly connected to the video conferencing terminal 1, and outputs the conference voice data received from the video conferencing terminal 1 as a highly directional voice beam 203 from the speaker surface 200. The personal speaker 2 has a tilt adjustment mechanism 21 described later. For example, it is arranged on the desk 5 together with the video conferencing terminal 1, and the tilt of the speaker surface 200 is adjusted so that the voice beam 203 output from the speaker surface 200 is reflected by the ceiling 4 and reaches the user's listening position.

[0024] The wireless terminal 3 functions as a remote controller of the personal speaker 2.

[0025] Next, the details of the personal speaker 2 and the wireless terminal 3 that make up the video conferencing system according to this embodiment will be described.

[0026] Note that since the video conferencing terminal 1 can use a PC (Personal Computer), a notebook PC, a tablet PC, etc. equipped with a camera, a microphone, and a display such as a liquid crystal panel, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a schematic functional configuration diagram of the personal speaker 2. FIGS. 3(A), (B), (C), and (D) are a front view, a rear view, a left side view, and a top view of the personal speaker 2, respectively.

[0028] As shown in the drawing, the personal speaker 2 includes a speaker array 20, a tilt adjustment mechanism 21, a wireless interface unit 22, a test signal generation unit 23, and a main control unit 24.

[0029] The speaker array 20 is composed of a plurality of directional speakers 201 arranged in an array on a speaker surface 200 provided on one surface of a housing 202. For example, parametric speakers can be used for the speaker array 20.

[0030] The tilt adjustment mechanism 21 is a mechanism for adjusting the tilt (tilt angle with respect to the ceiling 4) of the speaker surface 200, and includes an adjustable bolt 212 whose height can be adjusted, and a ball joint 211 that connects an end of the adjustable bolt 212 and an edge of the back surface (the surface opposite to the speaker surface 200) 210 of the housing 202 and supports the housing 202 so as to be swingable with respect to the adjustable bolt 212.

[0031] The wireless interface unit 22 is an interface for wirelessly connecting to the video conferencing terminal 1 and the wireless terminal 3 via a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or the like.

[0032] The test signal generation unit 23 generates audio signals (hereinafter referred to as test signals) having different frequencies at the same volume level for each of the directional speakers 201 constituting the speaker array 20.

[0033] The main control unit 24 comprehensively controls the speaker array 20, the wireless interface unit 22, and the test signal generation unit 23.

[0034] Also, the main control unit 24 includes a switching unit 240 and an on / off unit 241.

[0035] In the normal mode, the switching unit 240 connects the speaker array 20 so as to output the conference audio data sent from the video conference terminal 1 via the wireless interface unit 22. When receiving a test start instruction from the wireless terminal 3 via the wireless interface unit 22, it shifts to the test mode, causes the test signal generation unit 23 to generate test signals of different frequencies at the same volume level for each of the directional speakers 201 constituting the speaker array 20, and switches the connection of the speaker array 20 so that the test signals generated for each of the directional speakers 201 by the test signal generation unit 23 are output from the corresponding directional speakers 201. After that, when receiving a test end instruction from the wireless terminal 3 via the wireless interface unit 22, it returns to the above-described normal mode.

[0036] In accordance with an off instruction received from the wireless terminal 3 via the wireless interface unit 22, the on / off unit 241 turns off the directional speaker 201 specified by the off instruction among the directional speakers 201 constituting the speaker array 20, and turns on the other directional speakers 201.

[0037] The functional configuration of the personal speaker 2 shown in FIG. 2 is realized either hard by an integrated logic IC such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or soft by a computer such as a DSP (Digital Signal Processor).

[0038] Next, the details of the wireless terminal 3 will be described.

[0039] Figure 4 is a schematic functional configuration diagram of the wireless terminal 3.

[0040] As shown in the figure, the wireless terminal 3 includes a wireless interface unit 30, a man-machine interface unit 31, a test instruction unit 32, a sound collection unit 33, a test analysis unit 34, an off instruction unit 35, and a main control unit 36.

[0041] The wireless interface unit 30 is an interface for wireless communication with the personal speaker 2.

[0042] The man-machine interface unit 31 is an interface for displaying information to the user and receiving various operations from the user, and is composed of an input / output device such as a display with a touch sensor.

[0043] The test instruction unit 32 transmits, according to an instruction received from the user via the man-machine interface unit 31, a test start instruction for causing the personal speaker 2 to shift from the normal mode to the test mode and a test end instruction for causing the personal speaker 2 to shift from the test mode to the normal mode to the personal speaker 2 via the wireless interface unit 30.

[0044] The sound collection unit 33 collects a test signal output from the personal speaker 2 in the test mode by means of a built-in microphone or an externally attached microphone.

[0045] The test analysis unit 34 analyzes the sound collection signal of the sound collection unit 33, and detects the volume level for each frequency of the test signal output from each of the directional speakers 201 that make up the speaker array 20. Further, the test analysis unit 34 stores a table in which the frequencies of the test signals output from each of the directional speakers 201 that make up the speaker array 20 are registered. When a test signal with a volume level less than a predetermined value is detected, based on this table, the directional speaker 201 associated with the frequency of the detected test signal is identified as the source of the test signal with a volume level less than the predetermined value (the directional speaker 201 where sound leakage may occur), and this directional speaker 201 is determined as the speaker to be turned off.

[0046] The off instruction unit 35 transmits an off instruction accompanied by the designation of the speaker to be turned off determined by the test analysis unit 34 to the personal speaker 2 via the wireless interface unit 30.

[0047] The functional configuration of the wireless terminal 3 shown in FIG. 4 is realized either hard by an integrated logic IC such as an ASIC or FPGA, or software by a computer such as a DSP. Alternatively, in a mobile computer such as a smartphone or a tablet PC (Personal Computer) equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, an auxiliary storage device such as a flash memory, and a short-range wireless communication device such as a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or Bluetooth (registered trademark), the CPU loads a predetermined program from the auxiliary storage device onto the memory and executes it to be realized as a process.

[0048] FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation (sound leakage prevention process) of the wireless terminal 3.

[0049] This flow starts when the main control unit 36 receives a transition operation to the test mode of the personal speaker 2 via the man-machine interface unit 31.

[0050] First, the main control unit 36 instructs the test instruction unit 32 to start the test. In response to this, the test instruction unit 32 transmits a test start instruction to the personal speaker 2 via the wireless interface unit 30 (S100).

[0051] As a result, the personal speaker 2 shifts to the test mode and outputs test signals of different frequencies as voice beams 203 from the speaker surface 200 for each of the directional speakers 201 that make up the speaker array 20. As described above, the personal speaker 2 is arranged with the speaker surface 200 facing the ceiling 4 so that the voice beam 203 output from the speaker surface 200 is reflected by the ceiling 4 and directed toward the user's listening position.

[0052] Next, the main control unit 36 instructs the sound collection unit 33 to collect sound. In response to this, the sound collection unit 33 collects the voice beam 203 of the test signal output from the personal speaker 2 in the test mode by means of a built-in microphone or an externally attached microphone (S101).

[0053] Then, when a predetermined time (for example, 15 seconds) that is set in advance as the time required for the sound collection unit 33 to collect the voice beam 203 of the test signal has elapsed, the main control unit 36 instructs the test instruction unit 32 to end the test. In response to this, the test instruction unit 32 transmits a test end instruction to the personal speaker 2 via the wireless interface unit 30 (S102).

[0054] As a result, the personal speaker 2 ends the output of the voice beam 203 of the test signal, shifts from the test mode to the normal mode, and starts outputting the conference voice data received from the video conferencing terminal 1.

[0055] Next, the main control unit 36 passes the sound collection signal of the sound collection unit 33 to the test analysis unit 34. In response to this, the test analysis unit 34 detects the volume level for each frequency of the test signal output from each of the directional speakers 201 that make up the speaker array 20 via the sound collection signal of the sound collection unit 33 (S103). Then, it checks whether there is a test signal with a frequency whose volume level is less than a predetermined value (S104).

[0056] Here, when there is a test signal with a volume level less than the predetermined value (YES in S104), it is considered that this test signal does not reflect toward the user's listening position due to the unevenness of the ceiling 4 or the like, and causes sound leakage around this listening position. Therefore, in this case, the test analysis unit 34 refers to the table and identifies the directional speaker 201 associated with the frequency of the test signal with a volume level less than the predetermined value as the directional speaker 201 that is the output source of the sound beam 203 of this test signal. Then, this identified directional speaker 201 is determined as the speaker to be turned off (S105). Note that when a predetermined number or more of the directional speakers 201 are determined as the speakers to be turned off, a message or the like prompting adjustment of the position of the personal speaker 2 and the inclination of the speaker surface 200 may be output to the man-machine interface unit 31 of the man-machine interface unit 31.

[0057] Then, the main control unit 36 notifies the off instruction unit 35 of the speaker to be turned off determined by the test analysis unit 34. In response to this, the off instruction unit 35 transmits an off instruction accompanied by the designation of the speaker to be turned off to the personal speaker 2 via the wireless interface unit 30 (S106). Then, this flow ends.

[0058] Thereby, the personal speaker 2 switches the speaker to be turned off designated by the off instruction to the off state.

[0059] On the other hand, when the volume level of the test signal at any frequency is equal to or higher than the predetermined value (NO in S104), this flow is immediately terminated.

[0060] The above describes one embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] In this embodiment, the personal speaker 2 is arranged with the speaker surface 200 facing the ceiling 4 so that the sound beam 203 output from the plurality of directional speakers 201 is reflected by the ceiling 4 and reaches the user's listening position. The wireless terminal 3 picks up the sound beams 203 respectively output from the plurality of directional speakers 201 at the user's listening position, detects the volume level thereof, and turns off the directional speaker 201 that is the output source of the sound beam 203 whose detected volume level is less than a predetermined value. By doing so, among the plurality of directional speakers 201, the directional speaker 201 that outputs the sound beam 203 that is reflected by the ceiling 4 and heads to a position other than the user's listening position can be turned off. Therefore, according to this embodiment, a video conferencing system suitable for a voice conference in an environment where there is a third party around can be provided.

[0062] Also, in this embodiment, since the personal speaker 2 has an inclination adjustment mechanism 21 for adjusting the inclination (the inclination angle with respect to the ceiling 4) of the speaker surface 200, the inclination of the speaker surface 200 can be adjusted so that the sound beam 203 output from the speaker surface 200 is surely reflected by the ceiling 4 and reaches the user's listening position. For this reason, the degree of freedom in installing the personal speaker 2 increases, and the convenience is improved.

[0063] Note that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist thereof.

[0064] For example, in the above embodiment, the personal speaker 2 outputs voice beams 203 of test signals with different frequencies from the speaker surface 200 for each of the directional speakers 201 that make up the speaker array 20. Then, the wireless terminal 3 detects the volume level for each frequency of the test signal output from each of the directional speakers 201 that make up the speaker array 20, identifies the directional speaker 201 that is the output source of the voice beam 203 of the test signal whose volume level is less than a predetermined value, and determines this identified directional speaker 201 as the speaker to be turned off. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0065] The personal speaker 2 may output voice beams 203 of test signals with the same frequency in a predetermined order from a plurality of directional speakers 201 that make up the speaker array 20. Then, the wireless terminal 3 detects the volume level of the voice beam 203 of the test signal output in a predetermined order from the plurality of directional speakers 201 that make up the speaker array 20, identifies the directional speaker 201 that is the output source of the voice beam 203 of the test signal whose volume level is less than a predetermined value, and may determine this identified directional speaker 201 as the speaker to be turned off.

[0066] Also, in the above embodiment, the wireless terminal 3 executes the sound leakage prevention process in response to the operation to shift the personal speaker 2 to the test mode, but the sound leakage prevention process may be executed at a predetermined timing such as when the personal speaker 2 is activated.

[0067] FIG. 6 is a schematic functional configuration diagram of a personal speaker 2a which is a modified example of the personal speaker 2.

[0068] The differences between this personal speaker 2a and the personal speaker 2 shown in FIG. 2 are that a test signal generation unit 23a is used instead of the test signal generation unit 23, and a switching unit 240a is used instead of the switching unit 240. Other configurations are basically the same as those of the personal speaker 2.

[0069] The test signal generation unit 23a generates test signals of the same frequency for the plurality of directional speakers 201 that make up the speaker array 20.

[0070] In the normal mode, the switching unit 240a connects the speaker array 20 so as to output the conference audio data sent from the video conferencing terminal 1 via the wireless interface unit 22. When a test start instruction is received from the wireless terminal 3 via the wireless interface unit 22, it shifts to the test mode, causes the test signal generation unit 23a to generate test signals of the same frequency for the plurality of directional speakers 201 that make up the speaker array 20, and switches the connection of the speaker array 20 so that the test signals generated by the test signal generation unit 23a are output from the plurality of directional speakers 201 in a predetermined order. After that, when a test end instruction is received from the wireless terminal 3 via the wireless interface unit 22, it returns to the above-described normal mode.

[0071] FIG. 7 is a schematic functional configuration diagram of a wireless terminal 3a which is a modification of the wireless terminal 3.

[0072] The difference between this wireless terminal 3a and the wireless terminal 3 shown in FIG. 4 is that a test analysis unit 34a is used instead of the test analysis unit 34. Other configurations are basically the same as those of the wireless terminal 3.

[0073] The test analysis unit 34a detects the volume level of the sound collection signal of the sound collection unit 33 for each audio beam 203 of the test signals output in order from the plurality of directional speakers 201 that make up the speaker array 20. The test analysis unit 34a also stores a table in which the output order of the test signals is registered for each of the directional speakers 201 that make up the speaker array 20. When detecting an audio beam 203 of a test signal whose volume level is less than a predetermined value, based on this table, the directional speaker 201 associated with the detection order (output order of the test signal) of this audio beam 203 is specified as the audio beam output source of the test signal whose volume level is less than the predetermined value, and this directional speaker 201 is determined as the speaker to be turned off.

[0074] In this way, while outputting the voice beams 203 of test signals of the same frequency in a predetermined order from the plurality of directional speakers 201 constituting the speaker array 20, the sound is sequentially collected at the listening position of the user, the volume level of each of the voice beams 203 of the test signals is detected, and even when the directional speaker 201 that is the output source of the voice beam 203 of the test signal with a volume level less than a predetermined value is determined as the speaker to be turned off, the same effect as the above-described embodiment in which test signals of different frequencies are simultaneously output from the plurality of directional speakers 201 can be exhibited.

[0075] Here, instead of the voice beam 203 of the test signal, by collecting the sound at the listening position of the user while outputting the voice beam 203 of the conference voice data sent from the video conference terminal 1 from the plurality of directional speakers 201 in a predetermined order, the volume level of each of the voice beams 203 of the conference voice data output from the plurality of directional speakers 201 in a predetermined order may be sequentially detected. Then, when the voice beam 203 of the conference voice data with a volume level less than a predetermined value is detected, by using the above table, the directional speaker 201 that is the output source thereof is determined as the speaker to be turned off, so that the speaker to be turned off can be determined while having a voice conference.

[0076] Also, in the above-described embodiments and their modifications, the wireless terminals 3 and 3a arranged at the user's listening position pick up the voice beams 203 respectively output from the plurality of directional speakers 201 constituting the speaker array 20 of the personal speakers 2 and 2a and detect their volume levels. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the wireless terminals 3 and 3a may be arranged at positions other than the user's listening position. Among the voice beams 210 output from the plurality of directional speakers 201, the voice beam 203 scattered over a wide range due to irregularities on the ceiling 4 or the like is considered to be detected at a certain volume level at a peripheral position of the user's listening position. Therefore, the wireless terminals 3 and 3a arranged at a peripheral position of the user's listening position pick up the voice beams 203 respectively output from the plurality of directional speakers 201 of the personal speakers 2 and 2a and detect their volume levels, and identify the output source (the directional speaker 201 that may cause sound leakage) of the voice beam 203 for which a volume level equal to or higher than a predetermined value is detected as the speaker to be turned off. Even in this case, among the plurality of directional speakers 201 constituting the speaker array 20, the directional speaker 201 that outputs the voice beam 203 reflected by the ceiling 4 and heading toward a position other than the user's listening position can be turned off.

[0077] Also, in the above-described embodiments and their modifications, the tilt adjustment mechanism 21 of the personal speakers 2 and 2a has an adjuster bolt 212 and a ball joint 211 that connects the end of the adjuster bolt 212 and the edge of the back surface 210 of the housing 202. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The tilt adjustment mechanism 21 may be any mechanism as long as it can adjust the tilt of the speaker surface 200 (the tilt angle with respect to the ceiling 4). For example, instead of the ball joint 211, a hinge, a ratchet, or the like may be used. Further, a drive mechanism such as a motor for driving the tilt adjustment mechanism 21 may be provided in the personal speakers 2 and 2a, and the wireless terminals 3 and 3a may control the drive mechanism according to the user's instruction to adjust the tilt of the speaker surface 200. Alternatively, after the off-target speaker is turned off or the like, the wireless terminals 3 and 3a may control the drive mechanism to automatically adjust the tilt of the speaker surface 200 so as to be optimal. For example, the wireless terminals 3 and 3a output a test signal or conference voice data from the personal speakers 2 and 2a while changing the tilt of the speaker surface 200, and pick up sound at the user's listening position or a peripheral position of the listening position to detect the volume level. Then, the tilt of the speaker surface 200 is automatically adjusted so that the detected volume level is maximum (when the wireless terminals 3 and 3a are arranged at the user's listening position) or minimum (when the wireless terminals 3 and 3a are arranged at a peripheral position of the user's listening position). By doing so, the tilt of the speaker surface 200 of the personal speakers 2 and 2a can be automatically adjusted to an optimal tilt angle with less sound leakage.

[0078] In addition, in the above-described embodiments and their modifications, when the plurality of directional speakers 201 include a directional speaker 201 that may cause sound leakage, this directional speaker 201 is switched to the off state. However, when the directional speaker 201 is switched to the off state, the output volume level of the other directional speakers 201 may be increased by a predetermined value. Thereby, even if the number of directional speakers 201 in the on state fluctuates, fluctuations in the volume of the synthesized sound can be suppressed. For this reason, for example, during a voice conference or music appreciation, even if the number of directional speakers 201 in the on state fluctuates due to the above processing, the user will not be aware of a decrease in volume.

[0079] In addition, in the above-described embodiments and their modifications, the sound beam 203 output from the plurality of directional speakers is reflected by the ceiling 4, but it may be reflected on an appropriate surface other than the ceiling 4 existing in the indoor / outdoor space where the personal speakers 2 and 2a are arranged.

[0080] In addition, in the above-described embodiments and their modifications, the case where the present invention is applied to a video conference system has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this and can be applied to other speaker systems. The present invention can also be applied to an audio system that outputs music data received from an audio device from the personal speakers 2 and 2a. In this case, an audio system suitable for music appreciation in an environment where there are third parties around can be provided. Further, in this case, by integrating the personal speakers 2 and 2a with the audio device, the audio device may reproduce music data downloaded from the media server according to the instructions of the wireless terminals 3 and 3a, and output the reproduced data from the plurality of directional speakers 201 constituting the speaker array 20.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0081] 1: Video conference terminal 2, 2a: Personal speakers 3, 3a: Wireless terminals 4: Ceiling 5: Desk 20: Speaker array 21: Tilt adjustment mechanism 22, 30: Wireless interface unit 23, 23a: Test signal generation unit 24: Main control unit 31: Man-machine interface unit 32: Test instruction unit 33: Microphone unit 34, 34a: Test analysis unit 35: Off instruction unit 36: Main control unit 200: Speaker surface 201: Directional speaker 202: Housing 203: Sound beam 210: Back surface of the housing (the surface opposite to the speaker surface) 211: Ball joint 212: Adjuster bolt 240, 240a: Switching unit 241: On-off unit

Claims

1. A speaker system comprising a speaker and a wireless terminal functioning as a controller of the speaker, wherein the speaker comprises a plurality of directional speakers arranged in an array on a speaker surface, generation means for generating audio data of different frequencies for each of the directional speakers, output means for outputting, from the corresponding directional speaker, the audio data generated for each of the directional speakers by the generation means according to an instruction of the wireless terminal, on / off means for controlling on / off of each of the directional speakers according to an instruction of the wireless terminal, and the wireless terminal has instruction means for instructing the speaker to output audio data of different frequencies for each of the directional speakers, recording means for recording the audio data output at different frequencies for each of the directional speakers from the plurality of directional speakers, analysis means for analyzing the volume level of the recorded signal recorded by the recording means for each frequency of the audio data output from the directional speakers, and off-instruction means for instructing the speaker to turn off the directional speaker that is the output source of the audio data whose volume level analyzed by the analysis means is less than a predetermined value or greater than or equal to the predetermined value. A speaker system characterized by the above.

2. A speaker system comprising a speaker and a wireless terminal functioning as a controller of the speaker, wherein the speaker comprises a plurality of directional speakers arranged in an array on a speaker surface, output means for outputting, from the plurality of directional speakers, audio data input from the outside or generated internally in a predetermined order according to an instruction of the wireless terminal, on / off means for controlling on / off of each of the directional speakers according to an instruction of the wireless terminal, and the wireless terminal has instruction means for instructing the speaker to output the audio data from the plurality of directional speakers in the predetermined order, recording means for recording the audio data output in the predetermined order from the plurality of directional speakers, and analysis means for analyzing the volume level of each of the audio data sequentially recorded by the recording means and output in the predetermined order from the plurality of directional speakers. Off instruction means for instructing the speaker to turn off the directional speaker that is the output source of the audio data whose volume level analyzed by the analysis means is less than a predetermined value or greater than or equal to the predetermined value A speaker system characterized by the above.

3. A plurality of directional speakers arranged in an array on the speaker surface, Generating means for generating audio data of different frequencies for each of the directional speakers, Output means for outputting the audio data generated for each of the directional speakers by the generating means from the corresponding directional speakers according to an instruction from a wireless terminal functioning as a controller, On / off means for controlling the on / off of each of the directional speakers according to an instruction from the wireless terminal, and having A speaker characterized by the above.

4. A plurality of directional speakers arranged in an array on the speaker surface, Output means for outputting audio data input from the outside or generated internally from the plurality of directional speakers in a predetermined order according to an instruction from a wireless terminal functioning as a controller, On / off means for controlling the on / off of each of the directional speakers according to an instruction from the wireless terminal, and having A speaker characterized by the above.

5. The speaker according to claim 3 or 4, Further comprising an angle adjustment mechanism for adjusting the tilt angle of the speaker surface A speaker characterized by the above.

6. A wireless terminal functioning as a controller of a speaker having a plurality of directional speakers arranged in an array on the speaker surface, Instruction means for instructing the speaker to output audio data of different frequencies for each of the directional speakers, Sound collection means for collecting the audio data output at different frequencies for each of the directional speakers from the plurality of directional speakers, Analysis means for analyzing the volume level of the sound collection signal collected by the sound collection means for each frequency of the audio data output from the directional speakers, Off instruction means for instructing the speaker to turn off the directional speaker that is the output source of the audio data whose volume level analyzed by the analysis means is less than a predetermined value or greater than or equal to the predetermined value A wireless terminal characterized by the above.

7. A wireless terminal that functions as a controller for a speaker having a plurality of directional speakers arranged in an array on a speaker surface, an instruction means for instructing the speaker to output audio data in a predetermined order from the plurality of directional speakers; a sound collection means for collecting the audio data output in the predetermined order from the plurality of directional speakers; an analysis means for analyzing the volume level of each sound collection signal of the audio data output in the predetermined order from the plurality of directional speakers and sequentially collected by the sound collection means; an off instruction means for instructing the speaker to turn off the directional speaker that is the output source of the audio data whose volume level analyzed by the analysis means is less than a predetermined value or equal to or greater than the predetermined value, and having a wireless terminal characterized by this.

8. A program that causes a computer to function as a controller for a speaker having a plurality of directional speakers arranged in an array on a speaker surface, an instruction means for instructing the speaker to output audio data of different frequencies for each of the directional speakers; a sound collection means for collecting the audio data output at different frequencies for each of the directional speakers from the plurality of directional speakers; an analysis means for analyzing the volume level of the sound collection signal collected by the sound collection means for each frequency of the audio data output from the directional speakers, and causing the computer to function as an off instruction means for instructing the speaker to turn off the directional speaker that is the output source of the audio data whose volume level analyzed by the analysis means is less than a predetermined value or equal to or greater than the predetermined value A program characterized by this.

9. A program that causes a computer to function as a controller for a speaker having a plurality of directional speakers arranged in an array on a speaker surface, an instruction means for instructing the speaker to output audio data in a predetermined order from the plurality of directional speakers; a sound collection means for collecting the audio data output in the predetermined order from the plurality of directional speakers; an analysis means for analyzing the volume level of each sound collection signal of the audio data output in the predetermined order from the plurality of directional speakers and collected by the sound collection means, and ​ Causing the computer to function as off-instruction means for instructing the directional speaker, which is the output source of audio data whose volume level analyzed by the analysis means is less than a predetermined value or equal to or greater than the predetermined value, to be turned off A program characterized by the above.

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