Noise Regenerator

Abstract

To provide a noise reproducing device capable of recording and reproducing external sounds. [Solution] The noise reproduction device comprises a housing to which a microphone and a speaker are attached, a recording unit that records external sounds using the microphone, a memory unit that stores recording data representing the sounds recorded by the recording unit and noise data representing the noise, and a reproduction unit that reproduces sound or noise from the speaker based on the recording data or noise data.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a noise reproduction device. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventional audio playback devices, as described in Patent Document 1 for example, output audio based on an audio signal input by a user from an external device connected wirelessly or via a wire. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2024-534222 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] It is common to use speakers to play white noise to soothe and lull babies and young children to sleep, but when using speakers for such purposes, it is easier for users to feel at ease if they can also play the voices of family members in addition to the white noise. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present disclosure can be realized in the following forms.

[0006] (1) According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a noise reproduction device. The noise reproduction device includes a housing to which a microphone and a speaker are attached, a recording unit that records external sounds using the microphone, a memory unit that stores recording data representing the sounds recorded by the recording unit and noise data representing noise, and a reproduction unit that reproduces the sounds or noises from the speaker based on the recording data or the noise data. With this form of noise reproduction device, a user can reproduce not only noise but also recorded voices of family members, which makes it easier to reassure infants and young children. (2) In the noise reproduction device of the above aspect, the housing may have a generally cylindrical shape and may include a plurality of operation buttons arranged in a row on a side surface of the housing. With this aspect of the noise reproduction device, a user can easily hold the housing in their hand and operate it. (3) In the noise reproduction device of the above aspect, the plurality of operation buttons may include a record button, and the recording unit may start recording the external sound when the record button is pressed for a predetermined time or longer, and stop recording when the record button is pressed during recording. With this noise reproduction device, the user can record any sound into the noise reproduction device with simple operations. (4) In the noise playback device of the above aspect, the playback unit may alternately play and stop the recorded data each time the record button is pressed. With this noise playback device, playback and stopping of recorded data can be executed with a few operations, so the user can instantly start playback when playback of recorded data is required and instantly stop playback when playback is no longer required. (5) In the noise playback device of the above aspect, the plurality of operation buttons may include a noise button, the storage unit may store a plurality of types of noise data, and the playback unit may switch to and play a different type of noise data each time the noise button is pressed. With this noise playback device, a user can select and play a plurality of types of noise according to the preferences of an infant or toddler. (6) The plurality of operation buttons may include a timer button, which switches the playback time setting of the playback unit each time the timer button is pressed, and the playback unit stops playing the sound or noise when the set playback time has elapsed. According to this type of noise playback device, if the playback unit is left unintentionally during playback, it automatically stops playing the sound or noise after the playback time set by the user has elapsed. An example of an unintentional leaving of playback during playback is when the user starts playback and then goes to sleep without stopping it. (7) In the noise reproduction device of the above aspect, the housing may have a first surface from which sound is emitted from the speaker, a lighting unit having a light source inside may be provided on the first surface, and the plurality of operation buttons may include a lighting button for lighting the light source. With this noise reproduction device, the user can use the light from the lighting unit to illuminate the surroundings of the noise reproduction device even when the place where the device is being used is dark. (8) In the noise reproduction device of the above aspect, the lighting unit may alternately turn on and off the light source each time the lighting button is pressed, and may change the brightness of the light source according to the length of time the lighting button is pressed when the lighting button is pressed for a predetermined period of time or longer. With this noise reproduction device, the user can set the lighting unit to any brightness, thereby preventing the user's sleep from being disturbed. (9) In the noise reproduction device of the above aspect, the housing may have a first surface through which sound is emitted from the speaker and a second surface located opposite the first surface, and the second surface may be provided with a lock switch for prohibiting operation using the operation button. With this aspect of the noise reproduction device, unintended operation can be prevented. (10) In the noise reproduction device of the above aspect, a hanging part may be further provided on a side surface of the housing, and the hanging part may have an opening / closing part near the housing that can be opened and closed to change the hanging part between a ring shape and a string shape. With this aspect of the noise reproduction device, a user can hang the device by passing a rod-shaped part such as the handrail of a bed or a stroller through the ring-shaped hanging part. (11) In the noise reproduction device of the above embodiment, the housing may be provided with a charging port on the opposite side of the hanging portion, and a battery for storing power supplied from the charging port may be housed inside the housing. With this noise reproduction device, the user can charge the device while using it while it is hanging. Furthermore, after charging is complete, the noise reproduction device can be used without being connected to a power source. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of a noise reproducing device. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a system configuration of a noise reproducing device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a side view of the +X side of the noise reproducing device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a side view of the +Z side of the noise reproducing device. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a side view of the noise reproducing device from the -X side. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the first surface side of the noise reproducing device. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the charging port side of the noise reproducing device. [Figure 8] FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the second surface side of the noise reproducing device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] A. First embodiment: FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of a noise reproduction device 10. The noise reproduction device 10 is a device that reproduces melodies, noise, and sounds. FIG. 1 shows arrows indicating mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z directions. When the noise reproduction device 10 is used in a suspended state, the X and Y directions are parallel to the horizontal plane, and the Z direction is along the vertical direction. The X, Y, and Z directions shown in FIG. 2 and subsequent figures correspond to the X, Y, and Z directions shown in FIG. 1. In the following description, when specifying a direction, positive and negative signs are used in combination to indicate the direction indicated by the arrow, with "+" indicating the positive direction and "-" indicating the negative direction opposite to the direction indicated by the arrow.

[0009] The housing 100 of the noise reproduction device 10 has a generally cylindrical shape with a thickness along the Y axis that is smaller than the diameter along the X axis. The side surfaces of the housing 100 are convexly bulged. A first surface 160, which is the bottom surface on the +Y side, is formed in a curved shape, and a second surface 161, which is the bottom surface on the -Y side opposite the first surface 160, is formed in a flat shape. The housing 100 has a plurality of operation buttons 110 lined up on the side surface, a hanging part 140, and a charging port 130. Sound from a speaker 201 is emitted from the first surface 160 of the housing 100. The charging port 130 is provided on the opposite side of the hanging part 140 in the direction along the Z axis.

[0010] The first surface 160 of the housing 100 includes a lighting unit 202 and a mesh unit 150. The lighting unit 202 is circular when viewed from the +Y side. A light source 203 is provided inside the lighting unit 202. For example, a white LED is used as the light source 203. In this embodiment, multiple light sources 203 are arranged in a circular ring shape inside the lighting unit 202. The light sources 203 are covered with a translucent lid member. The mesh unit 150 is provided in a doughnut shape so as to surround the lighting unit 202. A microphone 200 and a speaker 201 are attached inside the mesh unit 150. Fine holes are formed in the mesh unit 150 to allow sound to pass through. Therefore, sound from the speaker 201 is emitted through the mesh unit 150, and external sound is recorded by the microphone 200 through the mesh unit 150. A second surface 161 on the opposite side of the first surface 160 includes a lock switch 120.

[0011] 2 is a schematic diagram showing the system configuration of noise reproduction device 10. Noise reproduction device 10 includes a control unit 101 and a battery 102. Control unit 101 includes a CPU 103 and a storage unit 104. CPU 103 executes a predetermined program stored in storage unit 104 to function as a recording unit 105, a playback unit 106, and a light source control unit 107. These functional units may be realized by circuits.

[0012] The recording unit 105 records external sounds using the microphone 200 and generates recording data 212. The storage unit 104 stores melody data 210 representing multiple types of melodies, noise data 211 representing multiple types of noise, and the recording data 212 generated by the recording unit 105. The multiple types of noise include, for example, white noise, pink noise, the sound of a hair dryer operating, the sound of a womb, the sound of a train, the sound of rain, and birdsong. The playback unit 106 plays back one of the corresponding melody, noise, or sound from the speaker 201 based on the melody data 210, noise data 211, and recording data 212 stored in the storage unit 104. The light source control unit 107 turns on the light source 203. The light from the turned-on light source 203 passes through a translucent cover member of the lighting unit 202 facing the first surface 160 of the housing 100 and illuminates the surrounding area.

[0013] The battery 102 stores the power supplied from the charging port 130 and supplies the power to the control unit 101 and the light source 203 .

[0014] Fig. 3 is a side view of the +X side of noise reproduction device 10, Fig. 4 is a side view of the +Z side of noise reproduction device 10, and Fig. 5 is a side view of the -X side of noise reproduction device 10. Operation buttons 110 include, in this order from the +X side to the +Z side and toward the -X side, power button 111, melody button 112, noise button 113, volume button 114, light button 115, record button 116, and timer button 117. A battery indicator 220 is located on the -Z side of power button 111, a record indicator 221 is located on the -Z side of record button 116, and three timer indicators 222 are located on the -Z side of timer button 117. Each indicator lights up when the corresponding button is operated.

[0015] The control unit 101 alternately switches the noise reproduction device 10 between starting and stopping each time the power button 111 is pressed and held down for a predetermined period of time or longer. The battery indicator 220, located on the -Z side of the power button 111, lights up green when the remaining battery charge of the battery 102 is greater than a predetermined level, flashes red when the remaining charge is less than the predetermined level, and lights up red when charging. In this configuration, the decrease in the remaining battery charge of the battery 102 can be confirmed by the battery indicator 220, so charging can be started before the battery runs out.

[0016] The storage unit 104 stores multiple types of melody data 210 and multiple types of noise data 211. Each time the melody button 112 is pressed, the playback unit 106 switches to a different type of melody data 210 and plays back a different melody. Similarly, each time the noise button 113 is pressed, the playback unit 106 switches to a different type of noise data 211 and plays back a different noise.

[0017] The playback unit 106 increases or decreases the volume of the sound being played stepwise each time the volume button 114 is pressed. If the volume button 114 is pressed for a predetermined time or longer, the playback unit 106 gradually increases or decreases the volume of the sound being played stepwise according to the time the button is pressed. This allows the user to adjust the volume according to the usage environment. The minimum volume is silent. The control unit 101 notifies the user by sounding an alert when the volume reaches a predetermined maximum volume. This configuration can prevent the user from continuing to press the volume button 114 without realizing that the volume limit has been reached.

[0018] The light source control unit 107 switches the light source 203 on and off each time the light button 115 is pressed. Furthermore, if the light button 115 is pressed and held for a predetermined period of time or longer, the light source control unit 107 gradually changes the brightness of the light source 203 to either increase or decrease depending on the pressing time. If the light button 115 continues to be pressed after increasing the brightness and reaching maximum brightness, the light source control unit 107 switches the brightness to decrease. Similarly, if the light button 115 is pressed and held and reaches minimum brightness, the light source control unit 107 switches the brightness to increase.

[0019] The recording button 116 is used to operate the recording unit 105 and the playback unit 106. When the recording button 116 is pressed and held for a predetermined period of time or longer, the recording unit 105 starts recording external sounds using the microphone 200, and stops recording when the recording button 116 is pressed again during recording. The recording unit 105 stores the recorded sound data 212 in the storage unit 104. If previous sound data 212 exists when recording starts, the recording unit 105 deletes the previous sound data 212 from the storage unit 104 before starting recording. The recording indicator 221 is located on the -Z side of the recording button 116. The recording unit 105 lights the recording indicator 221 yellow while deleting the sound data 212, lights it red while recording, and turns it off when recording stops. The playback unit 106 alternately plays and stops the sound data 212 each time the recording button 116 is pressed while recording has not started.

[0020] The playback unit 106 switches the playback time setting each time the timer button 117 is pressed. The playback unit 106 gradually reduces the volume and stops playback during the last minute of the set playback time. If the lighting unit 202 is lit, the light source control unit 107 turns off the lighting unit 202 when the set playback time has elapsed and playback is stopped. Three timer indicators 222 are lined up on the -Z side of the timer button 117, and the number of indicators corresponding to the playback time set by the timer button 117 lights up in yellow.

[0021] 6 is a plan view showing the first surface 160 side of the noise reproduction device 10. A hanging part 140 is provided on the side surface on the +Z side of the housing 100. The hanging part 140 has an opening / closing part 141 with a button attached as a fastener near the housing 100. By opening and closing the opening / closing part 141, the user can change the shape of the hanging part 140 between a ring shape and a string shape.

[0022] 7 is a side view showing the charging port 130 side of the noise reproducing device 10. The charging port 130 is located on the side of the housing 100 opposite the hanging part 140. Power supplied from the charging port 130 is stored in the battery 102 housed inside the housing 100.

[0023] 8 is a plan view showing the second surface 161 side of the noise reproduction device 10. The housing 100 has a lock switch 120 on the second surface 161. More specifically, the lock switch 120 is provided in a recess formed in the second surface 161. Each time the lock switch 120 is switched, the control unit 101 alternately switches between a state in which operation by the operation button 110 is possible and a state in which operation is prohibited.

[0024] According to the first embodiment described above, the noise reproducing device 10 includes a recording unit 105 that records external sounds using the microphone 200, a storage unit 104 that stores recording data 212 representing the recorded sounds and noise data 211 representing noise, and a reproduction unit 106 that reproduces the recording data 212 and the noise data 211. Therefore, the user can reproduce not only noise such as white noise, but also the voices of family members recorded by the noise reproducing device 10, which makes it easier to reassure babies and small children.

[0025] In this embodiment, the housing 100 has a substantially cylindrical shape and includes a plurality of operation buttons 110 arranged in a row on the side surface of the housing 100. This makes it easy for the user to hold the housing 100 of the noise reproduction device 10 in their hand and operate it.

[0026] In this embodiment, operation buttons 110 on the side of housing 100 include a sound recording button 116. Sound recording unit 105 starts recording when sound recording button 116 is pressed for a predetermined period of time or longer, and stops recording when sound recording button 116 is pressed again. This allows the user to record any sound with a simple operation.

[0027] Furthermore, in this embodiment, each time the record button 116 is pressed, the playback unit 106 alternately plays and stops the sound recording data 212. Therefore, it is possible to switch between playing and stopping the sound recording data 212 with a few operations, so the user can instantly start playback when playback of the sound recording data 212 is necessary, and instantly stop playback when playback is no longer necessary.

[0028] Furthermore, in this embodiment, operation buttons 110 on the side surface of housing 100 include a melody button 112 and a noise button 113. Storage unit 104 stores multiple types of melody data 210 and multiple types of noise data 211. Each time melody button 112 is pressed, playback unit 106 switches to a different type of melody data 210 and plays a different melody. Similarly, each time noise button 113 is pressed, playback unit 106 switches to a different type of noise data 211 and plays a different noise. This allows the user to select and play multiple sounds according to the preferences of an infant or toddler.

[0029] In this embodiment, the operation button 110 on the side of the housing 100 includes a timer button 117. The playback unit 106 switches the playback time setting each time the timer button 117 is pressed. The playback unit 106 stops playback when the set playback time has elapsed. Therefore, if the playback unit 106 is unintentionally left in playback mode, the playback unit 106 automatically stops playing sound or noise after the playback time set by the user has elapsed. Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the lighting unit 202 is lit, the light source control unit 107 turns off the lighting unit 202 when the set playback time has elapsed, stopping playback. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the lighting unit 202 from remaining lit even after the time set by the timer button 117 has elapsed and playback has stopped.

[0030] Furthermore, in this embodiment, noise reproduction device 10 is provided with lighting unit 202 having light source 203 therein on first surface 160 of housing 100. Furthermore, operation button 110 on the side surface of housing 100 includes lighting button 115. Therefore, even when the user is using noise reproduction device 10 in a dark place, lighting unit 202 can be turned on to illuminate the area around noise reproduction device 10.

[0031] In this embodiment, lighting unit 202 switches between on and off each time lighting button 115 is pressed. Furthermore, when lighting button 115 is continuously pressed, lighting unit 202 changes the brightness of light source 203 according to the amount of time the button is pressed. Therefore, the user can turn on lighting unit 202 at any brightness, which can prevent the user's sleep from being disturbed.

[0032] In this embodiment, a lock switch 120 is provided on the second surface 161 of the housing 100. Each time the lock switch 120 is switched, the control unit 101 switches between an operation permitted state and an operation prohibited state. This makes it possible to prevent unintended operations. Examples of unintended operations include pausing noise playback while it is being played, or starting the noise playback device 10 while it is stopped.

[0033] Furthermore, in this embodiment, housing 100 has a hanging portion 140 on its side. Hanging portion 140 has an opening / closing portion 141. Hanging portion 140 can be changed between a string-like shape and a loop-like shape by opening and closing opening / closing portion 141. Therefore, a user can hang hanging portion 140 by closing the opened string-like hanging portion 140 into a loop-like shape so that a rod such as the handrail of a bed or stroller can pass through the inside.

[0034] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the housing 100 is provided with a charging port 130 on the side opposite the hanging part 140, and the battery 102 housed inside the housing 100 stores power supplied from the charging port 130. Therefore, even when the noise reproduction device 10 is suspended using the hanging part 140, a cord for charging can be connected to the charging port 130 located on the opposite side of the hanging part 140, allowing the user to charge the device while it is suspended. Furthermore, after charging is complete, the user can use the noise reproduction device 10 without connecting it to a power source or the like.

[0035] B. Other Embodiments: (B1) In the above embodiment, the noise reproduction device 10 is operated by the operation button 110. However, the noise reproduction device 10 may be operated remotely by a remote controller or a smartphone. In this manner, the user can operate the noise reproduction device 10 remotely even when the noise reproduction device 10 is not at hand.

[0036] (B2) In the above embodiment, operation buttons 110 include power button 111, melody button 112, noise button 113, volume button 114, light button 115, record button 116, and timer button 117. However, operation buttons 110 may include at least two of these buttons. For example, operation buttons 110 may include only two buttons, noise button 113 and record button 116.

[0037] (B3) In the above embodiment, the operation buttons 110 and the indicators are arranged in a row on the side surface of the housing 100. However, the operation buttons 110 and the indicators may be arranged in two or more rows. Furthermore, the operation buttons 110 and the indicators may be arranged on the first surface 160 or the second surface 161 of the housing 100. This configuration allows for greater freedom in designing the shape and size of the housing 100.

[0038] (B4) In the above embodiment, the first surface 160 of the housing 100 is provided with the lighting unit 202. In contrast, the first surface 160 does not have to be provided with the lighting unit 202. For example, the lighting unit 202 may be provided on a part of the side surface of the housing 100.

[0039] (B5) In the above embodiment, the hanging part 140 is opened and closed using a button attached to the opening and closing part 141. Alternatively, the hanging part 140 may have a buckle attached to the opening and closing part 141. In this embodiment, the length of the hanging part 140 can be changed, so the user can adjust the height in the Z direction at which the housing 100 is positioned when suspended.

[0040] (B6) In the above embodiment, the noise reproducing device 10 is hung by passing the annular hanging part 140 through a rod-shaped location such as a handrail. Alternatively, the hanging part 140 may have a hook shape. In this form, the user can hang the device from a plate-shaped location such as the top of a door.

[0041] (B7) In the above embodiment, the noise reproduction device 10 is provided with the hanging part 140. However, the noise reproduction device 10 does not have to be provided with the hanging part 140. In this case, the user can use the noise reproduction device 10 by placing it on a desk or a futon with the second surface 161, which is formed flat, facing downwards. In the above embodiment, the lock switch 120 is provided in a recess formed in the second surface 161, so the noise reproduction device 10 can be placed without the lock switch 120 interfering with the desk or the like.

[0042] (B8) In the above embodiment, the charging port 130 is arranged on the side of the housing 100 opposite the hanging portion 140. Alternatively, the charging port 130 may be arranged on the second surface 161 side of the housing 100. In this configuration, when the noise reproduction device 10 is charged while being suspended, the cord connected to the charging port 130 hangs down at a position shifted to the -Y side from the second surface 161 side of the noise reproduction device 10. As a result, for example, when the noise reproduction device 10 is suspended from a bed railing with the second surface 161 facing outward from the bed, the cord is positioned outside the bed, which prevents the cord from getting tangled on the bed.

[0043] (B9) In the above embodiment, the noise reproduction device 10 includes the battery 102 and the charging port 130. However, the noise reproduction device 10 does not necessarily have to include the battery 102 and the charging port 130. Instead, the noise reproduction device 10 may receive power via an AC adapter or an AC power cable.

[0044] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be realized in various configurations without departing from the spirit thereof. For example, the technical features in the embodiments corresponding to the technical features in each aspect described in the Summary of the Invention section can be appropriately replaced or combined to solve some or all of the above-described problems or achieve some or all of the above-described effects. Furthermore, if a technical feature is not described as essential in this specification, it can be appropriately deleted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0045] 10...Noise reproduction device, 100...Housing, 101...Control unit, 102...Battery, 103...CPU, 104...Memory unit, 105...Sound recording unit, 106...Playback unit, 107...Light source control unit, 110...Operation buttons, 111...Power button, 112...Melody button, 113...Noise button, 114...Volume button, 115...Lighting button, 116...Recording button, 117...Timer button, 120...Lock switch, 130...Charging port, 140...Hanging unit, 141...Opening and closing unit, 150...Mesh unit, 160...First surface, 161...Second surface, 200...Microphone, 201...Speaker, 202...Lighting unit, 203...Light source, 210...Melody data, 211...Noise data, 212...Sound recording data, 220...Battery indicator, 221...Sound recording indicator, 222...Timer indicator

Claims

1. A noise reproducing device, comprising: a housing in which a microphone and a speaker are mounted; a recording unit that records external sounds using the microphone; a storage unit that stores recording data representing the sound recorded by the recording unit and noise data representing noise; a playback unit that plays back the sound or the noise from the speaker based on the recording data or the noise data; A noise reproducing device comprising:

2. 2. The noise reproducing device according to claim 1, The housing has a generally cylindrical shape, The noise reproducing device includes a plurality of operation buttons arranged in a row on a side surface of the housing.

3. 3. The noise reproducing device according to claim 2, the plurality of operation buttons includes a recording button, The recording unit starts recording the external sound when the recording button is pressed for a predetermined period of time or longer, and stops recording when the recording button is pressed during recording.

4. 4. The noise reproducing device according to claim 3, The playback unit alternately plays and stops the recorded data each time the recording button is pressed.

5. 3. The noise reproducing device according to claim 2, the plurality of operation buttons includes a noise button; the storage unit stores a plurality of types of noise data; The playback unit switches to a different type of noise data and plays it back each time the noise button is pressed.

6. 3. The noise reproducing device according to claim 2, the plurality of operation buttons includes a timer button, the timer button switches the playback time setting of the playback unit each time it is pressed; The reproduction unit stops reproduction of the sound or the noise when the set reproduction time has elapsed.

7. 3. The noise reproducing device according to claim 2, the housing has a first surface through which sound from the speaker is emitted; a lighting unit having a light source therein is provided on the first surface; The plurality of operation buttons include a lighting button for lighting the light source.

8. 8. The noise reproducing device according to claim 7, The lighting unit is Each time the lighting button is pressed, the light source is alternately turned on and off; When the light-on button is pressed for a predetermined time or longer, the brightness of the light source is changed in accordance with the time the button is pressed.

9. 9. A noise reproducing device according to claim 2, wherein: The housing has a first surface through which sound is emitted from the speaker and a second surface located opposite to the first surface, The noise reproducing device further includes a lock switch on the second surface for prohibiting operation using the operation button.

10. 3. The noise reproducing device according to claim 2, The housing further includes a hanging portion on a side surface thereof, The noise reproducing device, wherein the hanging portion includes an opening / closing portion near the housing that can change the shape of the hanging portion between a ring shape and a string shape by opening and closing the opening / closing portion.

11. 11. The noise reproducing device according to claim 10, The housing is provided with a charging port on the opposite side of the hanging portion, The noise reproducing device accommodates a battery inside the housing for storing power supplied from the charging port.

Images