Sound reduction facility

Abstract

To provide sound reduction facility capable of appropriately reducing operational sound generated by an apparatus within a building room.SOLUTION: A noise reduction facility 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention is used within a residential bedroom S, and comprises: a sensor that detects operations performed on doors or air conditioners installed in the bedroom S; a sound output apparatus 14 that outputs control sounds within the bedroom S; and a controller 20 that controls the sound output apparatus 14 to output control sounds corresponding to the operating sounds of an operated apparatus when the sensor detects the operations.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sound reduction facility, and more particularly to a sound reduction facility that actively reduces the operating noise of equipment generated in a room of a building. [Background technology]

[0002] Technology that outputs a control sound in response to noises and other disturbances (hereinafter referred to as noises, etc.) heard inside a building and actively reduces the noises, etc. by destructively interfering with this control sound has already been put into practical use, and one example of this is the technology described in Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 discloses a noise reduction system that actively cancels sounds inside a house. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-158542 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Active noise reduction equipment (active noise cancellers: ANC), including the system disclosed in Patent Document 1, generally installs a reference microphone in the space to be silenced, detects noises, etc. in the space, and outputs a control sound depending on the time it takes for the noise to be detected. However, with this configuration, it may not be possible to adequately reduce noises that occur temporarily or instantaneously, such as the sound of a door opening and closing or the start-up sound of a device (hereinafter referred to as "operational noise"). In other words, when a control sound is output after the reference microphone detects the operation sound to be silenced, there is a possibility that the operation sound has already ended by that time.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide sound reduction equipment that can appropriately reduce the operating noise of equipment generated within a room in a building. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The above-mentioned problems are solved by the sound reduction equipment of the present invention, which is a sound reduction equipment used in a room of a building, and which has a detector that detects operations on an operated device installed in the room, a sound output device that outputs a control sound in the room, and a control device that controls the sound output device so that a control sound corresponding to the operating sound of the operated device is output when an operation is detected by the detector. In the sound reduction equipment of the present invention configured as described above, when an operation on an operated device is detected, this is used as a trigger to output a control sound corresponding to the operating sound of the operated device, thereby making it possible to appropriately reduce the operating sound during the period in which it is generated.

[0007] Alternatively, the room may be a bedroom, and the operated device may be an air conditioner installed in the bedroom or a bedroom door. In this case, the detector may be a sensor that detects a person touching a predetermined position when operating the operated device. According to the above configuration, the operating noise of devices heard in the bedroom can be appropriately reduced, thereby providing a comfortable sleeping environment.

[0008] In the above configuration, it is more preferable that the sound output device is a speaker attached to bedding placed in the bedroom, thereby more appropriately reducing the operating noise of the device heard in the bedroom.

[0009] Furthermore, in the sound reduction equipment of the present invention, when an operated device emits multiple operating sounds as a result of an operation, it is even more preferable if the control device controls the sound output device to output a control sound containing frequency components corresponding to each of the operating sounds. According to the above configuration, even if a plurality of operation sounds are generated due to the operation of the operated device, each operation sound can be appropriately reduced.

[0010] In the above configuration, the control device may control the sound output devices to output control sounds containing frequency components corresponding to the respective operation sounds, in amounts corresponding to the number of types of operation sounds emitted by the operated device. In this case, for example, one sound output device can output control sounds for reducing multiple operation sounds, thereby enabling efficient use of the sound output devices.

[0011] In addition, in the sound reduction equipment of the present invention, the sound output device may be composed of a plurality of speakers, each of which is associated with at least one of a plurality of operating sounds and which outputs a control sound including the frequency component of the associated operating sound. According to the above configuration, the multiple speakers can be selectively used depending on the frequency components of the operation sounds to be reduced, thereby allowing each of the multiple operation sounds emitted by the controlled device to be appropriately reduced by the control sounds output from the speakers corresponding to each operation sound.

[0012] In addition, the sound output device may be composed of multiple speakers, and when an operation is detected by the detector, the control device may control a speaker selected from the multiple speakers according to the operating sound of the operated device, and cause the speaker to output a control sound. According to the above configuration, the control sound is output from a speaker selected from among a plurality of speakers according to the operation sound of the operated device, so that each speaker can be used efficiently.

[0013] The sound output device may also be configured with multiple speakers, which may include a first speaker that outputs a control sound corresponding to the operation sound, a second speaker that outputs a control sound corresponding to the voice of a person in the room, and a third speaker that outputs a control sound corresponding to an external sound propagating from outside the room into the room. According to the above configuration, in addition to the operating noise of the operated device, the voices of people in the room and external noise propagating within the room can be reduced, thereby achieving a superior sound reduction effect. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the sound reduction equipment of the present invention, it is possible to appropriately reduce the operating noise generated when an operated device in a room of a building is operated. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a sound reduction facility according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a plan view of a room in which sound reduction equipment according to one embodiment of the present invention is used. [Figure 3] 1 is an elevation view of a room in which sound reduction equipment according to one embodiment of the present invention is utilized; [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a first example of a processing flow using sound reduction equipment according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an output pattern of a control sound. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of a control pattern for a sound output device. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a sound reduction facility according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] <<Sound reduction equipment according to one embodiment of the present invention>> Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as the first embodiment) will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, each device (each apparatus) is shown in a simplified and schematic manner for ease of understanding. Also, the size (dimensions) of the devices (apparatus) and the spacing between the devices (apparatus) shown in the drawings may differ from the actual size (dimensions).

[0017] (Example of sound reduction equipment configuration) The sound reduction equipment according to the first embodiment (hereinafter referred to as sound reduction equipment 10) is an active noise canceller (ANC) that outputs a sound with the same sound pressure (same amplitude) and opposite phase to a target sound heard in a room in a building, and actively reduces the target sound by interference with this output sound. The target sound is a sound that can be recognized by the human hearing, such as a noise or other disturbance that humans find unpleasant. More specifically, the target sound includes the operating sound of an operated device installed in the room, the voice of a person in the room, and external sound propagating into the room from outside.

[0018] In the first embodiment, the room of the building in which the sound reduction equipment 10 is used is a bedroom S of a house (see FIGS. 2 and 3). The controlled device installed in the bedroom is a door (i.e., bedroom door D) installed at the entrance to the bedroom S, which operates (opens and closes) when the doorknob is operated. The sound generated when the bedroom door D opens and closes corresponds to the operating sound of the controlled device, which is one of the sounds to be reduced. Specifically, the operating sound of the bedroom door D includes the operating sound of the doorknob, the sound of opening the door, the collision sound (smacking sound) when the door hits a stopper while opening, the sound of closing the door, and the collision sound (smacking sound) when the door hits a stopper while closing.

[0019] An example of the sound of a person in bedroom S, which is one of the sounds to be reduced, is the snoring of a person who is asleep. Also, examples of external sounds, which are also one of the sounds to be reduced, are sounds or voices that leak into bedroom S from the room next door, and sounds that enter the bedroom S from outside the house through a window W of bedroom S (specifically, construction noise, running noise of trains or cars, sounds of events taking place near the house), etc.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, the sound reduction equipment 10 includes a contact detection sensor 12, a sound output device 14, a sound detection sensor 16, and a controller 20. The contact detection sensor 12 corresponds to an example of a detector, and is a sensor that detects that a person touches a predetermined position when operating the operated device. Specifically, the contact detection sensor 12 is attached to the doorknob of the bedroom door D, and when a person operates the doorknob, the contact detection sensor 12 detects the person's contact with the doorknob (i.e., operation on the bedroom door D), and accordingly outputs a predetermined detection signal to the controller 20. The type of contact detection sensor 12 is not particularly limited as long as it can detect contact with the doorknob, and may be, for example, an infrared sensor or a pressure-sensitive sensor.

[0021] The sound output device 14 outputs a control sound in the bedroom S, and in the first embodiment, is configured by a plurality of speakers 18, as shown in Fig. 1. Each of the plurality of speakers 18 is attached to bedding (specifically, bed B) arranged in the bedroom S. The plurality of speakers 18 includes a first speaker 18A, a second speaker 18B, and a third speaker 18C.

[0022] The first speaker 18A is a speaker 18 that outputs a control sound corresponding to the operation sound of the bedroom door D. The control sound corresponding to the operation sound is a control sound whose frequency, sound pressure, phase, etc. have been adjusted so as to cancel out the operation sound.

[0023] In the first embodiment, multiple first speakers 18A are attached to the outer periphery of bed B, specifically, to the footboard of bed B. More specifically, as described above, when bedroom door D is opened or closed by operating the doorknob, the door emits multiple operation sounds, specifically, the doorknob operation sound, the door opening sound, the collision sound when the door hits a stopper during the opening operation, the door closing sound, and the collision sound when the door hits a stopper during the closing operation. Each of the multiple first speakers 18A is associated with at least one of the multiple operation sounds, and outputs a control sound including the frequency component of the associated operation sound.

[0024] In the first embodiment, there is a one-to-one correspondence between the operation sounds and the first speakers 18A, in other words, the same number of first speakers 18A as the number of types of operation sounds emitted by the bedroom door D are provided. As described above, each first speaker 18A outputs a control sound including the frequency of the operation sound associated with it, and for example, the first first speaker 18A (hereinafter referred to as #1 first speaker 18A) outputs a control sound having a peak in the frequency component of the doorknob operation sound (see FIG. 5). However, the association between the operation sounds and the first speaker 18A is not limited to the above, and one first speaker 18A may be associated with two or more operation sounds.

[0025] As described above, when the contact detection sensor 12 detects an opening / closing operation of the bedroom door D (specifically, operation of the doorknob), the controller 20 controls one of the multiple first speakers 18A selected in accordance with the operating sound emitted by the bedroom door D at each point in time. Then, a control sound that cancels out the operating sound at each point in time is output from the selected first speaker 18A. Here, the selected first speaker 18A is the first speaker 18A that corresponds to the operating sound at each point in time.

[0026] The second speaker 18B is a speaker 18 that outputs a control sound corresponding to the voice of a person in the bedroom S, specifically, the person's snoring while sleeping. The number of second speakers 18B is not particularly limited, but at least one speaker should be provided. The position of the second speaker 18B is not particularly limited, but as shown in Figures 2 and 3, snoring can be efficiently reduced by placing the second speaker 18B on the same side of the bed B as the sleeper's head.

[0027] The third speaker 18C is a speaker 18 that outputs a control sound corresponding to an external sound propagating from outside the bedroom S into the bedroom S. There is no particular limitation on the number of third speakers 18C, but at least one should be provided. There is no particular limitation on the placement position of the third speaker 18C, but as shown in Figures 2 and 3, by placing the third speaker 18C in a position opposite a window W or door on the path of entry of the external sound, it is possible to efficiently reduce the external sound.

[0028] The sound detection sensor 16 is a sensor that detects the sound to be reduced, and is configured, for example, by a small microphone for collecting sound. The sound detection sensor 16 continues to output a predetermined detection signal to the controller 20 while it is detecting (collecting) the sound to be reduced. In other words, the sound to be reduced is detected by the sound detection sensor 16 for the period during which the sound to be reduced is generated. Furthermore, the start and end points of the sound to be reduced can be identified based on the timing at which the detection signal is output from the sound detection sensor 16. Furthermore, because the sound detection sensor 16 outputs a detection signal according to the frequency of the sound to be reduced, the frequency (more specifically, the peak frequency) of the sound to be reduced can be identified by analyzing the detection signal. The number and placement positions of the sound detection sensors 16 are not particularly limited, but for example, the sound detection sensor 16 may be unitized with the speaker 18 and placed in the same placement position as the speaker 18 as a speaker with a sound detection sensor.

[0029] The controller 20 is an example of a control device, and is configured by a control circuit or a general-purpose computer, etc., and includes a processor 20a. The processor 20a may include a programmable logic device (PLD) such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA), whose circuit configuration can be changed after manufacturing, and a dedicated electrical circuit having a dedicated circuit configuration for executing specific processing, such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). It is also possible to use a processor 20a that realizes all of the functions of the controller 20 on a single integrated circuit (IC) chip, such as a system on chip (SoC). The hardware constituting the processor 20a may also be an electrical circuit that combines circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0030] When the contact detection sensor 12 detects an operation on the bedroom door D (specifically, an operation of the doorknob), the controller 20 controls the sound output device 14 to output a control sound corresponding to the operation sound of the bedroom door D. Specifically, the bedroom door D emits a plurality of operation sounds (specifically, five operation sounds) as described above. Therefore, the controller 20 controls the sound output device 14 to output a control sound containing a frequency component corresponding to each operation sound, and more specifically, controls the first speaker 18A, among the plurality of first speakers 18A, that corresponds to each operation sound. Then, each first speaker 18A outputs a control sound containing a frequency component of the corresponding operation sound.

[0031] Furthermore, when a voice of a person in the bedroom S, specifically snoring, is generated, the controller 20 controls the sound output device 14 to output a control sound containing a frequency component corresponding to the snoring, and more specifically, controls the second speaker 18B. Furthermore, when an external sound enters the bedroom S, the controller 20 controls the sound output device 14 to output a control sound containing a frequency component corresponding to the external sound, and more specifically, controls the third speaker 18C.

[0032] The output conditions of the control sound (specifically, the peak frequency, sound pressure, volume, phase, etc. of the control sound) can be set according to a general setting procedure for ANC. As a control method for adjusting the control sound, known control methods such as a feedback control method, a feedforward control method, and a fluctuation control method can be applied.

[0033] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the controller 20 generates either white noise or pink noise as the control sound, and outputs the generated noise as the control sound from the speaker 18. In this case, which noise to generate may be set depending on the type and frequency of the sound to be reduced. For example, if the sound to be reduced is a low-frequency band sound, pink noise may be output as the control sound, and if it is a high-frequency band sound, white noise may be output as the control sound.

[0034] (Example of control pattern by controller) Next, an example of a control pattern of the sound output device 14 by the controller 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. The controller 20 controls the sound output device 14 according to the flow shown in Fig. 4. Specifically, first, when a user (hereinafter referred to as "user") who uses the sound reduction equipment 10 performs a predetermined operation while sleeping in the bedroom S, the controller 20 is activated and put into a controllable state, specifically into a standby state (S001).

[0035] Then, while the user is asleep, if a person other than the user (hereinafter, an intruder) operates the doorknob of bedroom door D to open bedroom door D in order to enter bedroom S (S002), contact detection sensor 12 detects the intruder's contact with the doorknob and accordingly outputs a predetermined detection signal to controller 20. When controller 20 receives the detection signal from contact detection sensor 12, it uses this as a trigger to control sound output device 14 to output a control sound corresponding to the operating sound of bedroom door D (S003).

[0036] Specifically, bedroom door D is opened by the person entering the room by operating the doorknob, reaches the fully open position and hits the stopper, and is then closed by the person entering the room, reaches the fully closed position and hits the stopper. During this time, the operating sounds of bedroom door D are emitted in this order: the sound of operating the doorknob, the sound of the door opening, the sound of the door hitting the stopper during the opening operation, the sound of the door closing, and the sound of the door hitting the stopper during the closing operation.

[0037] 5, each of the plurality of first speakers 18A is associated with one of the five operation sounds described above. The controller 20 controls the sound output device 14 to output a control sound containing a frequency component corresponding to each operation sound. Specifically, the controller 20 controls each of the plurality of first speakers 18A so that white noise or pink noise containing a frequency component corresponding to each operation sound is output from the first speaker 18A associated with each operation sound. For example, while a doorknob operation sound is being generated, the controller 20 controls the #1 first speaker 18A to output pink noise containing a frequency component corresponding to that sound.

[0038] 5 in this order so as to cancel out five operation sounds that are generated while the doorknob of the bedroom door D is being operated to open or close the bedroom door D. In other words, each first speaker 18A outputs a control sound that includes the frequency component of the operation sound associated with that first speaker 18A among the five operation sounds. In this way, by using the first speaker 18A that outputs the control sound depending on the type of operation sound, the sound output device 14 can be precisely controlled so that a control sound suitable for the characteristics of each operation sound is output.

[0039] Furthermore, the frequency, volume (sound pressure), phase, output timing, output time, etc. of the control sound output from each first speaker 18A are determined according to the operation sound corresponding to each first speaker 18A. Specifically, while each operation sound is being generated, sound detection sensor 16 detects the operation sound, and the detection signal is output to controller 20. Based on the detection signal received from sound detection sensor 16, controller 20 determines the conditions and timing for outputting the control sound, and causes first speaker 18A to output the control sound under the determined conditions and timing. The output conditions for the control sounds may be set in advance for each control sound and stored in the memory of the controller 20, and may be read out from the memory when the control sound is output. However, since the operation sounds may vary depending on the structure, strength, opening and closing speed, etc. of the door, the output conditions for the control sounds may be set each time an operation sound is generated, taking this into consideration.

[0040] Furthermore, while the operation sound continues to be generated, the sound detection sensor 16 continues to detect the operation sound, and the controller 20 outputs a control sound from the first speaker 18A corresponding to the operation sound in accordance with the detection signal output from the sound detection sensor 16. In other words, while the operation sound continues, the controller 20 controls the first speaker 18A in accordance with the duration of the operation sound.

[0041] Furthermore, when one operation sound ends and the next operation sound is generated (S004), the controller 20 switches the first speaker 18A to be controlled in conjunction with this, and thereafter controls the first speaker 18A so that the control sound is output from the switched first speaker 18A (S005). Then, when all operation sounds emitted when the bedroom door D is opened or closed have ended (S006), the controller 20 ends control of the first speaker 18A.

[0042] Furthermore, when a human voice, specifically snoring, is occurring in bedroom S (S007), sound detection sensor 16 detects the snoring sound, and controller 20 controls second speaker 18B in accordance with the detection signal output from sound detection sensor 16 (S008). Specifically, controller 20 causes second speaker 18B to output a control sound including a frequency component corresponding to snoring. Then, controller 20 continues to control second speaker 18B to output the control sound while snoring continues (strictly speaking, while sound detection sensor 16 continues to detect the snoring sound).

[0043] Furthermore, if an external sound has entered the bedroom S (S009), the sound detection sensor 16 detects the external sound, and the controller 20 controls the third speaker 18C in accordance with the detection signal output from the sound detection sensor 16 (S010). Specifically, the controller 20 causes the third speaker 18C to output a control sound including a frequency component corresponding to the external sound. The controller 20 then continues to control the output of the control sound from the third speaker 18C while the external sound is being heard in the bedroom S (strictly speaking, while the sound detection sensor 16 continues to detect the external sound).

[0044] Then, while the user is asleep, the series of steps S002 to S010 described above are repeatedly performed (S011), and when the user wakes up the next morning, for example, the control of the sound output device 14 by the controller 20 ends at that point.

[0045] According to the above control, when the doorknob of the bedroom door D is operated and the operation is detected by the contact detection sensor 12, this triggers the output of a control sound corresponding to the operating sound of the bedroom door D. In other words, in the first embodiment, the control sound can be output in accordance with the timing at which the operating sound is generated. This allows the operating sound of the bedroom door D to be appropriately reduced during the period in which it is generated.

[0046] Furthermore, when the bedroom door D is opened or closed, multiple operating sounds are generated, and a speaker 18 (specifically, a first speaker 18A) is provided for each operating sound. Each first speaker 18A is controlled to output a control sound containing the frequency component of the corresponding operating sound. This allows each of the multiple operating sounds generated by the bedroom door D to be appropriately reduced.

[0047] Furthermore, noises other than the operating sound of the bedroom door D, specifically sounds such as snoring made by people in the bedroom, and external sounds entering the bedroom, can also be appropriately reduced by the control sounds output from the speakers 18 (specifically, the second speaker 18B and the third speaker 18C). As a result, the sleep of the user in the bedroom can be prevented from being disturbed by the above noises, and the user can be provided with a good night's sleep.

[0048] Note that the control pattern of the sound output device 14 by the controller 20 is not limited to the above, and variations (modifications) are possible. That is, in the above control pattern, each of the multiple operation sounds emitted by the bedroom door D is detected by the sound detection sensor 16, and while each operation sound continues to be detected, a control sound is output from the first speaker 18A corresponding to that operation sound in accordance with the detection signal from the sound detection sensor 16. However, this is not limited to this, and for example, the controller 20 may estimate the duration of the operation sound and control each first speaker 18A to output a control sound for only that estimated duration. More specifically, suppose that five operation sounds are emitted for five seconds each when bedroom door D is opened or closed. In this case, the controller 20 may control the first speakers 18A, #1, #2, #3, #4, and #5, as shown in Fig. 6, to emit control sounds containing the corresponding frequency components in this order for five seconds each.

[0049] <<Example of reducing the operating noise of other controlled devices>> In the first embodiment described above, the operated device installed in the bedroom is the bedroom door D, and the operating noise generated when the bedroom door D is opened or closed is reduced. However, the operated device installed in the bedroom may be a device other than a door, and may be, for example, an air conditioner C as an air conditioning device installed in the bedroom S. Hereinafter, a configuration example for reducing the operating noise emitted by the air conditioner C will be referred to as a second embodiment of the present invention, and the second embodiment will be described in detail. Note that the following description will focus on the differences between the second embodiment and the first embodiment, and will omit details that are common to both embodiments.

[0050] 7, the sound reduction equipment 10X according to the second embodiment includes the sound output device 14, sound detection sensor 16, and controller 20 described above, as well as an operation detection sensor 22. The operation detection sensor 22 is an example of a detector, and is a sensor that detects the operation of a remote control (not shown) for an air conditioner C installed in a bedroom S when the remote control is operated. For example, when a user in the bedroom S operates the remote control to start the air conditioner C, the operation detection sensor 22 detects the remote control operation (i.e., the operation on the air conditioner C) and accordingly outputs a predetermined detection signal to the controller 20. The type of operation detection sensor 22 is not particularly limited as long as it can detect remote control operations, and may be, for example, an infrared sensor or a pressure sensor. The remote control itself may also function as the operation detection sensor 22. In this case, for example, a control signal transmitted to a control circuit (not shown) of the air conditioner C when the remote control is operated may be used as a detection signal when an operation on the air conditioner C is detected.

[0051] In the second embodiment, the sound output device 14 outputs a control sound in the bedroom S, and similarly to the first embodiment, is configured by a plurality of speakers 18 including a plurality of first speakers 18A, second speakers 18B, and third speakers 18C. Each speaker 18 is attached to bedding arranged in the bedroom S, specifically, to a bed B.

[0052] In the second embodiment, each of the multiple first speakers 18A outputs a control sound corresponding to the operating sound of the air conditioner C, i.e., a control sound that cancels out the sound emitted by the air conditioner C while it is operating. The operating sound of the air conditioner C includes multiple operating sounds, specifically, the start-up sound of the air conditioner C, the sound of the air conditioner C blowing air, and the sound of the air conditioner C shutting down. In other words, when the air conditioner C is in a stopped state (standby state) and an operation to start the air conditioner is performed using the remote control, the air conditioner C starts up, and a start-up sound is generated accordingly. After the air conditioner starts up, the air conditioner C generates a blowing sound as its operating sound, and the blowing sound continues while the air conditioner C is operating. Furthermore, in a situation where the operation of the air conditioner C is controlled by a timer control method, when the elapsed time since the start of operation of the air conditioner C reaches a preset time, the air conditioner C stops, and a stop sound is generated accordingly. It should be noted that while the start-up sound or stop sound of the air conditioner C is being generated, a fan sound may also be generated in addition to the operating sound; in other words, multiple operating sounds may be generated temporarily at the same time.

[0053] Each of the multiple first speakers 18A is associated with at least one of the multiple operation sounds described above, and outputs a control sound that includes the frequency component of the associated operation sound. In the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, there is a one-to-one correspondence between the operation sounds and the first speakers 18A. In other words, the same number of first speakers 18A as the number of types of operation sounds (three) emitted by the air conditioner C are provided. Each first speaker 18A outputs a control sound that includes the frequency of the operation sound associated with that first speaker 18A. For example, the #1 first speaker 18A outputs a control sound that includes the frequency component of the start-up sound of the air conditioner C.

[0054] In the second embodiment, when the operation detection sensor 22 detects a remote control operation for the air conditioner C, the controller 20 uses this as a trigger to control the sound output device 14 to output a control sound corresponding to the operating sound of the air conditioner C. Specifically, the controller 20 controls a first speaker 18A selected from the multiple first speakers 18A included in the sound output device 14 in accordance with the operating sound emitted by the air conditioner C at each point in time. The selected first speaker 18A outputs a control sound that cancels out the operating sound at each point in time.

[0055] That is, the controller 20 controls the first speaker 18A corresponding to each of the multiple operating sounds emitted by the air conditioner C so as to output a control sound containing a frequency component corresponding to the operating sound. More specifically, the air conditioner C emits multiple operating sounds from start-up to shutdown, specifically, a startup sound, a fan sound, and a shutdown sound, in that order. Each of the multiple first speakers 18A is associated with one of these three operating sounds.

[0056] Then, the controller 20 controls the sound output device 14 to output a control sound including frequency components corresponding to each operation sound, more specifically, white noise or pink noise including frequency components corresponding to each operation sound. For example, the controller 20 controls the first speaker 18A associated with the air blowing sound of the air conditioner C so that the first speaker 18A associated with the air blowing sound outputs a control sound including frequency components of the air blowing sound.

[0057] The controller 20 then controls each of the multiple first speakers 18A so as to cancel out three operation sounds that are generated between the time the remote control for the air conditioner C is operated to start the air conditioner C and the time the air conditioner C is stopped. As in the first embodiment, the frequency, volume (sound pressure), phase, output timing, output duration, etc. of the control sound output from each first speaker 18A are determined according to the operation sound corresponding to each first speaker 18A. Specifically, the controller 20 determines the output conditions and timing of the control sound based on the detection signal output by the sound detection sensor 16 after detecting the operation sound of the air conditioner C, and causes the first speaker 18A to output the control sound under the determined conditions and timing.

[0058] Furthermore, while an operation sound continues to be generated, sound detection sensor 16 continues to detect that operation sound, and controller 20 causes first speaker 18A corresponding to that operation sound to output a control sound in response to the detection signal output from sound detection sensor 16. In other words, while the operation sound continues, controller 20 controls first speaker 18A in response to the duration of that operation sound. However, this control is not limited to this, and for example, the duration of each operation sound may be estimated and each first speaker 18A may be controlled to output a control sound for only that estimated time. To be more specific, assuming that the start-up sound and the stop sound of the air conditioner C are each generated for five seconds, the controller 20 may control the first speaker 18A corresponding to the start-up sound / stop sound to emit a control sound including the corresponding frequency component for five seconds. Also, since the air conditioner C generates a blowing sound during its operation (specifically, the period from the start to the end of control when off-timer control is performed), the controller 20 may control the first speaker 18A corresponding to the blowing sound to emit a control sound including the frequency component corresponding to the blowing sound during that period.

[0059] Furthermore, when the operating sound emitted by the air conditioner C is switched (for example, when the startup sound ends and a fan sound is generated), the controller 20 switches the first speaker 18A to be controlled in conjunction with this. Thereafter, the controller 20 controls the first speaker 18A after the switch so that the control sound is output from the new first speaker 18A. When two or more operation sounds (for example, a startup sound and a blowing sound) are temporarily generated simultaneously, the controller 20 may select a first speaker 18A corresponding to each operation sound for each operation sound and simultaneously control the two or more first speakers 18A selected for each operation sound. In this case, the two or more first speakers 18A simultaneously output control sounds containing the frequency components of the corresponding operation sounds.

[0060] With the above configuration, in the second embodiment, the operating noise of the air conditioner C that may be generated while the user is sleeping in the bedroom S can be appropriately reduced during that period. Also in the second embodiment, when a human voice, specifically snoring, is heard in the bedroom S, the controller 20 controls the second speaker 18B to output a control sound containing a frequency component corresponding to the snoring from the second speaker 18B. Furthermore, when an external sound is entering the bedroom S, the controller 20 controls the third speaker 18C to output a control sound including a frequency component corresponding to the external sound from the third speaker 18C.

[0061] <<Other embodiments>> While one embodiment of the sound reduction equipment of the present invention has been described above, the above embodiment is merely an example for facilitating understanding of the present invention and does not limit the present invention. In other words, the present invention can be modified and improved without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, it goes without saying that the present invention includes equivalents thereof.

[0062] Furthermore, the present invention can be embodied in other ways than the above-described embodiments. Specifically, in the above embodiment, the sound output device 14 includes multiple first speakers 18A, each of which is associated with at least one of multiple operation sounds emitted by the controlled device during operation and outputs a control sound including the frequency component of the associated operation sound. However, this is not limited to this. The sound output device 14 may have only one first speaker 18A, which is associated with all of the multiple operation sounds and outputs a control sound (specifically, white noise) to cancel out each of the multiple operation sounds. In other words, the controller 20 may control the single first speaker 18A to output a control sound including frequency components corresponding to each of the multiple operation sounds emitted by the controlled device, in amounts corresponding to the number of types of the operation sounds. In this case, the fewer first speakers 18A are required, which reduces the installation space and installation costs for the sound output device 14, and in this respect, is more advantageous than the above embodiment. On the other hand, in the above embodiment, the plurality of first speakers 18A can be selectively used depending on the frequency component of the operation noise to be reduced, so that each operation noise can be appropriately reduced in association with the operation noise of various devices. In this respect, the above embodiment is more preferable.

[0063] In the above embodiment, the contact detection sensor 12 and the operation detection sensor 22 are used as examples of detectors to detect operations on the operated device, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an image of the area around an operating part of the operated device (e.g., the doorknob of the bedroom door D) may be captured by a surveillance camera, and the captured image may be analyzed to detect operations on the operated device. In such a case, the surveillance camera and the image analysis device constitute the detector.

[0064] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a bedroom S of a house is given as an example of a room in which the sound reduction equipment of the present invention is used, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the sound reduction equipment of the present invention may also be used in rooms other than a bedroom (for example, a study room, a den, etc.). However, in a bedroom, the effects of the sound reduction equipment of the present invention are particularly pronounced, and more specifically, the present invention provides a comfortable sleeping environment. In this respect, the above embodiment is more preferable. Furthermore, the buildings in which the sound reduction equipment of the present invention can be used are not limited to residential buildings, but may also include buildings other than residential buildings, such as nursing homes, accommodation facilities such as hotels, public facilities such as schools and hospitals, commercial facilities such as movie theaters and department stores, and various types of stores including restaurants and other eating and drinking establishments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 10,10X sound reduction equipment 12 Contact detection sensor (detector) 14 Sound output devices 16 Sound detection sensor 18 speakers 18A 1st speaker 18B 2nd speaker 18C 3rd speaker 20 Controller 20a processor 22 Operation detection sensor (detector) B Bed (bedding) C Air conditioner (operated equipment, air conditioner) D Bedroom door (controlled device) S bedroom W window

Claims

1. A sound reduction device used in a room of a building, a detector for detecting an operation on an operated device provided in the room; a sound output device that outputs a control sound in the room; a control device that controls the sound output device so as to output the control sound corresponding to the operating sound of the operated device when the operation is detected by the detector.

2. the room is a bedroom, the operated device is an air conditioner installed in the bedroom or a door for the bedroom, The sound reduction facility according to claim 1 , wherein the detector is a sensor that detects that a person touches a predetermined position when operating the operated device.

3. The sound reduction facility according to claim 2 , wherein the sound output device is configured by a speaker attached to bedding installed in the bedroom.

4. 2. The sound reduction equipment according to claim 1, wherein when the operated device emits a plurality of operating sounds as a result of the operation, the control device controls the sound output device to output the control sound including frequency components corresponding to each of the operating sounds.

5. 5. The sound reduction equipment according to claim 4, wherein the control device controls the sound output device to output the control sound including frequency components corresponding to each of the operation sounds in a number corresponding to the number of types of operation sounds emitted by the operated device.

6. the sound output device is configured by a plurality of speakers, The sound reduction facility according to claim 4 , wherein each speaker is associated with at least one of the plurality of operation sounds, and outputs the control sound including a frequency component of the associated operation sound.

7. the sound output device is configured by a plurality of speakers, The sound reduction equipment according to claim 1, wherein when the operation is detected by the detector, the control device controls a speaker selected from the plurality of speakers according to the operating sound of the operated device, and causes the control sound to be output from the selected speaker.

8. the sound output device is configured by a plurality of speakers, For multiple speakers, a first speaker that outputs the control sound corresponding to the operation sound; a second speaker that outputs the control sound corresponding to the voice of a person in the room; The sound reduction equipment according to claim 1 , further comprising: a third speaker that outputs the control sound corresponding to an external sound propagating from outside the room into the room.

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