Speaker system, seat for vehicle, and vehicle

Abstract

To provide a speaker system capable of effectively improving the blood flow of a human.SOLUTION: A speaker system 100 includes: a first cushion body that a person's head comes into contact with when sitting or lying down; and a first speaker 101 that is provided in the first cushion body and outputs ultrasounds towards the head.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a speaker system, a seat for a vehicle, and a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a cushion equipped with a speaker. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4907991 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Conventional techniques such as those described in Patent Document 1 have the problem that it is difficult to effectively improve a person's blood flow.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a speaker system that can effectively improve a person's blood flow. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A speaker system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is configured such that when a person sits or lies down, the speaker system is in contact with the head of the person. placed near The device includes a first cushion body and a first speaker provided on the first cushion body and configured to output ultrasonic waves toward the head.

[0007] Furthermore, a seat for a vehicle according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the above-described speaker system.

[0008] A moving body according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the above-described moving body seat. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The speaker system according to the present disclosure can effectively improve a person's blood flow. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an external view of a chair having a speaker system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of the second portion of the backrest of the speaker system of FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of a third portion of the backrest of the speaker system of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the speaker system. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the ultrasound generating unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the low-frequency generating unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a sound pressure frequency characteristic that shows an example of the frequency characteristic of the acquired sound source data. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows sound pressure frequency characteristics showing an example of frequency characteristics of extracted frequency components of 20 kHz or higher. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows sound pressure frequency characteristics showing an example of frequency characteristics of sound source data to which extracted frequency components of 20 kHz or more have been added. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows sound pressure frequency characteristics, which are an example of frequency characteristics of the acquired sound source data. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows sound pressure frequency characteristics showing an example of frequency characteristics of extracted frequency components of 90 Hz or less. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 shows sound pressure frequency characteristics showing an example of frequency characteristics of sound source data to which extracted frequency components of 90 Hz or less have been added. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the speaker system. [Figure 14]FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining an outline of an experiment on an acoustic system including a speaker system. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 shows the experimental results showing the change in the surface temperature of the user's face under condition A. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 shows the experimental results showing the change in the surface temperature of the user's face under condition B. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a graph showing the experimental results for each condition. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of an automobile, which is a moving body in a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present inventors have discovered that a person's blood flow can be effectively improved by emitting ultrasound toward the person's head.

[0012] The speaker system according to one aspect of the present disclosure is configured such that the speaker system is configured to be positioned so that the head of the person is positioned when the person is sitting or lying down. placed near The device includes a first cushion body and a first speaker provided on the first cushion body and configured to output ultrasonic waves toward the head.

[0013] This allows ultrasound to be emitted toward the person's head, thereby effectively improving the person's blood flow.

[0014] For example, the seat may further include a second cushion body that comes into contact with the person's back when the person sits or lies down, and a second speaker that is provided on the second cushion body and outputs sound toward the person's back.

[0015] Furthermore, this allows sound to be output toward the person's back, thereby more effectively improving the person's blood flow.

[0016] For example, the second speaker may include a group of speakers aligned along the person's spine.

[0017] This allows sound to be output along the person's spine, thereby more effectively improving blood flow.

[0018] For example, the seat may further include a third cushion body that comes into contact with at least one of the person's waist, buttocks, and thighs when the person sits or lies down, and an actuator that is provided on the third cushion body and outputs low-frequency vibrations toward at least one of the waist, buttocks, and thighs.

[0019] This allows low frequency vibrations to be output toward at least one of the person's lower back, buttocks, and thighs, thereby more effectively improving the person's blood flow.

[0020] For example, the device may further include a second cushion body with which the person's back comes into contact when the person sits or lies down, a third cushion body with which at least one of the person's waist, buttocks, and thighs comes into contact when the person sits or lies down, a second speaker provided on the second cushion body and outputting sound toward the back, an actuator provided on the third cushion body and outputting low-frequency vibrations toward at least one of the waist, buttocks, and thighs, and a signal generation unit that generates an ultrasonic signal for the ultrasonic waves, an audio signal for the sound, and a low-frequency signal for the low-frequency vibrations based on sound source data.

[0021] This allows generating an ultrasonic signal for ultrasonic waves, an audio signal for sound, and a low-frequency signal for low-frequency vibration from a single sound source data, so that it is possible to match the strength and weakness of the ultrasonic waves, sound, and low-frequency vibrations, thereby emitting ultrasonic waves, sound, and low-frequency vibrations that are comfortable for people.

[0022] For example, the device may further include a first amplifier that causes the first speaker to output the ultrasonic waves based on the ultrasonic signal, a second amplifier that causes the second speaker to output the sound based on the audio signal, and a third amplifier that causes the actuator to output the low-frequency vibrations based on the low-frequency signal.

[0023] According to this, by outputting the ultrasonic signal for ultrasonic waves, the audio signal for sound, and the low-frequency signal for low-frequency vibration obtained from one sound source data to the first speaker, the second speaker, and the actuator, respectively, it is possible to output ultrasonic waves, sounds, and low-frequency vibrations with similar characteristics, thereby making it possible to emit ultrasonic waves, sounds, and low-frequency vibrations that are comfortable for people.

[0024] For example, the signal generating unit may generate a pseudo moving sound according to a moving state of a moving object as the sound based on the sound source data.

[0025] Therefore, by outputting a simulated moving sound, it is possible to effectively improve the blood flow of a person riding on a moving object.

[0026] Furthermore, a seat for a vehicle according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the above-described speaker system.

[0027] This allows ultrasonic waves to be emitted toward the head of a person riding on a moving object, thereby effectively improving the person's blood flow.

[0028] A moving body according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the above-described moving body seat.

[0029] This allows ultrasonic waves to be emitted toward the head of a person riding on a moving object, thereby effectively improving the person's blood flow.

[0030] Hereinafter, a speaker system and a noise control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0031] Note that the embodiments described below each illustrate a specific example of the present disclosure. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component placement and connection configurations, steps, and step order shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in the independent claims that represent the highest concept are described as optional components.

[0032] (Embodiment) The configuration of a speaker system according to an embodiment will be described.

[0033] [1. Configuration] FIG. 1 is an external view of a chair having a speaker system according to an embodiment.

[0034] 1, speaker system 100 includes a backrest 110 and a seat 120. Speaker system 100 is a chair (seat) that includes a first speaker 101, a second speaker 102, and actuators 103 and 104 inside backrest 110 and seat 120.

[0035] The speaker system 100 is, for example, a seat placed in a vehicle such as a car, an airplane, a ship, etc. Note that the speaker system 100 is not limited to a seat placed inside a vehicle, but may also be a seat placed in a movie theater, a theater, or a conference room, or may be a chair with a cushion, a legless chair, a sofa, a massage chair, etc.

[0036] The backrest 110 is a portion that supports the head and back of a person when the person is seated in the speaker system 100. The backrest 110 has a first portion 111 that supports the head of the person, a second portion 112 that supports the upper part of the back of the person, and a third portion 113 that supports the lower part of the back including the waist of the person. The seat surface 120 is a portion that supports the thighs of the person when the person is seated in the speaker system 100. The first portion 111 supports the head of the person when the person is seated. placed nearThe second portion 112 is an example of a first cushion body. The second portion 112 is an example of a second cushion body with which a person's back comes into contact when they sit on it. The third portion 113 and the seat surface 120 are an example of a third cushion body with which at least one of the person's lower back, buttocks, and thighs comes into contact when they sit on it.

[0037] The first speaker 101 is a tweeter provided in the first portion 111, and outputs ultrasonic waves toward the person's head. kHz It emits sound (ultrasound) in the frequency range.

[0038] The second speaker 102 is provided in the second portion 112 and outputs sound toward the back of the person. . Ingredients Specifically, the second speaker 102 has a group of speakers lined up along the spine of a person. For example, the second speaker 102 is a two-row line array speaker in which a plurality of speakers are lined up along the spine of a person. Note that the second speaker 102 is not limited to a two-row line array speaker, but may be a single row line array speaker, a single speaker, or a plurality of speakers. The second speaker 102 has a frequency of 90 Hz to 20 It emits sound in the kHz range.

[0039] Actuator 103 is provided in third portion 113 and outputs low frequency vibrations toward the person's lower back and buttocks. Actuator 103 emits, for example, sound (low frequency vibrations) in the band of 40 Hz to 90 Hz.

[0040] The actuator 104 is provided on the seat surface 120 and outputs low-frequency vibrations toward the buttocks and thighs of a person. The actuator 104 emits, for example, sound (low-frequency vibrations) in the band of 40 Hz to 90 Hz.

[0041] In the following description, the front-to-back direction of speaker system 100 (i.e., the chair) is referred to as the X-axis direction, the left-to-right direction of speaker system 100 as the Y-axis direction, and the up-to-down direction of speaker system 100 as the Z-axis direction. In addition, the front side of the front-to-back direction is referred to as the positive X-axis side, the rear side as the negative X-axis side, the left side of the left-to-right direction as the positive Y-axis side, the right side as the negative Y-axis side, the upper side of the up-to-down direction as the positive Z-axis side, and the lower side as the negative Z-axis side.

[0042] In the following description, the above directions are described as directions of the speaker system 100 when the backrest 110 is not reclined backward and is upright along the Z-axis direction.

[0043] In addition, in this disclosure, the front side of a speaker refers to the side where the diaphragm of the speaker is located, and the rear side of a speaker refers to the side where the magnetic circuit of the speaker is located. In other words, the front of a speaker refers to the direction from the magnetic circuit of the speaker to the diaphragm, and the rear of a speaker refers to the direction from the diaphragm to the magnetic circuit.

[0044] Next, a specific configuration of the speaker system 100 will be described.

[0045] 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of the second portion of the backrest of the speaker system of FIG.

[0046] 2, the second portion 112 of the backrest 110 of the speaker system 100 includes a cushion body 115 and two second speakers 102. The speaker system 100 may further include a baffle plate 135.

[0047] The cushion body 115 is a member of the second portion 112 that comes into contact with a person when they sit on it. The cushion body 115 has three-dimensional mesh elastic bodies 131, 141 and a covering material .

[0048] The three-dimensional reticulated elastic bodies 131 and 141 are formed from three-dimensionally intertwined fibers and are components that support the weight of a person. The three-dimensional reticulated elastic bodies 131 and 141 have a loop shape formed by winding continuous linear bodies. The three-dimensional reticulated elastic bodies 131 and 141 have a shape with a smooth surface. Each of the three-dimensional reticulated elastic bodies 131 and 141 is composed of an elastic portion 131a and an air portion 131b and an air portion 141b. The volume of the air portions 131b and 141b is 90% or more of the volume of the three-dimensional reticulated elastic body 131 and 141, respectively. In other words, the volume of the elastic portion 131a and 141a is less than 10% of the volume of the space occupied by the three-dimensional reticulated elastic body 131 and 141. The three-dimensional reticulated elastic bodies 131 and 141 are composed of a thermoplastic elastic resin, such as a polyester-based or polyethylene-based material. More specifically, the three-dimensional reticulated elastic bodies 131 and 141 are made of, for example, polyester elastomer, polyamide elastomer, polyurethane elastomer, polyolefin elastomer, or the like.

[0049] The covering material 116 is a member that covers the outside of the three-dimensional reticulated elastic bodies 131 and 141. In other words, the covering material 116 forms a space, and the three-dimensional reticulated elastic bodies 131 and 141 fill the interior of this space. In other words, the space occupied by the three-dimensional reticulated elastic bodies 131 and 141 is the same as the space that the covering material 116 covers.

[0050] The front of the two second speakers 102 is covered by a cushion body 115. The two second speakers 102 are arranged in a direction that emits sound toward the positive side of the headrest in the X-axis direction. The two second speakers 102 are, for example, full-range speakers.

[0051] The baffle plate 135 is a rectangular plate-shaped member housed inside the cushion body 115. Two second speakers 102 are fixed to the baffle plate 135. The baffle plate 135 has two openings of sizes corresponding to the two second speakers 102. The two second speakers 102 are fixed to the baffle plate 135 so that the front faces of the two second speakers 102 are exposed from the two openings. The baffle plate 135 is arranged so as to divide the cushion body 115 in the X-axis direction, and has a size corresponding to the widths of the cushion body 115 in the Z-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. The baffle plate 135 is made of, for example, wood, resin, metal, etc.

[0052] The cushion body 115 also has a first cushion portion 130 and a second cushion portion 140, which are respectively disposed in front of and behind the headrest. The first cushion portion 130 constitutes the portion of the cushion body 115 on the positive side of the headrest in the X-axis direction. In other words, the first cushion portion 130 is disposed on the positive side of the X-axis direction relative to the baffle plate 135. The second cushion portion 140 is a portion of the cushion body 115 that constitutes the portion on the negative side of the headrest in the X-axis direction. In other words, the second cushion portion 140 is disposed on the negative side of the X-axis direction relative to the baffle plate 135.

[0053] The first cushion portion 130 has a first three-dimensional mesh elastic body 131 and a first covering portion 132. The first three-dimensional mesh elastic body 131 is part of the three-dimensional mesh elastic body of the cushion body 115 and is a portion that covers the front of the two second speakers 102. The first covering portion 132 is a portion that covers the first three-dimensional mesh elastic body 131. The first covering portion 132 is a portion of the covering material 116 that covers the positive side in the X-axis direction relative to the baffle plate 135.

[0054] The second cushion portion 140 has a second three-dimensional mesh elastic body 141 and a second covering portion 142. The second three-dimensional mesh elastic body 141 is a portion of the three-dimensional mesh elastic body of the cushion body 115 excluding the first three-dimensional mesh elastic body 131, and is a portion that covers the rear of the two second speakers 102. The second covering portion 142 is a portion that covers the second three-dimensional mesh elastic body 141 together with the baffle plate 135. The second covering portion 142 is a portion of the covering material 116 that covers the negative side in the X-axis direction relative to the baffle plate 135.

[0055] The covering material 116 includes a first covering material 133 that covers the front portions of the two second speakers 102 around the three-dimensional mesh elastic bodies 131, 141, and a second covering material 134 that covers the remaining portions excluding the first covering material 133. In this embodiment, the first covering portion 132 is composed of the first covering material 133 and the second covering material 134. The second covering portion 142 is composed only of the second covering material 134. The first covering material 133 is composed of a material that has higher acoustic transparency than the second covering material 134. The first covering material 133 may be composed of a breathable material, and the second covering material 134 may be composed of an airtight material. Note that the first covering material 133 is composed of a single sheet of material that is large enough to include the two second speakers 102 when viewed from the X-axis direction. However, the first covering material 133 is not limited to this, and may be composed of two sheets of material that each include one of the two second speakers 102.

[0056] As described above, the rear of the two second speakers 102 is covered by the second three-dimensional mesh elastic body 141, which is in turn covered by the baffle plate 135 and the second covering portion 142. The second covering portion 142 is also formed of the second covering material 134. Therefore, a closed space covered by the baffle plate 135 and the second covering material 134 is formed behind the two second speakers 102, and this closed space can function as an enclosure. Since the internal space of the second cushion portion 140, which functions as a cushioning material, can also function as an enclosure, the volume of the internal space of the headrest can be efficiently utilized. This reduces the stiffness of the gas within the closed space in the second cushion portion 140. This reduces the cancellation of low-frequency sounds, allowing sound with good sound pressure frequency characteristics to be emitted forward.

[0057] The second covering material 134 may also include a sound-absorbing material. That is, the second covering material 134 may be made of two or more layers of material, with a sound-absorbing material disposed on the inside and a sheet-like cover material disposed on the outside. When the second covering material 134 is made of two layers of material, the sound-absorbing material is disposed between the cover material and the two second speakers 102. The sound-absorbing material may be made of glass wool, felt, or a foam material such as urethane, sponge, or the like. The sheet-like cover material may be, for example, a woven fabric such as cloth, leather, synthetic leather, or the like. The second covering material 134 includes a sound-absorbing material, which can effectively reduce standing waves.

[0058] The second covering material 134 does not have to be made up of two or more layers of material, and may be made up of a single layer of material.

[0059] Additionally, the second covering material 134 may be airtight.

[0060] Although first cushion portion 130 in front of second speaker 102 has been described as having first three-dimensional mesh elastic body 131 and first covering portion 132, first three-dimensional mesh elastic body 131 does not have to be disposed, and a cushion made of a foam material such as urethane with through holes provided therein to allow passage of sound emitted from second speaker 102 may be disposed instead. In this way, it is sufficient that a material with high breathability and sound transmission is disposed in front of second speaker 102.

[0061] Furthermore, although the second cushion portion 140 has been described as being arranged behind the second speaker 102, the present invention is not limited to this and a support member may be arranged to support at least one of the second speaker 102 and the baffle plate 135. The support member may be a box-shaped member that covers the rear of the second speaker 102 and the baffle plate 135. In other words, the support member may be arranged so that the space between the support member and the second speaker 102 and the baffle plate 135 functions as an enclosure.

[0062] The first speaker 101 may be arranged in the first portion 111 in the same configuration as the second speaker 102, or may be arranged in the first portion 111 so that the first speaker 101 is exposed from the first portion 111.

[0063] 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of a third portion of the backrest of the speaker system of FIG.

[0064] 3, the third portion 113 of the backrest 110 of the speaker system 100 includes a cushion body 115, an actuator 103, and a diaphragm 136. The third portion 113 differs from the second portion 112 in that it includes an actuator 103 and a diaphragm 136 instead of two second speakers 102 and a baffle plate 135. Therefore, the differences will be described.

[0065] Actuator 103 is fixed to diaphragm 136. Actuator 103 is composed of a coil and a magnetic circuit, and the coil is fixed to diaphragm 136. Actuator 103 vibrates diaphragm 136 when the coil moves relative to the magnetic circuit and vibrates. Note that actuator 103 may have its magnetic circuit fixed to diaphragm 136. In this case, actuator 103 vibrates diaphragm 136 when the magnetic circuit moves relative to the coil and vibrates.

[0066] Diaphragm 136 is a rectangular plate-shaped member housed inside cushion body 115. Diaphragm 136 is made of, for example, wood, resin, metal, or the like.

[0067] The first cushion portion 130 is disposed in front of the actuator 103 and the diaphragm 136 , and the second cushion portion 140 is disposed behind the actuator 103 and the diaphragm 136 .

[0068] Although the first cushion portion 130 in front of the actuator 103 has been described as having the first three-dimensional mesh elastic body 131 and the first covering portion 132, the first three-dimensional mesh elastic body 131 does not have to be disposed, and a cushion made of a foam material such as urethane having through holes provided therein to allow passage of sound emitted from the actuator 103 and the diaphragm 136 may be disposed instead. In this way, it is sufficient that a material with high breathability and sound transmission is disposed in front of the actuator 103 and the diaphragm 136.

[0069] Furthermore, although the second cushion portion 140 has been described as being arranged behind the actuator 103 and the diaphragm 136, the present invention is not limited to this and a support member may be arranged to support at least one of the actuator 103 and the diaphragm 136. The support member may be a box-shaped member that covers the rear of the actuator 103 and the diaphragm 136. In other words, the support member may be arranged so that the space between the actuator 103 and the diaphragm 136 and the support member functions as an enclosure.

[0070] The actuator 104 is arranged on the seat surface 120 in the same configuration as the actuator 103 .

[0071] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the speaker system.

[0072] The speaker system 100 includes a signal acquiring unit 151, a storage unit 152, a signal generating unit 153, a first amplifier 154, a second amplifier 155, a third amplifier 156, a first speaker 101, a second speaker 102, and actuators 103 and 104.

[0073] The signal acquiring unit 151 acquires the sound source data from the storage unit 152. The signal acquiring unit 151 may acquire the sound source data from an external device.

[0074] The storage unit 152 stores sound source data. Note that, when the signal acquisition unit 151 acquires the sound source data from an external device, the speaker system 100 does not need to include the storage unit 152. The sound source data may be sound source data that does not include frequency components of 20 kHz or higher. For example, the sound source data may be music data or environmental sound data. For example, the sound source data may be acquired from a music source such as a CD (Compact Disc). Sound source data recorded on a CD is 16-bit, 2-channel data with a sampling frequency of 44.1 kHz. The sound source data may be sound source data for generating a pseudo moving sound corresponding to the moving state of a moving object. The pseudo moving sound is, for example, a sound that imitates an engine sound.

[0075] The signal generating unit 153 generates an ultrasonic signal for ultrasonic waves, an audio signal for sound, and a low-frequency signal for low-frequency vibration based on the sound source data acquired by the signal acquiring unit 151. When the sound source data is sound source data for generating a pseudo moving sound, the signal generating unit 153 generates the pseudo moving sound according to the moving state of the moving object as a sound based on the sound source data. The signal generating unit 153 has an ultrasonic generating unit 161 and a low-frequency generating unit 162. The signal generating unit 153 is realized by a processor, a memory, etc. The memory is a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc., and can store a program executed by the processor. The signal generating unit 153 is realized by a processor, etc. that executes a program stored in the memory.

[0076] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the ultrasound generating unit.

[0077] The ultrasound generating unit 161 includes a signal processing unit 171 , a pitch control unit 172 , an extraction unit 173 , and an addition unit 174 .

[0078] While the adder 174 adds frequency components of 20 kHz or higher to the sound source data, the signal processing unit 171 can only add frequency components up to 22.05 kHz, which is half the sampling frequency, when the sampling frequency is 44.1 kHz. Therefore, when the sound source data is, for example, 16-bit, 2-channel data with a sampling frequency of 44.1 kHz acquired from a CD, the signal processing unit 171 performs upsampling on the acquired sound source data. This makes it possible to generate, for example, sound source data with a sampling frequency of 192 kHz, 24 to 32 bits, and 2 channels (for example, a high-resolution sound source), and to add frequency components up to 96 kHz to the sound source data. Note that the signal processing unit 171 may directly acquire a high-resolution sound source or the like as sound source data, in which case the signal processing unit 171 does not need to perform upsampling.

[0079] The pitch control unit 172 controls the pitch (sound height) of the sound source data output from the signal processing unit 171 by a factor of n (n is a real number greater than 1). By multiplying the pitch of the sound source data by n, the frequency components of the sound source data are shifted n times higher overall. The value of n is not particularly limited, but is set to a value such that the pitch-controlled sound source data includes frequency components of 20 kHz or higher. For example, the pitch control unit 172 acquires the maximum frequency component included in the sound source data, and if the maximum frequency component is smaller than 20 kHz, the pitch control unit 172 may set n to a value equal to or greater than the value obtained by dividing 20 kHz by the maximum frequency component. For example, n may be 2 to the mth power (m is an integer greater than or equal to 1). In other words, the pitch control unit 172 may control the pitch of the acquired sound source data by a factor of 2 to the mth power (2x, 4x, 8x, etc.). The degree of improvement in mental and physical state obtained may vary depending on the value of m. Therefore, the ultrasound generating unit 161 may include an input unit that receives information indicating the degree of improvement effect on the mental and physical state that the user desires, and the pitch control unit 172 may control the value of m according to the information received by the input unit, thereby allowing the user to obtain the degree of improvement effect that the user desires.

[0080] It should be noted that pitch control section 172 may control the sound pressure level in addition to the pitch. In this case, pitch control section 172 may increase or decrease the sound pressure level.

[0081] The extraction unit 173 extracts frequency components of 20 kHz or higher contained in the pitch-controlled sound source data. The extraction unit 173 is, for example, a high-pass filter. The extraction unit 173 is realized by, for example, a digital filter, but may also be realized by an analog filter. The extraction unit 173 may extract, for example, frequency components of 40 kHz or higher as frequency components of 20 kHz or higher contained in the pitch-controlled sound source data.

[0082] Note that the extraction unit 173 may first extract frequency components equal to or higher than a specific frequency (for example, 4 kHz) contained in the acquired sound source data, and then the pitch control unit 172 may multiply the extracted frequency components by n (for example, 10). In this way, frequency components equal to or higher than 20 kHz can also be extracted.

[0083] The addition unit 174 adds the frequency components extracted by the extraction unit 173 to the sound source data output from the signal processing unit 171. This makes it possible to generate sound source data containing frequency components of 20 kHz or higher.

[0084] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the low-frequency generating unit.

[0085] The low-frequency generating section 162 includes a pitch control section 181 , an extraction section 182 , and an addition section 183 .

[0086] The pitch control unit 181 controls the pitch (sound height) of the acquired sound source data by a factor of 1 / l (l is a real number greater than 1). By multiplying the pitch of the sound source data by 1 / l, the frequency components of the sound source data are shifted 1 / l times lower overall. The value of l is not particularly limited, but is set to a value such that the pitch-controlled sound source data includes frequency components of 90 Hz or less. For example, the pitch control unit 181 may acquire the smallest frequency component included in the sound source data, and if the smallest frequency component is greater than 90 Hz, set 1 / l to a value equal to or less than the value obtained by dividing 90 Hz by the smallest frequency component. For example, l may be 2 to the power of k (k is an integer greater than or equal to 1). In other words, the pitch control unit 181 may control the pitch of the acquired sound source data to 1 / 2 to the power of k (1 / 2, 1 / 4, 1 / 8, etc.). The degree of improvement in mental and physical state obtained may vary depending on the value of k. Therefore, the low-frequency generating unit 162 may include an input unit that receives information indicating the degree of improvement in the physical and mental state that the user desires, and the pitch control unit 181 may control the value of k according to the information received by the input unit, thereby allowing the user to obtain the desired degree of improvement.

[0087] It should be noted that pitch control section 181 may control the sound pressure level in addition to the pitch. In this case, pitch control section 181 may increase or decrease the sound pressure level.

[0088] The extraction unit 182 extracts frequency components of 90 Hz or less contained in the pitch-controlled sound source data. The extraction unit 182 is, for example, a low-pass filter. The extraction unit 182 is realized by, for example, a digital filter, but may also be realized by an analog filter. The extraction unit 182 may extract frequency components of 70 Hz or less as frequency components of 90 Hz or less contained in the pitch-controlled sound source data.

[0089] Note that the extraction unit 182 may first extract frequency components below a specific frequency (for example, 800 Hz) included in the acquired sound source data, and then the pitch control unit 181 may multiply the extracted frequency components by 1 / 1 (for example, 1 / 10). In this way, frequency components below 90 Hz can also be extracted.

[0090] The addition unit 183 adds the frequency components extracted by the extraction unit 182 to the acquired sound source data, thereby generating sound source data containing frequency components of 90 Hz or less.

[0091] Next, specific examples of sound source data containing frequency components of 20 kHz or more will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0092] FIG. 7 shows an example of the frequency characteristics of the acquired sound source data. Sound pressure frequency response is.

[0093] Figure 8 shows an example of the frequency characteristics of extracted frequency components above 20 kHz. Sound pressure frequency response is.

[0094] FIG. 9 shows an example of the frequency characteristics of sound source data to which extracted frequency components of 20 kHz or higher have been added. Sound pressure frequency response is.

[0095] For example, it is assumed that the signal processing unit 171 acquires sound source data as shown in Fig. 7. For example, the acquired sound source data is sound source data with a sampling frequency of 192 kHz, 32 bits, and 2 channels. As shown in Fig. 7, it can be seen that the acquired sound source data does not include frequency components of 20 kHz or higher.

[0096] Next, pitch control unit 172 controls the pitch of the acquired sound source data to 10 times higher, and extraction unit 173 extracts frequency components of 20 kHz or higher contained in the sound source data whose pitch has been controlled to 10 times higher, thereby extracting frequency components as shown in FIG.

[0097] Then, the adding unit 174 adds the extracted frequency components (frequency components shown in FIG. 8) to the acquired sound source data (sound source data shown in FIG. 7). This makes it possible to generate sound source data as shown in FIG. 9. As can be seen from FIG. 9, sound source data including frequency components of 20 kHz or higher has been generated.

[0098] In this way, sound source data containing frequency components of 20 kHz or higher can be generated from sound source data that does not contain frequency components of 20 kHz or higher.

[0099] Next, a specific example of sound source data containing frequency components of 90 Hz or less will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0100] FIG. 10 shows an example of the frequency characteristics of the acquired sound source data. Sound pressure frequency response is.

[0101] FIG. 11 shows an example of the frequency characteristics of the extracted frequency components below 90 Hz. Sound pressure frequency response is.

[0102] FIG. 12 shows an example of the frequency characteristics of sound source data to which extracted frequency components below 90 Hz have been added. Sound pressure frequency response is.

[0103] For example, suppose that the low-frequency generation unit 162 acquires sound source data as shown in Fig. 10. For example, the acquired sound source data is 32-bit, 2-channel sound source data with a sampling frequency of 192 kHz. As shown in Fig. 10, it can be seen that the sound pressure level of frequency components below 90 Hz is insufficient in the acquired sound source data.

[0104] Next, pitch control unit 181 reduces the pitch of the acquired sound source data to 1 / 10, and extraction unit 182 extracts frequency components of 90 Hz or less contained in the sound source data whose pitch has been reduced to 1 / 10. As a result, frequency components such as those shown in FIG. 11 are extracted.

[0105] Then, the adding unit 183 adds the extracted frequency components (frequency components shown in FIG. 11) to the acquired sound source data (sound source data shown in FIG. 10). This makes it possible to generate sound source data as shown in FIG. 12. As shown in FIG. 12, it can be seen that sound source data in which frequency components of 90 Hz or less have been supplemented has been generated.

[0106] In this way, sound source data adjusted so that the sound pressure level of frequency components below 90 Hz is sufficient can be generated from sound source data in which the sound pressure level of frequency components below 90 Hz is insufficient.

[0107] The first amplifier 154 outputs an ultrasonic wave based on the ultrasonic signal to the first speaker 101. The first amplifier 154 amplifies the ultrasonic signal and outputs the amplified signal to the first speaker 101, thereby causing the first speaker 101 to output an ultrasonic wave.

[0108] The second amplifier 155 outputs a sound based on the audio signal to the second speaker 102. The second amplifier 155 amplifies the audio signal and outputs the amplified signal to the second speaker 102, thereby causing the second speaker 102 to output a sound.

[0109] The third amplifier 156 causes the actuators 103 and 104 to output a sound based on the low-frequency signal. The third amplifier 156 amplifies the low-frequency signal and outputs the amplified signal to the actuators 103 and 104, thereby causing the actuators 103 and 104 to output a low-frequency vibration.

[0110] [2. Operation] Next, the operation of the speaker system 100 will be described.

[0111] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the speaker system.

[0112] The speaker system 100 acquires sound source data (S101). Step S101 is a process performed by the signal acquisition unit 151. Details of step S101 are as explained in the description of the signal acquisition unit 151.

[0113] Next, the speaker system 100 generates an ultrasonic signal for ultrasonic waves, an audio signal for sound, and a low-frequency signal for low-frequency vibration based on the sound source data (S102). Step S102 is a process performed by the signal generating unit 153. Details of step S102 are as explained in the description of the signal generating unit 153.

[0114] Next, the speaker system 100 amplifies the ultrasonic signal for ultrasonic waves, the audio signal for sound, and the low-frequency signal for low-frequency vibration (S103), and outputs the ultrasonic waves, the sound, and the low-frequency vibration (S104). Step S103 is a process performed by the first amplifier 154, the second amplifier 155, and the third amplifier 156. Details of step S103 are as explained in the description of the first amplifier 154, the second amplifier 155, and the third amplifier 156. Furthermore, step S104 is a process performed by the first amplifier 154, the second amplifier 155, the third amplifier 156, the first speaker 101, the second speaker 102, and the actuators 103 and 104. Details of step S104 are as explained in the description of the first amplifier 154, the second amplifier 155, the third amplifier 156, the first speaker 101, the second speaker 102, and the actuators 103 and 104.

[0115] [3. Experiment] Next, the results of an experiment using the speaker system 100 will be described.

[0116] FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining an outline of an experiment on an acoustic system including a speaker system.

[0117] As shown in FIG. 14, the experiment was carried out using a speaker system 100, a video display device 210, and a speaker 220.

[0118] The video display device 210 and the speaker 220 are arranged in front of the speaker system 100, facing the speaker system 100. That is, the video display device 210 displays an image toward a user seated at the speaker system 100, and the speaker 220 emits sound toward the user. Note that the sound source data of the sound output from the speaker 220 is the same as the sound source data of the sound output from the speaker system 100.

[0119] In the experiment, specific sound source data was played back under condition A, in which sound was output from both speaker 220 and speaker system 100, and condition B, in which sound was output only from speaker 220, and the surface temperature of the face of a user seated at speaker system 100 was measured using thermography. In the experiment, sound source data of about four minutes was played back five times, and the surface temperature of the user's face was measured for 20 minutes after playback had finished.

[0120] Fig. 15 shows experimental results showing changes in the surface temperature of the user's face under condition A. Fig. 16 shows experimental results showing changes in the surface temperature of the user's face under condition B. Fig. 17 shows graphs of the experimental results under each condition.

[0121] 15 to 17, it can be seen that after starting to listen to the sound source data, the surface temperature of the user's face is higher under condition A. This shows that listening to the sound source data from the speaker 220 and the speaker system 100 is more effective in improving a person's blood flow than listening to the sound source data from only the front speaker 220.

[0122] [4. Effects etc.] The speaker system 100 according to this embodiment includes a first portion 111 as a first cushion body with which a person's head comes into contact when the person sits or lies down, and a first speaker 101 that is provided in the first portion 111 and outputs ultrasonic waves toward the person's head. This makes it possible to output ultrasonic waves toward the person's head, thereby effectively improving the person's blood flow.

[0123] For example, speaker system 100 further includes second portion 112 as a second cushion body that comes into contact with the person's back when the person sits or lies down, and second speaker 102 that is provided in second portion 112 and outputs sound toward the person's back. This allows sound to be output toward the person's back, thereby more effectively improving the person's blood flow.

[0124] For example, in the speaker system 100, the second speaker 102 has a group of speakers aligned along the person's spine. This allows sound to be output along the person's spine, thereby more effectively improving the person's blood flow.

[0125] For example, speaker system 100 further includes a third portion 113 and a seat surface 120 as a third cushion body that comes into contact with at least one of the person's lower back, buttocks, and thighs when the person sits or lies down, and actuators 103 and 104 that are provided on third portion 113 and seat surface 120 and output low-frequency vibrations toward at least one of the person's lower back, buttocks, and thighs. This makes it possible to output low-frequency vibrations toward at least one of the person's lower back, buttocks, and thighs, thereby more effectively improving the person's blood flow.

[0126] For example, speaker system 100 further includes a signal generator 153 that generates an ultrasonic signal for ultrasonic waves, an audio signal for sound, and a low-frequency signal for low-frequency vibration based on sound source data. This allows ultrasonic signals for ultrasonic waves, audio signals for sound, and low-frequency signals for low-frequency vibration to be generated from a single sound source data, so that the strength and weakness of the ultrasonic waves, sound, and low-frequency vibrations can be matched. Therefore, ultrasonic waves, sound, and low-frequency vibrations that are comfortable for people can be emitted.

[0127] For example, speaker system 100 further includes a first amplifier 154 that causes first speaker 101 to output ultrasonic waves based on an ultrasonic signal, a second amplifier 155 that causes second speaker 102 to output sound based on an audio signal, and a third amplifier 156 that causes actuators 103 and 104 to output low-frequency vibrations based on a low-frequency signal. By outputting an ultrasonic signal for ultrasonic waves, an audio signal for sound, and a low-frequency signal for low-frequency vibrations obtained from one sound source data to the first speaker, the second speaker, and the actuator, respectively, it is possible to output ultrasonic waves, sounds, and low-frequency vibrations with similar characteristics. Therefore, it is possible to emit ultrasonic waves, sounds, and low-frequency vibrations that are pleasant to people.

[0128] For example, the signal generating unit 153 generates a pseudo moving sound according to the moving state of the moving object as a sound based on the sound source data. Therefore, by outputting the pseudo moving sound, it is possible to effectively improve the blood flow of a person riding on the moving object.

[0129] [5. Modifications] (1) Although the speaker system 100 according to the above embodiment is configured to include the first speaker 101, the second speaker 102, and the actuators 103 and 104, it is sufficient that at least the first speaker 101 is provided in the first section 111. In other words, the speaker system 100 may be configured such that only the first speaker 101 is provided on the chair, or such that the first speaker 101 and the second speaker 102 are provided, or such that the first speaker 101 and the actuator 103 are provided. In this way, the speaker system 100 may be configured to include a combination of the first speaker 101 and at least one of the second speaker 102 and the actuators 103 and 104.

[0130] (2) The speaker system 100 may be mounted on an automobile 300 as a mobile object.

[0131] Next, an example of a moving object using the speaker system 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 18. Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view of an automobile, which is a moving object in a modified example.

[0132] Automobile 300 is equipped with speaker system 100 as a seat. Car navigation and car audio systems are configured with circuitry 301 that inputs electrical signals to the speakers. In other words, automobile 300, which is a moving object, has speaker system 100, circuitry 301 that inputs electrical signals to speaker system 100, and self-propelled main body 302 that mounts speaker system 100 and circuitry 301.

[0133] (3) In the above embodiment, the speaker system 100 is a chair, but this is not limiting. For example, the speaker system 100 may be used in a bed or the like that has a cushion body that a person comes into contact with when lying down.

[0134] In each of the above embodiments, each component of signal generating unit 153 of speaker system 100 may be configured with dedicated hardware, or may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program executing unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0135] While the speaker system 100 according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure has been described above based on an embodiment, the present disclosure is not limited to this embodiment. As long as it does not deviate from the spirit of the present disclosure, various modifications conceivable by a person skilled in the art to this embodiment and configurations constructed by combining components of different embodiments may also be included within the scope of one or more aspects of the present disclosure. [Industrial Applicability]

[0136] The present disclosure is useful as a speaker system or the like that can effectively improve human blood flow. [Explanation of symbols]

[0137] 100 speaker system 101 1st Speaker 102 2nd Speaker 103, 104 Actuator 110 Backrest 111 Part 1 112 Part 2 113 Part 3 115 Cushion body 116 Covering material 120 seat 130 First cushion part 131 First three-dimensional mesh elastic body 131a, 141a Elastic portion 131b, 141b air section 132 First coated part 133 First coating material 134 Second coating material 135 Baffle plate 136 Diaphragm 140 Second cushion part 141 Second three-dimensional mesh elastic body 142 Second coated part 151 Signal Acquisition Unit 152 Storage section 153 Signal Generation Unit 154 First Amplifier 155 Second Amplifier 156 Third Amplifier 161 Ultrasonic generator 162 Low frequency generation unit 171 Signal Processing Unit 172, 181 Pitch control section 173, 182 Extraction part 174, 183 Addition section

Claims

1. a first cushion body that is disposed near the head of a person when the person sits or lies down; a first speaker provided on the first cushion body and configured to output ultrasonic waves toward the head; a signal generating unit that generates an ultrasonic signal for the ultrasonic wave based on sound source data, The signal generating unit controls the pitch of the sound source data by n times, and extracts frequency components of the ultrasonic signal from the sound source data whose pitch has been controlled by n times. Speaker system.

2. moreover, a second cushion body that comes into contact with the back of the person when the person sits or lies down; a second speaker provided on the second cushion body and configured to output sound toward the back; 2. The speaker system according to claim 1.

3. The second speaker includes a group of speakers aligned along the spine of the person.

3. The speaker system according to claim 2.

4. Furthermore, when the person sits or lies down, at least one of the person's waist, buttocks, and thighs a third cushion body in contact with the an actuator provided on the third cushion body, the actuator outputting low-frequency vibrations toward at least one of the lower back, the buttocks, and the thighs.

4. The speaker system according to claim 1.

5. moreover, a second cushion body that comes into contact with the back of the person when the person sits or lies down; a third cushion body that comes into contact with at least one of the person's lower back, buttocks, and thighs when the person sits or lies down; a second speaker provided on the second cushion body and configured to output sound toward the back; an actuator provided on the third cushion body, the actuator outputting low-frequency vibrations toward at least one of the lower back, the buttocks, and the thighs; The signal generating unit further generates an audio signal for the sound and a low-frequency signal for the low-frequency vibration based on the sound source data.

2. The speaker system according to claim 1.

6. moreover, a first amplifier that outputs the ultrasonic wave based on the ultrasonic signal to the first speaker; a second amplifier that outputs the sound based on the audio signal to the second speaker; a third amplifier that outputs the low-frequency vibration based on the low-frequency signal to the actuator.

6. The speaker system according to claim 5.

7. The signal generating unit generates a pseudo moving sound according to a moving state of the moving object as the sound based on the sound source data.

7. The speaker system according to claim 5 or 6.

8. The signal generation unit further controls the pitch of the sound source data to 1 / 1 times, and extracts frequency components of a low-frequency signal from the sound source data after the pitch has been controlled to 1 / 1 times.

2. The speaker system according to claim 1.

9. The signal generation unit has an input unit that receives information indicating the degree of improvement effect of the mental and physical state that the user desires to obtain, The signal generation unit determines n in accordance with information received by the input unit.

2. The speaker system according to claim 1.

10. A speaker system according to any one of claims 1 to 7 is provided. Seat for mobile vehicles.

11. The seat for a vehicle according to claim 10 is provided. Mobile object.

Images