Sound Environment Evaluation Method

Abstract

This invention provides a means to evaluate the acoustic environment of an indoor space while taking ambient noise into consideration. [Solution] The sound environment evaluation method comprises the steps of: inputting structural information indicating at least the shape of the indoor space and the form of the partition walls into a computer; setting up a virtual sound source inside the indoor space and inputting it into the computer; inputting background noise information indicating the background noise inside the indoor space into the computer; causing the computer to output sound environment information indicating the sound environment in the indoor space based on the structural information, virtual sound source, and background noise information; inputting background noise change information specifying the content of the change in background noise into the computer; and causing the computer to output modified sound environment information indicating the sound environment in the indoor space after the change in background noise based on the structural information, virtual sound source, background noise information, and background noise change information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for evaluating a sound environment.

Background Art

[0002] Buildings such as office buildings and tenant buildings are partitioned into indoor spaces of various shapes and sizes and leased out as a plurality of offices and tenants. For example, in an office, it is partitioned into an office area where employees and the like conduct their work, meeting rooms, private rooms such as the president's office, and the like.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When a meeting is held in a meeting room or the like, the voice of a speaker can leak out to the outside through a partition wall or a door. By improving the sound insulation performance of the partition wall or the door, the sound pressure level of the leaked voice can be reduced. However, improving the sound insulation performance requires a high cost, and it is difficult to predict how much sound insulation performance is required.

[0005] Here, there is noise such as human activity noise and air conditioning noise in the room, which functions as background noise with respect to the voice of the speaker leaking out from a meeting room or the like. If the background noise is sufficiently large with respect to the leaked voice, it becomes difficult to hear the semantic content of the leaked voice (masking effect). Patent Document 1 discloses a background noise generating device that generates background noise. If a background noise generating device is installed to increase the background noise, there is a possibility of suppressing information leakage from the leaked voice. However, if the background noise is too large, the comfort of the indoor space decreases. Therefore, it is conceivable to evaluate the sound environment of the indoor space considering the background noise before installing the background noise generating device or performing sound insulation work.

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a means that enables the evaluation of the sound environment of an indoor space while taking ambient noise into consideration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objective, the sound environment evaluation method according to the present invention is a sound environment evaluation method for evaluating the sound environment of an indoor space, comprising the steps of: inputting structural information indicating at least the shape and partition configuration of the indoor space into a computer; setting a virtual sound source inside the indoor space and inputting it into the computer; inputting background noise information indicating the background noise inside the indoor space into the computer; causing the computer to output sound environment information indicating the sound environment in the indoor space based on the structural information, the virtual sound source, and the background noise information; inputting background noise change information specifying the content of the background noise change into the computer; and causing the computer to output modified sound environment information indicating the sound environment in the indoor space after the background noise change based on the structural information, the virtual sound source, the background noise information, and the background noise change information, wherein the sound environment information and the modified sound environment information are visually output side by side. The process further includes the input of multiple background noise modification information to the computer, outputting a table in which multiple modified sound environment information corresponding to the input multiple background noise modification information and the sound environment information are arranged, setting a measurement point inside the indoor space and inputting it to the computer, and outputting an output image in which a diagram showing the indoor space, the location of the virtual sound source, and the location of the measurement point are arranged and the table is arranged. ru.

[0008] According to the above configuration, sound environment information is output based on structural information, virtual sound sources, and background noise information, and further modified sound environment information is output based on background noise modification information, making it possible to evaluate the sound environment of an indoor space while considering background noise. In particular, it becomes possible to evaluate the impact on the sound environment due to changes in background noise. 。

[0009] Furthermore, the background noise change information may include the amount of increase or decrease in background noise.

[0010] With the above configuration, the modified sound environment information will reflect the increase or decrease in background noise, making it possible to evaluate the impact of the increase or decrease in background noise on the sound environment.

[0011] Furthermore, the background noise modification information may include the location of the background noise generator and the magnitude of the background noise generated by the background noise generator.

[0012] With the above configuration, the modified sound environment information will reflect the location of the background noise generator and the magnitude of the background noise it generates, making it possible to evaluate the impact of the installation of the background noise generator on the sound environment.

[0013] Furthermore, it is preferable that the indoor space includes multiple partitioned spaces, and that the background noise information and background noise modification information are input for each of the spaces.

[0014] The above configuration makes it possible to evaluate the sound environment when the background noise differs from space to space.

[0015] Furthermore, the indoor space may include multiple partitioned spaces, and the sound environment information and the modified sound environment information may be output for each of these spaces.

[0016] The above configuration makes it possible to evaluate the impact of changes in ambient noise on the sound environment for each space.

[0017] Also ,before The recorded sound environment information and the modified sound environment information may be information indicating the difference between the loudness of the sound from the virtual sound source at the measurement point and the loudness of the background noise at the measurement point.

[0018] With the above configuration, the difference between the volume of the voice from the virtual sound source and the volume of the background noise is shown, making it easy to evaluate the effect of background noise on the sound environment at the measurement point. For example, it is possible to evaluate to what extent the content of the voice from the virtual sound source becomes difficult to hear due to background noise at the measurement point.

[0019] Furthermore, the sound environment information and the modified sound environment information may be information that shows the difference divided into multiple classes.

[0020] According to the above configuration, the influence of the ambient noise on the sound environment at the measurement point can be easily grasped and evaluated by classification.

[0021] Also ,before The recorded sound environment information and the changed sound environment information may be information indicating the degree of leakage of the information included in the sound from the virtual sound source to the measurement point divided into a plurality of classes.

[0022] According to the above configuration, the degree of leakage of the information included in the sound from the virtual sound source can be easily grasped and evaluated by classification.

[0023]

[0024]

[0025] Also, it is preferable that the sound pressure level of the virtual sound source can be changed.

[0026] According to the above configuration, it becomes possible to evaluate the sound environment when the sound pressure level of the sound from the virtual sound source is changed.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0027] [Figure 1] It is a diagram illustrating the partition of an office. [Figure 2] It is a diagram illustrating the configuration of walls, ceilings, doors, etc. in an office. [Figure 3] It is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a sound environment evaluation device. [Figure 4] It is a diagram illustrating the flow of a sound environment evaluation method. [Figure 5] It is a diagram illustrating the flow of a sound environment evaluation method. [Figure 6] It is a diagram illustrating the output sound environment information.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0028] The sound environment evaluation method will be described below with reference to the drawings. The sound environment evaluation method of this embodiment is a method for evaluating the sound environment of an indoor space, taking into account background noise, and is performed by a sound environment evaluation device (computer). Each step of the sound environment evaluation method may be performed by the same device, or by multiple devices.

[0029] Office buildings and tenant buildings are leased out as multiple offices (equivalent to interior spaces). The tenant of an office divides the leased office into spaces of a predetermined shape and size for use.

[0030] As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the office is divided into various spaces such as office space 2, conference room 3, and president's office 4. Each space is separated by walls 6, and doors 7 are provided in the walls 6 as needed. The office has a ceiling 9, on which various alarms 11, lighting, sprinklers, etc. are installed. Various wiring 13 and piping are installed in the space between the upper floor slab 12 (floor) and the ceiling 9, and the alarms 11, lighting, sprinklers, etc. are connected to the wiring 13 and piping.

[0031] When a meeting is held in Conference Room 3, the speaker's voice leaks into the adjacent Conference Room 3 and Office Space 2. Whether or not the meaning of the leaked voice can be heard depends on the ambient noise. In the sound environment evaluation method of this embodiment, in order to evaluate the sound environment taking such ambient noise into consideration, sound environment information indicating the sound environment and modified sound environment information are output. Specifically, the sound environment evaluation method comprises the following steps.

[0032] (1) A step of inputting structural information into a computer that shows at least the shape of the interior space and the form of the partition walls. (2) A step of setting a virtual sound source inside the interior space and inputting it into the computer. (3) A step of inputting background noise information into the computer that shows the background noise inside the interior space. (4) A step of causing the computer to output sound environment information that shows the sound environment inside the interior space based on the structural information, virtual sound source, and background noise information. (5) A step of inputting background noise change information into the computer that specifies the content of the change in background noise. (6) A step of causing the computer to output modified sound environment information that shows the sound environment inside the interior space after the change in background noise based on the structural information, virtual sound source, background noise information, and background noise change information.

[0033] In step (1), structural information of the interior space to be evaluated is input into the computer. Structural information includes at least information that shows the shape of the interior space and the form of the partitions, such as the floor plan of the interior space and information that shows the size, height, thickness, sound insulation performance, etc. of partitions such as wall 6, door 7, ceiling 9, etc.

[0034] In step (2), the virtual sound source is set up and input into the computer. The virtual sound source is a model of a speaker's voice as heard in a meeting, etc., and its position, volume (sound pressure level), etc., are set and input.

[0035] In step (3), background noise information, which indicates the background noise level inside the room, is input into the computer. For example, background noise information is information that indicates the magnitude (sound pressure level) of the background noise.

[0036] Ambient noise in a typical office is below 40 dB, and in recent years, due to improvements in building structure performance, it can be as low as 30 dB. Ideally, ambient noise in an office environment is around 45 dB, and the Architectural Institute of Japan standard sets the maximum at 50 dB. 55 dB is just barely acceptable, but anything above 60 dB is unsuitable for an office environment. Thus, various sound pressure levels can be considered as ambient noise in an indoor space, but in this embodiment, by inputting ambient noise information, it is possible to evaluate the sound environment while considering ambient noise.

[0037] Ambient noise can also be artificially generated using an ambient noise generator. In this case, a sound source that does not bother people in the room even when constantly present is used. For example, air conditioning operation noise, music, and natural sounds (birdsong, babbling brook, wind, rustling leaves, etc.) can be used as ambient noise. The input ambient noise information may include such types of ambient noise. Alternatively, the input ambient noise information may be an audio file or similar that represents the ambient noise itself.

[0038] Ambient noise levels vary depending on the room's shape and purpose. For example, the ambient noise level will be higher in office space 2, where people are constantly present, while it will be lower in conference room 3, which is an enclosed space. To reflect this in the evaluation, ambient noise information may be entered for each space.

[0039] The input background noise information may include the location and sound pressure level of background noise generators installed in the room, the location, size, type, and sound absorption performance of sound-absorbing materials, etc.

[0040] In step (4), the sound environment is calculated based on the input structural information, virtual sound source, and background noise information, and sound environment information is output. The sound environment information makes it possible to evaluate the sound environment of an indoor space, taking background noise into consideration. The sound environment information is, for example, information that shows the difference between the loudness of the sound from the virtual sound source at a measurement point set inside the indoor space and the loudness of the background noise at the measurement point. If the background noise at the measurement point is louder than the sound from the virtual sound source at the measurement point, the sound from the virtual sound source becomes difficult to hear due to the masking effect. In other words, the magnitude of the difference shown makes it possible to evaluate to what extent the content of the sound from the virtual sound source at the measurement point becomes difficult to hear due to the background noise.

[0041] This difference (the difference between the loudness of the voice from the virtual sound source and the loudness of the background noise; hereafter referred to as the "S / N ratio") may be shown in multiple classes. For example, a S / N ratio of less than -22 dB is designated as class "1st". In class "1st", the voice is almost inaudible at the measurement point, and the speech intelligibility is less than 1% (according to the "Architectural Institute of Japan Environmental Standard AIJES-S0003-2021 Evaluation Criteria and Design Guidelines for Speech Privacy - Prevention of Information Leakage by Voice -"; the same applies hereafter).

[0042] Class "2nd" is defined as having a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) between -22dB and -13dB. In Class "2nd," at the measurement point, the sound is audible, but even with focused attention, the content is almost incomprehensible, and the speech intelligibility is between 1% and 20%.

[0043] Class "3rd" is defined as a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) between -13dB and -5dB. In Class "3rd," at the measurement point, the sound is audible, but the content is almost incomprehensible unless one concentrates on the sound, and the speech intelligibility is between 20% and 80%.

[0044] A signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of -5dB or higher is classified as "unclassified." In the "unclassified" category, the content can be understood at the measurement point without having to concentrate on the speech, and the speech intelligibility is 80% or higher.

[0045] This defined classification can be said to indicate the degree to which information contained in the audio from the virtual sound source leaks to the measurement point.

[0046] The sound environment information may be presented as numerical values ​​or strings, or visually, representing the aforementioned signal-to-noise ratio and classification. For example, numerical values ​​or classifications may be shown by color differences in tables or strings, or by patterns or color differences in a map of the indoor space.

[0047] Acoustic environment information may be output for each partitioned space. For example, acoustic environment information may be output individually for office space 2, two meeting rooms 3, and the president's office 4.

[0048] The sound environment information may be presented aurally. For example, the sound environment information may include a sound that is expected to be heard at the measurement point, generated from a virtual sound source and propagating through the room space (hereinafter referred to as "expected sound"), background noise at the measurement point, and a sound obtained by mixing the expected sound and background noise (hereinafter referred to as "mixed sound"). This sound environment information may be an audio file that can be handled by a computer or the like, or it may be the sound itself emitted from the headphones 23 (described later) of the sound environment evaluation device.

[0049] In step (5), background noise change information, which specifies the details of the background noise change, is input into the computer. For example, background noise change information is information that indicates an increase or decrease in background noise, that is, a change in magnitude (sound pressure level). The background noise in a room changes due to the installation of background noise generators or sound-absorbing materials. Inputting background noise change information makes it possible to evaluate the impact on the sound environment due to the change in background noise. The input background noise change information may include the amount of increase or decrease in background noise (+5dB, -5dB, etc.). The input background noise change information may include a change in the type of background noise. The input background noise change information may include the location and sound pressure level of background noise generators installed in the room, the location, size, type, and sound absorption performance of sound-absorbing materials, etc.

[0050] In step (6), the sound environment is calculated based on the input structural information, virtual sound source, background noise information, and background noise change information, and modified sound environment information is output. The modified sound environment information has the same content as the sound environment information described above, but reflects the change in background noise. By comparing the sound environment information and the modified sound environment information, it becomes possible to evaluate the sound environment of the indoor space taking into account the change in background noise.

[0051] The modified sound environment information may be output for each partitioned space. For example, the modified sound environment information may be output individually for office space 2, the two meeting rooms 3, and the president's office 4.

[0052] When sound environment information and modified sound environment information are output in a visually recognizable format, it is preferable that the sound environment before the background noise change and the sound environment after the background noise change are output in a format that allows for comparison (for example, displayed adjacent to each other).

[0053] Even when sound environment information and modified sound environment information are output in a form that is auditorily recognizable, it is preferable that the sound environment before the background noise change and the sound environment after the background noise change are output in a form that allows for comparison. For example, it is preferable that the predicted voice, background noise, and mixed voice are output in a form that allows for comparison between the background noise before and after the change. For this reason, it is preferable that the background noise evaluation method further includes a step of causing the computer to output alternating playback information in which the mixed voice corresponding to the sound environment information and the mixed voice corresponding to the modified sound environment information are played alternately, or a step of causing the computer to output alternating playback information that allows for switching between and playing the mixed voice corresponding to the sound environment information and the mixed voice corresponding to the modified sound environment information.

[0054] Here, if the shape and structure of the interior space, such as the size, height, and soundproofing performance of walls 6 and doors 7, are changed, the sound leaking out of conference room 3 and the ambient noise levels may also change. To evaluate the changes in the sound environment due to such structural changes in the interior space, it is preferable that the sound environment evaluation method further includes the following steps.

[0055] (7) A step of inputting structural change information into a computer to identify the details of the structural change. (8) A step of having the computer output sound environment information (after structural change) that shows the sound environment of the indoor space after the structural change has been carried out, based on the structural information, virtual sound source, background noise information, and structural change information. (9) A step of having the computer output modified sound environment information (after structural change) that shows the sound environment of the indoor space after the structural change and background noise change has been carried out, based on the structural information, virtual sound source, background noise information, background noise change information, and structural change information.

[0056] In step (7), structural change information specifying the details of the structural changes to the interior space is entered into the computer. Structural changes include, for example, changes in shape including changes in the location of office partitions, changes in the scope of construction (work) such as changes in the height, location, and form of partition walls (walls 6) and extension of partition walls (walls 6) to slabs 12, changes in the form of doors 7, changes in the form of ceilings 9, addition of soundproofing building materials 15, removal of soundproofing building materials 15, and changes in the form of floors, and include at least one of these.

[0057] In step (8), the sound environment is calculated based on the input structural information, virtual sound source, background noise information, and structural modification information, and sound environment information (after structural modification) is output. This sound environment information (after structural modification) makes it possible to evaluate the sound environment taking into account the structural modification and background noise. The output sound environment information (after structural modification) is the same as the sound environment information output in step (4) described above.

[0058] In step (9), the sound environment is calculated based on the input structural information, virtual sound source, background noise information, background noise modification information, and structural modification information, and modified sound environment information (after structural modification) is output. This modified sound environment information (after structural modification) makes it possible to evaluate the sound environment considering the effects of background noise and structural modification. The output modified sound environment information (after structural modification) is the same as the sound environment information output in step (6) described above.

[0059] [Sound Environment Evaluation Device] Referring to Figure 3, the sound environment evaluation device on which the sound environment evaluation method is performed will be described.

[0060] The sound environment evaluation device comprises a control unit 18 and a storage unit 33, which are connected to a display unit 19 and an input operation unit 21. The control unit 18 is configured as a computer equipped with a processor such as a CPU, and the functional blocks provided by the control unit 18 have their functions realized when programs are executed by the processor. The control unit 18 simulates (calculates) the sound environment according to the input information and outputs the result. The storage unit 33 stores the data necessary for the calculation and the programs for realizing the functional blocks.

[0061] The display unit 19 is a display device such as an LCD panel or a display, and displays images such as diagrams showing the office configuration and layout, as well as various other information. The input operation unit 21 accepts various human operations. The display unit 19 may be a touch panel, in which case the input operation unit 21 may be operated via the display unit 19.

[0062] The control unit 18 includes, as functional blocks, a structural information input unit 25, a sound source setting unit 26, a measurement point input unit 27, an ambient noise input unit 28, a sound environment calculation unit 29, and an output control unit 31.

[0063] The structural information input unit 25 receives input of structural information 35a and structural modification information 35b. The structural information 35a and structural modification information 35b are manually input to the structural information input unit 25 via the input operation unit 21 and stored in the storage unit 33. The structural information 35a and structural modification information 35b may also be input to the structural information input unit 25 by receiving information from an external source.

[0064] The sound source setting unit 26 accepts setting input for the virtual sound source 38. The position and volume (sound pressure level) of the virtual sound source 38 are manually input to the sound source setting unit 26 via the input operation unit 21 and stored in the storage unit 33. Information related to the virtual sound source 38 may also be input to the sound source setting unit 26 by receiving information from an external source.

[0065] The measurement point input unit 27 accepts setting input for measurement points 39. The number and location of the measurement points 39 are manually input to the sound source setting unit 26 via the input operation unit 21 and stored in the storage unit 33. Information related to the measurement points 39 may also be input to the measurement point input unit 27 by receiving information from an external source.

[0066] The ambient noise input unit 28 receives ambient noise information 40a and ambient noise change information 40b. The ambient noise information 40a and ambient noise change information 40b are manually input to the ambient noise input unit 28 via the input operation unit 21 and stored in the storage unit 33. The ambient noise information 40a and ambient noise change information 40b may also be input to the structural information input unit 25 upon reception of information from an external source. The ambient noise input unit 28 may accept input of multiple ambient noise information 40a or multiple ambient noise change information 40b.

[0067] The sound environment calculation unit 29 simulates (calculates) the sound environment based on the input information. Specifically, the sound environment calculation unit 29 calculates and generates the above-mentioned sound environment information 41 and modified sound environment information 42 and stores them in the storage unit 33. The sound environment calculation unit 29 also calculates and generates the sound environment information 41 and modified sound environment information 42 after the structural change based on the input structural change information 35b and stores them in the storage unit 33. If multiple background noise information 40a (or multiple background noise change information 40b) is input, the sound environment calculation unit 29 generates and outputs multiple sound environment information 41 (modified sound environment information 42) associated with each of the multiple input background noise information 40a (background noise change information 40b).

[0068] The sound environment calculation is performed, for example, as follows: The sound environment calculation unit 29 identifies the sound propagation path from the set virtual sound source 38 to the measurement point 39 and the amount of sound attenuation due to that propagation path, based on the structural information 35a, and calculates the loudness of the sound from the virtual sound source at the measurement point. The sound environment calculation unit 29 then identifies the loudness of the background noise at the measurement point 39 based on the background noise information 40a (and background noise modification information 40b). The sound environment calculation unit 29 calculates the difference (S / N ratio) between the loudness of the sound from the virtual sound source at the measurement point and the loudness of the background noise at the measurement point, and stores this value and the class to which it belongs as sound environment information 41 (and modified sound environment information 42) in the storage unit 33. The sound environment calculation unit 29 also performs a similar calculation using the structural modification information 35b to calculate and generate the structurally modified sound environment information 41 and modified sound environment information 42, and stores them in the storage unit 33.

[0069] If the background noise information 40a and background noise modification information 40b include the location and sound pressure level of the background noise generator, the location, size, type, and sound absorption performance of the sound-absorbing material, it is preferable for the sound environment calculation unit 29 to refer to these when calculating the sound environment (for example, calculating the magnitude of the background noise at the measurement point 39).

[0070] The output control unit 31 controls the method of outputting sound environment information, which is the sound environment calculated by the sound environment calculation unit 29. For example, the output control unit 31 controls whether to output the sound environment information numerically, visually, or audibly, based on human operation received via the input operation unit 21.

[0071] [Flowchart for sound environment assessment regarding background noise] Referring to the flowchart in Figure 4, we will explain the process of sound environment evaluation regarding background noise.

[0072] First, the input operation unit 21 is operated, and structural information 35a is input to the structural information input unit 25 (step #01). The structural information input unit 25 stores the input structural information 35a in the storage unit 33. When performing sound environment evaluation, various information such as office drawings is displayed on the display unit 19. Various information such as structural information 35a may be input using the input operation unit 21 and the display unit 19, etc., while referring to the information displayed on the display unit 19.

[0073] Next, the input operation unit 21 is operated, and the settings for the virtual sound source 38 are input to the sound source setting unit 26 (step #02). For example, the position of the virtual sound source 38 and the volume (sound pressure level) of the sound source 38 are input using the input operation unit 21 and the display unit 19, etc., while referring to the information displayed on the display unit 19 (such as a map of the room space). The sound source setting unit 26 stores the input settings for the virtual sound source 38 in the storage unit 33.

[0074] Next, the input operation unit 21 is operated, and ambient noise information 40a is input to the ambient noise input unit 28 (step #04). For example, the magnitude of ambient noise in each room (each space), the location and sound pressure level of the ambient noise generators to be installed, etc., are input using the input operation unit 21 and the display unit 19, while referring to the information displayed on the display unit 19 (such as a map of the indoor space). The sound source setting unit 26 stores the input ambient noise information 40a in the storage unit 33.

[0075] Next, the input operation unit 21 is operated, and the settings for the measurement point 39 are input to the measurement point input unit 27 (step #04). For example, the location of the measurement point 39 is input using the input operation unit 21 and the display unit 19, etc., while referring to the information displayed on the display unit 19 (such as a map of the indoor space). The measurement point input unit 27 stores the input settings for the measurement point 39 in the storage unit 33.

[0076] Next, the sound environment calculation unit 29 calculates the sound environment based on the structural information 35a, the settings of the virtual sound source 38, the settings of the measurement point 39, and the background noise information 40a stored in the memory unit 33, generates sound environment information 41, and stores it in the memory unit 33 (step #05).

[0077] Next, the output control unit 31 outputs sound environment information 41 (step #06). The manner in which the sound environment information 41 is output is controlled based on the human operation received via the input operation unit 21. For example, the sound environment information 41 is output in numerical, visual, or auditory form, or a combination thereof. The output may be displayed on the display unit 19, played back from the headphones 23 (audio output device), or transmitted to an external source of the sound environment evaluation device.

[0078] Next, the input operation unit 21 is operated, and ambient noise change information 40b is input to the ambient noise input unit 28 (step #07). For example, the magnitude of the ambient noise in each room (each space) after the change, the location and sound pressure level of the ambient noise generator to be installed, etc., are input using the input operation unit 21 and the display unit 19, etc., while referring to the information displayed on the display unit 19 (such as a map of the indoor space). The sound source setting unit 26 stores the input ambient noise change information 40b in the storage unit 33.

[0079] Next, the sound environment calculation unit 29 calculates the sound environment based on the structural information 35a, the settings of the virtual sound source 38, the settings of the measurement point 39, the background noise information 40a, and the background noise change information 40b stored in the storage unit 33, generates modified sound environment information 42, and stores it in the storage unit 33 (step #08).

[0080] Next, the output control unit 31 outputs the modified sound environment information 42 (step #09). The manner in which the modified sound environment information 42 is output is controlled based on the human operation received via the input operation unit 21. For example, the modified sound environment information 42 is output in numerical, visual, or auditory form, or a combination thereof. The output may be displayed on the display unit 19, played back from the headphones 23 (audio output device), or transmitted to an external sound environment evaluation device. The modified sound environment information 42 may also be output in a form that allows for comparison between the original sound environment information 41 and the modified sound environment information 42.

[0081] [Flowchart for sound environment evaluation regarding structural changes] Referring to the flowchart in Figure 5, we will explain the flow of sound environment evaluation considering structural changes. This sound environment evaluation can be performed additionally following the flow in Figure 4.

[0082] The input operation unit 21 is operated, and structural change information 35b is input to the structural information input unit 25 (step #11). The structural information input unit 25 stores the input structural change information 35b in the storage unit 33.

[0083] Next, the sound environment calculation unit 29 calculates the sound environment of the room after the structural change based on the structural information 35a, structural change information 35b, virtual sound source 38 settings, measurement point 39 settings, and background noise information 40a stored in the storage unit 33, generates sound environment information 41 after the structural change, and stores it in the storage unit 33 (step #12).

[0084] Next, the output control unit 31 outputs sound environment information 41 after the structural modification (step #13). The manner in which the sound environment information 41 after the structural modification is output is controlled in the same manner as in step #06 described above.

[0085] Next, the sound environment calculation unit 29 calculates the sound environment after the structural and background noise changes based on the structural information 35a, structural change information 35b, virtual sound source 38 settings, measurement point 39 settings, background noise information 40a, and background noise change information 40b stored in the storage unit 33, generates modified sound environment information 42 after the structural change, and stores it in the storage unit 33 (step #14).

[0086] Next, the output control unit 31 outputs modified sound environment information 42 after the structural modification (step #15). The manner in which the modified sound environment information 42 is output is controlled in the same manner as in step #09 described above.

[0087] [Examples of sound environment information] Referring to Figure 6, examples of the output sound environment information 41 and the modified sound environment information 42 will be explained. Figure 6 shows examples of information that are visually represented in the output image.

[0088] On the left side of the output image, a floor plan of the office is displayed, showing office space 2, two meeting rooms 3, and the president's office 4. It is indicated that a virtual sound source 38 is located in the left meeting room 3. The sound pressure level of the sound from the virtual sound source 38 is shown in a contour plot. It is indicated that a measurement point 39a is located in the right meeting room 3, and that measurement points 39b and 39c are located in office space 2. It is indicated that an ambient noise generator 40c is located in office space 2. The above information is based on the input structural information 35a, the settings for the virtual sound source 38 and measurement points 39, and the ambient noise information 40a, and is reflected in the output image showing the sound environment information 41 and the modified sound environment information 42.

[0089] To the right of the output image are three tables showing sound environment information 41 and modified sound environment information 42, which represent the sound environment at measurement points 39a, 39b, and 39c (measurement points (1) to (3) in the tables).

[0090] Let's explain the table in the lower right (sound environment at measurement point (1)). The fifth row (bottom row) shows the sound pressure level (31.8 dB) of the sound reaching measurement point 39a from the virtual sound source 38 in the adjacent room. Clicking the icon on the far right (speaker shape) will play the expected sound at measurement point 39a (the sound that reached measurement point 39a from the virtual sound source 38).

[0091] The second line shows the sound environment when the background noise is 30 dB. The signal-to-noise ratio (the difference between the loudness of the voice from the virtual sound source 38 and the loudness of the background noise) is 1.8 dB, so it is classified as "unclassified". Clicking the icon on the far right (speaker shape) will play the mixed sound (the sound obtained by mixing the expected voice and the background noise) at measurement point 39a. These sound environments are based on the input background noise information 40a and correspond to the sound environment information 41.

[0092] The third line shows the sound environment (modified 1) when the background noise is changed to 40dB, and the fourth line shows the sound environment (modified 2) when the background noise is changed to 50dB. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is -8.2dB and -18.2dB, and the classes are "3rd" and "2nd". This information indicates that increasing the background noise will decrease the SNR, making it more difficult to hear the audio from conference room 3 on the left. Clicking the icon on the far right (speaker shape) will play the mixed audio for background noise levels of 40dB and 50dB. These sound environments are based on the input background noise change information 40b and correspond to the modified sound environment information 42.

[0093] Detailed explanations of the other tables corresponding to measurement points 39b and 39c are omitted as they contain similar information. In this way, the output image shows the indoor space and the positions corresponding to the measurement points, indicating the sound environment of the measurement points. The output image may be configured to accept a measurement point selection operation, and the mixed audio at the selected measurement point may be output (played).

[0094] [Other embodiments] Other embodiments will be described below. In the following description, the same aspects as those described in the embodiments above will be omitted.

[0095] In the above embodiment, the sound environment evaluation method comprises steps (1) to (9), and the processing flow in Figure 4 and the processing flow in Figure 5 are executed. Steps (7) to (9) and the processing flow in Figure 5 may be omitted. That is, inputs, calculations, outputs, etc., related to structural changes may not be performed.

[0096] In the above embodiment, the setting input for measurement point 39 is performed in the processing flow shown in Figure 4. It is also possible to have an embodiment in which no input is performed for measurement point 39. For example, the sound environment (sound propagation state from virtual sound source, sound pressure level distribution, signal-to-noise ratio, etc.) may be calculated over the entire indoor space, and sound environment information 41 and modified sound environment information 42 may be output.

[0097] The sound pressure level of the virtual sound source 38 may be changeable. For example, sound environment information 41 and modified sound environment information 42 may be generated and output for a virtual sound source 38 with a certain sound pressure level, and the modified sound pressure level of the virtual sound source 38 may be input, and sound environment information 41 and modified sound environment information 42 may be generated and output for the input modified sound pressure level.

[0098] [Variation] In the above embodiment, background noise information 40a and background noise modification information 40b are input to the sound environment evaluation device, and sound environment information 41 and modified sound environment information 42 are output. It is also possible to omit the input of background noise modification information 40b and the output of modified sound environment information 42. That is, steps (5) to (6) above may be omitted, and steps #07 to #09 of the flowchart in Figure 4 may be omitted. With such a sound environment evaluation method, it is possible to evaluate the sound environment taking into account the input background noise information 40a. The remaining configurations and processing may be the same as in the above embodiment. For example, the sound environment of an indoor space may be evaluated for one type of background noise, and the sound environment information 41 may be output visually and audibly. Also, the sound environment information 41 may be output for one type of background noise both before and after the structural modification. [Industrial applicability]

[0099] This invention can be applied to the evaluation of the sound environment in indoor spaces. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0100] 18: Control Unit (Computer) 19:Display section 21: Input operation section 25: Structural Information Input Section 26: Sound Source Settings Section 27: Measurement point input section 28: Ambient noise input section 29:Sound environment calculation section 31: Output control unit 33: Storage section 35a: Structure information 38: Virtual sound source 39: Measurement point 40a: Background noise information 40b: Background noise change information 41:Sound environment information 42: Modified sound environment information

Claims

1. A sound environment evaluation method for evaluating the sound environment of an indoor space, A step of inputting structural information indicating at least the shape of the interior space and the form of the partition wall into a computer, The process of setting up a virtual sound source inside the aforementioned indoor space and inputting it into the computer, The process of inputting background noise information indicating the background noise inside the aforementioned indoor space into the computer, A step of causing the computer to output sound environment information indicating the sound environment in the indoor space based on the structural information, the virtual sound source, and the background noise information, A step of inputting background noise change information, which specifies the details of the change in background noise, into the computer, A sound environment evaluation method comprising the step of causing the computer to output modified sound environment information, which indicates the sound environment in the indoor space after the modification of the background noise, based on the structural information, the virtual sound source, the background noise information, and the background noise modification information.

2. The sound environment evaluation method according to claim 1, wherein the background noise change information includes an increase or decrease in background noise.

3. The sound environment evaluation method according to claim 1, wherein the background noise modification information includes the location of the background noise generator and the magnitude of the background noise generated by the background noise generator.

4. The aforementioned interior space includes a plurality of partitioned spaces, The sound environment evaluation method according to claim 1, wherein the background noise information and the background noise modification information are input for each space.

5. The aforementioned interior space includes a plurality of partitioned spaces, The sound environment evaluation method according to claim 1, wherein the sound environment information and the modified sound environment information are output for each space.

6. The process further includes setting a measurement point inside the aforementioned indoor space and inputting the result into the computer, The sound environment evaluation method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the sound environment information and the modified sound environment information are information indicating the difference between the loudness of the sound from the virtual sound source at the measurement point and the loudness of the background noise at the measurement point.

7. The sound environment evaluation method according to claim 6, wherein the sound environment information and the modified sound environment information are information that shows the difference divided into multiple classes.

8. The process further includes setting a measurement point inside the aforementioned indoor space and inputting the result into the computer, The sound environment evaluation method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the sound environment information and the modified sound environment information are information that shows the degree of leakage of information contained in the sound from the virtual sound source to the measurement point, divided into a plurality of classes.

9. Multiple pieces of background noise modification information can be input. The sound environment evaluation method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the modified sound environment information is output in association with the background noise modification information for each input background noise modification information.

10. The sound environment evaluation method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the sound pressure level of the virtual sound source can be changed.

Images