Public address device, public address system, and monitoring method

Abstract

It accurately detects audio output problems from other stations. [Solution] A sound amplification device is provided, comprising: an audio processing unit that controls the output of a predetermined sound; and a speaker that outputs the predetermined sound based on the control by the audio processing unit, wherein the audio processing unit determines whether or not another sound amplification device outputs the predetermined sound based on the predetermined sound to be output by the speaker and the sound detected from the speaker.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a loudspeaker device, a loudspeaker system, and a monitoring method. [Background Art]

[0002] Loudspeaker systems that output predetermined audio, such as disaster prevention radio systems used in local governments, have become widespread. Further, technologies related to monitoring output audio have been developed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for monitoring the sound quality of audio output from a loudspeaker device. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2010-093514 [Summary of the Invention] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] However, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 is for the loudspeaker device to monitor the sound quality of audio output by itself (the local station), and does not monitor the sound quality of audio output by another loudspeaker device (another station). For this reason, with the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is difficult to detect the fact that a loudspeaker device has gone down when such a failure occurs.

[0005] Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved loudspeaker device, loudspeaker system, and monitoring method capable of detecting abnormalities in the audio output of another station with high accuracy. [Means for Solving the Problems]

[0006] To solve the above problems, according to one aspect of the present invention, a public address system is provided which comprises an audio processing unit that controls the output of a predetermined sound, and a speaker that outputs the predetermined sound based on the control by the audio processing unit, wherein the audio processing unit determines whether or not another public address system outputs the predetermined sound based on the predetermined sound to be output by the speaker and the sound detected from the speaker.

[0007] The audio processing unit may perform correlation peak detection between the predetermined audio signal to be output to the speaker and the audio signal detected from the speaker, and determine whether or not the predetermined audio is output by another sound amplification device.

[0008] The aforementioned audio processing unit may determine whether or not the predetermined sound is output by another sound amplification device based on the level of the sound detected from the speaker and the amount of delay between the sound detected from the speaker and the predetermined sound output by the speaker.

[0009] The aforementioned audio processing unit may use a classifier generated by machine learning to determine whether or not the predetermined audio is output by another sound amplifier.

[0010] The loudspeaker device comprises a plurality of speakers, and the audio processing unit may determine whether or not a predetermined sound is output by another loudspeaker device based on a plurality of sound signals detected from each of the plurality of speakers.

[0011] The public address system may further include a detection amplifier that detects a signal from the speaker, amplifies the signal, and outputs it to the audio processing unit.

[0012] The aforementioned specified audio may include disaster prevention information.

[0013] Furthermore, in order to solve the above problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is a sound reinforcement system comprising a plurality of sound reinforcement devices, each of which comprises an audio processing unit that controls the output of a predetermined sound, and a speaker that outputs the predetermined sound based on the control by the audio processing unit, wherein the audio processing unit determines whether or not the predetermined sound is output by the other sound reinforcement devices based on the predetermined sound to be output by the speaker and the sound detected from the speaker.

[0014] Furthermore, in order to solve the above problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, a monitoring method for a public address system is provided, which includes controlling the output of a predetermined sound from a speaker provided by the public address system, and determining whether or not another public address system outputs the predetermined sound based on the predetermined sound to be output from the speaker and the sound detected from the speaker. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] As explained above, the present invention makes it possible to detect malfunctions in the audio output of other stations with high accuracy. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] This diagram illustrates an example configuration of a public address system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the configuration of the loudspeaker 10 according to the same embodiment. [Figure 3] This flowchart shows an example of the operation flow of the loudspeaker 10 according to the same embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. In this specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0018] Furthermore, in the present specification and drawings, when a plurality of identical types of configurations are described while being distinguished from one another, an alphabet or the like may be added to the end of a reference numeral. On the other hand, when there is no need to distinguish between a plurality of identical types of configurations, the above-mentioned alphabet or the like may be omitted, and a description common to all of the plurality of identical types of configurations may be given.

[0019] <1. Embodiment> First, a configuration example of a sound reinforcement system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of the sound reinforcement system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, the sound reinforcement system 1 according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of loudspeaking devices 10. Each of the loudspeaking devices 10 outputs a predetermined sound at a predetermined timing based on a radio signal received from a master station (not shown).

[0021] The sound reinforcement system 1 according to the present embodiment may be, for example, a disaster prevention radio system used in local governments such as municipalities.

[0022] Although FIG. 1 illustrates a case where the sound reinforcement system 1 includes six loudspeaking devices 10A to 10F, the number of loudspeaking devices 10 included in the sound reinforcement system 1 is not limited to this example.

[0023] The number of loudspeaking devices 10 included in the sound reinforcement system 1 and the positional relationship therebetween are appropriately designed according to the size, shape, and the like of an area where a predetermined sound is output (broadcast).

[0024] In a system including a plurality of loudspeaking devices 10 like the sound reinforcement system 1, when it is intended to detect a failure in sound output of each of the loudspeaking devices 10, for example, as described in Patent Document 1, a method in which each of the loudspeaking devices 10 monitors the output sound of its own station is also conceivable.

[0025] However, the above method cannot detect situations where the station's own functions are down. Therefore, it becomes difficult for the base station to quickly identify malfunctions in other stations.

[0026] The technical concept of this invention was conceived by focusing on the points mentioned above, and enables each of the multiple loudspeakers 10 to accurately detect malfunctions in the audio output of other stations (other loudspeakers 10).

[0027] In other words, each of the loudspeakers 10 according to this embodiment performs mutual monitoring as shown in Figure 1. Furthermore, if each of the loudspeakers 10 according to this embodiment detects a malfunction in the audio output of another station, it notifies the master station (not shown) of this fact.

[0028] According to the monitoring method described above, even if one station goes down, other stations can detect this fact and notify the main station, allowing the main station to quickly grasp the problem at that station.

[0029] The configuration example of the loudspeaker 10 according to this embodiment will be described in detail below. Figure 2 is a diagram showing the configuration example of the loudspeaker 10 according to this embodiment.

[0030] As shown in Figure 2, the public address system 10 according to this embodiment may include a transceiver 110, an antenna 120, an audio processing unit 130, an output amplifier 140, a speaker 150, and a detection amplifier 160, etc.

[0031] Furthermore, the public address system 10 according to this embodiment may include a plurality of output amplifiers 140, a plurality of speakers 150, and a plurality of detection amplifiers 160.

[0032] Figure 2 illustrates a case where the public address system 10 includes two output amplifiers 140A and 140B, two speakers 150A and 150B, and two detection amplifiers 160A and 160B. However, the number of output amplifiers 140, speakers 150, and detection amplifiers 160 is not limited to this example.

[0033] (Transmitter / receiver 110, antenna 120) The transceiver 110 and antenna 120 according to this embodiment perform wireless communication with a base station. The transceiver 110 and antenna 120 according to this embodiment are connected by a coaxial cable.

[0034] The radio signal received by the antenna 120 is demodulated using the RF (Radio Frequency) technology by the receiving circuit of the transceiver 110, and the demodulated electrical signal is output to the audio processing unit 130.

[0035] The radio signal received by antenna 120 includes information specifying a predetermined voice to be output and the timing of the output of the predetermined voice.

[0036] The specified audio mentioned above may be, for example, audio such as disaster prevention information or administrative information.

[0037] Furthermore, the information to be notified to the master station is RF modulated by the transmission circuit of the transceiver 110 and output as a wireless signal by the antenna 120.

[0038] The information notified to the master station includes information regarding audio output problems at other stations. More specifically, the information notified to the master station may include information indicating that a problem has been detected, information detailing the problem (e.g., no audio output, low audio level, high latency, etc.), and information to identify the other station that detected the problem.

[0039] (Speech processing unit 130) In this embodiment, the audio processing unit 130 controls the output of a predetermined sound from the speaker 150. The audio processing unit 130 decodes the electrical signal input from the transceiver 110 into an audio signal.

[0040] Furthermore, one of the features of the audio processing unit 130 according to this embodiment is that it determines whether or not a predetermined sound is output by another public address device 10, based on a predetermined sound to be output by the speaker 150 and the sound detected from the speaker 150.

[0041] The functions of the audio processing unit 130 according to this embodiment are realized through the cooperation of various processors and memory. Details of the functions of the audio processing unit 130 according to this embodiment will be described later.

[0042] (Output amplifier 140) In this embodiment, the output amplifier 140 amplifies the audio signal decoded by the audio processing unit 130 and transmits it to the speaker 150.

[0043] (Speaker 150) The speaker 150 according to this embodiment outputs a predetermined sound based on control by the audio processing unit 130.

[0044] Generally, speakers have the characteristic of converting received sound into electrical signals. One of the features of the speaker 150 in this embodiment is that it utilizes the above characteristic and operates as a microphone that detects a predetermined sound 50 output by another station.

[0045] Furthermore, the speaker 150 according to this embodiment may have directionality.

[0046] (Detection amplifier 160) The detection amplifier 160 according to this embodiment detects an electrical signal from the speaker 150. The detection amplifier 160 also amplifies the detected electrical signal and outputs it to the audio processing unit 130.

[0047] Normally, the electrical signal converted from sound by a speaker is weak. Therefore, by amplifying this signal with the detection amplifier 160, it is expected that the accuracy of the judgment by the sound processing unit 130 will be improved.

[0048] However, the loudspeaker 10 according to this embodiment does not necessarily need to include a detection amplifier 160. The audio processing unit 130 may perform a determination, as described later, based on an unamplified electrical signal. In this case, the loudspeaker 10 may have a configuration that detects an electrical signal from the speaker 150 instead of the detection amplifier 160.

[0049] The configuration example of the loudspeaker 10 according to this embodiment has been described above. Next, the operation flow of the loudspeaker 10 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation flow of the loudspeaker 10 according to this embodiment.

[0050] Figure 3 illustrates an example in which each of the multiple sound-emitting devices 10 provided by the sound-emitting system 1 simultaneously outputs a predetermined sound at the same time based on a wireless signal received from the master station.

[0051] In the example shown in Figure 3, the audio processing unit 130 causes the speaker 150 to output a predetermined sound (S101).

[0052] Next, the audio processing unit 130 records the electrical signal (audio waveform) related to the predetermined audio output to the speaker 150 in step S101 (S102).

[0053] In step S101, speaker 150 converts a predetermined sound output by another public address system 10 (another station) at the same timing as its own station into an electrical signal (S103).

[0054] The detection amplifier 160 amplifies the electrical signal converted in step S103 and outputs it to the audio processing unit 130 (S104).

[0055] Next, the audio processing unit 130 performs processes such as correlation peak detection and measurement of audio level and delay amount (S105).

[0056] Specifically, the audio processing unit 130 performs correlation peak detection between the electrical signal recorded in step S102 and the electrical signal input in step S104.

[0057] Based on the results of the correlation peak detection, the audio processing unit 130 determines whether the electrical signal recorded in step S102 and the electrical signal input in step S104 are electrical signals relating to the same predetermined audio.

[0058] Furthermore, the audio processing unit 130 measures the audio level of the electrical signal input in step S104.

[0059] The audio processing unit 130 can estimate the distance to the sound source, the direction of arrival, etc., based on the measured sound level.

[0060] Furthermore, the audio processing unit 130 measures the delay amount related to both electrical signals, that is, the predetermined delay amount of audio output by its own station and the other station, based on, for example, the recording time of the electrical signal recorded in step S102 and the input time of the electrical signal input in step S104.

[0061] The audio processing unit 130 can estimate the distance to the sound source, the direction of arrival, etc., based on the measured delay amount.

[0062] Furthermore, if the public address system 10 is equipped with multiple speakers 150, the audio processing unit 130 performs the processing in step S105 for each speaker 150.

[0063] Next, the audio processing unit 130 determines, based on the results of the processing in step S105, whether or not all other stations being monitored have outputted a predetermined audio signal (S106).

[0064] For example, the audio processing unit 130 can determine whether a certain other station has outputted a predetermined audio signal by detecting correlation peaks.

[0065] Furthermore, the audio processing unit 130 can identify other stations that have outputted a predetermined audio based on the audio level and delay amount. In this case, the audio processing unit 130 may refer to information stored in advance regarding the positional relationship between its own station and other stations.

[0066] The audio processing unit 130 terminates processing when it determines that all other stations being monitored have outputted a predetermined audio signal (S106: YES).

[0067] On the other hand, if the audio processing unit 130 determines that any of the other stations being monitored is not outputting a predetermined audio signal (S106: NO), it controls the system to send a notification to the master station (S107).

[0068] As mentioned above, the information notified to the base station may include information indicating that a malfunction has been detected, information detailing the malfunction (for example, no audio output, low audio level, high latency, etc.), and information to identify other stations that have detected the malfunction.

[0069] The above describes an example of the operation flow of the public address system 10 according to this embodiment. According to the operation described above, it is possible to detect malfunctions in the audio output of other stations with high accuracy.

[0070] Furthermore, the public address system 10 according to this embodiment can detect malfunctions in other stations without significantly changing the conventional configuration, making it possible to implement it at low cost.

[0071] The operation flow of the loudspeaker 10 according to this embodiment is not limited to the example described above.

[0072] For example, the above example illustrates a case where multiple loudspeakers 10 simultaneously output a predetermined sound at the same time. However, as mentioned above, it is also conceivable that the timing of outputting the predetermined sound may differ among the loudspeakers 10.

[0073] In this case, the audio processing unit 130 may perform a determination that takes into account the output timing of each of the multiple loudspeakers 10. The information regarding the output timing of each of the multiple loudspeakers 10 only needs to be included in the radio signal received from the base station.

[0074] In this case, the audio processing unit 130 may also make a determination based on the audio signal to be output to the speaker 150 at a future output timing.

[0075] Furthermore, the audio processing unit 130 according to this embodiment may, in place of or in addition to the processing in steps S105 and S106, use a determination unit generated by machine learning to determine whether or not a predetermined sound is output by another sound amplifier 10.

[0076] In this case, the determination device may, for example, take the electrical signal recorded in step S102 and the electrical signal input in step S104 as inputs and output an estimated result of whether or not a predetermined voice output is present from another station. Such a determination device can be generated by general supervised learning.

[0077] <2. Conclusion> As described above, the public address system 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises an audio processing unit 130 that controls the output of a predetermined sound, and a speaker 150 that outputs a predetermined sound based on the control by the audio processing unit 130. Furthermore, one of the features of the audio processing unit 130 according to one embodiment of the present invention is that it determines whether or not a predetermined sound is output by another public address system 10 based on a predetermined sound to be output by the speaker 150 and a sound detected from the speaker 150.

[0078] With the configuration described above, it becomes possible to detect malfunctions in the audio output of other stations with high accuracy.

[0079] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the attached drawings, the present invention is not limited to these examples. It is clear to any person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs that various modifications or alterations can be conceived within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims, and these are also understood to fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0080] For example, the above describes using speaker 150 to detect the output audio from other stations. On the other hand, the public address system 10 may also be equipped with a microphone separate from speaker 150, and this microphone may be used to detect the output audio from other stations.

[0081] Furthermore, for example, the public address system 1 may further include a master station in addition to the multiple public address devices 10. In this case, the master station may integrate the judgment results received from each of the slave stations and make a final judgment regarding the presence or absence of malfunctions in each of the slave stations.

[0082] Furthermore, each step of the process described in this disclosure does not necessarily have to be processed chronologically in the order shown in the flowchart or sequence diagram. For example, each step of the process for each device may be processed in an order different from the order described, or may be processed in parallel.

[0083] Furthermore, the series of processes performed by each device described in this disclosure may be implemented by a program stored in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. Each program is, for example, loaded into RAM when executed by a computer and executed by a processor such as a CPU. The storage medium is, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or flash memory. Alternatively, the program may be distributed without using a storage medium, for example, via a network. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0084] 1. Public address system 10. Public address system 110 Transmitter / Receiver 120 Antenna 130 Audio Processing Unit 140 Output Amplifier 150 speakers 160 detection amplifier

Claims

1. It is a loudspeaker, A sound processing unit that controls the output of a predetermined sound, A speaker that outputs the predetermined sound based on the control of the audio processing unit, Equipped with, The audio processing unit determines whether or not the predetermined sound is output by another sound amplification device, based on the predetermined sound to be output by the speaker and the sound detected from the speaker. Loudspeaker.

2. The audio processing unit performs correlation peak detection between the predetermined audio signal to be output to the speaker and the audio signal detected from the speaker, and determines whether or not the predetermined audio is output by another sound amplification device. The loudspeaker according to claim 1.

3. The audio processing unit determines whether or not the predetermined sound is output by another sound amplification device based on the level of the sound detected from the speaker and the amount of delay between the sound detected from the speaker and the predetermined sound output by the speaker. The loudspeaker according to claim 1.

4. The aforementioned audio processing unit uses a classifier generated by machine learning to determine whether or not the predetermined sound is output by another loudspeaker. The loudspeaker according to claim 1.

5. Equipped with multiple of the aforementioned speakers, The audio processing unit determines whether or not the predetermined audio is output by another sound amplification device based on the multiple audio signals detected from each of the multiple speakers. The loudspeaker according to claim 1.

6. A detection amplifier that detects a signal from the speaker, amplifies the signal, and outputs it to the audio processing unit. Furthermore, The loudspeaker according to claim 1.

7. The aforementioned specified audio includes disaster prevention information. The loudspeaker according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A loudspeaker system comprising multiple loudspeaker devices, Each of the multiple public address systems is, A sound processing unit that controls the output of a predetermined sound, A speaker that outputs the predetermined sound based on the control of the audio processing unit, Equipped with, The audio processing unit determines whether or not the predetermined sound is output by another sound amplification device, based on the predetermined sound to be output by the speaker and the sound detected from the speaker. Public address system.

9. A method for monitoring a loudspeaker, Controlling the output of a predetermined sound from the speaker equipped in the public address system, Based on the predetermined sound output to the speaker and the sound detected from the speaker, it is determined whether or not the predetermined sound is output by another sound amplification device. including, Monitoring method.

Images