Sound output device

Abstract

It can appropriately handle changes in the angle of the speaker itself. [Solution] The sound output device 100 includes a speaker device 1 which includes a speaker body 3, legs 6, an installation angle setting unit 5 provided between the speaker body 3 and the legs 6 and capable of changing the installation angle of the speaker body 3 relative to the legs 6, and a detection unit 14 capable of detecting changes in the angle of the speaker body 3, and a control unit 21 of a terminal device 2 which acts as a control device that controls the output state from the speaker body 3 according to the detection result of the detection unit 14.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sound output device.

Background Art

[0002] Various sound output devices have been conventionally known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a headrest speaker built into a seat headrest, which is capable of dividing the output sound from the speaker and arbitrarily varying the sound emission direction.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, while a headrest speaker as described in Patent Document 1 will not have its angle changed unintentionally, when speakers are individually arranged and used near a bedside or the like, the angle of the speaker may be changed unintentionally due to contact with a hand or bedding. Patent Document 1 does not consider how to cope with such an angle change.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the circumstances described above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a sound output device that can appropriately respond when the angle of a speaker main body is changed.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the aforementioned problems, one embodiment of the sound output device according to the present invention includes a speaker device comprising: a speaker body; legs; an installation angle setting unit provided between the speaker body and the legs and capable of changing the installation angle of the speaker body relative to the legs; and a detection unit capable of detecting changes in the angle of the speaker body; and a control device that controls the output state from the speaker body according to the detection result of the detection unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, the effect is that it is possible to appropriately respond when the angle of the speaker body is changed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing the main components of a sound output device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This block diagram shows the control configuration of the main components of the speaker device that constitutes the sound output device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This block diagram shows the control configuration of the main components of the terminal device that constitutes the sound output device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the main external configuration of the speaker device of the sound output device. [Figure 5] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the direction of sound (sound wave) output when sound is emitted from the sound-emitting surface and sound-emitting opening of the speaker device shown. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram illustrating a sleeping position with the speaker devices of the sound output device according to the embodiment positioned on either side of the pillow. [Figure 7] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating how the sound pressure level is measured when the speaker equipment is placed in the configuration shown. [Figure 8] This is an explanatory diagram showing the speaker unit set at a predetermined angle. [Figure 9] This graph shows the relationship between the angle between the speaker body and its legs and the detected sound pressure level. [Figure 10]This is a schematic side view showing the speaker body folded so that it overlaps with the legs, when there is a switch on the installation angle setting section. [Figure 11] This is a schematic side view showing the speaker body set to a predetermined angle, when there is a switch on the installation angle setting section. [Figure 12] This is a schematic side view showing the speaker body tilted slightly beyond a predetermined angle, when there is a switch on the installation angle setting section. [Figure 13] This is a schematic side view showing the state in which the speaker unit is tilted to a position where it is almost aligned with the legs, and the speaker device is turned OFF, when there is a switch on the installation angle setting section. [Figure 14] This is a schematic perspective view of the main components of a modified speaker device. [Figure 15] This is a schematic perspective view of the main parts showing a modified version of the speaker device, illustrating the state in which the support frame and legs are stacked and bundled together from the state shown in Figure 14. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] An embodiment of the sound output device according to the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 13. In this embodiment, the sound output device 100 includes a speaker device 1 and a control device. In the example shown in Figure 1, a terminal device 2 is provided as a separate device from the speaker device 1, and this terminal device 2 functions as a control device. However, the configuration of the sound output device 100 is not limited to the illustrated example. For example, the control device may be provided inside the speaker device 1. As shown in Figure 1, the sound output device 100 of this embodiment includes a plurality of speaker devices 1 and is configured to allow these plurality of speaker devices 1 to work together to produce an output. For example, the speaker devices 1 of this embodiment are assumed to be used by placing one on each side of the bedside, as shown in Figure 6. In the following description, each direction is the orientation shown in Figure 4, "up" and "down" refer to the up and down directions in the height direction of the speaker device 1, and "front" and "back" refer to the front and back directions in the depth direction of the speaker device 1. It is assumed that the sound (sound waves) emitted from the speaker device 1 spreads forward. Furthermore, "left" and "right" refer to the left and right sides in the width direction of the speaker device 1. While the embodiments described below include various technically preferable limitations for carrying out the present invention, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and illustrated examples.

[0010] As shown in Figure 4, each speaker device 1 includes a speaker body 3, a support frame 4 that supports the speaker body 3, an installation angle setting section 5 which is a hinge that can change the angle of the speaker body 3 (the installation angle relative to the installation surface such as the floor), and a leg portion 6 connected to the support frame 4 via the installation angle setting section 5. In this embodiment, the speaker device 1 is also provided with a deformable cushion member 7 that covers substantially the entire speaker body 3, support frame 4, installation angle setting section 5, and leg portion 6. Various general materials can be used for the cushion member 7. Of the cushion member 7, it is preferable to use a material with high sound transmittance for the portion provided on the sound-emitting side (reproduction side, hereinafter the sound-emitting side surface is referred to as the "sound-emitting surface 31") of the speaker body 3. Furthermore, it is preferable to use a material with high sound absorption, such as soft cotton or elastomer, for the portion of the cushion member 7 provided on the rear side (back side) of the speaker device 1. Of the cushioning members 7, a portion on the rear side of the speaker device 1 may be made thinner and more easily crushed by hollowing out the inside. Since the speaker body 3, support frame 4, installation angle setting section 5, and legs 6 are all covered with cushioning members 7, the impact can be mitigated by the cushioning members 7 even if the user's hands or feet accidentally bump into the speaker device 1. In addition, as shown by the arrow in Figure 4 in this embodiment, the speaker body 3 rotates toward the legs 6 with the installation angle setting section 5 as an axis together with the support frame 4. Therefore, even if one bumps into the speaker device 1, it will not hurt and injuries can be avoided.

[0011] In this embodiment, the speaker body 3 included in the speaker device 1 is a planar diaphragm type speaker and constitutes the playback unit 13 (see Figure 2) of the speaker device 1. More specifically, the speaker body 3 is a full-surface driven surface wave speaker in which a diaphragm (not shown) that generates surface waves (sound waves from a surface sound source) is provided over the entire surface. Due to full-surface driving, partial vibration of the diaphragm is less likely to occur, enabling clear, high-quality sound output with less distortion. Planar diaphragm type speakers have the characteristic of being particularly excellent in terms of acoustic characteristics at relatively high frequencies. The speaker body 3 is formed in the shape of a relatively thin plate and is supported by a support frame 4. When supported by the support frame 4, the speaker body 3 and the support frame 4 are approximately parallel. In addition to the speaker body 3, the playback unit 13 includes, for example, an amplifier (not shown), and amplifies the sound signal as appropriate and outputs it to the speaker body 3, causing sound to be emitted from the speaker body 3. A speaker net 71 (a so-called speaker grille) is provided on the sound-emitting side (front side, front of the device) of the speaker body 3 to protect the sound-emitting surface 31 of the speaker body 3. The speaker net 71 is, for example, a fine mesh fabric that protects the sound-emitting surface 31 of the speaker body 3 from dust, scratches, moisture, etc. Also, passing the sound through the speaker net 71 improves the balance of the sound, contributing to sound quality management.

[0012] In the embodiment, the support frame 4 is formed of, for example, a metal such as stainless steel or aluminum, or various relatively hard resins. The support frame 4 of the embodiment is a frame-shaped member formed to have substantially the same size as the outer shape of the speaker main body 3. The support frame 4 is connected to the speaker main body 3 by a method such as screwing, and supports the speaker main body 3. Further, the support frame 4 is connected to the leg portion 6 via the installation angle setting portion 5. Similarly to the support frame 4, the leg portion 6 is also a frame-shaped member formed of, for example, a metal such as stainless steel or aluminum, or various relatively hard resins. The leg portion 6 is provided substantially parallel to the placement surface (such as a floor surface) of the speaker device 1, and is disposed rearward of the speaker main body relative to the installation angle setting portion 5 which is the connection point with the support frame 4. The support frame 4 is configured such that the angle formed with respect to the leg portion 6 about the installation angle setting portion 5 can be adjusted. The support frame 4 and the leg portion 6 may be plate-shaped members, but are preferably formed in a frame shape in order to make the entire speaker device 1 as lightweight as possible. The material forming the support frame 4, the leg portion 6 and the like is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of reducing the weight of the entire speaker device 1, the support frame 4, the leg portion 6 and the like are preferably formed of relatively lightweight materials such as aluminum and various resins. Further, the shapes and sizes of the support frame 4 and the leg portion are not limited to the illustrated examples.

[0013] The speaker device 1 further includes a detection unit 14 that detects a change in inclination of the support frame 4, and by extension, the speaker main body 3 supported by the support frame 4, relative to the leg portion 6. In the embodiment, the detection unit 14 is an angle detection unit provided, for example, at an upper portion of the support frame 4 or a side portion near the upper portion. As the detection unit 14, for example, an acceleration sensor that measures gravitational acceleration or the like is used. Specifically, for example, the detection unit includes a piezoelectric element inside, and detects a change in angle using the output of electric charge from the piezoelectric element. The detection unit 14 may be any unit capable of measuring a change in inclination of the speaker main body 3 with the direction of gravity as a reference, and various sensors other than the acceleration sensor may be applied.

[0014] The installation angle setting unit 5 is interposed between the support frame 4 and the legs 6, and allows the angle between the support frame 4 and the legs 6 of the speaker body 3 supported by the support frame 4 to be changed. As will be described later, the speaker body 3 is at an angle of about 50 degrees with respect to the legs 6 (the floor surface on which the legs 6 are placed) to achieve excellent sound pressure and acoustic levels for the sound reaching the user in front of the speaker device 1. Specifically, when the speaker body 3 is positioned at an angle (installation angle) of 50 to 90 degrees with respect to the floor surface on which the legs 6 are placed, the sound emitted from the speaker body 3 reaches the ears of the user in front of the speaker device 1 with almost no attenuation in terms of sound pressure level (see Figure 9). Furthermore, when the support frame 4 supporting the speaker body 3 is at an angle θ of 50 degrees with respect to the legs 6 (as shown by the solid line in Figure 8), the vertical height from the legs 6 to the free end of the support frame 4 is lower compared to, for example, when the speaker body 3 (support frame 4) is at an angle θ of 90 degrees with respect to the legs 6 (as shown by the dashed line in Figure 8), which is advantageous in terms of the placement of the speaker device 1. For this reason, the installation angle setting unit 5 in the embodiment, as shown in Figure 8, has as its basic state (initial state) a state in which the support frame 4, which is almost parallel to the speaker body 3, is at an angle θ of approximately 50 degrees with respect to the legs 6. In order for the installation angle setting unit 5 and the legs 6 to support the speaker body 3, it is preferable that the installation angle setting unit 5 is equipped with a stopper mechanism to prevent the support frame 4 from rotating counterclockwise (counterclockwise in Figure 8) to an angle greater than a predetermined angle (for example, an angle greater than 90 degrees) than the angle θ with respect to the legs 6 of 50 degrees.

[0015] Furthermore, when a force pushing rearward is applied to the speaker main body 3 and the support frame 4 from the front side (the sound emission surface 31 side of the speaker main body 3), the speaker main body 3 and the support frame 4 gently rotate around the installation angle setting portion 5 toward the side overlapping with the leg portion 6. That is, when an external force or impact is applied, if the support frame 4 attempts to maintain the basic state at an angle of about 50 degrees relative to the leg portion 6, the installation angle setting portion 5 may be damaged, or the support frame 4 may be broken or bent. On the other hand, if the speaker main body 3 falls vigorously rearward (toward the leg portion 6 side), the speaker main body 3 may be damaged by the impact. For this reason, it is preferable that the speaker main body 3 and the support frame 4 are configured to gently fall (rotate) in a stepless manner. When the speaker main body 3 and the support frame 4 fall, the cushion member 7 is also crushed accordingly, and when the impact applied to the speaker main body 3 and the like ceases, the cushion member 7 supports the speaker main body 3 and the support frame 4 from the rear. Note that the installation angle setting portion 5 may have a configuration that is locked at a plurality of stages of angles.

[0016] Furthermore, the cushion member 7 provided in the speaker device 1 is formed with sound emission openings 72. The number and arrangement of the sound emission openings 72 are not particularly limited, but in the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, one opening is provided at a substantially central portion in the left-right direction at the upper part of the cushion member 7, and one opening is provided at each of both side portions. The sound emission openings 72 emit sounds (sound waves) having phases opposite to each other, and the sound emission openings 72 are preferably provided at positions located rearward of the speaker main body 3. As shown in FIG. 5, when sound (sound wave) α is output forward from the sound emission surface 31 of the speaker main body 3, sound (sound wave) β is also emitted from the rear of the speaker device 1, but the sound emitted rearward is absorbed (sound-absorbed) to some extent by the cushion member 7. In addition, the sounds (sound waves) γ emitted from the left and right sound emission openings 72 cancel each other out, so that even when the sounds (sound waves) γ are emitted, almost no sound is audible to the outside or the sound is in a state of being difficult to hear. Thereby, a configuration can be achieved in which the sound is audible to the user located on the front side (the sound emission surface 31 side) of the speaker device 1, but almost no sound leaks to surrounding people.

[0017] In addition, as shown in Figure 2, the speaker device 1 includes a control unit 11 and a storage unit 12. The control unit 11 is a computer that includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (not shown), ROM (Read Only Memory), and RAM (Random Access Memory), and controls each part of the speaker device 1 by having the CPU load programs stored in the ROM into the RAM's working area. The storage unit 12 in this embodiment stores, for example, various sound source data. The speaker device 1 also includes a communication unit 15, which enables the transmission and reception of various signals with terminal devices 2, etc. The communication unit 15 is composed of, for example, an antenna chip, and enables the transmission and reception of signals with terminal devices 2 via wireless communication based on short-range wireless communication standards such as Bluetooth® or Wi-Fi. Note that communication with terminal devices 2, etc. is not limited to the above methods. For example, it may be done via various network lines such as the Internet, or it may be done via a wired connection, not limited to wireless communication. Each component of the speaker device 1, including the control unit 11, storage unit 12, playback unit 13, detection unit 14, and communication unit 15, is connected to the bus 17, allowing them to exchange data with each other as needed.

[0018] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the terminal device 2 constituting the sound output device 100 functions as a control device that controls the output state from the speaker body 3 according to the detection result of the detection unit 14. The terminal device 2 is, for example, a portable terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet. However, the terminal device 2 is not particularly limited as long as it is capable of communicating with the speaker device 1, and may be, for example, a notebook or stationary personal computer. The terminal device 2 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, an operation unit 23, a display unit 24, a communication unit 25, etc., and each of these units is connected to the bus 27 so that they can exchange data with each other as appropriate.

[0019] As shown in Figure 3, the control unit 21 of the terminal device 2 is a computer that controls the terminal device 2 itself and the speaker device 1 with which the terminal device 2 interacts by deploying programs stored in ROM or the like into the RAM's working area using the CPU. In addition, the storage unit 22 of this embodiment stores system programs and the like (not shown), as well as a speaker control application program (referred to as "speaker control AP" in Figure 3) 221 related to the control of the speaker device 1. Various controls related to the speaker device 1 are performed in cooperation with the control unit 21 and programs such as the speaker control AP 221. The storage unit 22 also stores various sound source data 222, etc. The sound source data 222 may be in the form of analog signals or digital signals.

[0020] The operation unit 23 is capable of performing various inputs and settings in response to user operations, and when the operation unit 23 is operated, an input signal corresponding to that operation is transmitted to the control unit 21. In this embodiment, a touch panel may be integrally provided on the surface of the display unit 24. In this case, various inputs and settings can also be performed by the user touching the touch panel. The operation unit 23 that performs various inputs and settings is not limited to being a touch panel. For example, various operation buttons, a keyboard, a pointing device, etc., may be provided as the operation unit 23.

[0021] The display unit 24 includes a display screen 241, which is composed of, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an EL (Electro Luminescence) display, and displays various information according to the display information instructed by the control unit 21. A touch panel may be integrally formed on the display screen 241, in which case the touch panel functions as an operation unit. That is, the display unit 24 detects user touch operations on operation buttons, etc., displayed on the display unit 24, and the detected touch position, etc., is output to the control unit 21 as operation information and received by the control unit 21.

[0022] The communication unit 15 is equipped with a wireless communication module or the like that can communicate with the communication unit 15 of the speaker device 1. The communication unit 25 can be any device that can communicate with the speaker device 1, and one that conforms to the communication standard of the communication unit 15 of the speaker device 1 is applicable. Communication with the speaker device 1 is not limited to wireless communication and may be performed by wired connection. In this embodiment, the communication unit 15 is capable of transmitting sound source data, etc., to the speaker device 1. The communication unit 15 also receives detection results, etc., from the detection unit 14 when they are transmitted from the speaker device 1. The communication unit 25 may also communicate via various network lines, such as the Internet. In this case, the sound source data may be obtained from an external device, etc., via the network line.

[0023] In this embodiment, when the control unit 21 of the terminal device 2, which is a control device, receives the detection result from the detection unit 14 from the speaker device 1, it controls the output setting from the speaker body 3 to switch according to the detection result from the detection unit 14. The amount of sound (sound wave) output adjustment set by the control unit 21 in response to the detection result from the detection unit 14 is transmitted to the control unit 11 of the speaker device 1, and the control unit 11 implements it by controlling the playback unit 13, etc. A specific example of control by the control unit 21 will be described later.

[0024] Next, the operation of the sound output device 100 in this embodiment will be described. For example, when using the sound output device 100 according to this embodiment to listen to music or readings while lying down, or to view ASMR (autonomous sensory meridian response), as shown in Figure 6, for example, speaker devices 1 are placed on both sides of the pillow where the user is sleeping. The speaker device 1 placed on the left is set to output for the left, and the speaker device 1 placed on the right is set to output for the right. This allows for stereo playback of sound from both the left and right, enabling the user to sleep with a feeling of being surrounded by sound. In this embodiment, various settings and controls for each speaker device 1 are realized through the cooperation of the control unit 21 of the terminal device 2 and the speaker control AP. When listening to music, etc. using the sound output device 100, the user first activates the speaker control AP on the terminal device 2. When the speaker control AP is activated, a screen based on the speaker control AP is displayed on the display unit 24, and the user can instruct and operate various settings and start playback of music, etc. from this screen. When various instructions are input by the user, the control unit 21 receives the input instructions and appropriately instructs the control unit 11 of each speaker device 1 to start playing music, etc.

[0025] When listening to music or other audio, a user may unintentionally touch the speaker device 1, causing the angle of the speaker body 3 to change from its basic state (where the angle between the speaker body 3, supported by the support frame 4, and the legs 6 is approximately 50 degrees). Even if a hand or foot bumps into the speaker device 1, in this embodiment, since almost the entire speaker device 1 is covered by the cushioning member 7, or because the speaker body 3 rotates towards the legs 6, the hand or foot will not feel pain or get injured. The angle that the speaker body 3, supported by the support frame 4, makes with respect to the legs 6 is detected at all times by the detection unit 14, and the detection result is sent to the control unit 21 of the terminal device 2, which acts as a control device. The control unit 21 controls the output setting from the speaker body 3 to switch according to the detection result from the detection unit 14.

[0026] The user may pre-configure how to handle changes in the angle of the speaker unit 3. If pre-configuration is in place, the control unit 21 will perform control settings corresponding to the detection results of the detection unit 14, according to the user's settings. Possible patterns for the settings include the following: One pattern is to set the speaker unit 3 to output zero (turn off the output) if the angle of the speaker unit 3 changes even slightly, assuming the user has fallen asleep. In this case, if the detection result of the detection unit 14 indicates that the angle of the speaker unit 3 has changed from 50 degrees, the control unit 21 instructs the control unit 11 of the speaker device 1 to turn off the output from the speaker unit 3. The user's settings may also include a certain threshold. For example, the settings may be configured to turn off the output of the speaker unit 3 when the angle of the speaker unit 3 changes by 10 degrees or more. In this case, if the detection result of the detection unit 14 indicates that the angle of the speaker body 3 is less than 40 degrees, the control unit 21 instructs the control unit 11 of the speaker device 1 to reduce the output from the speaker body 3 to zero.

[0027] In the speaker device 1 of this embodiment, when the angle between the speaker body 3 and the leg portion 6 becomes 0 degrees, it may be due to accidental tipping over, but it can also be considered that the user intentionally folded the support frame 4 and the leg portion 6 so that they overlap. Since the speaker body 3 of this embodiment is relatively thin and formed in a flat shape, in this state, it is possible to listen to the speaker device 1 with the pillow placed underneath. For this reason, when the detection result of the detection unit 14 determines that the angle has become 0 degrees, the volume of a specific frequency band output from the speaker body may be adjusted so that it can be heard clearly when placed under a pillow. Specifically, for example, the EQ (equalizer) setting may be changed to one that emphasizes sounds in frequency bands that are easily absorbed by the cushioning material 7 or pillow (for example, relatively high-frequency sounds). When the angle between the speaker body 3 and the legs 6 becomes 0 degrees, the user may pre-configure whether the control unit 21 turns off the output from the speaker body 3 (turns the output to zero) or changes the EQ (equalizer) setting to a mode where music can be continuously listened to while the speaker is placed under a pillow. The type of control performed when no specific setting is made can be configured as part of the specifications, for example.

[0028] Another possible pattern is to adjust the volume (sound pressure level of the sound output from the speaker body 3) according to the amount of change in the angle (installation angle) of the speaker body 3, for example, if the user changes the angle, in order to balance the sound heard from the left and right. In other words, if the angle of only one of the speaker devices 1 arranged on the left and right is changed by touching or tipping it over, a difference in how the sound is heard will occur between the speaker device 1 on the side whose angle has not been changed and the speaker device 1 on the other side, making it difficult to listen to music comfortably. Therefore, if such a setting is made, when the detection unit 14 detects a change in the tilt of the speaker body 3 relative to the leg 6, the control unit 21 corrects the output loss according to the detection result of the detection unit 14 and outputs from the speaker body 3 of the speaker device 1.

[0029] Figure 9 shows the measurement results when a user is lying on a pillow of a typical size, as shown in Figure 6, and listening to music, and the measuring instrument MD is placed at approximately the same position as the user, as shown in Figure 7. The measurement conditions are as follows: The graph in Figure 9 shows the results of measuring the relationship between the angle of the speaker body 3 relative to the legs 6 and the sound pressure level (dB) reaching the ear, with the left and right speaker devices 1 (speaker devices 1R, 1L) placed with a distance of approximately 65 cm between them, a wall W of a room etc. located approximately 15 cm above (up in Figure 7) the line L passing through the approximate center in the width direction (left-right direction of the devices), and the measuring instrument MD placed approximately 15 cm below (down in Figure 7) the line L. Note that even if the conditions are slightly changed, the measurement results shown in Figure 9 will not change significantly. For example, if the same measurement is performed in a place where there is no wall W of a room etc. near the speaker device 1, measurement results with a nearly identical trend can be obtained.

[0030] As shown in Figure 9, when the angle θ of the speaker body 3 with respect to the legs 6 (the angle between the speaker body 3 and the legs 6) is between 90 and 50 degrees, there is almost no change in the sound pressure level (dB) that reaches the ear. That is, when the angle is 90 degrees, the sound pressure level is about 67.5 dB, while when the angle is 50 degrees, the sound pressure level is about 66.7 dB, showing no significant change (indicated as "small change" in Figure 9). In contrast, the sound pressure level, which was about 66.7 dB when the angle was 50 degrees, drops to about 65.1 dB when the angle is 40 degrees, and to about 63.3 dB when the angle is 30 degrees, clearly decreasing as the angle decreases (indicated as "medium change" in Figure 9). Furthermore, when the angle is 20 degrees, the sound pressure level is approximately 59.1 dB, and when the angle is 10 degrees, the sound pressure level is approximately 52.6 dB. When the angle reaches 0 degrees, the sound pressure level drops significantly to approximately 45.0 dB (indicated as "Large Change" in Figure 9).

[0031] The control unit 21 then corrects the output loss corresponding to the tilt of the speaker body 3, based on how much the speaker body 3 has tilted from the basic state (initial state) where the angle between the speaker body 3 and the leg 6 is approximately 50 degrees, and outputs the corrected sound source data to the speaker device 1. For example, if the tilt in the basic state (initial state) is set to 50 degrees, and the tilt of the speaker body 3 of only the speaker device 1 located on the right side is changed to 30 degrees, the control unit 11 of speaker device 1 (1R) is instructed to output the output of speaker device 1 (1R) located on the right side at (66.7 / 63.3) times the original output. This balances the sound pressure level with the left speaker device 1 (1L), whose tilt has not changed. Note that the method for balancing the sound pressure levels of the left and right speaker devices 1 (speaker devices 1R, 1L) is not limited to this. For example, the output of speaker device 1 (1L) located on the left side may be multiplied by (63.3 / 66.7) to match the sound pressure level of speaker device 1 (1R) located on the right side. Also, if the tilt of one speaker device 1 (speaker device 1R or 1L) changes too drastically and it is determined that adjusting the output will not be sufficient to compensate, the control unit 21 may instruct the control unit 11 of each speaker device 1 to set the output from the speaker body 3 of both the left and right speaker devices 1 (speaker devices 1R, 1L) to zero (turn off the output).

[0032] Furthermore, even without prior user settings, the control unit 21 may correct the output loss according to the tilt of the speaker body 3 from the basic state (initial state) where the angle between the speaker body 3 and the leg 6 is approximately 50 degrees, and output the corrected sound source data to the speaker device 1. Also, if the tilt is larger than the allowable range, the control unit 21 may instruct the control unit 11 of each speaker device 1 to set the output from the speaker body 3 of both the left and right speaker devices 1 (speaker devices 1R, 1L) to zero (turn off the output). Moreover, the correction of output loss by the control unit 21 according to the tilt of the speaker body 3 is not limited to being performed linearly as described above. For example, the control unit 21 may determine which level of slope change the detection result from the detection unit 14 corresponds to in Figure 9, namely "large change," "medium change," or "small change." For example, if the change falls within the "small change" range, no output adjustment may be made. If the change falls within the "large change" range, the output from the speaker bodies 3 of the left and right speaker devices 1 (speaker devices 1R and 1L) may be set to zero (output turned OFF). If the change falls within the "medium change" range, a uniform output adjustment, such as 10%, may be applied.

[0033] Furthermore, the detection unit 14 provided in the speaker device 1 is not limited to an acceleration sensor or the like provided on the upper part or side near the upper part of the support frame 4. For example, as shown in Figures 10 to 13, a mechanical switch or the like that detects contact with the installation angle setting unit 5a may be provided as the detection unit 14a. That is, for example, as shown in Figure 11, a sensor or switch that detects pressure may be provided inside the installation angle setting unit 5a. Note that Figures 10 to 13 are schematic diagrams for explaining the configuration, and for the sake of explanation, Figure 11, etc., shows the installation angle setting unit 5a in particular in an enlarged view. When the detection unit 14a is not pressed in (when the angle between the support frame 4a (speaker body 3 supported by the support frame 4a) and the leg portion 6a is large), the control unit 21, which receives the detection result from the detection unit 14a, determines that the inclination of the support frame 4a relative to the leg portion 6a is greater than a predetermined value. In this case, as shown in Figure 11, the output from the speaker body 3a is turned ON as usual. Also, if the support frame 4a (speaker body 3 supported by the support frame 4a) is pushed down in a direction that brings it closer to (overlapsing with) the legs 6a, such as when a hand touches the support frame 4a, the detection unit 14a is also pushed down.

[0034] Upon receiving the detection result from the detection unit 14a, the control unit 21 determines that the angle formed by the support frame 4a (speaker body 3) with respect to the legs 6a is within an acceptable range for listening to sound, and maintains the output from the speaker body 3a ON until the amount of pressure applied to the detection unit 14a reaches a certain level (see Figure 12). On the other hand, when the amount of pressure applied to the detection unit 14a exceeds a certain level, the control unit 21 determines that the angle formed by the support frame 4a (speaker body 3) with respect to the legs 6a has become more than an acceptable range for listening to sound, and turns the output from the speaker body 3a OFF (see Figure 13). In this case as well, the control unit 21 may correct the output loss according to the detection result (amount of pressure applied) detected by the detection unit 14a, and output sound from the speaker body 3 of the speaker device 1 at an adjusted sound pressure level that takes the loss into account. Furthermore, even if the support frame 4a (speaker body 3) is only slightly tilted (for example, as shown in Figure 12), the control unit 21 may determine that the user is not listening to sound (has entered a sleep state) and turn off the output from the speaker body 3a.

[0035] Even when the detection unit 14a is a switch type, if the angle between the speaker body 3 and the leg portion 6 of the speaker device 1a becomes 0 degrees, the control unit 21 may determine that the user is intentionally folding the support frame 4 and the leg portion 6 so that they overlap, and intending to listen to the speaker device 1 under a pillow. In this case, the control unit 21 may change the EQ (equalizer) settings to, for example, a setting that emphasizes relatively high-frequency sounds so that the sound can be heard clearly when the speaker is placed under a pillow. Furthermore, even when the detection unit 14a is a switch type, the user may pre-configure what actions to take in response to the detection result.

[0036] In this way, the control unit 21 controls the output from the speaker body 3 according to the detection result of the detection unit 14, so that it can respond according to the status (such as tilt) of the speaker body 3 of the speaker device 1 (speaker devices 1R, 1L). If the output is not turned off, a well-balanced sound is output from the left and right speaker devices 1 (speaker devices 1R, 1L), allowing the user to comfortably continue listening to music, etc.

[0037] As described above, according to this embodiment, the sound output device 100 includes a speaker device 1 comprising a planar diaphragm type speaker body 3, a support frame 4 that supports the speaker body 3, an installation angle setting unit 5 that can change the angle (installation angle) of the speaker body 3, legs 6 connected to the support frame 4 via the installation angle setting unit 5, and a detection unit 14 that can detect changes in the angle of the speaker body 6, and a terminal device 2 that acts as a control device to control the output state from the speaker body 3 according to the detection result of the detection unit 14. This makes it possible to configure the speaker body 3 and the speaker device 1 equipped therewith in a compact form. For this reason, it can be placed in relatively narrow spaces such as beside a bed when sleeping, and music can be enjoyed easily. In addition, in this embodiment, the output state from the speaker body 3 can be changed when a change in the angle of the speaker body 3 is detected. Therefore, for example, if the speaker device 1 is set to turn off when the angle changes, then if the user falls asleep while listening to music and accidentally knocks over speaker device 1, the output from speaker device 1 will be automatically stopped, eliminating the need for the user to operate a switch. In addition, various controls for speaker device 1 can be triggered by changes in the angle of the speaker body 3.

[0038] Furthermore, if the detection unit 14a in the embodiment is provided in the installation angle setting unit 5a and detects whether the angle between the support frame 4a and the leg portion 6a is less than or equal to a certain angle, the control unit 21 of the terminal device 2, which is a control device, may control the output state so as to turn OFF the output from the speaker body 3a when the detection unit 14a detects that the angle is less than or equal to a certain angle. In this case, the detection unit 14a can be a simple configuration such as a switch or sensor that detects contact or pressure. Even with such a simple configuration, various controls of the speaker device 1 can be made triggered by the angle change of the speaker body 3.

[0039] Furthermore, if the detection unit 14 in the embodiment is an angle detection sensor such as an acceleration sensor provided on the speaker body 3 or support frame 4 to detect changes in the tilt of the speaker body 3 relative to the legs 6, the control unit 21 of the terminal device 2, which is the control device, controls the output setting from the speaker body to switch according to the detection result of the detection unit 14. In this case, the angle change of the speaker body 3 can be captured more precisely and accurately than in the case of a mechanical switch. For this reason, for example, when the detection unit 14 detects a change in the tilt of the speaker body 3 relative to the legs 6, the control unit 21 of the terminal device 2, which is the control device, may correct the output loss according to the detection result of the detection unit 14 and output sound from the speaker body 3. That is, for example, it is possible to output sound from the speaker body 3 that has been corrected for the loss due to tilt, corresponding to the relationship between the angle of the speaker body 3 relative to the legs 6 and the sound pressure level (dB) that reaches the ear, as shown in Figure 9. This makes it possible to adjust the output so that the way the sound is heard from the left and right remains the same even if the angle of some of the speakers changes while listening to music or other audio using multiple speaker devices 1, thereby delivering a well-balanced sound to the user.

[0040] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 21 of the terminal device 2, which is a control device, may adjust the volume of a specific frequency band output from the speaker body 3 according to the detection result of the detection unit 14. For example, if it can be determined that the speaker device 1 is folded and placed under a pillow to listen to music, such as when the angle between the support frame 4a and the leg portion 6a is 0 degrees, the EQ settings may be adjusted so that clear sound can be heard even through the pillow or cushion member 7. This allows music to be listened to with good sound quality and acoustics even when placed under a pillow, and the advantages of the speaker device 1 in this embodiment, where the speaker body 3 is thin, can be utilized to enjoy music.

[0041] Furthermore, as shown in the embodiment, when multiple speaker devices 1 are operated in coordination, if the detection unit 14 detects a change in the angle of the speaker body 3 in some speaker devices 1 (for example, speaker device 1R located to the user's right), the control unit 21 of the terminal device 2, which is a control device, may control the system to switch the output setting from the speaker body 3 of the other speaker devices 1 (for example, speaker device 1L located to the user's left) according to the detection result of the detection unit 14. This allows the balance of sounds heard from the left and right to be adjusted even if some speaker devices 1 (for example, speaker device 1R located to the user's right) are accidentally tilted, allowing the user to continue listening to music comfortably. In addition, if the angle of the speaker body 3 of some speaker devices 1 is changed, it may be possible to set all of the linked speaker devices 1 to be turned OFF. This allows all sound output to be stopped if the user falls asleep and does not want to continue listening to music.

[0042] Furthermore, the speaker device 1 may be provided with a deformable cushioning member that covers part or all of the speaker body 3, support frame 4, and legs 6. The speaker device 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a deformable cushioning member 7 that covers the entire speaker body 3, support frame 4, and legs 6. This ensures that it does not feel uncomfortable even when placed next to a pillow, and prevents pain and injury if hands, head, legs, etc., bump into the speaker device 1 while sleeping.

[0043] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and can be modified in various ways without departing from its essence. For example, in the above embodiment, a case was illustrated in which substantially the entire speaker device 1 constituting the sound output device 100 is covered by the cushioning member 7, but the speaker device 1 is not limited to one in which the entire device is covered by the cushioning member 7. For example, as shown in Figure 14, the cushioning member 7b may be provided so as to cover the speaker body 3b and the support frame 4b, and all or part of the legs 6b and the installation angle setting part 5b may be exposed to the outside of the cushioning member 7b.

[0044] In this case, when the speaker body 3b and support frame 4b are folded so that they overlap with the legs 6b, the cushioning member 7b sandwiched between the speaker body 3b and support frame 4b and the legs 6b is thin, and as shown in Figure 15, it is possible to fold it more thinly and compactly compared to when the entire device is covered by the cushioning member 7. In this case, the effect of absorbing sound coming from the rear of the device by the cushioning member 7b cannot be expected to be very significant, but if the speaker device 1b is used without much concern about sound leakage to the surroundings, it can be used even more compactly. For example, when folded and placed under a pillow to listen to music, it can be made almost unnoticeable. It is also advantageous in terms of storage and carrying the speaker device 1b. Even when the entire speaker device 1b is not covered by the cushioning member, as shown in Figures 14 and 15, the speaker body 3b and support frame 4b, which are the front parts of the speaker device 1b that are likely to be bumped by the user's hands or head, are covered by the cushioning member 7b. Therefore, the risk of injury when bumped can be avoided.

[0045] Furthermore, if the entire structure is designed to be compactly foldable, as shown in Figure 15, when folded, the speaker body 3b, support frame 4b, and legs 6b may be secured together by, for example, using a clip 8 to fasten the overlapping parts. Note that the configuration for securing the speaker body 3b, support frame 4b, and legs 6b together is not limited to the illustrated example. For example, they may be secured using a rubber band, a belt with a hook-and-loop fastener, a ribbon, etc. Also, even if the entire speaker device 1 is covered with a cushioning member 7, the speaker device 1 may be configured to be folded while compressing the deformable cushioning member 7, and then secured together with a clip or various bands. This configuration that allows for securing them together is convenient as it does not get in the way when storing or carrying the device. Note that the clips or bands for securing the speaker device 1 together may be integrated with the speaker device 1 by sewing them onto the cushioning member 7, or they may be provided as separate parts.

[0046] Furthermore, in the embodiment, an example was given in which speaker devices 1 (speaker device 1R positioned on the right side and speaker device 1L positioned on the left side) are positioned on the left and right sides of the user, and the sound output device 100 is configured to include two speaker devices 1. However, the number of speaker devices 1 that make up the sound output device 100 is not limited to two. For example, even more speaker devices 1 may be linked together as the speaker devices 1 that make up the sound output device 100. For example, three or more speaker devices 1 may be positioned around the user, and the output from each of these speaker bodies 3 may be controlled by the control unit 21 of the terminal device 2, which is a control device. When three or more speaker devices 1 are positioned, by setting the right-side speaker to be positioned on the right side and the left-side speaker to be positioned on the left side, stereo playback from both sides can be achieved, realizing a more immersive sound experience. In this case as well, when the detection unit 14 in some speaker devices 1 detects a change in the angle of the speaker body 3, the control unit 21 controls the system to switch the output settings from the speaker body 3 of the other speaker devices 1 according to the detection result of the detection unit 14.

[0047] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the control device constituting the sound output device 100 is exemplified as being the control unit 21 of a terminal device 2 separate from the speaker device 1. However, the control device constituting the sound output device 100 is not limited to being a separate device from the speaker device 1. For example, the control device constituting the sound output device 100 may be the control unit 11 within the speaker device 1, and the control unit 11 may control the output state from the speaker body 3 according to the detection result of the detection unit 14. When the sound output device 100 includes multiple speaker devices 1, it is preferable that when a change in tilt is detected by the detection unit 14 of one speaker device 1, the detection result is shared in the control unit 11 of the cooperating speaker device 1 (speaker device 1 constituting one sound output device 100), and the output state from the speaker body 3 of each speaker device 1 is controlled to adjust the overall sound output balance of the sound output device 100.

[0048] In this disclosure, “Embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in relation to that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The phrase “In an embodiment” appearing in various parts of this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but may do so. In this disclosure, for example, the phrase “at least one of A, B, and C” means “(A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C) or (A, B, and C)” unless otherwise specified. Also, for example, if C is plural, the phrase “at least one of A, B, and C” means “(A), (B), (at least one C), (A and B), (A and at least one C), (B and at least one C) or (A, B and at least one C)” if A is plural or B is plural. Unless otherwise specified, the phrases "or" and "or" are used to refer to non-exclusive things, such as the phrase "A or B," which means "any one of (A but not B), (B but not A), and (A and B)." In this disclosure, phrases such as “First,” “Second,” etc., are used to distinguish them from others unless otherwise specified, and do not imply any other kind of ordering (e.g., spatial, temporal, logical, etc.). Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but includes the scope of the invention as described in the claims and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0049] 1...Speaker device, 2...Terminal device (control device), 3...Speaker body, 4...Support frame, 5...Installation angle setting unit, 6...Legs, 14...Detection unit, 100...Sound output device

Claims

1. A speaker device comprising: a speaker body; legs; an installation angle setting unit provided between the speaker body and the legs, capable of changing the installation angle of the speaker body relative to the legs; and a detection unit capable of detecting changes in the angle of the speaker body. A control device that controls the output state from the speaker body according to the detection result of the detection unit, A sound output device equipped with the following features.

2. The detection unit is provided in the installation angle setting unit and detects whether the installation angle between the speaker body and the leg portion is less than or equal to a certain angle. The sound output device according to claim 1, wherein the control device controls the output state so as to turn off the output from the speaker body when the detection unit detects that the installation angle is below a certain angle.

3. The detection unit is provided on the speaker body and detects changes in the installation angle of the speaker body relative to the legs. The sound output device according to claim 1, wherein the control device controls the output setting from the speaker body according to the detection result of the detection unit.

4. The sound output device according to claim 3, wherein the control device adjusts the volume of a specific frequency band output from the speaker body according to the detection result of the detection unit.

5. When the detection unit detects a change in the tilt of the speaker body relative to the legs, The control device corrects the output loss corresponding to the detection result of the detection unit and outputs it from the speaker body. The sound output device according to claim 3.

6. When coordinating the output operation of multiple speaker devices, The sound output device according to claim 3, wherein, in some speaker devices, when the detection unit detects a change in the angle of the speaker body, the control device controls the device to switch the output setting from the speaker body of other speaker devices according to the detection result of the detection unit.

7. The sound output device according to claim 1, wherein the speaker device is provided with a deformable cushioning member that covers part or all of the speaker body and the legs.

8. The sound output device according to claim 1, wherein the entire device is foldable, and when folded, the speaker body and the legs can be locked together to form a single unit.

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