Sound System

Abstract

To appropriately output induction effective sound from a plurality of speakers.SOLUTION: An acoustic system comprises: speakers that are individually arranged in a plurality of toilet booths equipped with toilet bowls in toilet spaces and output induction effective sound acting on human psychology ; and a control part that controls the output of induction effective sound from the speakers individually when the speakers in the plurality of toilet booths reproduce the induction effective sound.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The disclosed embodiments relate to an audio system. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, devices that emit sounds in toilet spaces such as toilet booths are known. For example, a comfortable sound generating device that generates comfortable sounds to eliminate excretion sounds and make the toilet booth comfortable has been provided (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2005-055797 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the above-mentioned techniques do not necessarily provide appropriate output control when sound is output from a plurality of speakers.

[0005] Patent Document 1 does not take into consideration the point of outputting sound from multiple speakers. For example, Patent Document 1 does not take into consideration the case where, when an induction sound effect, which is a sound that affects human psychology, is reproduced in a toilet booth (own booth) used by the user himself, the induction sound effect is also reproduced in toilet booths (other booths) other than the user's own booth. Therefore, the induction sound effect reproduced in another booth may affect the induction sound effect reproduced in the user's own booth, resulting in mixing with the induction sound effect reproduced in the user's own booth or making the induction sound effect of the user's own booth difficult to hear. In this way, when the induction sound effect, which is a sound that affects human psychology, is output from multiple speakers, there is a problem that the induction sound effects output from each speaker affect each other and become difficult to hear, thereby reducing the effect of the induction sound effect.

[0006] In view of the above, it is an issue to appropriately output induction sound effects from multiple speakers.

[0007] An object of the disclosed embodiment is to provide an audio system that can appropriately output guiding sound effects using multiple speakers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The sound system according to one embodiment includes a speaker that is disposed in each of a plurality of toilet booths equipped with toilet bowls in a toilet space and outputs an induction sound effect that influences people's psychology, and a control unit that coordinates the output of the induction sound effect from each of the speakers in the plurality of toilet booths when the respective speakers play the induction sound effect.

[0009] According to an audio system according to an embodiment, when the guiding sound effect is reproduced in a plurality of toilet booths, the output of the guiding sound effect reproduced in each toilet booth is controlled to be matched. For example, the audio system synchronizes the guiding sound effect reproduced in each toilet booth, matches the sound pressure, or matches the reproduction position, thereby matching the output of the guiding sound effect reproduced in each toilet booth. As a result, even if the guiding sound effect is reproduced in a plurality of toilet booths, the audio system can match the output of each guiding sound effect by, for example, matching or making similar the output of each guiding sound effect, so that it is possible to suppress interference between the guiding sound effects reproduced in each toilet booth. Therefore, the audio system can appropriately output the guiding sound effect using a plurality of speakers.

[0010] The sound system according to one aspect of the embodiment further includes a sensor unit that detects the entry of a person into each of the plurality of toilet booths, and the control unit is characterized in that, when a person has entered two or more of the plurality of toilet booths, the control unit adjusts the output of the guiding sound effect from each speaker corresponding to each of the toilet booths in which the person has entered.

[0011] According to an audio system according to one aspect of the embodiment, when it is detected that a person has entered two or more of the plurality of toilet booths, the output of the guiding sound effect reproduced in each of the toilet booths that the person has entered is controlled to be synchronized. By installing a sensor that detects the entry of a person into each of the plurality of toilet booths, the audio system becomes able to detect that the guiding sound effect is being reproduced in the plurality of toilet booths, and it becomes possible to measure the timing for synchronizing the output of each guiding sound effect.

[0012] The sound system according to one aspect of the embodiment further includes a sensor unit that detects sound output in each of the plurality of toilet booths, and the control unit is configured to adjust the output of the induced sound effect from each speaker corresponding to each of the toilet booths from which the induced sound effect is being output when the induced sound effect is being output in two or more of the plurality of toilet booths.

[0013] According to an audio system according to one aspect of the embodiment, when it is detected that an induction sound effect is being reproduced in a toilet booth, the output of the induction sound effect reproduced in each toilet booth where the induction sound effect is being output is controlled to be synchronized. By installing a sensor that detects the sound output in each of the toilet booths, the audio system can detect that the induction sound effect is being reproduced in the toilet booths, and can measure the timing to synchronize the output of each induction sound effect.

[0014] In one aspect of the embodiment, in the audio system, when a first speaker among the multiple speakers is playing an induction sound effect and a second speaker different from the first speaker starts playing an induction sound effect, the control unit matches the induction sound effect output by the second speaker to the induction sound effect output by the first speaker.

[0015] According to the sound system according to one aspect of the embodiment, when the guidance sound effect is reproduced in the toilet booth (first toilet booth) in which the first speaker is arranged and the guidance sound effect is reproduced in the toilet booth (second toilet booth) in which the second speaker is arranged, the guidance sound effect is reproduced by the second speaker in the second toilet booth so as to match the guidance sound effect reproduced by the first speaker in the first toilet booth. This allows the sound system to match the guidance sound effect output by the two speakers without changing the reproduction mode of the guidance sound effect already reproduced. Therefore, the sound system can let the user hear the guidance sound effect while reducing the possibility that the user will feel strange or uncomfortable due to matching the guidance sound effects output by multiple speakers. In this way, the sound system can appropriately output the guidance sound effect by multiple speakers.

[0016] In an audio system according to one aspect of the embodiment, the control unit is configured to adjust the start position of playback of the induced sound effect output from each of the speakers, thereby aligning the output of the induced sound effect from each of the speakers.

[0017] According to an audio system according to an embodiment, the output of the guiding sound effect is synchronized by adjusting the playback start position of the guiding sound effect output by each speaker. For example, the audio system controls the sound pressure of the guiding sound effect played in a plurality of toilet booths to be synchronized by adjusting (changing) the playback time of the guiding sound effect played in the toilet booth. This eliminates the need for the audio system to change the sound pressure of the guiding sound effect, and makes it possible to let the user hear the guiding sound effect while reducing the possibility that the user will feel uncomfortable or uncomfortable due to the synchronization of the guiding sound effects output by the plurality of speakers. Therefore, the audio system can appropriately output the guiding sound effect from the plurality of speakers.

[0018] In an audio system according to one aspect of the embodiment, the control unit synchronizes the output of the guiding sound effect from each of the speakers by setting the guiding sound effect output from each of the speakers to the same sound source.

[0019] According to an audio system according to an embodiment, the guiding sound effect reproduced in each toilet booth is controlled to be the same sound source and synchronously reproduced in each toilet booth. As a result, the same guiding sound effect is synchronously reproduced in each toilet booth, so that the audio system can let the user hear the guiding sound effect while reducing the possibility that the user will feel uncomfortable or uncomfortable due to the combination of guiding sound effects output from multiple speakers. Therefore, the audio system can appropriately output the guiding sound effect from multiple speakers. Effect of the Invention

[0020] According to one aspect of the embodiment, the guiding sound effect can be appropriately output by a plurality of speakers. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a sound output control process according to the embodiment. [Diagram 2]FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a process for matching two sounds. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a timing chart of the sound output control process according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an audio system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the control device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a placement information storage unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of a process executed by the audio system. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a processing mode for matching two sounds according to the sound sources. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of intonation of a sound. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of adjusting the set sound pressure of the speakers. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of adjusting the sound pressures output from speakers. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of matching the sound leakage and sound pressure of adjacent booths. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of matching similar intonation parts. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of synchronizing the average sound pressure. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example in which the process of matching two sounds is not performed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an audio system disclosed in the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described below.

[0023] <1. Embodiment> An overview of information processing executed in an audio system 1 (see FIG. 4) according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIG 1. FIG 1 is a diagram showing an example of a sound output control process according to an embodiment.

[0024] First, a description will be given of a toilet space to which the sound system 1 is applied, prior to describing the process shown in Fig. 1. The toilet space includes toilet booths forming private spaces, and a shared space that is a space other than the toilet booths.

[0025] A toilet booth is a space (private space) separated by a partition (partition). Each toilet booth is equipped with a toilet bowl and functions as a place where people perform excretory activities. Each toilet booth is also equipped with an openable door (not shown) for entering the toilet booth. Note that the doors of each toilet booth are similar to doors installed in general toilet booths, so detailed explanations are omitted. Also, the toilet booth does not have to be a space completely separated by a partition, and there may be a portion at the top or bottom of the partition that is not separated from adjacent toilet booths or supply spaces.

[0026] The shared space is a common area within the toilet space where multiple people can be present at the same time. For example, the shared space has an entrance to the toilet space, washroom facilities, and paths to each toilet booth. The shared space functions as a place for entering the toilet space, washing hands, moving to each toilet booth, etc. In addition, when the toilet space functions as a men's toilet space, a urinal may be placed in the shared space. In other words, the shared space may also function as a place where people perform excretory activities.

[0027] The toilet space TS shown in FIG. 1 has a toilet booth TB1, a toilet booth TB2, and a shared space CS. When describing the toilet booths provided in the toilet space TS without distinguishing between the toilet booths TB1, TB2, etc., they may be described as "toilet booth TB". In FIG. 1, a case where the toilet space TS has two toilet booths TB is described as an example, but the toilet space TS may have three or more toilet booths TB. The shared space CS has an entrance to the toilet space TS, and is used as a place for entering and exiting the toilet space TS, moving to each toilet booth TB, washing hands, etc. For example, the toilet space TS is provided in a (commercial) facility such as a department store. The toilet space TS may be provided in various places, not limited to commercial facilities, but this point will be described later.

[0028] Next, the arrangement of each device in the toilet space TS will be described. 1 The speaker is placed in the toilet booth TB1. 2 is placed in the toilet booth TB2. Speaker 10 1 , Speaker 10 2 When describing speakers arranged in the toilet space TS without making a distinction between them, they may be referred to as "speaker 10". Speaker 10 is an acoustic device that outputs sound in response to the control of a control device 100 described later. Speaker 10 outputs an induction sound effect that acts on people's psychology. The location of speaker 10 is not particularly limited, and it only needs to be installed in each toilet booth TB, and may be installed, for example, on the ceiling, wall, floor, etc. of each toilet booth TB, or may be installed in a toilet seat device provided above the toilet bowl.

[0029] <1-1. Induction sound effect> Here, the induction sound effect will be described. The induction sound effect is, for example, a sound having at least one effect among an emotion induction effect, an image induction effect, and a behavior induction effect. For example, an emotion induction effect is an effect that makes a person feel a specific emotion, such as joy or sadness. Also, for example, an image induction effect is an effect that induces a person to have a specific impression, such as an impression of luxury. Also, for example, a behavior induction effect is an effect that induces a person's behavior, such as hastening action or inducing attention.

[0030] Examples of sounds that have an emotion-inducing effect include music with a fast tempo and major keys, which are said to have the effect of making people feel elated. Examples of sounds that have an emotion-inducing effect include natural sounds such as the sound of waves, and music with a slow tempo and major keys, which are said to have the effect of making people feel relaxed.

[0031] An example of a sound that has the image-inducing effect is classical music, which is said to have the effect of creating an image of luxury.Another example of a sound that has the image-inducing effect is major key music, which is said to have the effect of creating a bright image.

[0032] An example of a sound that has a behavior-inducing effect is music with a fast tempo, which is said to have the effect of hastening people's actions.Another example of a sound that has a behavior-inducing effect is music with a fast tempo and a loud volume, which is said to have the effect of attracting people's attention.

[0033] It should be noted that the above-mentioned emotion induction effect, image induction effect, and behavior induction effect are not exclusive, and one sound may have multiple effects. For example, one sound (induction sound effect) may have two effects, an emotion induction effect and a behavior induction effect, and one sound (induction sound effect) may have multiple effects. Also, the above-mentioned emotion induction effect, image induction effect, and behavior induction effect are merely examples, and the induction sound effect may include any sound that acts on human psychology.

[0034] Returning to the arrangement of each device in the toilet space TS, the explanation will be continued. Sensor device 50 1 is a sensor device that detects the entry of a person into the toilet booth TB1. In FIG. 1, in order to show the correspondence relationship, the sensor device 50 1 In the figure, the sensor device 50 is installed in the toilet booth TB1. 1 may be placed outside the toilet booth TB1.

[0035] In addition, the sensor device 50 2 is a sensor device that detects the entry of a person into the toilet booth TB2. In FIG. 1, the sensor device 50 is 2 In the figure, the sensor device 50 is installed in the toilet booth TB2. 2 may be located outside the toilet booth TB2.

[0036] Hereinafter, the sensor device 50 1 , sensor device 50 2 When describing the sensor devices that detect the entry of a person into the toilet booth TB of the toilet space TS without making a distinction, they may be referred to as "sensor device 50." The sensor device 50 transmits the detection result of the entry of a person into the corresponding toilet booth TB to the control device 100.

[0037] The control device 100 is a computer capable of communicating with the speaker 10 and the sensor device 50. In FIG. 1, a case where the control device 100 is placed in a shared space CS of the toilet space TS is described as an example, but the control device 100 may be placed outside the toilet space TS. For example, the control device 100 may be a server device placed in a management facility for the sound system 1 outside the toilet space TS. Note that the above is merely an example, and the device configuration and placement of the control device 100 may be in any form as long as it can communicate with the speaker 10 and the sensor device 50 and perform processing. For example, the control device 100 may be a portable terminal (device) such as a laptop computer that can be carried by a manager of the sound system 1.

[0038] The control device 100 controls the output of the speaker 10. The control device 100 controls the output of the induction sound effect by the speaker 10 in accordance with the detection result by the sensor device 50. This point will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0039] <1-2. Voice control processing example> In Fig. 1, an example is described in which an guiding sound effect is played in toilet booth TB1 and toilet booth TB2 when user U1 uses toilet booth TB1 and user U2 uses toilet booth TB2. Note that Fig. 1 illustrates a state in which users U1 and U2 are respectively sitting on toilet seats ST of toilet bowls TL equipped in each of toilet booths TB1 and TB2, but this is for the purpose of illustrating an image of how the toilet booth TB is used by users, and the usage state of each toilet booth TB changes depending on the actions of the people.

[0040] In Fig. 1, a case where the same sound source (i.e., the same sound) is played as the guidance sound effect in toilet booth TB1 and toilet booth TB2 is described. A case where a different sound source is played in each toilet booth is described later. Fig. 1 also shows, as an example, a case where user U1 starts staying in toilet booth TB1, and then user U2 enters and stays in toilet booth TB2.

[0041] First, in the example of FIG. 1, a user U1 enters the toilet booth TB1 and stays there. For example, the user U1 moves into the toilet booth TB1 whose door is in an open state, and positions himself / herself inside the toilet booth TB1, thereby entering the toilet booth TB1. As a result, the sensor device 50 1 The sensor device 50 detects the entry of the user U1 into the toilet booth TB1. 1 transmits information indicating the entry of the user U1 into the toilet booth TB1 to the control device 100 (step S1).

[0042] Sensor device 50 1 The control device 100 receives information indicating the entry of the user U1 into the toilet booth TB1 from the toilet booth TB1, and outputs the information to the speaker 10 of the toilet booth TB1. 1The control device 100 instructs the speaker 10 of the toilet booth TB1 to play back the guidance sound effect (step S2). 1 For example, when there are multiple guidance sound effects to be played, the control device 100 transmits information to the speaker 10 of the toilet booth TB1. 1 The information for specifying the guiding sound effect to be played back may be transmitted to the guiding sound effect player 100, or sound source data of the guiding sound effect may be transmitted to the guiding sound effect player 100.

[0043] The induction sound effect reproduced in each toilet booth TB may be preset. For example, if the toilet space TS is installed in a department store, the control device 100 controls the speaker 10 to generate an induction sound effect that matches the image that the department store wants people to have, that is, an induction sound effect having an image induction effect. 1 For example, if a department store in which the toilet space TS is installed wants people to have a sense of luxury about the department store, the control device 100 may play, from the speaker 10, an induction sound effect having an effect of giving a sense of luxury, such as classical music. 1 In addition, when the facility (department store, etc.) in which the toilet space TS is installed is crowded with people, the control device 100 controls the speaker 10 to play a guidance sound effect to speed up people's actions. 1 For example, when the toilet space TS is crowded with many people who want to use it, such as when there is a queue of people who want to use the toilet space TS, the control device 100 may play an induction sound effect from the speaker 10 to hasten people's actions. 1 The guidance sound effects may be set and changed based on the season, weather, and temperature, or may be set and changed according to the time period, such as opening and closing times.

[0044] The speaker 10 receives an instruction from the control device 100 to play back the guiding sound effect. 1 The toilet booth TB1 starts playing the guiding sound effect (step S3). As a result, the user U1 located in the toilet booth TB1 recognizes (hears) the guiding sound effect being played.

[0045] After that, the user U2 enters the toilet booth TB2 and stays there. For example, the user U2 moves into the toilet booth TB2 whose door is in an open state, and stands in the toilet booth TB2, thereby entering the toilet booth TB2. As a result, the sensor device 50 2 The sensor device 50 detects the entry of the user U2 into the toilet booth TB2. 2 transmits information indicating the entry of the user U2 into the toilet booth TB2 to the control device 100 (step S4).

[0046] Sensor device 50 2 The control device 100 receives information indicating the entry of the user U2 into the toilet booth TB2 from the toilet booth TB2, and outputs the information to the speaker 10 of the toilet booth TB2. 2 The control device 100 instructs the speaker 10 of the toilet booth TB2 to play back the guidance sound effect (step S5). 2 In the example of FIG. 1, the control device 100 transmits information instructing the speaker 10 of the toilet booth TB2 to play back the guidance sound effect. 2 To, Speaker 10 of toilet booth TB1 1 Instructs the device to play the same induction sound effect as the induction sound effect being output by the device.

[0047] In addition, the control device 100 controls the speaker 10 of the toilet booth TB2. 2 The induction sound effect output by the toilet booth TB1 and the speaker 10 1 The speaker 10 is set so that the induced sound effect being output is synchronized with the 2 For example, the control device 100 may specify a playback start position of the guidance sound effect to the speaker 10 of the toilet booth TB2. 2 The position where the output starts is the speaker 10 of the toilet booth TB1. 1 Speaker 10 is adjusted so that it matches the position being output. 2 The playback start position is specified by sending information to the

[0048] The speaker 10 receives an instruction from the control device 100 to play back the guiding sound effect. 2Then, the toilet booth TB2 starts playing the guiding sound effect (step S6). As a result, the user U2 located in the toilet booth TB2 recognizes (hears) the guiding sound effect being played.

[0049] Here, speaker 10 2 The induction sound effect output by the toilet booth TB1 and the speaker 10 1 An example of matching the guiding sound effect being output with the guiding sound effect being output will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a process of matching two sounds. The horizontal axis of the graph shown in Fig. 2 indicates the playback time (time t). In Fig. 2, the horizontal axis of the graph indicates the playback time of the guiding sound effect.

[0050] The vertical axis of the graph shown in Fig. 2 indicates sound pressure (unit: db (decibels)). Note that, in Fig. 2, sound pressure level (unit: decibels) is shown as an example of sound pressure, but other units of numerical values ​​may be used.

[0051] The waveform SP1 shown by the solid line in FIG. 2 is generated by the speaker 10 of the first toilet booth TB1. 1 The waveform SP2 shown by the dotted line in FIG. 2 is the sound generated by the speaker 10 of the second toilet booth TB2. 2 This shows the playback of induced sound effects.

[0052] In the example of FIG. 2, the sensor device 50 1 In response to the detection of a person entering the toilet booth TB1 by the control device 100, the control device 100 starts the speaker 10 at time t1. 1 The sensor device 50 starts outputting the induction sound effect (corresponding to step S3 in FIG. 1). 2 In response to the detection of a person entering the toilet booth TB2 by the control device 100, the control device 100 controls the speaker 10 2 The control device 100 controls the speaker 10 to start outputting the guidance sound effect based on the elapsed time from time t1 to time t2. 1 and control the speaker 10 to start playing the guiding sound effect from the identified playback position. 2For example, the control device 100 instructs the speaker 10 to start playing the guiding sound effect from a position advanced by the elapsed time from the start position of the guiding sound effect. 2 In this case, when the elapsed time is 20 seconds, the control device 100 instructs the speaker 10 to start reproducing the guiding sound effect from a position 20 seconds ahead of the start position of the guiding sound effect, that is, from a position 20 seconds after the start. 2 For example, the control device 100 transmits information indicating the playback start position (elapsed time) to the speaker 10. 2 , the speaker 10 is controlled to start playing the guiding sound effect from a position advanced by the elapsed time from the start position of the guiding sound effect. 2 Instruct the following:

[0053] As a result, the sound system 1 can match the guiding sound effect output from the toilet booth TB1, which is the first toilet booth, with the guiding sound effect output from the toilet booth TB2, which is the second toilet booth. In the example of FIG. 2, the sound system 1 can synchronize the guiding sound effect output from the toilet booth TB1 with the guiding sound effect output from the toilet booth TB2, so that the reduction in the effect of the guiding sound effect output from each toilet booth TB can be suppressed. Note that the process of matching the output of the guiding sound effect reproduced in each toilet booth is not limited to the process of matching the playback position of the guiding sound effect reproduced in each toilet booth described above, but may be a process of synchronizing the guiding sound effect, a process of matching the sound pressure of the guiding sound effect, etc. Examples of the process of matching the output of the guiding sound effect reproduced in each toilet booth, such as a process of synchronizing the guiding sound effect and a process of matching the sound pressure of the guiding sound effect, will be described later.

[0054] Thereafter, when the user U1 leaves the toilet booth TB1, the control device 100 1 10 of the toilet booth TB1. 1 When the user U2 leaves the toilet booth TB2, the control device 100 instructs the sensor device 50 to stop outputting the guidance sound effect. 110 of the toilet booth TB2. 2 to stop output of the guidance sound effect. If each speaker 10 finishes playing the guidance sound effect up to the end position (reaches the end position of the guidance sound effect) before receiving a command to stop output of the guidance sound effect, the speaker 10 repeats playing the guidance sound effect from the start position.

[0055] Here, a case where the outputs of the guiding sound effects from the two speakers 10 are not matched as described above will be described with reference to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a diagram showing an example where the process of matching the two sounds is not performed. Note that a description of the same points as in Fig. 2 will be omitted.

[0056] In the example of FIG. 15, speaker 10 1 The speaker 10 starts to output the induction sound effect at time t2. 2 The speaker 10 starts outputting the induction sound effect from the start position of the induction sound effect. 1 The sound effect starts to be output from the start position of the sound effect from time t1, and the speaker 10 2 The output of the induction sound effect starts from the start position of the induction sound effect at time t2. Therefore, if the process of matching the two sounds as shown in FIG. 2 Speaker 10 1 After the time (elapsed time) from time t1 to time t2 has elapsed since the start of the reproduction of the guiding sound effect by the speaker 10, the guiding sound effect starts to be output from the start position of the guiding sound effect. 2 Speaker 10 1 Since the sound effect starts to be played from the start position of the sound effect with a delay of the elapsed time from the speaker 10, 1 Induction sound effect output and speaker 10 2 Therefore, if the process of matching the two sounds is not performed, it is difficult to suppress the reduction in the effectiveness of the induction sound effect output by each toilet booth TB.

[0057] On the other hand, as described above, the sound system 1 can suppress a reduction in the effect of the guiding sound effect output from each toilet booth TB because the guiding sound effect output from each toilet booth TB is matched. Therefore, the sound system 1 can appropriately output the guiding sound effect from multiple speakers.

[0058] <1-3. Layout of toilet space> In the example of FIG. 1, a commercial facility such as a department store is shown as an example of the place where the toilet space TS is installed, but the place where the toilet space TS is installed is not limited to a commercial facility such as a store, and may be various facilities. For example, the place where the toilet space TS is installed may be an amusement park, a stadium, an office building, etc. For example, the place where the toilet space TS is installed may be a toilet installed in an area such as a tourist destination. For example, the place where the toilet space TS is installed may be a park, a parking lot, etc. In other words, the toilet may be installed outdoors, such as in a park or a parking lot. In this way, the place where the toilet space TS is installed may be any place as long as there is space in which the toilet space TS can be installed.

[0059] <1-4. Control flow example> An example of a control flow will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a timing chart of a sound output control process according to an embodiment. Note that a description of the same points as in Fig. 1 will be omitted as appropriate.

[0060] In the example of Fig. 3, a control flow in which the toilet booth TB1 is the first toilet booth and the toilet booth TB2 is the second toilet booth will be described as an example. That is, in the example of Fig. 3, the first speaker of the first toilet booth is the speaker 10. 1 and the first sensor device is sensor device 50 1 and the second speaker in the second toilet booth is speaker 10. 2 and the second sensor device is sensor device 50 2 The following description will be given assuming that:

[0061] The waveform LN1 in FIG. 1The waveform LN2 in FIG. 3 shows the result of detection of entry into the toilet booth TB1 by the speaker 10. 1 Indicates whether or not to output induced sound effects.

[0062] The waveform LN3 in FIG. 2 The waveform LN4 in FIG. 3 shows the detection result of the entrance detection of the toilet booth TB2 by the speaker 10. 2 Indicates whether or not to output induced sound effects.

[0063] In the example of FIG. 3, as shown by the waveform LN1, a person enters the toilet booth TB1 before time t1, and the sensor device 50 1 For example, before time t1, the sensor device 50 1 The detection result is changed from "off", which indicates that the entry of a person into toilet booth TB1 has not been detected, to "on", which indicates that the entry of a person into toilet booth TB1 has been detected.

[0064] Sensor device 50 1 In response to the detection of a person entering the toilet booth TB1 by the 1 For example, at time t1, the speaker 10 1 transitions from a state in which no induction sound effect is output, indicated by "off," to a state in which the induction sound effect is output, indicated by "on," and starts outputting the induction sound effect.

[0065] In the example of FIG. 3, as shown by the waveform LN3, a person enters the toilet booth TB2 before time t2, and the sensor device 50 2 For example, before time t2, the sensor device 50 2 The detection result is changed from "off", which indicates that the entry of a person into toilet booth TB2 has not been detected, to "on", which indicates that the entry of a person into toilet booth TB2 has been detected.

[0066] Sensor device 502 In response to the detection of a person entering the toilet booth TB2 by the 2 For example, at time t2, the speaker 10 2 The speaker 10 transitions from a state in which the guiding sound effect is not being output, indicated by "off," to a state in which the guiding sound effect is being output, indicated by "on," and starts outputting the guiding sound effect. 2 Speaker 10 1 The output of the induction sound effect starts in accordance with the induction sound effect output by the.

[0067] After that, as shown by the waveform LN1, before time t3, when a person leaves the toilet booth TB1, the sensor device 50 1 As a result, the entry of a person into the toilet booth TB1 is not detected. For example, before time t3, the sensor device 50 1 The detection result is changed from "on", which indicates that the entry of a person into toilet booth TB1 has been detected, to "off", which indicates that the entry of a person into toilet booth TB1 has not been detected.

[0068] Sensor device 50 1 In response to the fact that the entry of a person into the toilet booth TB1 is no longer detected by the speaker 10 (entry non-detection), as shown in the waveform LN2, 1 For example, at time t3, the speaker 10 stops outputting the induction sound effect. 1 transitions from a state in which the guiding sound effect is output, indicated by "on", to a state in which the guiding sound effect is not output, indicated by "off", and stops output of the guiding sound effect.

[0069] Also, as shown by the waveform LN4, when a person leaves the toilet booth TB2 before time t4, the sensor device 50 2 As a result, the entry of a person into the toilet booth TB2 is not detected. For example, before time t4, the sensor device 50 2 The detection result is changed from "on", which indicates that the entry of a person into toilet booth TB2 has been detected, to "off", which indicates that the entry of a person into toilet booth TB2 has not been detected.

[0070] Sensor device 50 2 In response to the fact that the entry of a person into the toilet booth TB2 is no longer detected by the speaker 10 (entry non-detection), as shown in the waveform LN4, 2 For example, at time t4, the speaker 10 stops outputting the induction sound effect. 2 transitions from a state in which the guiding sound effect is output, indicated by "on", to a state in which the guiding sound effect is not output, indicated by "off", and stops output of the guiding sound effect.

[0071] <1-5. Sound system configuration> Next, the configuration of the acoustic system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an acoustic system according to an embodiment. Specifically, Fig. 4 shows the configuration of the acoustic system 1. The acoustic system 1 includes a plurality of speakers 10, a plurality of sensor devices 50, and a control device 100. The acoustic system 1 may also include a plurality of control devices 100.

[0072] The speaker 10 is disposed in a toilet booth TB equipped with a toilet bowl TL in a toilet space TS. The speaker 10 outputs sound in response to control of the control device 100. The speaker 10 outputs an induction sound effect that acts on people's psychology. The position of the speaker 10 is not particularly limited as long as it is installed in each toilet booth TB, and may be installed, for example, on the ceiling, wall, floor, etc. of each toilet booth TB, or may be installed on the toilet seat ST, etc.

[0073] The sensor device 50 functions as a detection unit that detects the entry of a person (user) into the target toilet booth TB. The sensor device 50 may be realized by various sensors. For example, the sensor device 50 may be various sensors such as a human body detection sensor, a seating detection sensor, a behavior detection sensor, and a presence detection sensor. The sensor device 50 may be an image sensor (behavior detection sensor) that captures an image outside the toilet booth TB. The sensor device 50 may be a door sensor (behavior detection sensor) provided on a door or the like of the toilet space. Note that the above is an example, and the sensor device 50 may be realized by any means that can detect the entry of a user into the toilet booth TB. For example, when the sensor device 50 detects the entry of a person into the toilet booth TB, it transmits detection information indicating the detection and the date and time of the detection to the control device 100.

[0074] The control device 100 is an information processing device that controls the output of the guiding sound effect by the speaker 10 in response to detection by the sensor device 50. The control device 100 receives the detection result from the sensor device 50. The control device 100 controls the output of the guiding sound effect by the speaker 10.

[0075] The control device 100 is connected to the speaker 10 and the sensor device 50 wirelessly or wired to be able to communicate with them via a predetermined network N such as the Internet. Note that the control device 100 may be connected to the speaker 10 and the sensor device 50 in any manner as long as it is possible to transmit and receive information, and may be connected to the speaker 10 and the sensor device 50 wirelessly or wired to be able to communicate with them.

[0076] The sensor device 50 of the sound system 1 may be a sensor (sound sensor) that detects sound. For example, the sensor device 50 may be a sound sensor that detects sound output in each of the multiple toilet booths TB. In this case, each sensor device 50 is disposed in each of the multiple toilet booths TB and detects sound in the toilet booth TB in which it is disposed. For example, when the sensor device 50 detects an guiding sound effect outputted in the toilet booth TB in which it is disposed, it transmits information indicating that the guiding sound effect has been detected to the control device 100.

[0077] When detecting a sound in the toilet booth TB in which each sensor device 50 is arranged, the control device 100 coordinates the output of the guiding sound effect from each of the multiple speakers 10 when it is detected by the sensor device 50 that the guiding sound effect is being output in the multiple toilet booths TB. In this case, the output of the guiding sound effect from the speaker 10 may be started at any timing. For example, the sound system 1 may have a sensor other than the sensor device 50 that detects sound. In this case, the sound system 1 may have the sensor device 50 that detects sound and another sensor device that detects the entry of a person into the toilet booth TB, and may cause the speaker 10 of the toilet booth TB to output the guiding sound effect when the entry of a person into the toilet booth TB is detected by the other sensor device.

[0078] <1-6. Functional configuration of the control device> Hereinafter, the functional configuration of the control device will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control device according to the embodiment.

[0079] 5, the control device 100 includes a communication unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a control unit 130. The control device 100 may also include an input unit (e.g., a keyboard, a mouse, etc.) that accepts various operations from an administrator of the control device 100, and a display unit (e.g., a liquid crystal display, etc.) that displays various information.

[0080] The communication unit 110 is realized by, for example, a communication circuit or the like. The communication unit 110 is connected to a predetermined network N (see FIG. 4) by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information to and from an external information processing device. For example, the communication unit 110 is connected to a predetermined network N (see FIG. 4) by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information to and from other devices such as the speaker 10 and the sensor device 50.

[0081] The storage unit 120 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a random access memory (RAM) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk. For example, the storage unit 120 is a computer-readable recording medium that non-temporarily records data used by a sound control program or the like. The storage unit 120 according to the embodiment includes a placement information storage unit 121 and a guidance sound effect information storage unit 122, as shown in FIG. 5.

[0082] The placement information storage unit according to the embodiment stores various information related to the placement of speakers (audio devices), sensor devices, etc. of the audio system 1. For example, the placement information storage unit stores information related to the placement of the speaker 10 and the sensor device 50. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the placement information storage unit according to the embodiment. The placement information storage unit shown in Fig. 6 includes items such as "placement location", "speaker", and "sensor device".

[0083] "Location" indicates identification information for identifying each location. In Fig. 6, for the sake of explanation, the "location" indicates the reference numbers "TB1", "TB2" and the like given to each toilet booth, but information that can identify the location (e.g., location ID, etc.) is stored in the "location".

[0084] "Speaker" indicates identification information for identifying a speaker (audio device) that is placed at a corresponding placement location. In FIG. 6, for the sake of explanation, "10 1 ", "10 2 " is shown, and information capable of identifying the speaker (for example, a speaker ID, etc.) is stored in "speaker."

[0085] The "sensor device" indicates identification information for identifying the sensor device disposed at the corresponding location. In FIG. 6, for the sake of explanation, "50 1 ", "50 2 " is attached to each sensor device, and information capable of identifying the sensor device (for example, a sensor ID, etc.) is stored in the "sensor device."

[0086] In the example of Figure 6, the toilet booth TB1, which is the location identified by "TB1", has a "10 1 Speaker 10, an audio device identified by 1 , and "50 1 The sensor device 50 is a sensor device identified by 1 This indicates that the

[0087] In addition, the toilet booth TB2, which is the location identified by "TB2", has a "10 2 Speaker 10, an audio device identified by 2 , and "50 2 The sensor device 50 is a sensor device identified by 2 This indicates that the

[0088] The arrangement information storage unit 121 may store various information according to the purpose, not limited to the above. For example, the arrangement information storage unit 121 may store information indicating the guiding sound effect output by each speaker 10 and information indicating the specific arrangement position of each speaker 10 (e.g., latitude and longitude information, etc.) in association with each speaker 10. Also, for example, the arrangement information storage unit 121 may store information detected by each sensor device 50 and information indicating the specific arrangement position of each sensor device 50 (e.g., latitude and longitude information, etc.) in association with each sensor device 50. Also, the arrangement information storage unit 121 may store information indicating the detection range of each sensor device 50 when the arrangement location and the detection range (detection range) of each sensor device 50 are different.

[0089] The guiding sound effect information storage unit 122 stores various information related to the guiding sound effect to be outputted from the speaker 10. For example, the guiding sound effect information storage unit 122 stores the sound source (data) of the guiding sound effect to be outputted from the speaker 10. The guiding sound effect information storage unit 122 stores information indicating how the guiding sound effect acts on a person's psychology, that is, information indicating the content of the guiding effect, in association with the sound source (data) of the guiding sound effect.

[0090] The guiding sound effect information storage unit 122 may store information indicating which guiding sound effect is to be output from which toilet booth. For example, the guiding sound effect information storage unit 122 stores information indicating the guiding sound effect to be output from each speaker 10 in association with the speaker 10. Note that the above is merely an example, and the guiding sound effect information storage unit 122 stores various information related to the guiding sound effect as necessary.

[0091] Returning to Fig. 5, the description will be continued. The control unit 130 is realized, for example, by a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or the like executing a program (for example, an acoustic control program according to the present disclosure) stored inside the control device 100 using a RAM or the like as a working area. The control unit 130 is a controller, and is realized, for example, by an integrated circuit such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field programmable gate array (FPGA).

[0092] 5, the control unit 130 has an acquisition unit 131, a determination unit 132, an audio control unit 133, and a transmission unit 134, and realizes or executes the functions and actions of information processing described below. Note that the internal configuration of the control unit 130 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 5, and may be other configurations as long as they perform the information processing described below.

[0093] The acquisition unit 131 acquires various types of information. The acquisition unit 131 acquires various types of information from the storage unit 120. The acquisition unit 131 acquires information from other devices. The acquisition unit 131 receives various types of information from the sensor device 50, the speaker 10, etc. The acquisition unit 131 receives a detection result of the sensor device 50 from the sensor device 50.

[0094] The determination unit 132 performs a determination process. The determination unit 132 determines whether to start outputting the guiding sound effect by the speaker 10 according to the detection result of the sensor device 50. When the sensor device 50 detects the entry of a person into the toilet booth TB, the determination unit 132 determines whether to start outputting the guiding sound effect by the speaker 10. Furthermore, the determination unit 132 determines whether to stop outputting the guiding sound effect by the speaker 10 according to the detection result of the sensor device 50. When the sensor device 50 detects the exit of a person from the toilet booth TB, the determination unit 132 determines whether to stop outputting the guiding sound effect by the speaker 10. The determination unit 132 instructs the speaker 10 to start or stop outputting the sound by having the transmission unit 134 transmit information indicating the determination content.

[0095] The determination unit 132 determines the playback start position of the guiding sound effect to be played by the second speaker based on the time that has elapsed since the first speaker started playing the guiding sound effect (elapsed time). The determination unit 132 specifies the playback position of the guiding sound effect of the first speaker based on the elapsed time.

[0096] The acoustic control unit 133 executes an acoustic control process to control the speaker 10. The acoustic control unit 133 controls the sound output by the speaker 10. The acoustic control unit 133 executes the acoustic control process in accordance with the contents of the determination by the determination unit 132. The acoustic control unit 133 instructs the speaker 10 to start or stop outputting sound by having the transmission unit 134 transmit information indicating the contents of the determination.

[0097] The audio control unit 133 instructs the speaker 10 to start outputting the guiding sound effect by causing the transmission unit 134 to transmit information instructing the start of outputting the guiding sound effect. The audio control unit 133 instructs the speaker 10 to stop outputting the guiding sound effect by causing the transmission unit 134 to transmit information instructing the stop of outputting the guiding sound effect.

[0098] The audio control unit 133 controls the start position of the guiding sound effect by the speaker 10 by making the transmission unit 134 transmit information specifying the start position of the guiding sound effect. The audio control unit 133 instructs the second speaker to start reproducing the guiding sound effect from the reproduction position specified by the determination unit 132. For example, the audio control unit 133 instructs the second speaker to start reproducing the guiding sound effect from a position advanced by the elapsed time from the start position of the guiding sound effect. In this case, when the elapsed time is 20 seconds, the audio control unit 133 instructs the second speaker to start reproducing the guiding sound effect from a position advanced by 20 seconds from the start position of the guiding sound effect, that is, from a position 20 seconds after the start. For example, the audio control unit 133 instructs the second speaker to start reproducing the guiding sound effect from a position advanced by the elapsed time from the start position of the guiding sound effect by transmitting information indicating the reproduction start position (elapsed time) to the second speaker.

[0099] The transmitting unit 134 transmits information to an external information processing device. For example, the transmitting unit 134 transmits various information to the speaker 10. The transmitting unit 134 transmits information indicating the determination made by the determining unit 132 to the speaker 10. The transmitting unit 134 transmits information indicating the control content by the audio control unit 133 to the speaker 10. The transmitting unit 134 transmits information regarding the output of the guiding sound effect to the speaker 10.

[0100] <1-7. Processing flow> From here, the processing flow of the sound output control processing will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of processing executed by the audio system.

[0101] When each of the multiple speakers reproduces an induction sound effect, the sound system 1 coordinates the output of the induction sound effect from each of the multiple speakers (step S101). For example, when the control device 100 of the sound system 1 causes each speaker 10 of a plurality of toilet booths to reproduce an induction sound effect that acts on human psychology, the control device 100 coordinates the output of the induction sound effect from each speaker 10.

[0102] The sound system 1 outputs guiding sound effects that act on human psychology from multiple speakers arranged in each of multiple toilet booths equipped with toilet bowls in the toilet space (step S102). For example, the speakers 10 of the sound system 1 are arranged in each of multiple toilet booths TB equipped with toilet bowls TL in the toilet space TS, and output the guiding sound effects according to the control of the control device 100.

[0103] <1-8. Example of tuning the sound> In the above example, when the multiple speakers 10 output the guiding sound effect of the same sound source, the output of the guiding sound effect from each of the multiple speakers 10 is coordinated by aligning (synchronizing) the playback positions, but the process of coordinating the output of the guiding sound effect is not limited to the above. This point will be described below.

[0104] First, a processing example of matching two sounds according to the sound source will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a processing mode of matching two sounds according to the sound source. Fig. 8 shows a list of processing modes of matching sounds, divided into a case where the guiding sound effect (sound source) output from the multiple speakers 10 is the same and a case where the guiding sound effect (sound source) output from the multiple speakers 10 is different. As shown in Fig. 8, there are various methods for matching the output of the guiding sound effect from each of the multiple speakers 10.

[0105] First, an example of a manner of matching sound pressure and a method of synchronization in processing by the audio system 1 will be described for two cases, one with a large intonation and one with a small intonation, when the sound source is the same. Note that a large intonation here refers to a case where the volume of the sound is large, for example, when the loudest sound is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. Note that a small intonation here refers to a case where the volume of the sound is small, for example, when the loudest sound is less than a predetermined threshold. Note that when the sound source is the same, the intonation is the same, so the intonation is the same from start to finish.

[0106] When multiple speakers 10 output induction sound effects from the same sound source with large intonation, there are three methods for determining which sound pressure should be matched when playing back the sounds. Specifically, there are three methods: matching the set sound pressures of the speakers 10 (hereinafter also referred to as "first method"), matching the sound pressures output from the speakers 10 (hereinafter also referred to as "second method"), and matching the sound pressure leaking from an adjacent toilet booth with the sound pressure output from the speaker 10 (hereinafter also referred to as "third method"). Details of the first, second, and third methods will be described later.

[0107] When multiple speakers 10 output induced sound effects of the same sound source with large intonation, one method of synchronization is to synchronize the sounds. The method of synchronizing the times (playback positions) has been described above with reference to FIG. 2 and other figures, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0108] When softly modulated guiding sound effects of the same sound source are output from multiple speakers 10, there are three methods for determining which sound pressure should be matched when playing back the sounds: Method 1, Method 2, and Method 3. When softly modulated guiding sound effects of the same sound source are output from multiple speakers 10, the synchronization methods include a method of synchronizing the time and a method of synchronizing the average sound pressure. The method of synchronizing the average sound pressure is, for example, the method shown in FIG. 14.

[0109] Next, an example of a method of matching or synchronizing sound pressure in processing by the sound system 1 will be described for two cases, a case where the sound sources are different and a case where the intonation is strong and a case where the intonation is weak. When the sound sources are different, the sound system 1 varies the processing mode depending on whether there is a similar intonation. Sounds with similar intonation and sounds without similar intonation will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of sound intonation.

[0110] 9 shows an example of sounds with similar intonation, in which a waveform SP11 showing the intonation of sound A, which is an induction sound effect, and a waveform SP12 showing the intonation of sound B, which is an induction sound effect different from sound A, are shown. In the example of FIG. 9, for example, an area AR1 in the waveform SP11 and an area AR2 in the waveform SP12 have similar intonation, and sound A and sound B are sounds with similar intonation. Note that the degree of similarity in intonation (waveform), time width (length), etc., required to determine whether sounds have similar intonation may be set arbitrarily, for example, 5 seconds, 15 seconds, 60% match, 75% match, etc. For example, the degree of similarity in intonation (waveform), time width (length), etc., required to determine whether sounds have similar intonation may be set according to the location where the toilet space TS where the induction sound effect is output is installed.

[0111] 9 shows an example of a waveform SP13 indicating the intonation of sound C, which is an induction sound effect, and a waveform SP14 indicating the intonation of sound D, which is an induction sound effect different from sound C, which are similar sounds with no intonation. In the example of FIG. 9, for example, the waveforms SP13 and SP14 have no similarity in waveform, and sound C and sound D are similar sounds with no intonation.

[0112] When guiding sound effects with different sound sources having large intonation are output from a plurality of speakers 10, there are two methods, a first method and a second method, for determining which sound pressure should be adjusted when reproducing sounds with similar intonation.

[0113] In addition, when multiple speakers 10 output different induction sound sources with large intonations, a method of synchronizing the sound sources includes a method of cutting out parts with similar intonations and synchronizing the time (hereinafter also referred to as the "fourth method"). The fourth method will be described in detail later.

[0114] When guiding sound effects of different sound sources with small intonation are output from multiple speakers 10, there are two methods, a first method and a second method, for determining which sound pressure should be matched when playing back the sounds. When guiding sound effects of different sound sources with small intonation are output from multiple speakers 10, there is a method of synchronizing the average sound pressure (hereinafter also referred to as the "fifth method"). The fifth method will be described in detail later.

[0115] From here, the first to fifth methods will be described with reference to Fig. 10 to Fig. 14. Fig. 10 to Fig. 14 show an example of adjusting the sounds of toilet booths TB1 and TB2. Note that the description of the same points as in the above examples will be omitted as appropriate.

[0116] First, the first method will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of adjusting the set sound pressure of the speaker. As shown in Fig. 10, in the first method of adjusting the set sound pressure of the speaker 10, the control device 100 adjusts the set sound pressure of the speaker 10 of the toilet booth TB1. 1 and speaker 10 in toilet booth TB2 2 By transmitting the same volume setting information to the speaker 10, the set sound pressure of each speaker 10 is adjusted. For example, the control device 100 controls the speaker 10 of the toilet booth TB1 to 1 and speaker 10 in toilet booth TB2 2 By transmitting information indicating the same volume setting of "10" to both speakers 10, the set sound pressure of each speaker 10 is set to the same value of "10".

[0117] Next, the second method will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of adjusting the sound pressure output from the speaker. As shown in Fig. 11, in the second method of adjusting the sound pressure output from the speaker 10, the control device 100 adjusts the sound pressure output from the speaker 10 of the toilet booth TB1. 1 and speaker 10 in toilet booth TB2 2 For example, the control device 100 controls the speaker 10 of the toilet booth TB1 to output sound at the same sound pressure. 1 and speaker 10 in toilet booth TB2 2 For example, a sensor (sound sensor) that detects sound pressure is arranged in the toilet booth TB1 and the toilet booth TB2, and the speakers 10 are instructed to output sound at the same sound pressure of 50 dB (decibels). 1 and speaker 10 2 The sound pressure may be adjusted based on the detection result of the sound pressure in the corresponding toilet booth TB. For example, the speaker 10 1adjusts the output so that the detection result of the sound pressure of the toilet booth TB1 is 50 dB.

[0118] Next, the third method will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of matching the sound pressure with the sound leakage from adjacent booths. As shown in Fig. 12, in the third method of matching the sound pressure with the sound leakage from adjacent booths, the control device 100 instructs the speaker 10 of one of the toilet booths TB1 and TB2 to match the sound pressure output from that toilet booth TB to the sound leakage from the toilet booth TB adjacent to that toilet booth TB.

[0119] In the example of FIG. 12, the speaker 10 in the toilet booth TB2 2 In this case, the toilet booth TB2 is equipped with a speaker 10. 2 A sensor (first sound sensor) that detects the sound pressure of the sound output from the speaker 10 and a sensor (second sound sensor) that detects the sound pressure of the sound leaking from the adjacent booth may be disposed. 2 Alternatively, the sound pressure of the sound leaking from the adjacent toilet booth TB may be determined based on the detection result of the sound pressure of the sound leaking from the second sound sensor. In the example of FIG. 12, the second sound sensor determines that the sound pressure of the sound leaking from the adjacent toilet booth TB is 40 dB. Then, the speaker 10 2 The output is adjusted so that the detection result of the sound pressure of the first sound sensor becomes 40 dB. Note that the process of identifying the sound pressure of the sound leakage may be performed by the control device 100 that receives information from the speaker 10, and the result may be transmitted to the speaker 10.

[0120] Next, the fourth method will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of matching similar intonation parts. As shown in Fig. 13, in the fourth method of matching similar intonation parts, similar intonation parts of sounds A and B, which are sounds with similar intonation shown in Fig. 9, are matched. For example, the sound system 1 extracts parts of each sound source that have similar intonation. The sound system 1 plays only the extracted parts in each toilet booth TB, and aligns the playback time so that the intonation is consistent. For example, the control device 100 may perform the above process.

[0121] In the example of FIG. 1 The speaker 10 outputs a portion of the sound A that corresponds to the area AR1 in the waveform SP11 (step S11). 2 The control device 100 outputs a portion of the sound B that corresponds to the area AR2 in the waveform SP12 (step S12). 1 Output by and speaker 10 2 Speaker 10 is used to match the output from the 1 Playback position by speaker 10 2 In this way, the acoustic system 1 can reduce the influence of the sound leakage SL on the adjacent booths.

[0122] Next, the fifth method will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of synchronizing average sound pressures. As shown in Fig. 14, in the fifth method of synchronizing average sound pressures, the sound pressures of sound E and sound F are synchronized (step S21). In the example of Fig. 14, the acoustic system 1 synchronizes the average sound pressures by aligning the average sound pressures of the waveform SP21 of sound E and the waveform SP31 of sound F before synchronization, like the waveform SP22 of sound E and the waveform SP32 of sound F.

[0123] The sound system 1 uses a technique for synchronizing the average sound pressure to synchronize the average sound pressures of the sounds E and F. The sound system 1 includes a speaker 10. 1 and speaker 10 2 By adjusting the output levels (set sound pressures) of sounds E and F, the average sound pressures of sounds E and F are synchronized. Note that the acoustic system 1 may use any method as long as it can synchronize the average sound pressures. For example, the control device 100 may perform processing for synchronizing the average sound pressures.

[0124] The sound system 1 includes a speaker 101 and speaker 10 2 By aligning the average sound pressure of the induction sound effect output by each of the speakers 10 1 and speaker 10 2 For example, the sound system 1 includes speakers 10 and 11, and the average sound pressure of the induced sound effect output from each of the speakers 10 is synchronized. 1 and speaker 10 2 By aligning the average sound pressure (difference) of the induced sound effect output by each speaker to within 0.3 dB, 1 and speaker 10 2 The average sound pressure of the induction sound effect output by each of the plurality ...

[0125] In general, the minimum difference in sound pressure (referred to as the "discrimination threshold") at which a difference in sound can be perceived as a sensory quantity is said to be at least 0.3 dB for broadband noise and pure tones, for example. Therefore, it is preferable to suppress the average sound pressure to within 0.3 dB. For example, the discrimination threshold is the minimum difference between two stimuli at which the difference in the stimulus quantity can be perceived as a sensory quantity. Note that the process of synchronizing the average sound pressure by the acoustic system 1 is not limited to suppressing the (difference in) average sound pressure to within 0.3 dB. In other words, if the average sound pressure can be synchronized to an extent that does not inhibit the user's perception of the guiding sound effect, the speaker 10 after the process of synchronizing the average sound pressure by the acoustic system 1 can be used. 1 and speaker 10 2 The average sound pressure (difference between the average sound pressures) of the induction sound effects output by each of the above may be greater than 0.3 dB.

[0126] The sound system 1 reproduces the sound from different sound sources in each toilet booth TB by adjusting the average sound pressure of the different sound sources. 1 The speaker 10 outputs the sound E at a sound pressure corresponding to the waveform SP22 of the sound E after synchronization of the average sound pressure (step S22). 2 Then, the sound F is output at a sound pressure corresponding to the waveform SP32 of the sound F after synchronization of the average sound pressure (step S23).

[0127] For example, if there is a large difference in sound pressure between the sound sources reproduced in each toilet booth TB, as in the waveform SP21 of sound E and the waveform SP31 of sound F before synchronization, there is a high possibility that a loud sound will leak from the adjacent toilet booth TB and the sound leakage SL from the adjacent toilet booth TB will be noticeable. On the other hand, by aligning the average sound pressures of different sound sources, as in the waveform SP22 of sound E and the waveform SP32 of sound F after synchronization, the acoustic system 1 can reduce the possibility that the sound leakage SL leaking from the adjacent toilet booth TB will be noticeable.

[0128] Further advantages and modifications may readily occur to those skilled in the art. Thus, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described above. Accordingly, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof. [Explanation of symbols]

[0129] 1. Sound system 100 Control device 110 Communications Department 120 Storage section 121 Location information storage unit 122 Induction sound effect information storage unit 130 Control section 131 Acquisition Department 132 Decision Section 133 Sound control section 134 Transmitter 10 Speaker (audio equipment) 50 Sensor device TS Toilet space CS shared space TB Toilet Booth TL Toilet ST Toilet Seat

Claims

1. a speaker that is disposed in each of a plurality of toilet booths each having a toilet bowl in the toilet space and outputs an induction sound effect that acts on a person's psychology; a control unit that adjusts the output of the induction sound effect from each of the speakers of the plurality of toilet booths when the induction sound effect is reproduced by each of the speakers; having An audio system comprising: a first speaker that outputs a first guiding sound effect and a second speaker that outputs a second guiding sound effect; a second speaker that outputs a second guiding sound effect and a third speaker that outputs a fourth guiding sound effect;

2. a sensor unit that detects entry of a person into each of the plurality of toilet booths; Further equipped with The control unit is When a person is present in two or more of the plurality of toilet booths, the output of the induction sound effect from each speaker corresponding to each of the toilet booths in which the person is present is coordinated.

2. The audio system according to claim 1 .

3. a sensor unit that detects sound output in each of the plurality of toilet booths; Further equipped with The control unit is When the induction sound effect is outputted from two or more toilet booths among the plurality of toilet booths, the output of the induction sound effect from each speaker corresponding to each of the toilet booths from which the induction sound effect is outputted is coordinated.

3. The acoustic system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The control unit is When a first speaker among the speakers is reproducing an induction sound effect, if a second speaker different from the first speaker starts reproducing an induction sound effect, the induction sound effect output from the second speaker is synchronized with the induction sound effect output from the first speaker.

4. The acoustic system according to claim 1, wherein the first and second components are arranged in a first direction.

5. The control unit is The guiding sound effects output from each of the speakers are output from the same sound source, thereby synchronizing the output of the guiding sound effects from each of the speakers.

5. The acoustic system according to claim 1, wherein the first and second inputs are connected to the first and second inputs.

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