Voice dialogue system, dialogue method.

Abstract

To provide a voice dialogue system that can be easily realized.SOLUTION: A voice dialogue system 1 includes sound collecting devices 4a and 4b that partition respective speakers by a wall member 3 that separates the speakers and pick up the voices of the respective speaker, and sound collecting devices 2a and 2b that sound the sounds of the sound collecting devices 4a and 4b that pick up the voices of the respective speakers, and the sound picked up by the first sound collecting device 4a is emitted by connection to the first sound collecting device 2b by wire or wirelessly, and the sound picked up by the second sound collecting device 4b is emitted by connection to the second sound collecting device 2a by wire or wirelessly.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a simple voice dialogue system and method between speakers.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, when speakers interact with each other at ticket sales counters in amusement parks or movie theaters, windows in government offices or stations, or bank counters, etc., the speakers directly approach each other to interact. For example, when speakers communicate face to face, there are walls or partition boards between the speakers, and a plurality of small holes are provided at positions close to the mouths of the speakers on these walls or partition boards so that they can hear each other's voices and interact.

[0003] In addition to the above-mentioned interaction, general voice dialogue systems in such places as described above provided walls or partition boards to completely partition the space between speakers. Also, one microphone for each speaker was prepared in each partitioned space. In each partitioned space, one or more speakers were prepared respectively. Furthermore, in order to fix the speakers to the walls or partition boards, holes were made in the walls or partition boards. Also, an amplifier for connecting each microphone and speaker was prepared. Patent Document 1 (Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 63-152344)

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the case where speakers interact with each other at conventional ticket sales counters in amusement parks or movie theaters, windows in government offices or stations, or bank counters, etc., it is necessary to provide a plurality of holes in the walls or partition boards between the speakers, and work such as drilling holes is required. Also, it is necessary to prepare tools etc. required for drilling holes in advance. Furthermore, due to the presence of holes, it was not possible to prevent droplet infection such as viruses.

[0005] In addition to the above-described conversation, in a general voice conversation system in a place like the above, in order to completely partition each space, it was necessary to prepare walls, partition boards, etc., or to prepare one microphone for each speaker and one microphone for collecting noise in each completely partitioned space. Also, speakers were prepared in each completely partitioned space. Furthermore, in order to fix the speakers in each completely partitioned space, it was necessary to make holes in the walls, partition boards, etc. for completely partitioning the space, and also to prepare tools in advance for making the holes, and to perform preparatory and large-scale work such as the work of making the holes. Moreover, it was necessary to prepare an amplifier for connecting each microphone and speaker. Also, because such preparatory and large-scale work was required in advance, there was a problem that it could not be easily installed in cases where face-to-face conversation between speakers was suddenly restricted due to the sudden spread of the virus for preventing droplet infection, etc.

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention does not require preparatory or large-scale work such as making a plurality of holes in the wall or partition board between speakers, or preparing one microphone for each speaker in each space partitioned by the wall or partition board, or making holes in the wall or partition board for fixing the speaker in each space partitioned by the wall or partition board. The object is to be able to be easily installed even in cases where face-to-face conversation between speakers is restricted suddenly due to the sudden spread of the virus for preventing droplet infection, etc.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0007] The voice dialogue system provided from one aspect of the present invention is a voice dialogue system including a sound collection device, a sound playback device, and an amplifier that are present in respective spaces with a wall member therebetween. The sound collection device is a detachable sound collection device that collects the voice spoken by a speaker present in the space partitioned by the wall member. The sound playback device is a detachable sound playback device that is supported by the wall member and plays back the voice spoken by the speaker. The amplifier is an amplifier that amplifies the voice collected by the sound collection device and sends it to the sound playback device.

[0008] In the above invention, the wall member may be a wall member that partitions between speakers.

[0009] In the above invention, the detachable sound collection devices are respectively present in the spaces where the speakers are located, and include a first sound collection device that collects the voice of a first speaker who has spoken among the speakers, and a second sound collection device that can collect the voice of a second speaker who has spoken in a space different from that of the first speaker. The detachable sound playback devices are respectively present in the spaces where the speakers are located, are supported by the wall member, and include a first sound playback device that plays back the voice of the first speaker who has spoken among the speakers to the space where the second speaker is located, and a second sound playback device that plays back the voice of the second speaker to the space where the first speaker is located.

[0010] In the above invention, two or more of the first sound playback device and the second sound playback device may be connected by a connecting tool and supported by the wall member.

[0011] In the above invention, the first sound playback device and the second sound playback device may be supported so as to straddle the upper part of the wall member via the connecting tool.

[0012] In the above invention, the detachable sound playback device may be adjusted to an arbitrary height by the connecting tool in the previous period.

[0013] In the above invention, the detachable sound playback device may be supported by attaching and detaching to a convex portion provided on the wall member.

[0014] In the above invention, the detachable sound emitting device may be usable as a portable loudspeaker.

[0015] In the above invention, the sound collecting device and the sound emitting device may be connectable by wire or wirelessly.

[0016] In the above invention, the first sound collecting device and the first sound emitting device may be connected by wire or wirelessly, and the second sound collecting device and the second sound emitting device may be connected by wire or wirelessly.

[0017] In the above invention, the detachable sound emitting device and the detachable sound collecting device may be an integrated detachable loudspeaker device.

[0018] In the above invention, the detachable amplification device may have an integrated amplifier.

[0019] A method provided in one aspect of the present invention in which the amplification device has an integrated amplifier is a method of constructing a voice dialogue system across a wall member, including the steps of arranging the wall member so as to partition between speakers; arranging a sound collecting device so as to collect the voice uttered by the speaker existing in the space partitioned by the wall member; supporting a sound emitting device on the wall member so as to emit the voice uttered by the speaker; and arranging an amplifier for amplifying the voice collected by the sound collecting device.

Advantages of the Invention

[0020] According to the voice dialogue system of the present invention, voice dialogue that can be easily installed without requiring prior preparation or large-scale work is realized.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

EXAMPLE

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a voice dialogue system 1 according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, for convenience, two speakers are shown, but the present invention is not limited to this, and in the case of a plurality of speakers, each speaker is partitioned by a wall member, and a sound collection device 4 and a sound playback device 2 exist for each speaker. Then, the description of FIG. 1 will be given below.

[0023] The voice dialogue system 1 is a voice dialogue system including a wall member 3, a plurality of sound playback devices 2 (2a, 2b), and a plurality of sound collection devices 4 (4a, 4b). The voice dialogue system 1 is used, for example, when people are in close proximity to each other in a company or hospital room. A wall member 3 is installed between people, and even if blocked by the wall member 3, conversations can be carried out by the sound playback devices 2 (2a, 2b) and the sound collection devices 4 (4a, 4b) supported by the wall member 3.

[0024] The wall member 3 is installed between speakers. The wall member 3 may be any member that partitions between speakers, such as a transparent glass plate, an acrylic plate, a member made of a resin material such as plastic, or an easily available member such as cardboard. Also, it may be partitioned by a cabinet or the like that already exists in the space. Further, the wall member 3 may have a size that does not adhere to the ceiling or wall. For example, it may have a size of two meters square and a height such that the face of the speaker is hidden even when the speaker is standing. Also, it is not limited to this, and any member that can partition the space may be used.

[0025] One or more sound emitting devices 2 exist in each space partitioned by the wall member 3. The sound emitting devices 2 may be connected by a coupler 6 and the sound emitting devices 2 may be arranged in each space so as to straddle the upper part of the wall member 3.

[0026] As an example, the case where the sound emitting device 2 is a portable loudspeaker will be described. In the case of a portable loudspeaker, an amplifier, a speaker, and a voice input section are integrated. Also, in the portable loudspeaker, the amplifier, the speaker, and the voice input section are housed in a single housing. Also, the portable loudspeaker is a device that is worn on the body by a wearing tool such as a belt, and specific wearing forms include wearing a belt or the like around the waist of the body, hanging the belt from one shoulder of the body, and wearing the belt around the waist on the same or opposite side of the shoulder where the belt is hung. Also, the sound emitting device 2 emits the voices of the speakers 7 (7a, 7b) partitioned by the wall member 3 in each space. Referring to FIG. 1 for explanation, the voice of the speaker 7a is emitted from the sound emitting device 2b, and the voice of the speaker 7b is emitted from the sound emitting device 2a. The sound emitting device 2 may be an integrated type of a sound emitting device and a sound collecting device such as an intercom or a radio communication device. Also, it is not limited to this, and any device that can emit sound may be used.

[0027] As an example, the connector 6 is a belt for attaching a portable loudspeaker to the body, and will be described as something that connects two portable loudspeakers. The belt comes with the portable loudspeaker, and it is possible to connect the belts of each of the two portable loudspeakers, or to connect only one of the belts and remove the other belt. More specifically, for each portable loudspeaker, a belt is connected to the loudspeaker in order to attach the loudspeaker to the body. The belt is connected to both ends of the portable loudspeaker. Also, buckles are connected to the other ends of the belts connected to each portable loudspeaker, respectively. In order to connect the buckles to each other and wear them around the body, among the two portable loudspeakers, the buckle of the belt connected to one end of one portable loudspeaker is connected to the buckle of the belt connected to one end of the other portable loudspeaker to make the connection. Also, since the belts connected to both ends of the portable loudspeaker can be removed, it is also possible to make the connection by removing the belt at one end of one portable loudspeaker and directly connecting the belt of the other portable loudspeaker. As described above, when the connector 6 connects the portable loudspeakers with the belt attached to the portable loudspeaker, the length of the belt can be adjusted to fit closely to the body. Thereby, the distance between the two portable loudspeakers connected by the connector 6 can be adjusted. If the distance between the portable loudspeakers can be adjusted, when the connector 6 is placed across the upper surface of the wall member 3 to support the two portable loudspeakers on the wall member 3, the length by which the portable loudspeaker hangs from the upper part to the lower part of the wall member 3 (that is, the position of the portable loudspeaker from the upper part of the wall member 3) can be adjusted. Thereby, the position of the portable loudspeaker relative to the position of the speaker can be adjusted to any height such as a position where the speaker can easily hear. Also, the heights of the two portable loudspeakers existing on either side of the wall member 3 may be different heights. Further, the connector is not limited to being attached to the portable loudspeaker, and may be something like an easily obtainable string, or may be connected with an adhesive such as gum tape. Also, not limited to this, anything that can connect the two sound emitting devices 2 is acceptable.

[0028] The sound collection device 4 exists in one or more of the respective spaces partitioned by the wall member 3. The sound collection device may be integrated with the sound playback device or may be separated. Also, the sound collection device 4 collects the voice of the speaker partitioned by the wall member. Referring to FIG. 1 for explanation, the sound collection device 4a installed on the desk 5 collects the voice of the speaker 7a and the sound playback device 2b plays back the sound, and the sound collection device 4b collects the voice of the speaker 7b and the sound playback device 2a plays back the sound. The sound collection device 4 may be a headset microphone attached to a portable loudspeaker, or any device capable of collecting sound. Also, the sound collection device may be of an integrated type with the sound playback device such as an intercom or a radio communication device. Also, without being limited to this, any device capable of collecting sound is acceptable.

[0029] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration when the sound playback device 2 and the sound collection device 4 are separated and connected by wire. Referring to FIG. 2 for explanation, the sound collection device 4 collects the voice of the speaker who spoke in the space of the sound collection device 4, and transmits the voice collected by the wire 10 to the signal input unit 23.

[0030] The wire 10 may be any wire that can connect the sound collection device 4 and the sound playback device 2, or may be wireless. For example, it may be a cord connecting a microphone attached to a portable loudspeaker to the loudspeaker. Also, without being limited to this, any wire that can connect is acceptable.

[0031] The signal input unit 23 transmits the voice transmitted by the wire 10 to the signal amplification unit 22. Also, the signal input unit 23 may be a mini jack.

[0032] The signal amplification unit 22 amplifies the signal input to the signal input unit 21 and transmits it to the sound playback unit 21, and the sound playback unit 21 plays back the voice amplified by the signal amplification unit 22.

[0033] The above description was about the installed state of the voice dialogue system 1. Hereinafter, the installation method of the voice dialogue system 1 will be described. A wall member 3 is provided between speakers 7 (7a, 7b), and two sound emitting devices 2 (2a, 2b) are connected by a coupler 6. Then, the sound emitting devices 2 (2a, 2b) connected by the coupler 6 are supported so as to straddle the upper part of the wall member 3 such that one exists in each of the spaces partitioned by the wall member 3. Also, when the coupler 6 is a belt attached to a portable loudspeaker, the sound emitting device 2 can be installed at an arbitrary height by adjusting the length of the belt. Also, a sound collection device 4 (4a, 4b) exists in each of the spaces partitioned by the wall member 3. The sound collection devices 4 (4a, 4b) existing in the respective spaces are connected to the voice input portions 23 of the sound emitting devices 2 (2a, 2b) existing in different spaces. Thereby, the voices collected by the respective sound collection devices 4 (4a, 4b) are emitted from the sound emitting devices 2 (2a, 2b) existing in a space different from the spaces in which the respective sound collection devices 4 (4a, 4b) exist.

[0034] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an overall view of the case where the sound emitting device and the sound collection device described in FIG. 2 are separated and connected by wire. Referring to FIG. 3, the sound collection device 4a collects the voice of the speaker 7a and transmits the voice to the sound emitting device 2b by wire 10a.

[0035] The sound emitting device 2b emits the voice of the speaker 7a, the sound collection device 4b collects the voice of the speaker 7b and transmits it to the sound emitting device 2a by wire 10b, and the sound emitting device 2a emits the voice of the speaker 7b.

Embodiment

[0036] FIG. 4 is a side view showing a second embodiment in which the form of supporting the sound emitting device 2 described in FIG. 3 is different. Referring to FIG. 4, convex portions 61 (61a, 61b) are provided perpendicular to the wall member 3 to support the sound emitting devices 2 (2a, 2b).

[0037] The convex portion 61a is provided perpendicular to the plane of the wall member 3 and supports the sound emitting device 2a. The convex portion 61b is provided at a corresponding position centered on the wall member 3 where the convex portion 61a is provided and supports the sound emitting device 2b. The convex portion 61 may be any structure that can support the sound emitting device 2, such as a hook or a screw that can catch the sound emitting device 2. As an example, a very small hole may be opened on the plane of the wall member 3, or if there is already a hole, a hook, a screw, etc. may be attached using the hole. Also, the positions where the convex portions 61 (61a, 61b) are provided do not have to be corresponding positions centered on the wall member 3, as long as they can be installed on the wall member 3, and they do not have to be provided perpendicular to the wall member 3. Also, not limited to this, as long as it can support the sound emitting device 2.

[0038] FIG. 5 is a front view of Example 2 in which the form of supporting the sound emitting device 2 described in FIG. 4 is different. Referring to FIG. 5 for explanation, a wired line 10b is connected from the sound emitting device 2a supported by a convex portion 61a (not shown) on the wall member 3. Also, in Example 1 of FIG. 3, since the sound emitting device 2 is connected by the coupler 6, a part of the coupler 6 can be seen at the upper part of the sound emitting device 2 in FIG. 6, but otherwise it is the same as the state shown in FIG. 5.

[0039] The wired line 10b is connected to a sound collecting device 4b (not shown) on the opposite side of the wall member 3 along the side surface from the front of the wall member 3, and the wired line 10a is connected from the sound collecting device 4a to a sound emitting device 2b (not shown) on the opposite side of the wall member 3 along the side surface from the front of the wall member 3. Also, as an example, the wired line 10 is connected along the side surface of the wall member 3, but the sound collecting device 4 (4a, 4b) and the sound emitting device 2 (2a, 2b) may be connected along the upper part of the wall member 3.

Example

[0040] Figure 6 is a front view in which the convex portion 61 that supports the sound emitting device described in FIGS. 4 and 5 is installed on the side surface of the wall member 3. Referring to FIG. 6, the sound collecting device 4a is connected by a wire 10a to the sound emitting device 2b supported by a convex portion 61b vertically installed on the side surface of the wall member 3, and the sound collecting device 4b (not shown) is connected by a wire 10b to the sound emitting device 2a supported by a convex portion 61a vertically installed on the side surface of the wall member 3.

[0041] The convex portions 61 (61a, 61b) are provided on both side surfaces of the wall member 3, respectively. However, the convex portion 61 may be provided only on one side surface of the wall member 3, and the sound emitting device 2 (2a, 2b) may be supported so as to straddle the convex portion 61, and the sound emitting directions of the respective sound emitting devices 2 (2a, 2b) may be installed so as not to face each other. Further, the convex portion 61 does not have to be provided perpendicular to the wall member 3, and may be attached not only to the side surface of the wall member 3 but also to the peripheral portion. Further, the attachment method may be an adhesive attachment, or a small hole may be provided, or if there is already a hole, a hook, a screw, or the like may be attached using the hole. Further, the present invention is not limited to this, and any device that can support the sound emitting device 2 may be used.

Embodiment

[0042] Figure 7 is a simple configuration diagram in the case of the integrated sound amplification device 9 of the sound emitting device 2 and the sound collecting device 4. Referring to FIG. 7, the sound collecting device 4 collects the voice of the speaker 7 and transmits the collected voice by the signal transmission / reception unit 24.

[0043] The signal transmission / reception unit 24 transmits the voice collected by the signal input unit 23 to the other integrated device of the sound emitting device 2 and the sound collecting device 4. Further, the signal transmission / reception unit 24 receives voice from the other integrated device of the sound emitting device 2 and the sound collecting device 4 and transmits it to the signal amplification unit 22.

[0044] The signal amplification unit 22 amplifies the signal input to the signal input unit 21 and transmits it to the sound emitting device 4. The sound emitting device 4 emits the voice amplified by the signal amplification unit 22.

[0045] In FIG. 5, the sound emitting device 2 is installed at the center of the wall member 3. However, it may be installed not only at the center of the wall member 3 but also at any position and in any direction. For example, when the wall member 3 is a transparent member such as a transparent acrylic plate, if the sound emitting device 2 is supported at the center of the wall member 3, it becomes impossible to have a conversation while checking the face of the speaker on the opposite side, and it becomes impossible to have the same conversation as usual even though a transparent member is used. Also, in a hospital or the like, since a doctor may check the patient's condition by having a conversation while looking at the patient's face, instead of installing the sound emitting device 2 at the center of the wall member 3, the sound emitting device 2 is installed at an arbitrary position where the face of the speaker facing each other can be confirmed, so that a conversation can be had while checking the face of the speaker.

[0046] Also, the sound emitting device 2 may emit sound toward the speaker. When the sound emitting device 2 is installed at an arbitrary position of the wall member 3, the orientation of the sound emitting device 2 may be changed so that the sound emitting device 2 emits sound toward the speaker. Also, not limited to this, the sound emitting device 2 may be installed so as to emit sound in an arbitrary position and in an arbitrary direction.

[0047] In FIGS. 2 and 3, the signal amplification unit 22 is shown as an integrated unit with the loudspeaker 9, but an amplifier 8 may be provided separately from the sound amplification device 9.

[0048] The present invention is not limited to the respective embodiments shown above, and also includes a system and method in which the height and the sound emission direction can be freely determined by attaching a sound emitting device to a wall, a ceiling, etc. existing in the space of each speaker. Also included are systems and methods within the scope without departing from the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0049] 1 Voice dialogue system 2 Sound emitting device 3 Wall member 4 Sound collection device 5 Desk 6 Connector 7 Speaker 8 Amplifier 9 Sound amplification device 10 Wired 21 Sound emission unit 22 Signal amplification unit 23 Signal input unit 24 Signal transceiver unit 61 Convex part

Claims

1. A voice dialogue system comprising a sound collection device, a sound playback device, and an amplifier existing in respective spaces with a wall member interposed therebetween, wherein the sound collection device is a detachable sound collection device that collects the voice spoken by a speaker existing in the space partitioned by the wall member, and is respectively present in the space where the speaker is located, and a first sound collection device that collects the voice of a first speaker who has spoken among the speakers, a second sound collection device capable of collecting the voice of a second speaker who has spoken in a space different from the first speaker, the sound playback device is a detachable sound playback device supported by the wall member and playing back the voice spoken by the speaker, and is respectively present in the space where the speaker is located, and is supported by the wall member, and a first sound playback device that plays back the voice of the first speaker who has spoken among the speakers to the space where the second speaker is located, and a second sound playback device that plays back the voice spoken by the second speaker to the space where the first speaker is located, the amplifier is an amplifier that amplifies the voice collected by the sound collection device and sends it to the sound playback device, the first sound playback device and the second sound playback device are supported by the wall member while being connected by a connector, the connector is a voice dialogue system capable of adjusting the distance between the connected first sound playback device and the second sound playback device.

2. The wall member is a wall member that partitions between speakers, and the voice dialogue system according to claim 1.

3. The first sound playback device and the second sound playback device are supported so as to straddle the upper part of the wall member via the connector, and the voice dialogue system according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The detachable sound playback device can be used as a portable loudspeaker, and the voice dialogue system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The detachable sound collection device and the sound playback device can be connected by wire or wirelessly, and the voice dialogue system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. Connect the first sound collection device and the first sound playback device by wire or wirelessly, and connect the second sound collection device and the second sound playback device by wire or wirelessly, and the voice dialogue system according to claims 1 to 5.

7. The detachable sound playback device and the detachable sound collection device are an integrated detachable loudspeaker device, and the voice dialogue system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The detachable sound playback device is integrated with the amplifier, and the voice dialogue system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A method for constructing a voice dialogue system with a wall member interposed therebetween, a step of arranging a wall member so as to partition between speakers; a step of arranging a detachable sound collection device so as to collect the voice uttered by the speaker existing in the space partitioned by the wall member; a step of supporting a detachable sound playback device on the wall member so as to play back the voice uttered by the speaker; including a step of arranging an amplifier for amplifying the voice collected by the sound collection device; the detachable sound collection device includes a first sound collection device for collecting the voice of a first speaker who has spoken among the speakers, and a second sound collection device capable of collecting the voice of a second speaker who has spoken in a space different from the first speaker; the detachable sound playback device is supported on the wall member, and includes a first sound playback device for playing back the voice of the first speaker who has spoken among the speakers into the space where the second speaker is located; a second sound playback device for playing back the voice uttered by the second speaker into the space where the first speaker is located, and the first sound playback device and the second sound playback device are supported on the wall member while being connected by a connector; the connector is capable of adjusting the distance between the connected first sound playback device and the second sound playback device.

Images