Sound output system, sound output control device, audio device, and audio connection switching method

Abstract

To provide a sound output system, a sound output control device, an audio device, and an audio connection switching method, capable of easily switching a sound output destination among a plurality of external audio devices connected to the sound output control device.SOLUTION: A sound output system includes a sound output control device, and a plurality of audio devices. A second audio device transmits an inquiry command for inquiring whether or not an audio device with an established audio connection is present when detecting that a power supply is turned on. A first audio device transmits an answer command for indicating that it is present. The second audio device transmits a change command for instructing change of the audio device with which the audio connection is to be established. The first audio device releases the audio connection and transmits a release command for notifying that it has been released. The second audio device establishes the audio connection.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sound output system, a sound output control device, an audio device, and an audio connection switching method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a device that connects an audio device capable of outputting sound to a television receiver (hereinafter also referred to as a "TV") and switches the sound output destination between the TV and the audio device is known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a device that switches the sound output destination between a TV and headphones as an audio device. When the device disclosed in Patent Document 1 detects that the headphones are worn, it switches the sound output destination to the headphones and sets the TV to the muting-on state so that no sound is output from the TV speaker.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Conventionally, among external devices connected to a TV, such as the device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the number of devices that can function as an audio device for outputting sound has been limited to one. However, in recent years, with the emergence of various audio devices such as speakers, there has been a case where different audio devices are connected to a TV and the audio devices for outputting sound are properly used according to the situation. In addition, when switching the sound output destination between a plurality of audio devices, the switching operation may become complicated.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above problems. An object of the present disclosure is to provide a sound output system, a sound output control device, an audio device, and an audio connection switching method that can easily switch the sound output destination among a plurality of external audio devices connected to the sound output control device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A sound output system according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a sound output control device and a plurality of audio devices including a first audio device and a second audio device communicably connected to the sound output control device. The sound output control device is a sound output system that causes an audio device having an audio connection established with the sound output control device among the plurality of audio devices to output sound. The first audio device has the audio connection established with the sound output control device. In a state where the second audio device does not have the audio connection established with the sound output control device, when the second audio device detects that the power of the second audio device is turned on, the second audio device transmits an inquiry command to inquire whether there is an audio device having the audio connection established. The first audio device transmits a response command indicating that there is an audio device having the audio connection established to the second audio device in response to the inquiry command. The second audio device transmits a change command for instructing a change of the audio device having the audio connection established based on receiving the response command. The first audio device releases the audio connection with the sound output control device based on receiving the change command, and transmits a release command for notifying the release of the audio connection to the second audio device based on releasing the audio connection. The second audio device executes a process for establishing the audio connection with the sound output control device based on receiving the release command.

[0007] An audio output control device according to an aspect of the present disclosure is an audio output control device communicably connected to a plurality of audio devices including a first audio device and a second audio device. The audio output control device includes a control unit that transmits a sound signal to be output to an audio device with which an audio connection has been established among the plurality of audio devices. The first audio device has an established audio connection with the audio output control device. When the second audio device does not have an established audio connection with the audio output control device, the control unit establishes an audio connection with the second audio device based on the execution of a process for establishing an audio connection with the audio output control device by the second audio device when the power is turned on.

[0008] A first audio device according to an aspect of the present disclosure is a first audio device that outputs sound from an audio device with which an audio connection has been established, and that has an established audio connection and is communicably connected to the audio output control device. The first audio device includes a command control unit that controls the transmission and reception of commands, and a connection control unit that controls the audio connection with the audio output control device. When the command control unit receives an inquiry command for inquiring whether there is an audio device with an established audio connection from a second audio device with which the audio connection has not been established, the command control unit transmits a response command indicating that there is an audio device with an established audio connection to the second audio device. When the command control unit receives a change command for instructing a change of the audio device with which the audio connection is to be established, the connection control unit releases the audio connection with the audio output control device based on receiving the change command. Based on releasing the audio connection, the command control unit transmits a release command for notifying the release of the audio connection to the second audio device.

[0009] A second audio device according to an aspect of the present disclosure is a second audio device communicably connected to an audio output control device that outputs sound from an audio device with which an audio connection has been established, the second audio device including a power detection unit that detects turning on of a power supply, a command control unit that controls transmission and reception of commands, and a connection control unit that controls an audio connection with the audio output control device. When the power detection unit detects that the power has been turned on, the command control unit transmits an inquiry command for inquiring whether there is an audio device with which an audio connection has been established. Based on receiving a response command indicating that there is a first audio device with which an audio connection has been established in response to the inquiry command, the command control unit transmits a change command for instructing a change of the audio device with which the audio connection is to be established. Based on receiving, by the command control unit, a release command notifying that the first audio device has released the audio connection, the connection control unit executes a process for establishing the audio connection with the audio output control device.

[0010] An audio connection switching method according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a sound output control device and a plurality of audio devices including a first audio device and a second audio device communicably connected to the sound output control device. The sound output control device is an audio connection switching method executed by a sound output system that outputs sound from an audio device that is audio-connected to the sound output control device among the plurality of audio devices. The first audio device has an audio connection with the sound output control device established. When the second audio device detects that the power of the second audio device has been turned on while the audio connection between the second audio device and the sound output control device is not established, the second audio device transmits an inquiry command to inquire whether there is an audio device with an established audio connection. The first audio device transmits a response command indicating that there is an audio device with an established audio connection to the second audio device in response to the inquiry command. The second audio device transmits a change command for instructing a change of the audio device with which the audio connection is to be established based on receiving the response command. The first audio device releases the audio connection with the sound output control device based on receiving the change command, and transmits a release command for notifying that the audio connection has been released to the second audio device based on releasing the audio connection. The second audio device executes a process for establishing the audio connection with the sound output control device based on receiving the release command.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

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Figure 8

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Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or equivalent components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions of the same or equivalent components will be omitted as appropriate when they overlap.

[0013] [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a sound output system 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the sound output system 1 according to the first embodiment includes a television 30 and a plurality of audio devices. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the sound output system 1 includes two audio devices, the first audio device 10 and the second audio device 20, as the plurality of audio devices. However, the plurality of audio devices included in the sound output system 1 is not limited to two. The sound output system 1 may include three or more audio devices.

[0014] The first audio device 10 and the second audio device 20 are communicably connected to the television 30. Here, being communicable specifically includes being able to transmit and receive commands. A command is a signal for notifying specific information or instructing the execution of specific processing. In this embodiment, the first audio device 10, the second audio device 20, and the television 30 transmit and receive CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) commands. The specific content of the CEC commands transmitted and received will be described later.

[0015] In this embodiment, the first audio device 10 and the second audio device 20 are connected to the television 30 via HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) (registered trademark). That is, the first audio device 10, the second audio device 20, and the television 30 each have an HDMI terminal. The HDMI terminal of the first audio device 10 and the HDMI terminal of the television 30 are connected by an HDMI cable. Similarly, the HDMI terminal of the second audio device 20 and the HDMI terminal of the television 30 are connected by an HDMI cable. As a result, the television 30 is in a state of being communicably connected to the first audio device 10 and the second audio device 20 to transmit and receive CEC commands. Also, as a result, the first audio device 10 and the second audio device 20 can transmit and receive CEC commands via the television 30.

[0016] In this embodiment, the first audio device 10 and the second audio device 20 are devices capable of outputting sound. For example, the first audio device 10 is a soundbar. A soundbar is a bar-shaped speaker. The soundbar is installed, for example, in front of the television 30. For example, the second audio device 20 is a neck speaker. A neck speaker is a speaker that a user watching the television 30 wears over the shoulder. A neck speaker is also called a shoulder speaker, a neck-worn speaker, a wearable speaker, or the like. Note that the form of the audio device is not limited to the examples shown here. For example, both the first audio device 10 and the second audio device 20 may be soundbars. Also, any other speaker may be used as the audio device in this embodiment.

[0017] In this embodiment, the television 30 functions as a sound output control device. The television 30 as a sound output control device can cause sound to be output from any one of a plurality of audio devices. Specifically, the television 30 as a sound output control device causes sound to be output from an audio device with which an audio connection to the television 30 has been established among the plurality of audio devices. In this embodiment, the television 30 transmits a signal of sound (hereinafter also referred to as an "audio signal") to be output to an audio device with which an audio connection to the television 30 has been established among the first audio device 10 and the second audio device 20 connected by HDMI. Thereby, the television 30 causes the audio device with which the audio connection has been established to output sound. Here, the state in which the audio connection has been established refers to a state in which the audio device is selectively connected so that an audio signal is transmitted from the sound output control device.

[0018] In recent years, for example, with the thinning and narrow bezeling of the television 30, it has become difficult to incorporate a large speaker into the television 30. Therefore, there are cases where a soundbar, which is the first audio device 10, is connected to the television 30 to output sound from the soundbar. Also, when only one user listens to the sound, there are cases where a wearable speaker, which is the second audio device 20, is connected to the television 30 to output sound from the wearable speaker. Furthermore, some users may wish to connect a plurality of audio devices with different purposes to the television 30 in this way and selectively use the audio devices that output sound according to the situation. In this case, in the audio output system 1, it is necessary to switch which audio device outputs the sound. On the other hand, when switching the sound output destination between a plurality of audio devices, if the switching operation is complicated, it is inconvenient for the user. The present disclosure enables easy switching of the sound output destination between a plurality of external audio devices connected to the television 30 as an audio output control device.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the audio output system 1 in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the first audio device 10 and the television 30 are communicably connected by a first HDMI cable 41. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 2, the second audio device 20 and the television 30 are communicably connected by a second HDMI cable 42.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 2, the first audio device 10 includes, as functional units, a first audio control unit 11, a first audio storage unit 12, a first CEC control unit 13, a first connection control unit 14, a first signal processing unit 15, a first speaker 16, a first power detection unit 17, and a first signal reception unit 18.

[0021] The first audio control unit 11 controls and manages the entire first audio device 10, including each functional unit of the first audio device 10. The first audio control unit 11 is configured to include at least one processor. The first audio control unit 11 is composed of a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that executes a program defining a control procedure or a dedicated processor specialized for processing each function.

[0022] The first audio storage unit 12 is a storage medium capable of storing programs and data. The first audio storage unit 12 can be configured, for example, by a semiconductor memory or a magnetic memory. The first audio storage unit 12 may store, for example, a program for operating the first audio device 10.

[0023] The first CEC control unit 13 controls the transmission and reception of CEC commands. Also, the first CEC control unit 13 executes various processes based on the received CEC commands. In the present embodiment, the first CEC control unit 13 functions as a command control unit in the first audio device 10 of the present disclosure. Specific examples of the CEC commands transmitted and received by the first CEC control unit 13 and the processes executed will be described later.

[0024] The first connection control unit 14 controls the audio connection with the TV 30 which is an audio output control device. Specifically, when the audio connection between the TV 30 and the first audio device 10 is established, the first connection control unit 14 releases the audio connection with the TV 30 which is an audio output control device, based on the first CEC control unit 13 receiving a change command for instructing a change of the audio device for which the audio connection is to be established. Also, when the audio connection between the TV 30 and the first audio device 10 is not established, the first connection control unit 14 executes processing for establishing an audio connection with the TV 30 which is an audio output control device, based on the first CEC control unit 13 receiving a release command for notifying that the audio connection has been released from the audio device with which the audio connection with the TV 30 was established. In the present embodiment, the first connection control unit 14 functions as a connection control unit in the first audio device 10 of the present disclosure.

[0025] The first signal processing unit 15 extracts an audio signal from the signal input from the first HDMI cable 41 connected to the TV 30, performs predetermined signal processing, and outputs the result to the first speaker 16. The predetermined signal processing is known signal processing and includes, for example, equalizing processing, D / A conversion processing, and signal amplification processing.

[0026] The first speaker 16 outputs sound based on the audio signal processed by the first signal processing unit 15. The first speaker 16 can be configured by any known speaker.

[0027] The first power detection unit 17 detects the power being turned on. The first power detection unit 17 can be configured by, for example, a known detection circuit capable of detecting the power being turned on.

[0028] The first signal receiving unit 18 receives a signal transmitted from a remote controller (hereinafter also referred to as a "remote control") for remotely operating the first audio device 10. Specifically, when the user operates the remote control, an operation signal corresponding to the operation content is transmitted from the remote control by infrared rays. The first signal receiving unit 18 receives the operation signal by the infrared rays. For example, when the user switches the power of the first audio device 10 between the standby state and the on state, the user operates the remote control. The remote control transmits a signal corresponding to these operations. The first signal receiving unit 18 receives the signal transmitted from the remote control. The first audio control unit 11 executes processing according to the content of the signal received by the first signal receiving unit 18.

[0029] Note that although it has been described that the remote control transmits an operation signal by infrared rays, the transmission method of the operation signal does not necessarily have to be by infrared rays. The remote control may transmit an operation signal by another method. The first signal receiving unit 18 receives the operation signal by a method corresponding to the transmission method of the operation signal of the remote control.

[0030] The first audio control unit 11 may have some or all of the functions of the first CEC control unit 13, the first connection control unit 14, and the first signal processing unit 15 described above.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 2, the second audio device 20 includes, as functional units, a second audio control unit 21, a second audio storage unit 22, a second CEC control unit 23, a second connection control unit 24, a second signal processing unit 25, a second speaker 26, a second power detection unit 27, and a second signal receiving unit 28.

[0032] The second audio control unit 21 controls and manages the entire second audio device 20 including each functional unit of the second audio device 20. The second audio control unit 21 includes at least one processor. The second audio control unit 21 is composed of a processor such as a CPU that executes a program defining a control procedure or a dedicated processor specialized for processing each function.

[0033] The second audio storage unit 22 is a storage medium capable of storing programs and data. The second audio storage unit 22 can be configured by, for example, a semiconductor memory or a magnetic memory. The second audio storage unit 22 may store, for example, a program for operating the second audio device 20.

[0034] The second CEC control unit 23 controls the transmission and reception of CEC commands. Also, the second CEC control unit 23 executes various processes based on the received CEC commands. In the present embodiment, the second CEC control unit 23 functions as a command control unit in the second audio device 20 of the present disclosure. Specific examples of the CEC commands transmitted and received by the second CEC control unit 23 and the processes executed will be described later.

[0035] The second connection control unit 24 controls the audio connection with the television 30 which is an audio output control device. The second connection control unit 24 is configured in the same manner as the first connection control unit 14. That is, the second connection control unit 24 releases the audio connection with the television 30 which is an audio output control device based on the reception of a change command by the second CEC control unit 23. Also, the second connection control unit 24 executes processes for establishing the audio connection with the television 30 which is an audio output control device based on the reception of a release command by the second CEC control unit 23. In the present embodiment, the second connection control unit 24 functions as a connection control unit in the second audio device 20 of the present disclosure.

[0036] The second signal processing unit 25 extracts an audio signal from the signal input from the second HDMI cable 42 connected to the television 30, performs predetermined signal processing, and outputs it to the second speaker 26. The predetermined signal processing is known signal processing and includes, for example, equalizing processing, D / A conversion processing, and signal amplification processing.

[0037] The second speaker 26 outputs sound based on the audio signal processed by the second signal processing unit 25. The second speaker 26 can be configured by any known speaker.

[0038] The second power supply detection unit 27 detects the turning on of the power supply. The second power supply detection unit 27 can be configured by, for example, a known detection circuit capable of detecting the turning on of the power supply. The second power supply detection unit 27 functions as a power supply detection unit in the second audio device 20 of the present disclosure.

[0039] The second signal receiving unit 28 receives a signal transmitted from a remote controller for remotely operating the second audio device 20. Specifically, when the user operates the remote controller, an operation signal corresponding to the operation content is transmitted from the remote controller by infrared rays. The second signal receiving unit 28 receives the operation signal by infrared rays. For example, when the user switches the power supply of the second audio device 20 between the standby state and the on state, the user operates the remote controller. The remote controller transmits a signal corresponding to these operations. The second signal receiving unit 28 receives the signal transmitted from the remote controller. The second audio control unit 21 executes processing according to the content of the signal received by the second signal receiving unit 28. Note that the remote controller may transmit an operation signal by a method other than infrared rays. The second signal receiving unit 28 receives the operation signal by a method corresponding to the transmission method of the operation signal of the remote controller.

[0040] The second audio control unit 21 may have some or all of the functions of the second CEC control unit 23, the second connection control unit 24, and the second signal processing unit 25 described above.

[0041] In addition, when the second audio device 20 is a neck speaker, actually, the second audio device 20 is not represented as one functional block as shown in FIG. 2, but is composed of, for example, a speaker body 20a and a transmitter 20b as shown in FIG. 1. The speaker body 20a and the transmitter 20b are wirelessly communication-connected by an arbitrary standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). The transmitter is connected to the TV 30 by a second HDMI cable 42. When an audio connection with the TV 30 is established, the transmitter 20b receives the audio signal received from the TV 30, and based on the audio signal, causes the speaker body 20a worn by the user to output sound by wireless communication. Therefore, when the second audio device 20 is a neck speaker, each functional unit included in the second audio device 20 or the functions included in each functional unit described with reference to FIG. 2 are distributed and mounted on the speaker body 20a and the transmitter 20b.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 2, the TV 30 includes, as functional units, a TV control unit 31, a TV storage unit 32, a remote control signal receiving unit 33, a TV CEC control unit 34, a display unit 35, a TV speaker 36, a tuner 37, a decoder 38, and a switching control unit 39.

[0043] The TV control unit 31 controls and manages the entire TV 30, including each functional unit of the TV 30. The TV control unit 31 is configured to include at least one processor. The TV control unit 31 is composed of a processor such as a CPU that executes a program defining a control procedure or a dedicated processor specialized for processing each function. The TV control unit 31 transmits, for example, an audio signal to be output to an audio device for which an audio connection with the TV 30, which is an audio output control device, has been established among a plurality of audio devices (that is, the first audio device 10 and the second audio device 20). In the present embodiment, the TV control unit 31 functions as a control unit in the TV 30, which is the audio output control device of the present disclosure.

[0044] The TV memory unit 32 is a storage medium capable of storing programs and data. The TV memory unit 32 can be configured by, for example, a semiconductor memory or a magnetic memory. The TV memory unit 32 may store, for example, a program for operating the TV 30.

[0045] The remote control signal receiving unit 33 receives a signal transmitted from a remote control for remotely operating the TV 30. Specifically, when the user operates the remote control, an operation signal corresponding to the operation content is transmitted from the remote control by infrared rays. The remote control signal receiving unit 33 receives the operation signal by infrared rays. For example, when the user selects a channel of a broadcast program to be displayed on the TV 30, changes the volume to be output, or makes some settings for the TV 30, the user operates the remote control. The remote control transmits a signal corresponding to these operations. The remote control signal receiving unit 33 receives the signal transmitted from the remote control. The TV control unit 31 executes processing according to the content of the signal received by the remote control signal receiving unit 33. Note that the remote control may transmit an operation signal by a method other than infrared rays. The remote control signal receiving unit 33 receives the operation signal by a method corresponding to the transmission method of the operation signal of the remote control.

[0046] The TV CEC control unit 34 controls the transmission and reception of CEC commands. In addition, the TV CEC control unit 34 executes various processes based on the received CEC commands.

[0047] The display unit 35 is a device for displaying images. The display unit 35 may be configured by a well-known display such as, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic EL display (OELD), or an inorganic EL display (IELD). For example, an image of a broadcast program or a setting screen for the TV 30 is displayed on the display unit 35.

[0048] The TV speaker 36 is a speaker built into the TV 30. The TV speaker 36 outputs sound based on the control of the TV control unit 31 when no audio device is connected to the TV 30, and when an audio device is connected to the TV 30 but the audio connection is not established.

[0049] The tuner 37 receives broadcast programs broadcast by terrestrial digital broadcasting, satellite broadcasting, etc. The tuner 37 may receive data broadcasts such as character supers and subtitles that are superimposed on broadcast programs such as emergency earthquake warnings together with these broadcast programs.

[0050] The decoder 38 decodes video content as a broadcast program received by the tuner 37 into a video signal and an audio signal. The decoder 38 includes, for example, an RF unit that converts a reception signal indicating a broadcast program received by the tuner 37 into an analog baseband signal, an ADC unit that converts the analog baseband signal into a digital baseband signal, a demodulation unit that demodulates an MPEG2 stream from the digital baseband signal, and a decoding unit that decodes a video signal and an audio signal from the MPEG2 stream.

[0051] The switching control unit 39 executes control for establishing an audio connection with an audio device. Specifically, the switching control unit 39 includes a plurality of HDMI terminals capable of inputting and outputting video signals and audio signals. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the switching control unit 39 includes two HDMI terminals. The switching control unit 39 establishes an audio connection with an audio device by selectively using the ARC (Audio Return Channel) function. In the present embodiment, the switching control unit 39 selectively connects any one of the plurality of HDMI terminals so that video signals and audio signals can be transmitted, thereby establishing an audio connection with the audio device connected to the selectively connected HDMI terminal.

[0052] The switching control unit 39 selectively uses the ARC function for the audio device that has acquired the target device identification information among the plurality of audio devices, thereby establishing an audio connection with the audio device. Here, the target device identification information is information that specifies that the device is a target device for audio output control by the television 30, which is an audio output control device. Specifically, the target device identification information is, for example, a logical address that can be acquired when the audio device transmits a polling message, and is a logical address (Audio System) that indicates that the device operates as a target for audio output control by the television 30. The target device identification information can be acquired by only one audio device in the audio system.

[0053] Next, an example of the processing executed by the audio output system 1 will be described. FIGS. 3 to 7 are sequence diagrams showing an example of the processing by the audio output system 1. FIGS. 3 to 7 show a series of processing procedures executed by the audio output system 1. That is, FIGS. 3 to 7 as a whole show the entire processing executed by the audio output system 1.

[0054] At the start point of the sequence shown in FIG. 3, the first audio device 10 and the second audio device 20 are in a state of being HDMI-connected to the television 30. Also, at the start point of the sequence shown in FIG. 3, the first audio device 10 has acquired the target device identification information.

[0055] At the start point of the sequence shown in FIG. 3, the first audio device 10, the second audio device 20, and the television 30 are in a standby state. Here, the standby state is a standby state in which image and sound output cannot be executed, but signal and command transmission and reception can be executed.

[0056] In the sequence shown in FIG. 3, first, the user attempts to view the television 30 and performs an operation to turn on the power of the television 30 on the remote control of the television 30 (step S11).

[0057] When the user performs an operation to turn on the power of the television 30, the remote control transmits a power-on signal instructing the television 30 to turn on the power to the television 30 based on the operation (step S12).

[0058] When the television 30 receives the power-on signal at the remote control signal receiving unit 33, the power is turned on under the control of the television control unit 31 based on the power-on signal (step S13).

[0059] When the television 30 is turned on, the CEC control unit 34 transmits a power-on command to the audio device for which the audio connection is established. Here, since the audio connection is established between the television 30 and the first audio device 10, the CEC control unit 34 transmits a power-on command to the first audio device 10 (step S14). The power-on command is a command instructing to turn on the power. The power-on command may include information that can uniquely identify the device to turn on the power. For example, here, the power-on command may include information that can uniquely identify the first audio device 10. In this case, the power-on command is a command instructing to turn on the power of the first audio device 10.

[0060] When the first audio device 10 receives the power-on command at the first CEC control unit, the power is turned on under the control of the first audio control unit 11 based on the power-on command (step S15).

[0061] When the first audio device 10 detects that an HDMI terminal is connected, it transmits an inquiry command from the first CEC control unit 13 (step S16). The inquiry command is a command for inquiring whether there is an audio device with an established audio connection. Specifically, for example, the first audio device 10 can inquire whether it can obtain target device identification information by means of the inquiry command. In step S16, the first audio device 10 transmits an inquiry command to inquire whether another audio device has already obtained the target device identification information. The inquiry command includes information that can uniquely identify the device that transmitted the inquiry command. Specifically, the information that can uniquely identify the device is, for example, a physical address.

[0062] If another audio device has already obtained the target device identification information, when the other audio device that has obtained the target device identification information receives the inquiry command, it transmits a response command indicating that there is an audio device with an established audio connection in response to the inquiry command. When the audio device that transmitted the inquiry command receives the response command, since another audio device has already obtained the target device identification information, it can determine that it cannot obtain the target device identification information. In this case, since the audio device that transmitted the inquiry command cannot obtain the target device identification information, it obtains a logical address indicating that it does not have a specific role within the CEC network. The logical address indicating that it does not have a specific role is, for example, an address indicating "unregistered".

[0063] On the other hand, if there is no audio device that has obtained the target device identification information, no response command is transmitted from any audio device. That is, when the audio device that transmitted the inquiry command does not receive the response command, it can determine that there is no audio device that has obtained the target device identification information. In this case, the audio device that transmitted the inquiry command can obtain the target device identification information.

[0064] In the example shown in FIG. 3, except for the first audio device 10, no other audio device is HDMI-connected to the TV 30. Therefore, since there is no audio device that has acquired the target device identification information, no response command is sent in response to the inquiry command sent by the first audio device 10.

[0065] Note that in the flow of FIG. 3, on the premise that the first audio device 10 has acquired the target device identification information, it is not always necessary to inquire whether the target device identification information can be acquired by sending an inquiry command in step S16. If the first audio device 10 that has acquired the target device identification information detaches from the CEC network while in the state of having acquired the target device identification information, another audio device may acquire the target device identification information while the first audio device 10 is detached. In this state, when the first audio device 10 is reconnected to the CEC network, the CEC network will have two audio devices that have acquired the target device identification information. Therefore, even if the first audio device 10 has already acquired the target device identification information, it is preferable to send an inquiry command as described in step S16 when the power is turned on. This can prevent the existence of multiple audio devices that have acquired the target device identification information. In this way, inconsistencies that may occur in the CEC network can be prevented in advance.

[0066] Since the first audio device 10 has not received a response command, it acquires the target device identification information (step S17). Here, at the start of the flow of FIG. 3, since the first audio device 10 has acquired the target device identification information, the first audio device 10 maintains the state of having acquired the target device identification information in step S17.

[0067] In addition, the first audio device 10 transmits a notification command from the first CEC control unit 13 (step S18). The notification command is a message notifying that it can operate as a device to be controlled for sound output. The notification command may include information that can uniquely identify the audio device that transmitted the notification command (i.e., here, the first audio device 10). The notification command is transmitted from the audio device when the established state of the audio connection changes. The established state of the audio connection is a state regarding whether the audio connection is established or not. The established state of the audio connection changes when the target device identification information is acquired (step S18 in FIG. 3, step S43 in FIG. 5 described later, step S72 in FIG. 6 described later, etc.) and when the target device identification information is released (step S38 in FIG. 4 described later, step S68 in FIG. 6 described later, etc.). The notification command may be transmitted from the audio device communicably connected to the television 30 which is a sound output control device when the audio device is communicably connected to the television 30.

[0068] By receiving the notification command transmitted in step S18, the television 30 can identify the audio device that transmitted the notification command and can recognize that the audio device that transmitted the notification command can operate as a device to be controlled for sound output.

[0069] When the television 30 receives the notification command, for example, it stores the audio device that transmitted the notification command in the television storage unit 32 as an audio device that can operate as a device to be controlled for sound output. The television 30 can present a list of audio devices capable of outputting sound to the user by, for example, displaying the list of audio devices stored in the television storage unit 32 and capable of operating as devices to be controlled for sound output on the display unit 35. The user can, for example, operate the remote control to select an audio device for outputting sound from the audio devices displayed in the list or switch the audio device for outputting sound.

[0070] In step S18, the first audio device 10 may transmit information regarding the first audio device 10 included in a notification command. The information regarding the first audio device 10 includes, for example, the model name of the first audio device 10 and the physical address assigned to the first audio device 10. Thereby, when receiving the notification command, the television 30 can also acquire the information regarding the first audio device 10 accordingly.

[0071] However, the timing at which the information regarding the first audio device 10 is transmitted is not limited to this. The information regarding the first audio device 10 may be separately transmitted at a timing different from the transmission of the notification command. For example, the timing at which the information regarding the first audio device 10 is transmitted may be when the television 30 and the first audio device 10 are HDMI-connected, or when the power of the first audio device 10 is turned on (step S15), etc.

[0072] The television 30 establishes an audio connection with the audio device (here, the first audio device 10) that has acquired the target device identification information (step S19). Specifically, based on the control of the television control unit 31, the switching control unit 39 of the television 30 selectively uses the ARC function for the first audio device 10 to establish an audio connection with the first audio device 10. More specifically, the switching control unit 39 selectively connects the HDMI terminal to which the first audio device 10 is connected among the plurality of HDMI terminals so that video signals and audio signals can be transmitted, thereby establishing an audio connection with the first audio device 10.

[0073] In a state where the audio connection between the television 30 and the first audio device 10 is established in this way, the television 30 transmits an audio signal to the first audio device 10 (step S20).

[0074] When the first audio device 10 receives the audio signal transmitted from the television 30, it outputs a sound corresponding to the audio signal (step S21). In this way, after the power of the television 30 is turned on by the user's operation, the audio connection between the television 30 and the first audio device 10 is established, and sound is output from the first audio device 10. In this manner, the user only needs to perform an operation to turn on the power of the television 30, and the power of the first audio device 10 that has acquired the target device identification information changes from the standby state to the on state, and sound is output from the first audio device 10.

[0075] The sequence shown in FIG. 4 is executed following the sequence shown in FIG. 3. That is, at the start point of the sequence shown in FIG. 4, the first audio device 10 has established an audio connection with the television 30 which is the audio output control device, and the second audio device 20 is in a state where the audio connection with the television 30 which is the audio output control device has not been established. FIG. 4 shows a part of the audio connection switching method executed by the audio output system 1.

[0076] Assume that in the state where sound is being output from the first audio device 10 as described in FIG. 3, the user wishes to output sound from the second audio device 20. In this case, the user performs an operation to turn on the power of the second audio device 20 on the remote control of the second audio device 20 (step S31).

[0077] When the user performs an operation to turn on the power of the second audio device 20, the remote control transmits a power-on signal instructing the second audio device 20 to turn on its power to the second audio device 20 based on the operation (step S32).

[0078] When the second audio device 20 receives the power-on signal at the second signal receiving unit 28, its power is turned on under the control of the second audio control unit 21 based on the power-on signal (step S33).

[0079] When the second audio device 20 detects that the power supply of the second audio device 20 has been turned on by the second power supply detection unit 27, it transmits an inquiry command from the second CEC control unit 23 (step S34). The inquiry command transmitted here is the same as the inquiry command described in step S16.

[0080] Here, according to the sequence described in FIG. 3, the first audio device 10 has already acquired the target device identification information. That is, there is already an audio device for which an audio connection has been established. Therefore, when the first audio device 10 receives an inquiry command from the second audio device 20, it transmits a response command from the first CEC control unit 13 to the second audio device 20 (step S35).

[0081] Based on receiving the response command in step S35, the second audio device 20 transmits a change command for instructing a change of the audio device for which an audio connection is to be established (step S36). The change command is a command for instructing a change of the audio device to which an audio connection is made. The change command may include information specifying the audio device that is the switching destination of the audio connection (here, the second audio device 20). Further, the change command may include an instruction to put the power supply in the standby state after releasing the target device identification information.

[0082] The audio device with an audio connection releases the target device identification information and acquires an address indicating "unregistered" based on receiving a change command. By releasing the target device identification information, the audio connection between the audio device with an audio connection and the TV 30 is released. Here, the first audio device 10 receives a change command in the first CEC control unit 13. The first audio device 10 releases the audio connection with the TV 30 by releasing the target device identification information based on receiving the change command (step S37). Further, after releasing the target device identification information, the first audio device 10 acquires an address indicating "unregistered" (step S37).

[0083] Then, the first audio device 10 that has released the target device identification information transmits a notification command (step S38). As a result, even after releasing the audio connection, the first audio device 10 is recognized by the TV 30 as an audio device that can operate as a target device for sound output control.

[0084] Based on releasing the audio connection, the first audio device 10 transmits a release command (step S39). The release command is a command for notifying that the audio device that was previously audio-connected has released the audio connection. With the release command, the TV 30 and the second audio device 20 can recognize that the audio connection has been released.

[0085] After the first audio device 10 transmits the release command in step S39, it sets the power of the first audio device 10 to the standby state. That is, based on the instruction to set the power to the standby state included in the change command, the first audio device 10 changes the power of the first audio device 10 from the on state to the standby state (step S40). In this way, the first audio device 10 that has released the target device identification information automatically enters the standby state without, for example, receiving a separate operation input from the user. That is, an audio device that becomes unused due to a change in the audio device to which the audio is connected automatically enters the standby state. As a result, the user does not need to perform a separate operation, improving convenience.

[0086] The sequence shown in FIG. 5 is executed following the sequence shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 5 shows a part of the audio connection switching method executed by the sound output system 1.

[0087] Based on receiving the release command transmitted in step S39 of FIG. 4, the second audio device 20 executes a process for establishing an audio connection with the television 30, which is a sound output control device. Here, as shown in step S42, the second audio device 20 executes a process for establishing an audio connection with the television 30 by acquiring the target device identification information. In the present embodiment, before acquiring the target device identification information, the second audio device 20 queries in step S41 whether there is an audio device with which an audio connection has been established.

[0088] That is, when the second audio device 20 receives the release command in the second CEC control unit 23, it transmits an inquiry command (step S41). The inquiry command transmitted here is the same as the inquiry command described in step S16. That is, here, the second audio device 20 inquires whether another audio device has already acquired the target device identification information.

[0089] At this time, since the first audio device 10 has already released the audio connection and there is no audio device that has acquired the target device identification information, no response command is sent for the inquiry command sent by the second audio device 20 in step S41.

[0090] Since the second audio device 20 has not received a response command, it acquires the target device identification information (step S42).

[0091] Also, the second audio device 20 sends a notification command from the second CEC control unit 23 (step S43). The notification command sent here is the same as the notification command described in step S18. By receiving the notification command sent in step S43, the TV 30 can identify the second audio device 20 that sent the notification command and can recognize that the second audio device 20 is operable as a target device for audio output control.

[0092] Based on the fact that the second audio device 20 has executed the process for establishing an audio connection with the TV 30 (in this embodiment, the acquisition of the target device identification information in step S42) when the power is turned on, the TV 30 establishes an audio connection with the second audio device 20 by the TV control unit 31 (step S44). Specifically, the TV 30, based on the control of the TV control unit 31, the switching control unit 39 selectively uses the ARC function for the second audio device 20 to establish an audio connection with the second audio device 20. More specifically, the switching control unit 39 selectively connects the HDMI terminal to which the second audio device 20 is connected among the plurality of HDMI terminals so that video signals and audio signals can be transmitted, thereby establishing an audio connection with the second audio device 20.

[0093] In a state where the audio connection between the TV 30 and the second audio device 20 is established in this way, the TV 30 sends an audio signal to the second audio device 20 (step S45).

[0094] When the second audio device 20 receives the audio signal transmitted from the television 30, it outputs a sound corresponding to the audio signal (step S46). In this way, when the power of the second audio device 20 is turned on by the user's operation, the audio device that is audio-connected to the television 30 is automatically switched to the second audio device 20 whose power is turned on, and sound is output from the second audio device 20.

[0095] In this way, the user only needs to perform an operation to turn on the power of the second audio device 20, and the audio device that is audio-connected to the television 30 is automatically switched to the second audio device 20. That is, when the user performs an operation to turn on the power of the second audio device 20, it is presumed that the user is trying to output sound from the second audio device 20. In such a case, by automatically switching the audio device that is audio-connected to the television 30 to the second audio device 20, the output destination of the sound is switched in accordance with the user's intention. Therefore, the user does not need a separate operation to switch the output destination of the sound. As a result, the sound output system 1 can easily switch the output destination of the sound without requiring a separate operation by the user.

[0096] Next, it is assumed that the user tries to stop the sound output from the second audio device 20 and performs an operation on the remote control of the second audio device 20 to put the power of the second audio device 20 into standby (step S47).

[0097] When the user performs an operation to put the power of the second audio device 20 into standby, the remote control transmits a power standby signal instructing the second audio device 20 to put the power into standby to the second audio device 20 based on the operation (step S48).

[0098] When the second audio device 20 receives the power standby signal in the second signal receiving unit 28, it stops the audio connection with the TV 30 (step S49). For example, the second audio device 20 transmits a command instructing the TV 30 to stop the audio connection to the TV 30, and the TV 30 stops using the ARC function based on the command, thereby stopping the audio connection between the TV 30 and the second audio device 20. The stop of using the ARC function can be executed, for example, by the switching control unit 39 disconnecting the connection to the HDMI terminal to which the second audio device 20 is connected.

[0099] When the audio connection between the second audio device 20 and the TV 30 is stopped, the second audio device 20 enters the standby state under the control of the second audio control unit 21 based on the power standby signal (step S50).

[0100] Also, when the audio connection between the second audio device 20 and the TV 30 is stopped, since the TV 30 is not audio-connected to any audio device, the TV speaker 36 outputs sound (step S51).

[0101] The sequence shown in FIG. 6 is executed following the sequence shown in FIG. 5. That is, at the start of the sequence shown in FIG. 6, the TV 30 is not audio-connected to any audio device. FIG. 6 is an example of the processing executed when the user wishes to output sound from the first audio device 10.

[0102] First, the user operates the remote control of the first audio device 10 to turn on the power of the first audio device 10 (step S61).

[0103] When the user performs an operation to turn on the power of the first audio device 10, the remote control transmits a power-on signal instructing the first audio device 10 to turn on the power based on the operation to the first audio device 10 (step S62).

[0104] When the first audio device 10 receives the power-on signal at the first signal receiving unit 18, the power is turned on under the control of the first audio control unit 11 based on the power-on signal (step S63).

[0105] When the first audio device 10 detects that the power of the first audio device 10 has been turned on by the first power detection unit 17, the first audio device 10 transmits an inquiry command from the first CEC control unit 13 (step S64). The inquiry command transmitted here is the same as the inquiry command described in step S16. That is, here, the first audio device 10 inquires whether another audio device has already acquired the target device identification information.

[0106] Here, although the audio connection between the second audio device 20 and the television 30 has been stopped in step S49 of FIG. 5, the second audio device 20 remains in a state where it has acquired the target device identification information. Therefore, when the second audio device 20 receives the inquiry command from the first audio device 10, the second audio device 20 transmits a response command from the second CEC control unit 23 to the first audio device 10 (step S65).

[0107] Based on receiving the response command in step S65, the first audio device 10 transmits a change command instructing a change of the audio device for which the audio connection is to be established (step S66). The change command transmitted here is the same as the change command described in step S36.

[0108] Based on receiving the change command, the second audio device 20 releases the target device identification information and acquires an address indicating "unregistered" (step S67).

[0109] Then, the second audio device 20 that has released the target device identification information transmits a notification command (step S68). As a result, even after releasing the audio connection, the second audio device 20 is recognized by the television 30 as an audio device that can operate as a target device for audio output control.

[0110] Based on the release of the audio connection, the second audio device 20 transmits a release command (step S69). The release command transmitted here is the same as the release command described in step S39. The release command enables the television 30 and the first audio device 10 to recognize that the audio connection has been released.

[0111] Based on receiving the release command, the first audio device 10 executes a process for establishing an audio connection with the television 30, which is an audio output control device. Here, as shown in step S71, the first audio device 10 executes a process for establishing an audio connection with the television 30 by acquiring the target device identification information. In the present embodiment, before acquiring the target device identification information, the first audio device 10 queries in step S70 whether there is an audio device with which an audio connection has been established.

[0112] That is, when the first audio device 10 receives the release command in the first CEC control unit 13, it transmits an inquiry command (step S70). The inquiry command transmitted here is the same as the inquiry command described in step S16. That is, here, the first audio device 10 inquires whether another audio device has already acquired the target device identification information.

[0113] At this time, since the second audio device 20 has already released the target device identification information and there is no audio device that has acquired the target device identification information, no response command is transmitted in response to the inquiry command transmitted by the first audio device 10 in step S70.

[0114] Since the first audio device 10 has not received a response command, it acquires target device identification information (step S71).

[0115] Also, the first audio device 10 transmits a notification command from the first CEC control unit 13 (step S72). The notification command transmitted here is the same as the notification command described in step S18. By receiving the notification command transmitted in step S72, the TV 30 can identify the first audio device 10 that transmitted the notification command and can recognize that the first audio device 10 is operable as a target device for audio output control.

[0116] The TV 30 establishes an audio connection with the first audio device 10 that has acquired the target device identification information (step S73). Specifically, based on the control of the TV control unit 31, the switching control unit 39 of the TV 30 selectively uses the ARC function for the first audio device 10 to establish an audio connection with the first audio device 10. More specifically, the switching control unit 39 selectively connects the HDMI terminal to which the first audio device 10 is connected among the plurality of HDMI terminals so that video signals and audio signals can be transmitted, thereby establishing an audio connection with the first audio device 10.

[0117] With the audio connection established between the TV 30 and the first audio device 10 in this way, the TV 30 transmits an audio signal to the first audio device 10 (step S74).

[0118] When the first audio device 10 receives the audio signal transmitted from the television 30, it outputs a sound corresponding to the audio signal (step S75). In this way, when the power of the first audio device 10 is turned on by the user's operation, the audio device that is audio-connected to the television 30 is automatically switched to the first audio device 10 whose power is turned on, and sound is output from the first audio device 10. For this reason similar to that described with reference to FIG. 5, the sound output system 1 can easily switch the sound output destination without requiring a separate operation by the user.

[0119] The sequence shown in FIG. 7 is executed following the sequence shown in FIG. 6. That is, at the start point of the sequence shown in FIG. 7, an audio connection is established between the television 30 and the first audio device 10. FIG. 7 is an example of the processing executed when the user finishes viewing the television 30.

[0120] First, the user performs an operation on the remote control of the television 30 to put the power of the television 30 into standby (step S81).

[0121] When the user performs an operation to put the power of the television 30 into standby, the remote control transmits a power standby signal instructing the television 30 to put the power into standby to the television 30 based on the operation (step S82).

[0122] When the television 30 receives the power standby signal by the remote control signal receiving unit 33, it transmits a power standby command instructing the audio device connected to the television 30 to put the power into standby from the television CEC control unit 34 (step S83). Here, the television 30 transmits a power standby command to the first audio device 10 and the second audio device 20.

[0123] Then, the television 30 enters the standby state under the control of the television control unit 31 based on the standby signal (step S84). Also, the first audio device 10 and the second audio device 20 each enter the standby state under the control of the first audio control unit 11 and the second audio control unit 21 based on the standby command received from the television 30 (step S84). Here, since the second audio device 20 is already in the standby state, the standby state is maintained.

[0124] In this way, when an operation is performed to set the power of the television 30 to the standby state by the user's operation, the television 30 enters the standby state, and the first audio device 10 and the second audio device 20 connected to the television 30 also enter the standby state. As a result, the user does not need to perform a separate operation to set the power of the first audio device 10 and the second audio device 20 to the standby state.

[0125] According to the audio output system 1 of this embodiment, when the second audio device 20 detects that the power is turned on, it transmits an inquiry command, and the first audio device 10 transmits a response command to the second audio device 20 in response to the inquiry command. The second audio device 20 transmits a change command based on receiving the response command, and the first audio device 10 releases the audio connection with the television 30 based on receiving the change command, and transmits a release command to the second audio device 20 based on releasing the audio connection. The second audio device 20 executes a process for establishing an audio connection with the television 30 based on receiving the release command. In this way, the television 30, which is an audio output control device, can switch the audio output destination among a plurality of external audio devices connected to the television 30, which is an audio output control device. In particular, in the audio output system 1, since the second audio device 20 automatically performs the process of switching the audio output destination by detecting that the power is turned on, the audio output destination can be easily switched without requiring a separate operation by the user.

[0126] In this embodiment, the second audio device 20 transmits a notification command after acquiring the target device identification information (step S43 in FIG. 5) and after releasing the target device identification information (step S68 in FIG. 6). The second audio device 20 may transmit a notification command when communicably connected to the television 30, which is an audio output control device. Being communicably connected to the television 30 means that the HDMI terminal of the second audio device 20 and the HDMI terminal of the television 30 are connected by an HDMI cable. The second audio device 20 may be configured to transmit a notification command after being communicably connected to the television 30 and at least either after acquiring the target device identification information.

[0127] In the above-described embodiment, the change command was described as including an instruction to put the power supply into the standby state after releasing the target device identification information. However, the change command does not necessarily have to include an instruction to put the power supply into the standby state after releasing the target device identification information. For example, after releasing the target device identification information, the instruction to put the power supply into the standby state may be transmitted as a command (power standby command) different from the change command.

[0128] FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing a modified example of the sequence shown in FIG. 5. Specifically, FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing an example in which the change command does not include an instruction to put the power supply into the standby state after releasing the target device identification information, and a separate power standby command is transmitted. Regarding FIG. 8, the description of the processing common to FIG. 5 will be omitted as appropriate, and the description will focus on the differences.

[0129] When the user performs an operation to turn on the power of the second audio device 20 on the remote controller of the second audio device 20 (step S31), the remote controller transmits a power-on signal to the second audio device 20 (step S32). The second audio device 20 is powered on based on the power-on signal (step S33), and transmits an inquiry command (step S34). The first audio device 10 transmits a response command in response to the inquiry command received from the second audio device 20 (step S35).

[0130] The second audio device 20 transmits a change command based on receiving the response command in step S35 (step S85). The change command transmitted in step S85 is a command for instructing a change of the audio device for which the audio connection is established. The change command transmitted in step S85 may include information identifying the audio device that is the switching destination of the audio connection (here, the second audio device 20). The change command transmitted in step S85 does not include an instruction to put the power supply into the standby state after releasing the target device identification information.

[0131] Based on receiving the change command, the first audio device 10 releases the target device identification information and acquires an address indicating "unregistered" (step S37). Then, the first audio device 10 transmits a notification command (step S38) and a release command (step S39).

[0132] In the modification example shown in FIG. 8, after transmitting the change command in step S85, the second audio device 20 transmits a power standby command to the first audio device 10 (step S86). The power standby command is a command for instructing to set the power to the standby state.

[0133] When receiving the power standby command transmitted in step S86, the first audio device 10 sets the power to the standby state (step S40). The processing executed after step S40 may be the same as that in FIG. 6.

[0134] In this way, by transmitting a power standby command different from the change command, it is also possible to execute processing equivalent to the sequence described in the first embodiment.

[0135] Also, even when the change command does not include an instruction to put the power supply into the standby state after releasing the target device identification information, it is not always necessary to send a power standby command. In this case, for example, when the user performs an operation to put the power supply of the first audio device 10 into standby using the remote control of the first audio device 10, the first audio device 10 may put the power supply into the standby state. That is, when the user performs an operation to put the power supply of the first audio device 10 into standby using the remote control of the first audio device 10, a power standby signal for instructing the first audio device 10 to put the power supply into standby is transmitted from the remote control. The first audio device 10 may put the power supply into the standby state based on receiving the power standby signal. In this case, since the power supply of the first audio device 10 is put into the standby state when the user performs an operation to put the power supply into the standby state, the power supply of the first audio device 10 can be put into the standby state at the timing desired by the user.

[0136] [Second Embodiment] FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the sound output system 2 according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the sound output system 2 according to the second embodiment includes a television 130 which is a sound output control device and a plurality of audio devices. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the sound output system 2 includes two audio devices, i.e., a first audio device 110 and a second audio device 120, as the plurality of audio devices. However, the plurality of audio devices included in the sound output system 2 are not limited to two. The sound output system 2 may include three or more audio devices. Hereinafter, for the sound output system 2 according to the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment or equivalent components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions of the same or equivalent contents as those in the first embodiment are omitted as appropriate, and the different points will be mainly described.

[0137] The configuration of the first audio device 110 according to the second embodiment is common to the first audio device 10 according to the first embodiment, except that it includes an optical digital connection unit 19 as a functional block. The optical digital connection unit 19 is an interface for establishing an optical digital connection with an external device using an optical digital cable 43. The optical digital connection unit 19 is constituted by, for example, optical digital terminals. Since the other configurations and functions of the first audio device 110 are the same as those of the first audio device 10 described in the first embodiment, detailed description thereof is omitted here.

[0138] Since the configurations and functions of the second audio device 120 according to the second embodiment are the same as those of the second audio device 20 according to the first embodiment, detailed description thereof is omitted here. However, in the present embodiment, the change command transmitted by the second audio device 120 does not include an instruction to set the power to the standby state after releasing the target device identification information.

[0139] The configuration of the television 130 according to the second embodiment is common to the television 30 according to the first embodiment, except that it includes an optical digital connection unit 40 as a functional block. The optical digital connection unit 40 is an interface for establishing an optical digital connection with an external device using an optical digital cable 43. The optical digital connection unit 40 is constituted by, for example, optical digital terminals. Since the other configurations and functions of the television 130 are the same as those of the television 30 described in the first embodiment, detailed description thereof is omitted here.

[0140] In the present embodiment, an optical digital connection is established between the first audio device 110 and the television 130 by an optical digital cable 43. In the present embodiment, the television 130, which is a sound output control device, causes the first audio device 110, in which an optical digital connection with the television 130 is established, to output sound in a state where an audio connection between the first audio device 110 and the television 130 is not established.

[0141] Next, an example of the processing executed by the sound output system 2 according to the second embodiment will be described. FIGS. 10 to 12 are sequence diagrams showing an example of the processing by the sound output system 2. FIGS. 10 to 12 show a series of processing procedures executed by the sound output system 2. That is, the entire processing executed by the sound output system 2 is shown from FIGS. 10 to 12 as a whole.

[0142] Also in the sound output system 2 according to the second embodiment, similar to the processing described with reference to FIG. 3 for the sound output system 1 according to the first embodiment, an audio connection is established between the first audio device 110 and the television 130, and sound is output from the first audio device 110.

[0143] The sequence shown in FIG. 10 is executed following the execution of processing equivalent to the sequence shown in FIG. 3. That is, at the start of the sequence shown in FIG. 10, the first audio device 10 has an audio connection established with the television 30, and the second audio device 20 is in a state where an audio connection with the television 30 has not been established.

[0144] In the sequence shown in FIG. 10, when the user performs an operation to turn on the power of the second audio device 120 on the remote control of the second audio device 120 (step S101), the remote control transmits a power-on signal to the second audio device 120 (step S102). The second audio device 120 is turned on based on the power-on signal (step S103), and sends an inquiry command (step S104). The first audio device 110 transmits a response command in response to the inquiry command received from the second audio device 120 (step S105). The details of the processing in steps S101 to S105 are equivalent to the processing in steps S31 to S35 in FIG. 4, respectively.

[0145] The second audio device 120 transmits a change command based on receiving the response command in step S105 (step S106). The change command transmitted in step S106 is the same as the change command described in step S85 of FIG. 8. That is, the change command here is a command for instructing a change in the audio device to which the audio connection is established, and after releasing the target device identification information, it does not include an instruction to put the power in the standby state.

[0146] Based on receiving the change command, the first audio device 110 releases the target device identification information and acquires an address indicating "unregistered" (step S107). Then, the first audio device 10 transmits a notification command (step S108) and transmits a release command (step S109). The details of the processing from step S107 to step S109 are respectively equivalent to the processing from step S37 to step S39 in FIG. 4.

[0147] In this way, in a state where the audio connection between the first audio device 110 and the TV 130 is released, the TV 130 can transmit an audio signal to the first audio device 110 via the optical digital cable 43 (step S110).

[0148] The first audio device 110 outputs a sound corresponding to the audio signal based on the audio signal received at the optical digital connection unit 19 (step S111). In this way, even after releasing the audio connection with the TV 130, the first audio device 110 can continue to output sound based on the audio signal input via the optical digital cable 43.

[0149] The sequence shown in FIG. 11 is executed following the sequence shown in FIG. 10.

[0150] When the second audio device 120 receives the release command transmitted in step S109 of FIG. 10, it transmits an inquiry command (step S121). At this time, since the first audio device 110 has already released the audio connection, there is no audio device that has acquired the target device identification information. Therefore, no response command is transmitted for the inquiry command transmitted by the second audio device 120 in step S121. Since the second audio device 20 has not received a response command, it acquires the target device identification information (step S122). Also, the second audio device 120 transmits a notification command from the second CEC control unit 23 (step S123). Then, the TV 130 establishes an audio connection with the second audio device 120 by the TV control unit 31 (step S124). In this way, with the audio connection established between the TV 130 and the second audio device 120, the TV 130 transmits an audio signal to the second audio device 120 (step S125). The second audio device 120 outputs a sound corresponding to the received audio signal (step S126). The details of the processing from step S121 to step S126 are the same as the processing from step S41 to step S46 of FIG. 5, respectively.

[0151] Note that the content of the audio signal transmitted via the audio connection in step S125 of FIG. 11 is the same as the content of the audio signal transmitted via the optical digital connection in step S110 of FIG. 10. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the sound output from the first audio device 110 in step S111 of FIG. 10 and the sound output from the second audio device 120 in step S126 of FIG. 11 are the same. That is, in the present embodiment, the same sound is output from both the first audio device 110 and the second audio device 120. Thus, according to the sound output system 2 according to the second embodiment, sound can be output simultaneously from a plurality of audio devices.

[0152] Next, assume that the user performs an operation on the remote control of the second audio device 120 to put the power of the second audio device 120 into standby (step S127). The remote control transmits a power standby signal to the second audio device 120 based on the user's operation (step S128). When the second audio device 120 receives the power standby signal in the second signal receiving unit 28, it stops the audio connection with the TV 130 (step S129). The details of the processing from step S127 to step S129 are equivalent to the processing from step S47 to step S49 in FIG. 5, respectively.

[0153] When the audio connection between the second audio device 120 and the TV 130 is stopped, the second audio device 120 transmits a standby notice command for notifying that the power of the second audio device 120 will be put into standby from the second CEC control unit 23 to the first audio device 110 (step S130). The standby notice command is transmitted when the audio device (here, the second audio device 120) that has acquired the target device identification information puts its power into standby.

[0154] After transmitting the standby notice command in step S130, the second audio device 120 enters the standby state under the control of the second audio control unit 21 (step S131).

[0155] The sequence shown in FIG. 12 is executed following the sequence shown in FIG. 11. That is, at the start of the sequence shown in FIG. 12, the TV 130 is not audio-connected to any audio device.

[0156] The first audio device 110 can recognize that the audio device (here, the second audio device 120) that has sent the standby notice command will set the power to the standby state by receiving the standby notice command in step S130 of FIG. 11. In this case, the first audio device 110 sends an inquiry command from the first CEC control unit 13 (step S141). Here, since the second audio device 120 still holds the target device identification information, when it receives the inquiry command from the first audio device 110, it sends a response command to the first audio device 110 from the second CEC control unit 23 (step S142). The first audio device 110 sends a change command based on receiving the response command (step S143). The second audio device 120 releases the target device identification information and acquires an address indicating "unregistered" based on receiving the change command (step S144). Then, the second audio device 120 sends a notification command (step S145). Also, the second audio device 120 sends a release command based on releasing the audio connection (step S146). The details of the processing from step S141 to step S146 are equivalent to the processing from step S64 to step S69 in FIG. 6, respectively.

[0157] When the first audio device 110 receives a release command, it sends an inquiry command (step S147). At this time, since the second audio device 120 has already released the target device identification information and there is no audio device that has acquired the target device identification information, no response command is sent for the inquiry command sent by the first audio device 110 in step S147. Since the first audio device 110 has not received a response command, it acquires the target device identification information (step S148). Then, the first audio device 110 sends a notification command from the first CEC control unit 13 (step S149). The TV 130 establishes an audio connection with the first audio device 110 (step S150). In this way, with the audio connection established between the TV 130 and the first audio device 110, the TV 130 sends an audio signal to the first audio device 110 (step S151). The first audio device 110 outputs a sound corresponding to the received audio signal (step S152). The details of the processing from step S147 to step S152 are respectively equivalent to the processing from step S70 to step S75 in FIG. 6.

[0158] According to the sound output system 2 of the second embodiment, the TV 130, which is a sound output control device, can output sound from the first audio device 110 in a state where the audio connection with the first audio device 110 is not established but the optical digital connection is established. Therefore, even when the audio connection between the first audio device 110 and the TV 130 is not established, the sound output system 2 can continue to output sound from the first audio device 110.

[0159] Also, according to the sound output system 2 according to the second embodiment, when the power of the second audio device 120 is turned on, an audio connection is established between the second audio device 120 and the television 130 to output sound from the second audio device 120. At the same time, sound can also be output from the first audio device 110 using an optical digital connection. Further, in the sound output system 2, when the power of the second audio device 120 is in the standby state, the audio connection between the first audio device 110 and the television 130 is automatically established without requiring a separate operation from the user. Then, the first audio device 110 with which the audio connection to the television 130 is established can output sound using the audio connection. In this way, the sound output system 2 can appropriately change the established state of the audio connection between the first audio device 110 and the television 130 according to the switching between the on and standby states of the power supply to the second audio device 120.

[0160] In the above first and second embodiments, an example of the case where the sound output system establishes an audio connection between two audio devices has been described. However, the present disclosure is also applicable to a sound output system including three or more audio devices.

[0161] In the above embodiment, an audio device with which an audio connection to the television 30, which is an audio output control device, is established may be configured to be able to transmit the device name of the audio device to the OSD (On-Screen Display) of the television 30. The television 30 may store the device name transmitted from the audio device in, for example, the television storage unit 32. For example, when the power of a certain audio device is changed from the standby state to the on state, the television 30 receives the device name from the audio device that has been turned on. The television 30 determines whether the device name received in this way matches the device name of an audio device with which an audio connection was established in the past. For example, the television 30 determines whether the received device name matches the device name stored in the television storage unit 32. When the received device name does not match the device name of an audio device with which an audio connection was established in the past, the television 30 causes the received device name to be displayed on the OSD.

[0162] Also, in the above embodiment, the audio device may be configured to be able to transmit the device name of the audio device to the television 30 when the audio connection with the television 30 is released. In this case, the television 30 may display on the display unit 35 that the audio connection of the audio device with the received device name has been released. Thereby, the user who has confirmed the display on the display unit 35 can recognize that the audio connection of the audio device with the device name has been released.

[0163] Although the present disclosure has been described based on the drawings and embodiments, it should be noted that those skilled in the art can easily make various modifications and corrections based on the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these modifications and corrections are included in the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the functions included in each functional unit or each step, etc., can be rearranged so as not to be logically contradictory, and it is possible to combine or divide a plurality of functional units or steps, etc. into one.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0164] 1, 2 Audio output system 10,110 First Audio Device 11 First Audio Control Unit 12 First Audio Memory Unit 13 First CEC Control Unit 14 First Connection Control Unit 15 First Signal Processing Unit 16 First Speaker 17 First Power Detection Unit 18 First Signal Reception Unit 19,40 Optical Digital Connection Unit 20,120 Second Audio Device 20a Speaker Body 20b Transmitter 21 Second Audio Control Unit 22 Second Audio Memory Unit 23 Second CEC Control Unit 24 Second Connection Control Unit 25 Second Signal Processing Unit 26 Second Speaker 27 Second Power Detection Unit 28 Second Signal Reception Unit 30,130 Television (Audio Output Control Device) 31 Television Control Unit 32 Television Memory Unit 33 Remote Control Signal Reception Unit 34 Television CEC Control Unit 35 Display Unit 36 Television Speaker 37 Tuner 38 Decoder 39 Switching Control Unit 41 First HDMI Cable 42 Second HDMI Cable 43 Optical Digital Cable

Claims

1. An audio output control system comprising an audio output control device and a plurality of audio devices including a first audio device and a second audio device communicably connected to the audio output control device, wherein the audio output control device causes an audio device with which an audio connection has been established among the plurality of audio devices to output sound, the audio output system being, wherein the first audio device has an established audio connection with the audio output control device, and the second audio device has no established audio connection with the audio output control device, wherein when the second audio device detects that the power of the second audio device has been turned on, the second audio device transmits an inquiry command to inquire whether there is an audio device with an established audio connection, wherein the first audio device transmits a response command indicating that there is an audio device with an established audio connection to the second audio device in response to the inquiry command, wherein the second audio device transmits a change command for instructing a change of the audio device with which the audio connection is to be established based on receiving the response command, wherein the first audio device releases the audio connection with the audio output control device based on receiving the change command, and transmits a release command for notifying that the audio connection has been released to the second audio device based on releasing the audio connection, wherein the second audio device executes a process for establishing the audio connection with the audio output control device based on receiving the release command, the audio output system.

2. The audio output system according to claim 1, wherein the audio output control device selectively uses an ARC (Audio Return Channel) function to establish the audio connection with an audio device that has acquired target device identification information capable of identifying the target device of the audio output control by the audio output control device.

3. The second audio device executes the process for establishing the audio connection by acquiring the target device identification information. The audio output control device establishes an audio connection with the second audio device by using the ARC function for the second audio device that has acquired the target device identification information, according to the audio output system of claim 2.

4. After the second audio device is communicably connected to the audio output control device and / or after the second audio device has acquired the target device identification information, the second audio device transmits a notification command to the audio output control device to notify that it can operate as a target device for audio output control by the audio output control device, according to the audio output system of claim 2 or 3.

5. The change command includes information identifying the second audio device that is the switching destination of the audio connection, according to the audio output system of any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. After transmitting the release command, the first audio device sets the power of the first audio device to the standby state, according to the audio output system of any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The first audio device has an established optical digital connection with the audio output control device, The audio output control device causes the first audio device, in a state where the audio connection between the first audio device and the audio output control device is not established but the optical digital connection between the first audio device and the audio output control device is established, to output sound, according to the audio output system of any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. An audio output control device that outputs sound from an audio device with an established audio connection, and a first audio device with an established audio connection and communicably connected to the audio output control device, a command control unit that controls the transmission and reception of commands, a connection control unit that controls the audio connection with the audio output control device, comprising: When the command control unit receives an inquiry command for inquiring whether there is an audio device with an established audio connection from a second audio device with no established audio connection with the audio output control device, the command control unit transmits a response command indicating that there is an audio device with an established audio connection to the second audio device, The command control unit receives a change command for instructing a change of the audio device with which the audio connection is to be established, Based on receiving the change command, the connection control unit releases the audio connection with the audio output control device, Based on the release of the audio connection, the command control unit sends a release command notifying the release of the audio connection to the second audio device, First audio device.

9. A second audio device communicably connected to an audio output control device that outputs sound from an audio device with which an audio connection is established, A power detection unit that detects the turning on of the power, A command control unit that controls the transmission and reception of commands, A connection control unit that controls the audio connection with the audio output control device, Comprising, When the power detection unit detects that the power has been turned on, the command control unit sends an inquiry command to inquire whether there is an audio device with which the audio connection is established, Based on receiving a response command indicating the existence of a first audio device with which the audio connection is established in response to the inquiry command, the command control unit sends a change command instructing a change of the audio device with which the audio connection is to be established, Based on the command control unit receiving a release command notifying that the first audio device has released the audio connection, the connection control unit executes a process for establishing the audio connection with the audio output control device, Second audio device.

10. An audio output switching method executed by an audio output system, comprising an audio output control device and a plurality of audio devices including a first audio device and a second audio device communicably connected to the audio output control device, wherein the audio output control device outputs sound from an audio device that is audio-connected to the audio output control device among the plurality of audio devices, In a state where the first audio device has an established audio connection with the audio output control device and the second audio device does not have an established audio connection with the audio output control device, When the second audio device detects that the power of the second audio device has been turned on, a step of sending an inquiry command to inquire whether there is an audio device with which the audio connection is established, The step in which the first audio device transmits, to the second audio device, a response command indicating that there is an audio device with which the audio connection is established, in response to the inquiry command; The step in which the second audio device transmits, based on receiving the response command, a change command for instructing a change of the audio device with which the audio connection is established; The step in which the first audio device, based on receiving the change command, releases the audio connection with the audio output control device and transmits, to the second audio device, a release command for notifying that the audio connection has been released, based on the release of the audio connection; The step in which the second audio device, based on receiving the release command, executes a process for establishing the audio connection with the audio output control device; An audio connection switching method, including the above.

Images