Palatability reflection device and palatability reflection method for acoustic device

Abstract

To reflect an output characteristic depending on palatability for each individual user in output sound of an acoustic device, the output characteristic being not a fixed one.SOLUTION: An acoustic equipment palatability reflection device 10 for reflecting palatability of a user in acoustic equipment 30 comprises: a characteristic storage unit 13 for storing output characteristics for stipulating an output level for each frequency of output sound of the acoustic equipment 30; a control unit 11 for selecting an output characteristic stored in the characteristic storage unit 13 on the basis of reaction information obtained by reflecting the user's reaction to the output sound; and a characteristic setting unit 15 for referring to the output characteristic selected by the control unit 11 in the characteristic storage unit 13 and setting an output characteristic for the output sound. The reaction information is imaging information obtained by imaging the user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a preference reflecting device and a preference reflecting method for audio equipment. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a user hospitality system for automobiles. In this system, the operation of the hospitality operation unit changes depending on the content of the user's biometric characteristic information, and as a result, the service (hospitality) effect for the user when using the automobile can be further optimized depending on the user's mental or physical state. Specifically, standard reference information for the operation control of a function specified from a function extraction matrix is ​​extracted, and the physical or mental state reflected in the user's biometric characteristic information, which is separately acquired, is added to this standard reference information to optimize the operation of the selected function. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4572889 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a function for detecting the state of a user in an automobile and changing the interior lighting and audio content based on the detection results. However, the system in this document is not capable of changing the parameter settings within the device according to the preferences, environment, etc. of the user in the vehicle, and is not capable of making detailed setting changes according to individual users.

[0005] The present disclosure provides an audio equipment preference reflecting device and preference reflecting method for reflecting the audio preferences of individual users in the output characteristics of the audio equipment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The preference reflection device for audio equipment of the present disclosure is a preference reflection device for audio equipment for reflecting user preferences in the audio equipment, and includes a characteristic memory unit that stores output characteristics that define the output level for each frequency in the output sound of the audio equipment, a control unit that selects the output characteristics stored in the characteristic memory unit based on reaction information that reflects the user's reaction to the output sound, and a characteristic setting unit that sets the output characteristics of the output sound by referring to the output characteristics selected by the control unit in the characteristic memory unit, wherein the reaction information is imaging information obtained by imaging the user.

[0007] A preference reflection method according to the present disclosure is a preference reflection method executed by an audio equipment preference reflection device for reflecting a user's preference in an audio equipment, the preference reflection method including: selecting an output characteristic that defines an output level for each frequency in an output sound based on response information that reflects a user's response to an output sound of the audio equipment; referring to the selected output characteristic, setting the output characteristic of the output sound; The reaction information is image information obtained by capturing an image of the user. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, output characteristics according to the acoustic preferences of each individual user, rather than fixed output characteristics, can be reflected in the output sound of an audio device, thereby further increasing user satisfaction. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an audio system including a preference reflecting device for audio equipment according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A is a frequency response graph showing the output characteristics of a conventional acoustic device. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a graph showing frequency characteristics of the preference reflecting device for audio equipment of this embodiment. [Figure 3]FIG. 3 is a block diagram classifying the functions of the control unit of the preference reflecting device for audio equipment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart including the steps of an example of a preference reflection method executed by the preference reflection device for audio equipment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart including the steps of another example of a preference reflection method executed by the preference reflection device for audio equipment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] (Inventor's Knowledge) For audio equipment such as radios and car stereos, acoustic characteristics that affect the characteristics of the output sound are set at the time of shipment. Setting these acoustic characteristics requires a lot of trial and error, such as determining whether to prioritize noise reduction even at the expense of sound quality, or vice versa.

[0011] Up until now, settings have had to rely on inferences based on insufficient information such as the designer's subjective evaluation, pre-surveyed customer satisfaction scores, etc. Therefore, it has not been possible to fully reflect in audio equipment detailed settings tailored to individual users' preferences and environments.

[0012] The following describes in detail the audio equipment preference reflecting device and preference reflecting method according to the present disclosure with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an audio system 100 including an audio equipment preference reflecting device 10 according to an embodiment. The audio system 100 is a system capable of outputting sound that reflects a user's preferences, and includes the audio equipment preference reflecting device 10, a microphone 21, a camera 23, and audio equipment 30. The audio system 100 is mounted on a vehicle such as a car and can output sound that matches the preferences of the user aboard the vehicle, although the location where the audio system is installed is not particularly limited.

[0013] The audio equipment preference reflecting device 10 is a device for reflecting user preferences in the audio equipment 30, and includes a control unit 11, a characteristics storage unit 13, a characteristics setting unit 15, a message output unit 17, and an input unit 19. The control unit 11 is configured with an arithmetic unit such as a processor, and performs various processes to control the operation of the audio equipment preference reflecting device 10. The characteristics storage unit 13 is configured with a storage device such as a memory. The characteristics storage unit 13 stores, for example, output characteristics corresponding to the pattern of the output sound of the audio equipment 30. If the audio equipment 30 includes a radio receiving unit 35 (described later), the characteristics storage unit 13 also stores characteristics corresponding to the radio receiving settings. The radio receiving settings include, for example, settings related to audio high cut settings and bandwidth control. The characteristics setting unit 15 is configured with various hardware circuits, etc. The characteristics setting unit 15 is configured with, for example, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) circuit. The characteristic setting unit 15 sets the output sound of the acoustic device 30 in accordance with the output characteristics. Here, if the acoustic device 30 includes a radio receiving unit 35 (described later), "setting the output sound of the acoustic device 30 in accordance with the output characteristics" includes changing the reception settings of the radio receiving unit 35.

[0014] Message output unit 17 is composed of an audio output device such as a speaker and a display device such as a liquid crystal display, and sends a message asking for an evaluation of the sound output from audio equipment 30. Input unit 19 is composed of input devices such as a touch panel and a switch, and an audio input device such as a microphone, and receives a response entered by the user in response to the message output by message output unit 17.

[0015] The microphone 21 detects the user's voice in response to the output sound, and the camera 23 captures images of the user's facial expression, actions, attitude, etc., reflecting their reaction to the output sound. The user's voice detected by the microphone 21 and the user's facial expression, actions, attitude, etc., captured by the camera 23 constitute reaction information, which is the user's reaction to the output sound. The microphone 21 also detects radio noise, so-called auditory noise, picked up from a speaker constituting an output unit 33 of the audio equipment 30 (described later), in the surrounding environment of the audio system 100. Note that the surrounding environment of the audio system 100 corresponds to the interior space of the vehicle when the audio system 100 is installed in a vehicle. Auditory noise is noise containing various frequency components in an audio band, for example, 20 Hz to 20 kHz. The microphone 21 and the camera 23 are connected to the audio equipment preference reflecting device 10 via a predetermined interface, but the audio equipment preference reflecting device 10 may also have the microphone 21 and the camera 23 built in.

[0016] The audio device 30 is an entertainment device equipped with an operation unit 31, an output unit 33, a radio receiver 35, and an audio source unit 37. The operation unit 31 is configured with input devices such as a touch panel and switches, and an audio input device such as a microphone, and accepts user inputs for operating the audio device 30, such as volume control, radio channel switching, and equalizer adjustment. The output unit 33 is configured with an amplifier and speakers, and outputs sound. The radio receiver 35 receives radio signals, which are one type of audio source, and outputs data about the received radio waves, such as their field strength and multipath environment, to the audio device preference reflecting device 10. The audio source unit 37 outputs data about audio sources other than radio, such as various storage media such as CDs, and various audio data transmitted over a network, to the audio device preference reflecting device 10.

[0017] The audio equipment preference reflecting device 10 can be connected to an external network such as a cloud system via a wired or wireless communication interface.

[0018] FIG. 2A shows a frequency response graph showing the output characteristics of a conventional audio device according to user preferences. The frequency response graph, with frequency on the horizontal axis and volume level on the vertical axis, visually represents the output characteristics that define the output level for each frequency of the audio device's output sound. Each person perceives sound differently; for example, some users may perceive high-pitched sounds as loud, while other users may not perceive the same high-pitched sounds as loud. These individual user preferences are called preferences. Differences in preferences are reflected in the shape of the frequency response graph.

[0019] As shown in Figure 2A, in conventional technology, a single frequency response graph is prepared based on information such as the designer's subjective evaluation and pre-surveyed customer satisfaction scores, and audio equipment outputs sound with fixed output characteristics that conform to this frequency response graph. However, as mentioned above, sound preferences vary from person to person, and fixed output characteristics may not necessarily be preferable for some people. For example, the high-frequency output in the area circled by the dashed line in Figure 2A may sound harsh to some people.

[0020] 2B shows a frequency characteristic graph in the preference reflecting device for audio equipment 10 of this embodiment. The preference reflecting device for audio equipment 10 of this embodiment stores a plurality of output characteristics corresponding to patterns of the output sound of audio equipment 30 in the characteristic storage unit 13 in advance, detects the customer's preferences, and then the control unit 11 selects a frequency characteristic graph that is an appropriate output characteristic in accordance with the detected preferences. In response to this selection, the characteristic setting unit 15 sets the output characteristic of the output sound of audio equipment 30. In selecting the output characteristic, the control unit 11 can use artificial intelligence (AI) equipped with a trained learning model that has undergone machine learning to estimate the user's reaction to the output sound.

[0021] FIG. 2B shows examples of multiple frequency characteristic graphs and their selection. In this example, multiple pre-set types of frequency characteristic graphs are prepared in advance, such as a high-quality type that retains the waveform in the high-frequency range to some extent, a noise-emphasized type that reduces noise by cutting out high-frequency sounds, and a medium-quality type that has characteristics intermediate between the high-quality type and the noise-emphasized type, and these are stored in the characteristic storage unit 13. If a user of the audio equipment 30 feels that the output sound due to the high-quality output characteristics is too loud, the audio equipment preference reflection device 10 switches the high-quality output characteristics to medium-quality output characteristics or noise-emphasized output characteristics. Of course, the user can also update the output characteristics at any time.

[0022] 3 is a block diagram classifying the functions of the control unit 11 of the audio equipment preference reflection device 10. Based on information obtained from the microphone 21, camera 23, and audio equipment 30, the control unit 11 determines whether the output sound of audio equipment 30 is preferable to the user, i.e., whether it matches the user's preferences, and selects the output characteristics shown in the frequency characteristic graph shown in FIG. 2B according to the determination result, and in some cases changes the previously set output characteristics.

[0023] Specifically, control unit 11 regards voice information uttered by the user detected by microphone 21 as user reaction information, and selects output characteristics stored in characteristic storage unit 13 based on the voice information. Control unit 11 selects output characteristics stored in characteristic storage unit 13 based on noise in the surrounding environment detected by microphone 21. Furthermore, control unit 11 regards image information including facial information and movement information of the user obtained by capturing an image of the user with camera 23 as user reaction information, and selects output characteristics stored in characteristic storage unit 13 based on the image information.

[0024] The noise from the surrounding environment picked up by the microphone 21 may be judged as to whether it is harsh to the user's ear or not, for example, a mild noise. Furthermore, the voice information emitted by the user may be judged as to the user's emotion as conveyed from the tone of the voice. Furthermore, the image information including the facial expressions and movements of the user may be judged as to the user's emotion as conveyed from the facial expressions and movements.

[0025] Various methods can be used for this determination, including artificial intelligence (AI) equipped with a trained model that has undergone machine learning to estimate a user's reaction to the sound output from the audio device 30. The AI ​​may determine whether the audio quality is good or bad using a binary classification system in which the output of the trained model when input information in a predetermined format is input takes only two values, A or B. Alternatively, the AI ​​may classify the output of the trained model when input information in a predetermined format is input into multiple classes, such as seven, A, B, C, D, E, and G, and then determine the class ABG as "good" and the class CEF as "bad." Alternatively, the AI ​​may be configured so that the output of the trained model when input information in a predetermined format is input into a single scalar value, and use this scalar value as a score, e.g., a score of 80 or greater is determined as "good," and a score of less than 80 is determined as "bad." "Good" means a comfortable state for the user, and "bad" means a state in which the user is uncomfortable, such as when the user finds radio noise too loud.

[0026] The characteristic storage unit 13 can store a trained model of AI. The control unit 11 can make an AI judgment by inputting the above-mentioned noise, audio information, facial information, motion information, etc. into a predetermined format into the trained model stored in the characteristic storage unit 13. The trained model may be updated. The audio equipment preference reflecting device 10 uploads the acquired information related to user preferences to a server or the like via a cloud system. The destination device, such as the server, further performs machine learning, and the updated trained model is downloaded by the audio equipment preference reflecting device 10, and the downloaded trained model can be used thereafter.

[0027] Furthermore, the control unit 11 captures the user's operation on the operation unit 31 of the audio equipment 30 as reaction information, and selects the output characteristics stored in the characteristics storage unit 13 based on the operation. Such operations include, for example, switching the radio channel and adjusting the equalizer of the audio equipment 30. Channel switching is an expression of the user's feeling that they do not like the currently set channel, and equalizer adjustment is an expression of the user's feeling that they do not like the currently set equalizer setting, and both are understood to reflect the user's feelings about the output sound of the audio equipment 30.

[0028] Furthermore, the control unit 11 selects output characteristics stored in the characteristics memory unit 13 based on at least one of data such as the field strength or multipath environment of the received radio waves obtained from the radio receiving unit 35. Indicators such as field strength and multipath environment are measures for evaluating the quality of the output sound and are understood to affect the user's feelings toward the output sound of the audio device 30 and reflect the user's feelings. The multipath environment also includes multipath noise and is an indicator of the level of deterioration of the radio wave condition. Even if this indicator is high, it may not be an unpleasant noise, and the AI ​​judgment of the noise detected by the microphone 21 compensates for this. Conversely, even if the AI ​​judgment of the noise detected by the microphone 21 is used as the judgment indicator alone, it may still be the content of the radio broadcast itself, so the condition of the radio waves received by the radio receiving unit 35 itself can also be used as the judgment indicator.

[0029] Furthermore, the control unit 11 selects the output characteristics stored in the characteristics storage unit 13 based on data on the sound source of an audio device other than a radio obtained from the audio sound source unit 37. The control unit 11 can directly detect the output characteristics of the audio device and use this information to set the output characteristics.

[0030] The characteristic setting unit 15 is configured with various hardware circuits and the like, and sets the output sound of the audio device 30 in accordance with the output characteristics. The characteristic setting unit 15 includes various circuits related to the output sound, such as a frequency characteristic setting circuit and a high-frequency filter circuit, and refers to the output characteristic selected by the control unit 11 in the characteristic memory unit 13, selects one from the characteristic memory unit 13, and sets the output sound accordingly.

[0031] The characteristic setting unit 15 sets the output sound of the audio device 30 in accordance with the output characteristics, and as described above, this change includes changing the radio wave reception settings of the radio reception unit 35. The radio reception settings include, for example, three reception settings: bandwidth processing, high frequency range cutting processing, and low frequency range cutting processing.

[0032] Bandwidth processing is a process that controls the bandwidth of received radio waves according to user preferences. For example, in the case of FM radio, the narrower the intermediate frequency filter, the better the desired broadcast station can be selected in weak radio waves, and the less susceptible the signal is to ambient noise and neighboring broadcast stations. However, narrowing the bandwidth by cutting out the desired broadcast content also results in a deterioration in sound quality. The bandwidth is set according to the user's preference, such as whether the user prioritizes noise reduction or sound quality. For users who prioritize noise reduction, the characteristic setting unit 15 sets the reception bandwidth of the radio reception unit 35 to a relatively narrow value, and for users who prioritize sound quality, the characteristic setting unit 15 sets the reception bandwidth of the radio reception unit 35 to a relatively wide value.

[0033] High-frequency cutoff is a process that changes the amount of high-frequency cutoff in accordance with user preferences. For example, when the received radio wave is weak or the multipath detection level is high, the radio receiving unit 35 can reduce noise by increasing the amount of high-frequency cutoff. The characteristics setting unit 15 can change, for example, the amount of increase in the amount of high-frequency cutoff, or the field strength and multipath detection level that serve as the thresholds for starting to increase the amount of high-frequency cutoff, in accordance with user preferences. For example, when the received field strength falls below 30 dBu, the characteristics setting unit 15 changes the amount of high-frequency cutoff performed by the radio receiving unit 35 in accordance with the received field strength and user preferences. Alternatively, for example, when the multipath detection level is high, the characteristics setting unit 15 changes the amount of high-frequency cutoff performed by the radio receiving unit 35 in accordance with user preferences. Note that the multipath detection level increases from a relatively high received field strength of around 60-70 dBu, so the characteristics setting unit 15 changes the amount of high-frequency cutoff performed by the radio receiving unit 35 in accordance with the received field strength.

[0034] The low-frequency cut processing is a process based on user preference, and is performed to prevent the sound from becoming unclear due to the high-frequency cut processing. However, the amount of low-frequency cut processing is not determined by the amount of high-frequency cut processing, and the two are generally controlled independently.

[0035] The settings for the above-mentioned bandwidth processing, high-frequency cut processing, and low-frequency cut processing can be changed independently, but which one is given priority according to the user's preference will differ depending on the conditions of the received electric field, etc. For example, in the case of a weak electric field, priority can be given to narrowing the bandwidth.

[0036] 4 is a flowchart showing the steps of a preference reflection method for reflecting a user's preferences in an audio device, performed by the audio device preference reflection device 10. Note that this example shows the steps when the sound source of the audio device 30 is a radio.

[0037] The control unit 11 determines whether the received radio wave corresponds to at least one of a weak electric field and a multipath environment based on data on the electric field strength from the radio receiving unit 35 (step S101). A weak electric field may be defined as an electric field having an output value below a predetermined value, such as a predetermined dBu or dBm value. For example, the control unit 11 may determine that an output value of 30 dBu or less is a weak electric field.

[0038] Furthermore, the control unit 11 determines whether the radio wave reception conditions are a multipath environment, i.e., whether there is multiple wave propagation, based on data relating to the multipath environment from the radio receiving unit 35. The determination of whether there is a multipath environment can be made based on whether the multipath detection level is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, for example, 10 dB or greater. If the radio wave reception conditions are not a weak electric field or multipath environment (step S101: No), there is no need to change the output setting, so no further processing is performed and the process returns to step S101.

[0039] If the radio wave reception condition is at least one of a weak electric field and a multipath environment (step S101: Yes), the control unit 11 determines the level of noise (step S103) based on the AI's determination information on the noise in the surrounding environment detected by the microphone 21. For example, if the AI ​​determines that the noise is unlikely to be unpleasant to the user (step S103: No), there is no need to change the output setting, so no further processing is performed and the process returns to step S101.

[0040] As an example, suppose that the AI ​​determines that the noise in the surrounding environment detected by the microphone 21 has a 10% chance of being very harsh, an 80% chance of being harsh, a 7% chance of being medium, and a 3% chance of being light. For the harsh and very harsh noises, the control unit 11 determines that the noise is likely to be harsh to the user (step S103: Yes). For the medium and light noises, the control unit 11 determines that the noise is not likely to be harsh to the user (step S103: No). In the above example, the possibility of the noise being harsh is 80%, which is the highest possibility, so the control unit 11 determines that the noise is likely to be harsh to the user (step S103: Yes).

[0041] If the control unit 11 determines that the noise may be unpleasant to the user (step S103: Yes), the control unit 11 determines whether the user has changed the radio channel by operating the operation unit 31 (step S104). If the control unit 11 detects a channel change, i.e., if the control unit 11 detects that the user changed the radio channel because they did not like the current channel (step S104: Yes), the control unit 11 sends a message to the user via the message output unit 17, asking for their evaluation of the output sound of the audio device 30 (step S106). The content of the message may be, for example, "Is the radio noise too loud? Would you like to change the settings?", asking for the user's evaluation of the output sound. The content of the message can be set appropriately. In response to the sent message, the user either inputs a response via the input unit 19 or ignores the message. If the control unit 11 does not receive a response agreeing with the message (step S106: No), i.e., if the user responds negatively or does not respond, there is no need to change the output settings, so no further processing is performed and the process returns to step S101. If the input unit 19 is an input device such as a touch panel or a switch, the user's response is given by manual operation, and if the input unit 19 is a voice input device such as a microphone, the user's response is given by voice input.

[0042] If the user responds in agreement with the message (step S106: Yes), the control unit 11 selects an appropriate output characteristic stored in the characteristic storage unit 13, and the characteristic setting unit 15 references the output characteristic selected by the control unit 11 in the characteristic storage unit 13 and sets the output characteristic of the output sound (step S107). This setting varies depending on the user's response. For example, if the user's response is that noise or high-pitched sounds are harsh to the ears, the control unit 11 can select an output characteristic with a lower output level in the high-frequency range compared to the output characteristic already set, as shown in the example of FIG. 2B. In other words, if the output characteristic already set by the characteristic setting unit 15 is a high-sound quality or medium-sound quality and this characteristic is to be changed, the control unit 11 selects a noise-emphasized output characteristic that reduces noise by cutting out high-pitched sounds, and the characteristic setting unit 15 sets the noise-emphasized output characteristic. As a result, the output unit 33 outputs a sound with a lower output level in the high-frequency range compared to before, making the user less likely to perceive noise or high-pitched sounds as harsh to the ears.

[0043] If the control unit 11 does not detect a channel change by the operation unit 31 in step S104 (step S104: No), the control unit 11 further determines whether the user has adjusted the equalizer or operated the volume by operating the operation unit 31 (step S105). If the control unit 11 detects an equalizer adjustment or volume operation by the operation unit 31 (step S105: Yes), the process proceeds to step S106 described above, and the control unit 11 sends a message to the user via the message output unit 17 asking for their evaluation of the output sound of the audio device 30.

[0044] If no equalizer adjustment or volume operation by the operation unit 31 is detected (step S105: No), the control unit 11 determines whether the user's emotions toward the output sound of the audio device 30, in this case the sound of the radio, are positive, based on the AI-based determination information regarding the user's voice detected by the microphone 21 (step S108). If a determination is made that the user has a positive reaction to the voice (step S108: Yes), there is no need to change the output settings, so no further processing is performed and the process returns to step S101. Examples of detecting a positive reaction include when humming is detected or when the voice tone is higher than normal.

[0045] If the control unit 11 does not obtain a positive reaction to the audio (step S108: No), it further determines whether the user's emotions toward the output sound of the audio device 30, that is, toward the sound of the radio in this example, are negative, based on the AI-based determination information regarding the user's audio detected by the microphone 21 (step S109). If the control unit 11 obtains a negative reaction to the audio (step S109: Yes), the process proceeds to step S106, where the control unit 11 sends the user a message via the message output unit 17 asking for their evaluation of the output sound of the audio device 30. An example of a negative reaction is when negative comments such as "noisy" or "not so good" are detected (for example, three or more times per day).

[0046] If the control unit 11 does not determine that the user has a negative reaction to the sound (step S109: No), it further determines whether the user's emotions are positive or not toward the sound output from the audio device 30, in this case, the sound from the radio, based on the AI-based determination information for the image of the user captured by the camera 23 (step S110). If the control unit 11 determines that the user has a positive reaction (step S110: Yes), there is no need to change the output settings, so no further processing is performed and the process returns to step S101. Examples of detecting a positive reaction include detecting a smile, a state in which the user is moving, and the rhythm of the movement.

[0047] If the control unit 11 does not obtain a positive reaction to the image captured by the camera (step S110: No), it further determines whether the user's emotions toward the sound output from the audio device 30, i.e., toward the sound of the radio in this example, are negative, based on the AI-based determination information regarding the user's image captured by the camera 23 (step S111). If the control unit 11 obtains a negative reaction to the sound (step S111: Yes), the process proceeds to step S106, where the control unit 11 sends the user a message via the message output unit 17 asking for their evaluation of the sound output from the audio device 30. If the control unit 11 does not obtain a negative reaction (step S111: No), there is no need to change the output settings, so no further processing is performed and the process returns to step S101. An example of a negative reaction detection is when an unpleasant facial expression is detected (e.g., three or more times per day).

[0048] According to the present disclosure, output characteristics according to the preferences of each individual user, rather than fixed output characteristics, can be reflected in the output sound of an audio device, thereby further increasing user satisfaction.

[0049] In particular, in this embodiment, as in steps S104 to S106, a user operation such as channel switching or equalizer adjustment using the operation unit 31 is one type of response information, and when the operation occurs, the control unit 11 can send the user a message asking for their evaluation of the output sound via the message output unit 17. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether or not to change the output characteristics after confirming the user's preferences for the output sound, and it is possible to more appropriately determine whether or not to change the settings of the output characteristics.

[0050] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as in steps S108 and S109, voice information uttered by the user acquired from microphone 21 is one type of reaction information, and the user's preferences can be easily acquired. Furthermore, if the voice information is positive, control unit 11 does not change the output characteristics that have already been set, and if the voice information is negative, control unit 11 can send the user a message asking for their evaluation of the output sound via message output unit 17. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether or not to change the output characteristics after confirming the user's preferences for the output sound, and it is possible to more appropriately determine whether or not to change the settings of the output characteristics.

[0051] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as in steps S110 and S111, imaging information obtained by imaging the user from camera 23 is one type of reaction information, and the user's preferences can be easily obtained. Furthermore, if the imaging information is positive, control unit 11 does not change the output characteristics that have already been set, and if the imaging information is negative, control unit 11 can send the user a message asking for their evaluation of the output sound via message output unit 17. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether or not to change the output characteristics after confirming the user's preferences for the output sound, and it is possible to more appropriately determine whether or not to change the output characteristic settings.

[0052] In this embodiment, when the acoustic device 30 is a radio, the control unit 11 acquires at least one of the field strength of the radio's received radio waves or the multipath environment of the received radio waves in addition to the user's response information, as in step S101. Then, the control unit 11 selects the output characteristics in the subsequent steps. Therefore, it can be said that the control unit 11 can select the output characteristics stored in the characteristics storage unit 13 based on at least one of the field strength of the radio's received radio waves or the multipath environment of the received radio waves.

[0053] In this embodiment, the control unit 11 captures the noise in the surrounding environment in addition to the user's reaction information, as in step S103. Based on this, the control unit 11 selects the output characteristics in the subsequent steps. Therefore, it can be said that the control unit 11 can select the output characteristics stored in the characteristic storage unit 13 based on the noise in the surrounding environment.

[0054] If the sound source of the acoustic device 30 is an audio device other than radio, such as a storage medium such as a CD or various audio data via a network, steps S101 and S104 can be omitted. FIG. 5 shows a flowchart illustrating the steps of a method for reflecting preferences for such sound sources. The control unit 11 determines the level of noise based on the AI-based determination information for the ambient noise detected by the microphone 21 (step S103). For example, if the AI ​​determines that the noise is unlikely to be unpleasant to the user (step S103: No), the control unit 11 further determines whether the user has adjusted the equalizer or volume by operating the operation unit 31 (step S105). The other processing is the same as that shown in FIG. 4.

[0055] As described above, the audio equipment preference reflecting device 10 for reflecting user preferences in the audio equipment 30 comprises a characteristic memory unit 13 that stores output characteristics that define the output level for each frequency in the output sound of the audio equipment 30, a control unit 11 that selects the output characteristics stored in the characteristic memory unit 13 based on reaction information that reflects the user's reaction to the output sound, and a characteristic setting unit 15 that sets the output characteristics of the output sound by referring to the output characteristics selected by the control unit 11 in the characteristic memory unit 13. This makes it possible to reflect output characteristics according to the preferences of each individual user in the output sound of the audio equipment 30, rather than fixed output characteristics, and further increase user satisfaction.

[0056] The response information is a user operation on the operation unit 31 of the audio device 30, and when the operation occurs, the control unit 11 sends the user a message asking for their evaluation of the output sound via the message output unit 17. This makes it possible to determine whether or not to change the output characteristics after confirming the user's preferences for the output sound, and makes it possible to more appropriately determine whether or not to change the settings of the output characteristics.

[0057] The reaction information is voice information emitted by the user. If the voice information is positive, the control unit 11 does not change the output characteristics that have already been set. If the voice information is negative, the control unit 11 sends the user a message via the message output unit 17 asking for their evaluation of the output sound. This makes it possible to obtain the user's preferences based on the voice information emitted by the user and set the output characteristics of the output sound. In addition, it is possible to determine whether or not to change the output characteristics after confirming the user's preferences for the output sound, thereby more appropriately determining whether or not to change the setting of the output characteristics.

[0058] The reaction information is imaging information obtained by imaging the user. If the imaging information is positive, the control unit 11 does not change the output characteristics that have already been set. If the imaging information is negative, the control unit 11 sends the user a message via the message output unit 17 asking for their evaluation of the output sound. This makes it possible to obtain the user's preferences based on the imaging information and set the output characteristics of the output sound. In addition, it is possible to determine whether or not to change the output characteristics after confirming the user's preferences for the output sound, thereby more appropriately determining whether or not to change the output characteristics settings.

[0059] The control unit 11 selects the output characteristics stored in the characteristics storage unit 13 based on the noise in the surrounding environment in addition to the reaction information. This makes it possible to select the output characteristics based on the noise in the surrounding environment.

[0060] The acoustic device 30 is a radio, and the control unit 11 selects the output characteristics stored in the characteristics storage unit 13 based on at least one of the field strength of the radio wave received by the radio and the multipath environment of the received radio wave in addition to the response information. This makes it possible to select the output characteristics based on at least one of the field strength of the radio wave received by the radio and the multipath environment of the received radio wave.

[0061] When the control unit 11 changes the output characteristics, the control unit 11 selects output characteristics with a lower output level in the high frequency range compared to the output characteristics that have already been set, thereby changing the output characteristics so that the user does not find the high frequency range harsh.

[0062] When the control unit 11 changes the output characteristics, the control unit 11 selects output characteristics with a lower output level in the low frequency range compared to the output characteristics that have already been set, thereby changing the output characteristics to prevent the sound from becoming unclear to the user.

[0063] When selecting the output characteristics, the control unit 11 uses artificial intelligence equipped with a trained model that has undergone machine learning to estimate the user's reaction to the output sound, allowing the output characteristics to be selected based on the determination results of the artificial intelligence.

[0064] In a preference reflection method executed by an audio equipment preference reflection device 10 for reflecting user preferences in audio equipment 30, output characteristics that define the output level for each frequency in the output sound are selected based on response information that reflects the user's response to the output sound of audio equipment 30, and the selected output characteristics are referenced to set the output characteristics of the output sound. This makes it possible to reflect output characteristics according to the preferences of each individual user in the output sound of audio equipment 30, rather than fixed output characteristics, and further increase user satisfaction.

[0065] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be appropriately modified, improved, etc. In addition, the material, shape, dimensions, numerical values, form, number, location, etc. of each component in the above-described embodiments are arbitrary and not limited as long as they can achieve the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0066] According to the preference reflection device and preference reflection method for audio equipment disclosed herein, output characteristics according to the preferences of each individual user can be reflected in the output sound of the audio equipment, rather than fixed output characteristics, and audio equipment can be provided that can further improve user satisfaction. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 10 Preference reflection device for audio equipment 11 Control section 13 Characteristics memory section 15 Characteristics setting section 17 Message output section 19 Input section 21. Mike 23 Camera 30 Audio equipment 31 Operation section 33 Output section 35 Radio receiver 37 Audio source section 100 Sound System

Claims

1. A preference reflecting device for an audio device for reflecting a user's preferences in an audio device, a characteristic storage unit that stores output characteristics that define an output level for each frequency in the output sound of the acoustic device; a control unit that selects an output characteristic stored in the characteristic storage unit based on response information that reflects a user's response to an output sound; a characteristic setting unit that references the output characteristic selected by the control unit in the characteristic storage unit and sets the output characteristic of the output sound; Equipped with The reaction information is image information obtained by imaging the user. Preference reflection device for audio equipment.

2. If the imaging information is positive, the control unit does not change the output characteristics that have already been set. The preference reflecting device for audio equipment according to claim 1.

3. If the imaging information is negative, the control unit sends a message to the user via a message output unit, asking the user to evaluate the output sound. The preference reflecting device for audio equipment according to claim 1.

4. the control unit selects the output characteristic stored in the characteristic storage unit based on the reaction information as well as noise in the surrounding environment. The preference reflecting device for audio equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the acoustic device is a radio, The control unit selects the output characteristics stored in the characteristics storage unit based on at least one of the electric field strength of the radio wave received by the radio and the multipath environment of the received radio wave in addition to the response information. The preference reflecting device for audio equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. When the control unit changes the output characteristics, the control unit selects an output characteristic having a lower output level in a high frequency range compared to the output characteristics already set. The preference reflecting device for audio equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. When the control unit changes the output characteristics, the control unit selects an output characteristic having a lower output level in a low frequency region than the output characteristics already set. The preference reflecting device for audio equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

8. The control unit uses artificial intelligence equipped with a trained model that has undergone machine learning to estimate a user's reaction to the output sound when selecting the output characteristics. The preference reflecting device for audio equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A preference reflection method executed by an audio equipment preference reflection device for reflecting user preferences in an audio equipment, comprising: selecting an output characteristic that defines an output level for each frequency of the output sound based on response information that reflects a user's response to the output sound of the acoustic device; Refer to the selected output characteristics and set the output characteristics of the output sound. The reaction information is image information obtained by imaging the user. How to reflect preference.

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