Sound processing device, sound processing method, control method, and program

Abstract

The present invention comprises: a first signal processing unit that uses input audio signals from a first group of microphones to generate positive signals which are to be fed to respective positive terminals of a first speaker and a second speaker; and a second signal processing unit that uses input audio signals from a second group of microphones to generate negative signals which are to be fed to respective negative terminals of the first speaker and the second speaker.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present technology relates to an audio processing device, an audio processing method, a control method, and a program, and relates to technology suitable for, for example, a headphone or earphone system. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, some audio output devices such as headphones and earphones are equipped with advanced additional functions such as a wireless communication function, a noise cancellation function, and a beamforming function. Patent Document 1 below discloses a technology relating to a noise canceling system that can be installed in an audio output device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-193421 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, due to the incorporation of a variety of functions, audio output devices such as headphones are now equipped with processors for audio signal processing and control, such as CPUs (Central Processing Units) and DSPs (Digital Signal Processors), as well as transmitter / receiver units for short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). However, these do not necessarily operate appropriately and as needed, and often result in unnecessary power consumption. Therefore, the present technology proposes a technology that enables more accurate processing to be performed in a configuration having a plurality of signal processing units, for example. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The sound processing device according to the present technology includes a first signal processing unit that uses input audio signals from a first group of microphones to generate positive signals to be supplied to the positive terminals of a first speaker and a second speaker, and a second signal processing unit that uses input audio signals from a second group of microphones to generate negative signals to be supplied to the negative terminals of the first speaker and the second speaker. Such an audio processing device performs signal processing that can be applied to devices and systems that have multiple speakers (drivers), such as headphones, earphones, and speaker systems.

[0006] In the sound processing device according to the present technology described above, it is conceivable that the negative terminal of the first speaker and the negative terminal of the second speaker are configured to be switchable between a state in which a negative signal is supplied and a state in which they are connected to ground. By connecting the negative terminal to ground, the first and second speakers are brought into a state in which they output sound in accordance with the positive signal applied to their respective positive terminals.

[0007] In the sound processing device according to the present technology described above, the negative terminal of the first speaker and the negative terminal of the second speaker are configured to be switchable between a state in which a negative signal is supplied and a state in which they are connected to ground, and it is conceivable that the sound processing device may be provided with a control unit that controls the switching. The control unit is configured by, for example, a processor (arithmetic processing unit), and performs control to switch between a state in which a negative signal is supplied to the negative terminal and a state in which the negative terminal is connected to ground based on a predetermined switching determination.

[0008] In the sound processing device according to the present technology described above, it is conceivable that the control unit controls the second signal processing unit to be powered off when the negative terminal of the first speaker and the negative terminal of the second speaker are connected to ground. That is, when there is no need to generate a negative signal, the second signal processing unit is controlled to be powered off. The power-off state may be a complete power-off state, or a state in which the power supply to the main processing is cut off, such as by putting the second signal processing unit into a sleep state.

[0009] In the sound processing device according to the present technology described above, the control unit may input the input audio signals from the first group of microphones from the first signal processing unit, perform audio signal analysis, and control the second signal processing unit according to the analysis results. Control of the second signal processing unit may include, for example, control of switching between negative signal supply and ground connection for the negative terminal, or control of power on / off for the second signal processing unit.

[0010] In the sound processing device according to the present technology described above, it is conceivable that the control unit controls the second signal processing unit based on information acquired through communication from an external device. In this case, the control of the second signal processing unit may be, for example, control of switching between negative signal supply and ground connection for the negative terminal, control of power on / off for the second signal processing unit, etc. The external device may be, for example, a mobile terminal device or a remote control device.

[0011] In the sound processing device according to the present technology described above, it is considered that the first signal processing unit includes a first sound signal generating unit that generates a first positive signal to be supplied to a positive terminal of the first speaker and a second sound signal generating unit that generates a second positive signal to be supplied to a positive terminal of the second speaker, and the second signal processing unit includes a third sound signal generating unit that generates a first negative signal to be supplied to a negative terminal of the first speaker and a fourth sound signal generating unit that generates a second negative signal to be supplied to a negative terminal of the second speaker. That is, in the first signal processing unit, the first and second acoustic signal generating units generate individual positive signals for the first and second speakers, respectively, and similarly, in the second signal processing unit, the third and fourth acoustic signal generating units generate individual negative signals for the first and second speakers, respectively.

[0012] In the sound processing device according to the present technology described above, one or both of the first signal processing unit and the second signal processing unit may include a sound signal generating unit that generates a noise canceling signal. A noise canceling signal is generated as either a positive signal or a negative signal, or both, and is supplied to the first and second speakers.

[0013] In the sound processing device according to the present technology described above, it is considered that one or both of the first signal processing unit and the second signal processing unit include a sound signal generating unit that generates a beamforming signal. A beamforming signal is generated as either a positive signal or a negative signal, or both, and is supplied to the first and second speakers.

[0014] In the above-described sound processing device according to the present technology, the positive signal generated by the first signal processing unit is considered to be a signal obtained by synthesizing the sound signal generated by the sound signal generating unit in the first signal processing unit and the input sound signal. For example, a noise canceling signal or a beamforming signal is generated in the sound signal generating unit, and an input sound signal such as music is synthesized to form a positive signal.

[0015] In the sound processing device according to the present technology described above, it is conceivable that the positive signal generated by the first signal processing unit and the negative signal generated by the second signal processing unit contain signal components of the same acoustic function. For example, the functions are various acoustic functions such as a noise canceling function, an external sound enhancement function, a specific frequency enhancement function, a voice enhancement function using beamforming, a function to enhance sounds arriving from a specific direction, etc. The first and second signal processing units are assumed to be configured to generate signals with the same function.

[0016] In the sound processing device according to the present technology described above, it is conceivable that a signal component for a specific sound function is included in either the positive signal generated by the first signal processing unit or the negative signal generated by the second signal processing unit. A configuration is envisaged in which a signal having a certain function is generated in only one of the first and second signal processing sections.

[0017] The sound processing device according to the present technology described above may include the first speaker and the second speaker. For example, a configuration example is envisaged in which the first signal processing unit and the second signal processing unit are built into stereo headphones or stereo earphones having speakers.

[0018] The sound processing device according to the present technology described above may include the first group of microphones and the second group of microphones. For example, the configuration may include a microphone for collecting external sounds for generating noise canceling signals and beamforming signals.

[0019] The control method of the present technology is a control method for an information processing device capable of communicating with the above-mentioned sound processing device, and includes a situation determination process and a transmission process for transmitting a control signal of the second signal processing unit to the sound processing device based on the result of the situation determination process. The control of the second signal processing unit may include, for example, control of switching between negative signal supply and ground connection for the negative terminal, control of power on / off for the second signal processing unit, etc. Such control is performed from an information processing device such as a mobile terminal. The situation determination process is expected to include determination of the surrounding environmental situation, noise situation, current location situation, sound processing device situation, user situation, and the like. A program according to the present technology causes an information processing device to execute such a control method, and the information processing device that executes the control method is realized by this program. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a sound output device according to an embodiment of the present technology; [Figure 2] 1 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a sound output device according to an embodiment; [Figure 3] 1 is a block diagram of a sound processing device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a sound processing device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a configuration of a noise canceling process according to a comparative example. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a noise canceling system configuration of a comparative example. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a noise canceling system configuration according to a third embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a sound processing device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a sound processing device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a sound processing device according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the configuration of a sixth embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a sound processing device according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the configuration of a seventh embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a sound processing device according to a seventh embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the eighth embodiment. [Figure 16]13 is a flowchart of a process of a terminal device according to the eighth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] The embodiments will be described below in the following order. <1. Examples of sound output devices> <2. First and Second Embodiments> <3. Example of application to NC processing> [3-1: Comparative Example] [3-2: Third embodiment] [3-3: Fourth embodiment] [3-4: Fifth embodiment] <4. Application to BF Processing and NC Processing: Sixth Embodiment> <5. Application to left and right separated earphones: Seventh embodiment> <6. Cooperation with External Devices: Eighth Embodiment> <7. Summary and Variations>

[0022] <1. Examples of sound output devices> Examples of sound processing devices according to the present technology that can be realized as embodiments are shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. The sound processing device may be realized, for example, as the sound output device 1 itself shown in Figures 1 and 2, or may be realized as a sound processing circuit, sound processing unit, etc. that is built into the sound output device 1 or is detachable.

[0023] 1 shows overhead headphones 1A and 1B and canal-type earphones 1C as examples of the sound output device 1. Also, FIG. 2A shows neckband-type earphones 1D.

[0024] Headphones 1A, 1B and earphones 1C, 1D each include a left housing 5L corresponding to the left ear and a right housing 5R corresponding to the right ear. The left housing 5L and right housing 5R are housings for the ear pads of overhead headphones, or housings for the ear canal insertion portion of earphones or the housings in the vicinity thereof.

[0025] When the user wears the headband of headphones 1A and 1B on their head, the left housing 5L and right housing 5R are positioned so as to cover the user's left and right ears. When the user wears earphones 1C and 1D, parts of the left housing 5L and right housing 5R are inserted into the user's left and right ear canals. It is assumed that neckband-type earphones 1D will be used by inserting the left housing 5L and right housing 5R into the left and right ear canals while the user wears the neckband portion around their neck, as shown in Figure 2B. The left housing 5L and the right housing 5R are physically connected by a headband, a cord, a neckband, etc., and wiring for transmitting audio signals, etc., can be formed inside them.

[0026] The headphones 1B are an example of a device capable of wireless communication with a terminal device 90 such as a smartphone. For example, the headphones 1B can play music by receiving an acoustic signal such as music from the terminal device 90. Furthermore, various control signals may be transmitted wirelessly.

[0027] The headphones 1A, 1B and earphones 1C, 1D in FIGS. 1 and 2 are examples, and other possible acoustic output devices 1 include inner-ear type earphones and two-channel or three-channel or more speaker systems. Furthermore, the sound processing device of the embodiment is not limited to the form of the sound output device 1 itself, such as the above-mentioned headphones, earphones, or speaker system, or a unit built into or attached to the sound output device 1, but may also be realized as a sound processing device used separately from, for example, headphones, earphones, speakers, etc.

[0028] In the sound output device 1 (or sound processing device) of the embodiment, it is preferable that the parts that output sound for each channel, such as the left channel and the right channel, be physically continuous and perform wired communication, such as the left housing 5L and the right housing 5R, for example. This is particularly preferable when the sound output device 1 (or sound processing device) is provided with a noise canceling function or a beamforming function, as in the third to sixth embodiments described later. However, depending on the functions provided, for example, the left housing 5L and the right housing 5R may not be physically continuous and may perform wireless communication. For example, if the device has functions and configurations that do not cause problems such as an increase in processing load or delay due to wireless communication, the device may be configured to perform wireless communication between the left housing 5L and the right housing 5R. Furthermore, as will be described in the seventh embodiment, the technology of the present disclosure can also be applied to left and right separated earphones (headphones).

[0029] <2. First and Second Embodiments> The following describes the details of the configuration of the embodiment, assuming that the sound output device 1 is a headphone 1A or 1B or an earphone 1C or 1D.

[0030] FIG. 3 shows the configuration of a sound output device 1 according to the first embodiment. The sound output device 1 has signal processing units 10 and 20. The signal processing units 10 and 20 are each formed as an LSI chip or the like, and specifically, are chips that include a processor (arithmetic processing unit) such as a CPU or DSP, or that include a processor and peripheral circuits. These signal processing units 10 and 20 may be arranged separately in the left and right housings 5L and 5R of the sound output device 1, or both signal processing units 10 and 20 may be housed in the left housing 5L or both in the right housing 5R.

[0031] The signal processing unit 10 includes a plurality of microphones 30, a plurality of A / D converters (hereinafter referred to as "ADC") 11 corresponding to each of the plurality of microphones 30, acoustic signal generation units 15 and 16, adders 12L and 12R, power amplifiers 13L and 13R, D / A converters (hereinafter referred to as "DAC") 14L and 14R, and a sound quality correction processing unit 18. Although the microphone 30 is shown as including a microphone amplifier for the audio signal obtained by sound collection, a microphone amplifier may be separately provided, for example, in front of the ADC 11. The same applies to the microphone 40 described later and the microphones shown in other figures.

[0032] The signal processing unit 20 includes a plurality of microphones 40, a plurality of ADCs 21 corresponding to the plurality of microphones 30, acoustic signal generating units 25 and 26, power amplifiers 23L and 23R, and DACs 24L and 24R.

[0033] The multiple microphones 30 may all be provided in the left housing 5L, or all may be provided in the right housing 5R. Also, the multiple microphones 30 may be divided into some provided in the left housing 5L and some provided in the right housing 5R. The same applies to the multiple microphones 40, and in some cases all are provided in the left housing 5L, and in other cases all are provided in the right housing 5R. In other cases, the multiple microphones 40 are divided into some provided in the left housing 5L and some provided in the right housing 5R. Therefore, for example, there may be cases where both the microphones 30 and 40 are arranged in the left housing 5L and the right housing 5R.

[0034] It is also possible to configure the microphones 30 and 40 as separate entities from the sound output device 1, and transmit the picked-up audio signals to the signal processing units 10 and 20 via wireless communication.

[0035] Such microphones 30 and 40 are intended to pick up sounds from the surrounding environment, for example, and are specifically provided to realize functions such as noise canceling processing and beamforming processing.

[0036] The speakers 50 and 60 correspond to, for example, the L channel and the R channel, and the speaker 50 is disposed in the left housing 5L, and the speaker 60 is disposed in the right housing 5R, thereby providing sound output to the left and right ears of the user.

[0037] In the present embodiment, an L / R stereophonic sound output device having an L (left) channel and an R (right) channel will be described as an example, but the signal processing units 10 and 20 do not correspond to the L channel and the R channel individually. In other words, the signal processing units 10 and 20 do not necessarily correspond to the channels in a 1:1 relationship. The signal processing unit 10 has a function of generating a positive signal to be supplied to each positive terminal (also called a + terminal or positive terminal) of the speakers 50, 60. In other words, the signal processing unit 10 is a positive signal generating device. The signal processing unit 20 has a function of generating a negative signal to be supplied to each negative terminal (also called a - terminal or negative terminal) of the speakers 50, 60. In other words, the signal processing unit 20 is a negative signal generating device.

[0038] In this disclosure, the term "positive signal" is used to mean the signal (or signal component) supplied to the positive terminal, and does not specify the type of signal, for example, the type of audio signal, or the phase relationship with the negative signal. Similarly, "negative signal" refers to a signal (or signal component) supplied to the negative terminal, and does not specify the type of signal, for example, the type of audio signal, or its phase relationship with the positive signal.

[0039] In this configuration, an input audio signal from the microphone 30 is converted into a digital signal by the ADC 11 and input to the acoustic signal generating units 15 and 16 . In this example, the acoustic signal generator 15 generates an acoustic signal for the L channel and supplies the generated acoustic signal to the adder 12L. The acoustic signal generator 16 also generates an acoustic signal for the R channel and supplies the generated acoustic signal to the adder 12R.

[0040] An L-channel acoustic signal SL and an R-channel acoustic signal SR are input from the outside to the signal processing unit 10. The acoustic signals SL and SR may be, for example, music from a music source, telephone conversation voice, broadcast or communication voice, etc. (hereinafter, these will be referred to as "music, etc."). The audio signals SL and SR are subjected to signal processing in a sound quality correction processing unit 18. For example, processing such as equalization, tone control, volume adjustment, special effects such as reverb, echo, and pitch conversion, and noise reduction of the audio signals SL and SR themselves may be performed.

[0041] The sound signals SL and SR that have been subjected to the sound quality correction process are supplied to adders 12L and 12R, respectively. The adder 12L combines the acoustic signal generated by the acoustic signal generator 15 with the acoustic signal SL. The output of the adder 12L is then amplified by the power amplifier 13L, converted into an analog signal by the DAC 14L, and supplied to the positive terminal of the speaker 50. This results in an L channel acoustic output based on the positive signal. The adder 12R combines the acoustic signal generated by the acoustic signal generator 16 with the acoustic signal SR. The output of the adder 12R is then amplified by the power amplifier 13R, converted into an analog signal by the DAC 14R, and supplied to the positive terminal of the speaker 60. This produces an L-channel acoustic output based on the positive signal.

[0042] In this configuration, the "positive signal" may refer to the acoustic signal generated by the acoustic signal generating units 15 and 16 (the "component" of the signal supplied to the positive terminal), or may refer to the acoustic signal after being combined by the adders 12L and 12R (the "signal itself" supplied to the positive terminal).

[0043] On the other hand, the audio signal collected by the microphone 40 is converted into a digital signal by the ADC 21 and input to the acoustic signal generating units 25 and 26 .

[0044] In this example, the acoustic signal generator 25 generates an acoustic signal for the L channel and supplies the generated acoustic signal to the power amplifier 23L. The acoustic signal (negative signal) amplified by the power amplifier 23L is then converted into an analog signal by the DAC 24L and supplied to the negative terminal of the speaker 50. This results in an acoustic output of the L channel based on the negative signal.

[0045] Furthermore, the acoustic signal generating unit 26 generates an acoustic signal for the R channel and supplies the generated acoustic signal to the power amplifier 23R. The acoustic signal (negative signal) amplified by the power amplifier 23R is then converted into an analog signal by the DAC 24R and supplied to the negative terminal of the speaker 60. This results in acoustic output of the R channel based on the negative signal.

[0046] In this configuration, the "negative signal" refers to the acoustic signal generated by the acoustic signal generating units 25 and 26 (the signal "itself" supplied to the positive terminal), but a configuration in which the signal is added to another acoustic signal using an adder, such as in the signal processing unit 10, is also possible, in which case the negative signal may be considered to be the signal "itself" supplied to the positive terminal as the acoustic signal after addition, or may be interpreted as a component of the signal after addition (the acoustic signal generated by the acoustic signal generating units 25 and 26).

[0047] In the configuration shown in FIG. 3, first, audio signals SL and SR of music or the like are supplied to the positive terminals of the speakers 50 and 60, and the music or the like is reproduced normally. In addition, sound is output based on the sound signals generated by the sound signal generators 15, 16, 25, and 26.

[0048] The processes performed by the acoustic signal generators 15, 16, 25, and 26 can be considered in a variety of ways, as exemplified below. Noise cancellation signal generation processing External sound enhancement signal generation processing - Specific frequency emphasis signal generation processing -Beamforming voice enhancement signal processing - Emphasis processing of sounds coming from specific directions

[0049] It is assumed that the acoustic signal generators 15, 16, 25, and 26 function as a part or a combination of these. For example, all of the acoustic signal generating units 15, 16, 25, and 26 may be noise canceling signal generating processing units. Furthermore, all of the acoustic signal generators 15, 16, 25, and 26 may be beamforming signal generators.

[0050] In addition, the positive signals and negative signals may be signals with different functions, such that the acoustic signal generation units 15 and 16 that generate positive signals are noise canceling signal generation processing units, and the acoustic signal generation units 25 and 26 that generate negative signals are beamforming signal generation processing units. Alternatively, the acoustic signal generation units 15 and 25 that generate positive and negative signals for the L channel speaker 50 may perform the same type of signal generation processing as described above, and the acoustic signal generation units 16 and 26 that generate positive and negative signals for the R channel speaker 50 may perform the same type of signal generation processing as described above (but separate from the L channel side). Furthermore, all of the acoustic signal generating units 15, 16, 25, and 26 may be different types of signal generating processing units among those described above. Each of the acoustic signal generators 15, 16, 25, and 26 may perform multiple types of signal generation processing among the above, such as signal generation that emphasizes a sound arriving from a specific direction and a specific frequency, or signal generation that performs noise cancellation and beamforming.

[0051] Of course, the signal generation processes performed by the sound signal generators 15, 16, 25, and 26 are not limited to the above examples, and various other processes are conceivable. In either case, both or either of the signal processing units 10 and 20 may function. The signal processing units 10 and 20 supply positive and negative signals to the speakers 50 and 60, respectively, thereby enabling signal output with enhanced functionality.

[0052] Here, the configuration of a second embodiment, in which some components are added to the configuration of FIG. 3, will be described with reference to FIG. 4 differs from FIG. 3 only in that switch sections 27L and 27R are provided in the signal processing section 20. In FIG. The switch units 27L and 27R are switches that switch between a state in which negative signals from the acoustic signal generation units 25 and 26 are supplied to the negative terminals of the speakers 50 and 60, and a state in which the negative terminals of the speakers 50 and 60 are connected to ground (GND).

[0053] By connecting the negative terminals of the speakers 50 and 60 to ground, the sound output device 1 is brought into a state in which sound reproduction can be performed only by the signal processing unit 10. For example, music or the like is reproduced using the sound signals SL and SR, and sound signals generated by the sound signal generating units 15 and 16 are output. In this case, the signal processing unit 20 may be powered off. On the other hand, when negative signals are supplied from the acoustic signal generators 25 and 26 to the negative terminals of the speakers 50 and 60, the configuration becomes the same as that shown in FIG.

[0054] That is, both signal processing units 10 and 20 may function, or only signal processing unit 10 may function. By having signal processing units 10 and 20 supply positive and negative signals to speakers 50 and 60, respectively, it becomes possible to perform signal output with enhanced functionality. In addition, since the signal processing unit 10 supplies an acoustic signal (positive signal) to the positive terminals of the speakers 50 and 60, stereo output can be performed by the signal processing unit 10 alone. In other words, the signal processing unit 20 may be turned off. The system can also operate normally as a playback system for music, etc.

[0055] Although the switch sections 27L and 27R are shown as internal circuits of the signal processing section 20, they may be configured as external circuits of the signal processing section 20. Alternatively, a switch unit may be provided to connect the positive terminals of the speakers 50 and 60 to ground, so that when the signal processing unit 10 is powered off, only the signal processing unit 20 functions and negative signals from the acoustic signal generating units 25 and 26 are supplied to the negative terminals of the speakers 50 and 60. In this case, only the signal processing unit 20 functions, making it possible to output external sounds and the like in stereo.

[0056] <3. Example of application to NC processing> [3-1: Comparative Example] In the third and subsequent embodiments, more specific examples of application to signal generation will be described. In the explanations and drawings of this disclosure, "noise canceling" may be abbreviated as "NC," and "beamforming" may be abbreviated as "BF." In the following description, the "signal processing unit" will be designated by the symbols "10A," "10B," and "10C" depending on the function, but when referring to the signal processing unit 10 collectively, regardless of function, the same applies to the "signal processing unit 20."

[0057] Furthermore, the acoustic signal generating units 15, 16, 25, and 26 are given different names depending on their functions, and the reference numerals are the same number followed by an alphabet or number (for example, "NC signal generating unit 15A"). However, when referring to them collectively, they are written as "acoustic signal generating unit 15" or the like, as shown in FIG. 3. Microphone 30 and microphone 40 may also have letters or numbers added to the end of the word, but when referring to them collectively they will be written as "microphone 30" and "microphone 40."

[0058] In the third to sixth embodiments, a sound output device 1 having an NC function will be described, but first, the NC system will be briefly described here. In general, NC systems are known to be configured to cancel out noise by generating an anti-phase NC signal from a noise signal collected by a microphone for collecting ambient noise, which minimizes the sound pressure at the user's ear.

[0059] Figure 5 shows an example of the configuration of an NC system. A noise signal collected by a microphone 130 is input to a DNC (digital noise canceling) filter 103L via a microphone amplifier 101L and an ADC 102L, and an NC signal is generated by the DNC filter 103L. The NC signal is supplied to an adder 105L via an amplifier 104L and is synthesized with an audio signal SL such as music. The audio signal SL is, for example, an equalizer.108 The output of the adder 105L, which is a combination of the NC signal and a signal such as music, is converted into an analog signal by a DAC 106L, amplified by a power amplifier 107L, and supplied to an L-channel speaker 150. The speaker 150 outputs sound based on the audio signal SL and the NC signal for the L channel.

[0060] A noise signal collected by a microphone 140 is input to a DNC filter 103R via a microphone amplifier 101R and an ADC 102R, and an NC signal is generated in the DNC filter 103R. The NC signal is supplied to an adder 105R via an amplifier 104R and is synthesized with an audio signal SR such as music. The audio signal SR is, for example, an equalizer. 108 The output of the adder 105R, which combines the NC signal and the music signal, is converted into an analog signal by the DAC 106R, amplified by the power amplifier 107R, and output to the R channel speaker. 160 The signal is supplied to the speaker. 160 The output of the NC signal for the R channel is based on the SR signal.

[0061] With this configuration, for example, it is possible to cancel out only ambient noise while listening to music. In reality, this type of NC device is made into an LSI or circuit device that can process two channels. In this configuration, microphone 130 is provided in left housing 5L and microphone 140 is provided in right housing 5R, in terms of headphones 1A in FIG. That is, in the configuration of FIG. 5, the acoustic signal system is separated for each channel, and the DNC filter 103L serves as the L channel and the DNC filter 103R serves as the R channel.

[0062] One method of improving the noise canceling effect in such an NC system is to use multiple microphones. Generally, one microphone is placed on the outside and one on the inside of each ear, and performance is improved by using the outside microphone for feedforward NC and the inside microphone for feedback NC. For this reason, a typical NC device is one that supports four channels of microphone input and two channels of speaker output on its own, using a four-channel input NC LSI or the like.

[0063] In order to further improve NC performance, it is effective to add more microphones, so it is also possible to use independent NC devices for the left and right. FIG. 6 shows an example in which an NC device 100 for the L channel and an NC device 200 for the R channel are used. The NC device 100 supports inputs from a total of six microphones 130: a microphone 130F for FF (feedforward) and five microphones 130B for FB (feedback). The NC device 100 generates an NC signal based on the inputs from these six microphones 130 and supplies it to the speaker 150. The NC device 200 also supports inputs from a total of six microphones 140: a microphone 140F for FF and five microphones 140B for FB. The NC device 200 generates an NC signal based on the inputs from these six microphones 140 and supplies it to the speaker 160.

[0064] Of course, it is possible to further increase the number of microphones per channel to improve NC performance, but if NC devices 100 and 200 support six inputs, the number of microphones cannot be increased any further, and in that case, it will be necessary to take measures such as changing the NC device to one that supports more channels of input or increasing the number of NC devices installed.

[0065] Here, when considering a configuration such as that shown in FIG. 6, multiple LSIs (NC devices 100, 200) are always running, which increases power consumption and reduces the operating time of the product. In the case of FIG. 6, for stereo playback, the NC devices 100 and 200 must always operate simultaneously.

[0066] Although not shown, the NC device 100 for the L channel also processes the input of the L channel acoustic signal SL. In some cases, the acoustic signals SL and SR are received via short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth, and a chip for wireless communication may also be provided, but the NC devices 100 and 200 must always process the acoustic signals for the channel they are responsible for.

[0067] Even if the LSIs serving as the NC devices 100 and 200 have a low power consumption function, as long as two identical LSIs are activated, the LSI fixed power, the power of the peripheral circuits, and the like will be consumed. For example, even when the surroundings are quiet and NC processing is not required, two LSIs must be running simultaneously to play music, and in order to perform the same control on the L channel and R channel, such as controlling the volume of the LSI, each must be controlled independently using a control bus such as I2C.Music playback, while communication between devices can normally be performed from the host CPU using a single serial transfer such as I2S, must be demultiplexed from the host CPU and separated into the L channel and R channel, and connected to each LSI. Also, when using a microphone with NC function in conjunction with a microphone for calls, and transmitting the left and right microphone signals to the host CPU, the signals are multiplexed onto one I2S, requiring two I2S systems. In order to realize a stereo application using two LSIs in this way, the circuit scale increases, which results in an increase in power consumption.

[0068] [3-2: Third embodiment] When implementing an NC system in a stereo sound system like this, and particularly when using multiple LSIs to increase the number of microphones and improve performance, there is a situation where power consumption increases, or in other words, it is difficult to reduce power consumption. On the other hand, in the configurations shown in the first and second embodiments, performance improvement is achieved by the functioning of both signal processing units 10 and 20, but it has been explained that stereo output can be achieved with only one of them. An example of applying this to an NC system will be described as the third embodiment. In each embodiment, the same components as those in the previously described drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals to avoid redundant explanation.

[0069] FIG. 7 shows an example of the arrangement of microphones 30 and 40 and signal processing units 10A and 20A. A total of six microphones, including microphones 30 and 40, are arranged in the left housing 5L of the sound output device 1 as follows. Left channel FF microphone 30FL Left channel FB microphone 30BL1 Left channel FB microphone 30BL2 Left channel FB microphone 40BL1 Left channel FB microphone 40BL2 Left channel FB microphone 40BL3

[0070] In addition, a total of six microphones are arranged in the right housing 5R as microphones 30 and 40 as follows. 30FR microphone for right channel FF Microphone 30BR1 for right channel feedback Microphone 30BR2 for right channel feedback Right channel FB microphone 40BR1 Microphone 40BR2 for right channel feedback Microphone 40BR3 for right channel feedback

[0071] In order to obtain the NC effect and capture a wide range of noise, it is desirable that the microphones 30 and 40 be arranged symmetrically on the left and right.

[0072] In FIG. 7, signal paths for generating or outputting positive signals are shown by solid lines, and signal paths for generating or outputting negative signals are shown by dotted lines. The audio signals picked up by the microphones 30FL, 30BL1, 30BL2, 30FR, 30BR1, and 30BR2 are supplied to the signal processing unit 10A as indicated by the solid lines. The audio signals picked up by the microphones 40BL1, 40BL2, 40BL3, 40BR1, 40BR2, and 40BR3 are supplied to the signal processing unit 20A as indicated by the dotted lines.

[0073] In this case, the signal processing units 10A and 20A are NC devices and generate NC signals. The signal processing unit 10A then supplies the positive signals containing the NC signal components of the FF and FB methods to the positive terminals of the speakers 50 and 60. The signal processing unit 20A also supplies a negative signal, which is an NC signal of the FB system, to the negative terminals of the speakers 50 and 60.

[0074] FIG. 8 shows the internal configuration of the signal processing units 10A and 20A. The signal processing units 10A and 20A have the same configuration as the signal processing units 10 and 20 in Figure 4, but the configurations corresponding to the acoustic signal generation units 15, 16, 25, and 26 in Figure 4 are NC signal generation units 15A, 16A, 25A, and 26A that generate NC signals.

[0075] The NC signal generating unit 15A generates NC signals of the FF method and the FB method for the L channel based on the audio signals from the microphones 30FL, 30BL1, and 30BL2. The NC signal generated by the NC signal generating unit 15A is combined with the acoustic signal SL by an adder 12L, and then supplied to the positive terminal of the speaker 50 via a power amplifier 13L and a DAC 14L. The NC signal generating unit 16A generates NC signals of the FF method and the FB method for the R channel based on the audio signals from the microphones 30FR, 30BR1, and 30BR2. The NC signal generated by the NC signal generating unit 16A is combined with the acoustic signal SR by an adder 12R, and then supplied to the positive terminal of the speaker 60 via a power amplifier 13R and a DAC 14R.

[0076] The NC signal generating unit 25A generates an NC signal of the FB method for the L channel based on the audio signals from the microphones 40BL1, 40BL2, and 40BL3. The NC signal generated by the NC signal generating unit 25A is supplied to the negative terminal of the speaker 50 via the power amplifier 23L, the DAC 24L, and the switch unit 27L. The NC signal generating unit 26A generates an NC signal of the FB method for the R channel based on the audio signals from the microphones 40BR1, 40BR2, and 40BR3. The NC signal generated by the NC signal generating unit 26A is supplied to the negative terminal of the speaker 60 via the power amplifier 23R, the DAC 24R, and the switch unit 27R.

[0077] With this configuration, the input signals of the six microphones 30 arranged for generating positive signals are subjected to NC filtering for each of the left and right channels within the signal processing unit 10, and then can be output as sound via the positive terminals of the speakers 50 and 60. Furthermore, the input signals of the six microphones 40 arranged for generating negative signals are subjected to NC filtering for each of the left and right channels in the signal processing unit 20, and then can be output as sound via the negative terminals of the speakers 50, 60. Therefore, an NC signal using the input signals of all 12 microphones connected to the two NC devices (i.e., signal processing units 10A and 20A) can be output from each of the left and right speakers 50 and 60, and in addition to the NC signal, it is also possible to play music, etc. using the acoustic signals SL and SR. In other words, it is possible to realize an NC system with greatly improved NC performance.

[0078] Furthermore, in this configuration, the negative terminals of the speakers 50, 60 can be connected to ground by the switch units 27L, 27R. For example, the switch units 27L, 27R can be switched by a manual operation by the user.

[0079] With the negative terminals of the speakers 50, 60 connected to ground, a positive signal from the signal processing unit 10A is supplied to the speakers 50, 60. That is, music or the like is reproduced using the acoustic signals SL, SR while obtaining the NC effect from the NC signals of the FF and FB methods using the six microphones 30 as microphones 30FL, 30BL1, 30BL2, 30FR, 30BR1, and 30BR2.

[0080] This means that the power supply to the signal processing unit 20A may be turned off. That is, when playing music or the like using the acoustic signals SL and SR, it is possible to selectively use either a case where a high NC effect is obtained by operating both signal processing units 10A and 20A, or a case where a normal NC effect is obtained by operating only signal processing unit 10A. By providing a period in which signal processing unit 20A is powered off, it is possible to reduce power consumption and extend playback time. For example, in a low-noise environment such as indoors or an office where the NC effect does not need to be enhanced, the signal processing unit 20A can be turned off to enjoy good music playback while reducing power consumption.

[0081] [3-3: Fourth embodiment] An example of the configuration of the fourth embodiment is shown in FIG. This is an example in which a CPU 70 is provided and the switch sections 27L and 27R are automatically controlled.

[0082] The CPU 70 includes a noise analysis unit 71, which receives all or part of the audio signals collected by the microphones 30FL, 30BL1, 30BL2, 30FR, 30BR1, and 30BR2, for example, and analyzes the noise situation. For example, the noise level, frequency characteristics, and duration of the noise are analyzed.

[0083] Then, based on the noise analysis result, the CPU 70 determines whether the situation is one in which the noise is large or not, and controls the signal processing unit 20A accordingly. Specifically, if it is determined that the noise is not large, the CPU 70 controls the switches 27L and 27R to switch to the ground side, and also controls the signal processing unit 20A to be powered off. If it is determined that the noise level is high, the CPU 70 controls the switches 27L and 27R to switch to a state in which a negative signal can be supplied to the negative terminal, and also controls the signal processor 20A to be powered on.

[0084] It goes without saying that when the switch sections 27L and 27R are configured within the signal processing section 20A, the circuit configuration is such that the ground connection is maintained even when the signal processing section 20A is powered off (for example, the negative terminal is not opened).

[0085] By the CPU 70 performing the above control, the NC effect is automatically adjusted according to the surrounding noise conditions, and in a relatively quiet environment, the signal processing unit 20A is automatically powered off to save power.

[0086] Note that the switching control of the switch units 27L and 27R and the power-off control of the signal processing unit 20A may be performed depending on a condition other than the noise condition, or in addition to the noise condition.

[0087] For example, the CPU 70 may monitor the battery status as the status of the sound output device 1, and when the remaining battery power falls below a predetermined value, control may be performed to switch the switches 27L and 27R to the ground side and turn off the power to the signal processing unit 20A, which is advantageous for long-term operation of the sound output device 1. The CPU 70 may also monitor the volume setting status, for example, as the status of the sound output device 1, and perform switching control of the switch units 27L and 27R and power control of the signal processing unit 20A depending on whether the volume is low or not. This is because the normal NC function may be sufficient when playing music at a relatively high volume.

[0088] Alternatively, the noise situation may be estimated based on the user's current location or location fluctuations, rather than the noise situation itself, and the switching control of the switches 27L and 27R and the power supply control of the signal processing unit 20A may be performed. For example, the sound output device 1 (CPU 70) may be provided with a current location detection function. The CPU 70 may determine, for example, whether the user is indoors, outdoors, or traveling on a train, and, if it is necessary to enhance the NC effect, may power on the signal processing unit 20A and set the switches 27L and 27R to the negative signal side.

[0089] In addition, the CPU 70 may perform switching control of the switch units 27L, 27R and power control of the signal processing unit 20A depending on the type of music etc. being played by the input audio signals SL, SR, for example, music, conversation, environmental sound, electronic sound, notification sound, etc. In addition, the CPU 70 may control the switching of the switch units 27L and 27R and the power supply of the signal processing unit 20A depending on the conditions of the music being played back using the input audio signals SL and SR, such as the genre (e.g., rock, jazz, classical, pop, etc.), the average sound pressure level and frequency characteristics of the song currently being played, etc.

[0090] Furthermore, the CPU 70 may control the switching of the switches 27L and 27R and the power supply of the signal processing unit 20A in accordance with the physical condition of the user. For example, sensors for detecting the physical condition, such as an electroencephalogram sensor, a pulse sensor, and a blood pressure sensor, may be provided, and control may be performed in accordance with the physical condition of the user determined by these sensors. The CPU 70 may also control the switching of the switch units 27L and 27R and the power supply of the signal processing unit 20A in accordance with the operating conditions of the user. For example, an angular velocity sensor, an acceleration sensor, etc. may be provided, and control may be performed in accordance with the operating conditions of the user determined by these sensors.

[0091] [3-4: Fifth embodiment] An example of the configuration of the fifth embodiment is shown in FIG. This is an example in which a sound output device 1 with two channels, L and R, has a plurality of speakers (headphone drivers) for each channel, thereby performing higher performance NC control.

[0092] 10, the sound output device 1 includes two speakers 50-1 and 50-2 as L channel speakers arranged in a left housing 5L, and two speakers 60-1 and 60-2 as R channel speakers arranged in a right housing 5R.

[0093] The signal processing unit 10A includes four NC signal generating units 15A1, 15A2, 16A1, and 16A2 that generate positive signals.

[0094] The NC signal generator 15A1 generates an NC signal of the FF system for the L channel based on, for example, an audio signal from the microphone 30FL. This NC signal is combined with the audio signal SL by the adder 12L1 and supplied to the positive terminal of the speaker 50-1 via the power amplifier 13L1 and the DAC 14L1. The NC signal generator 15A2 generates an FB NC signal for the L channel based on, for example, audio signals from the microphones 30BL1 and 30BL2. This NC signal is combined with the audio signal SL by the adder 12L2 and supplied to the positive terminal of the speaker 50-2 via the power amplifier 13L2 and the DAC 14L2.

[0095] The NC signal generator 16A1 generates an NC signal of the FF system for the R channel based on, for example, an audio signal from the microphone 30FR. This NC signal is combined with the acoustic signal SR by the adder 12R1 and supplied to the positive terminal of the speaker 60-1 via the power amplifier 13R1 and the DAC 14R1. The NC signal generating unit 16A2 generates an FB type NC signal for the R channel based on, for example, audio signals from the microphones 30BR1 and 30BR2. This NC signal is combined with the audio signal SR by the adder 12R2 and supplied to the positive terminal of the speaker 60-2 via the power amplifier 13R2 and the DAC 14R2. In the above description, the NC signal generating units 15A1 and 16A1 generate NC signals in the FF system, and the NC signal generating units 15A2 and 16A2 generate NC signals in the FB system, but this is merely an example.

[0096] The signal processing unit 20A includes four NC signal generating units 25A1, 25A2, 26A1, and 26A2 that generate negative signals. It is assumed that the acoustic signals SL' and SR' are input to the signal processing unit 20A and processed by the sound quality correction processing unit 28. The acoustic signals SL' and SR' may be the same as the acoustic signals SL and SR, may be signals obtained by adjusting the acoustic signals SL and SR, or may be signals different from the acoustic signals SL and SR.

[0097] The NC signal generator 25A1 generates an FB type NC signal for the L channel based on, for example, audio signals from the microphones 40BL1 and 40BL2. This NC signal is combined with the acoustic signal SL′ by the adder 22L1 and supplied to the negative terminal of the speaker 50-1 via the power amplifier 23L1 and the DAC 24L1. The NC signal generator 25A2 generates an FB NC signal for the L channel based on, for example, an audio signal from the microphone 40BL3. This NC signal is combined with the acoustic signal SL′ by the adder 22L2 and supplied to the negative terminal of the speaker 50-2 via the power amplifier 23L2 and the DAC 24L2.

[0098] The NC signal generator 26A1 generates an FB type NC signal for the R channel based on, for example, audio signals from the microphones 40BR1 and 40BR2. This NC signal is combined with the acoustic signal SR′ by the adder 22R1 and supplied to the negative terminal of the speaker 60-1 via the power amplifier 23R1 and the DAC 24R1. The NC signal generator 26A2 generates an FB NC signal for the R channel based on, for example, an audio signal from the microphone 40BR3. This NC signal is combined with the acoustic signal SR′ by the adder 22R2 and supplied to the negative terminal of the speaker 60-2 via the power amplifier 23R2 and the DAC 24R2.

[0099] In the configuration example shown in FIG. 10, the signal processing units 10A and 20A, each of which is an NC device, are configured so as to be able to perform stereo processing even when used alone. When performing stereo processing on a single unit, the LSI serving as signal processing unit 10A is provided with a total of four outputs: two positive signals for the L channel and two positive signals for the R channel.The LSI serving as signal processing unit 20A is provided with a total of four outputs: two negative signals for the L channel and two negative signals for the R channel.

[0100] This configuration allows the power supply to the signal processing unit 20A to be turned on / off while continuing to output four channels, thereby realizing NC function operation with reduced power consumption.

[0101] In the example of Figure 10, a configuration is shown in which the acoustic signals SL' and SR' are input to the signal processing unit 20A, but such input of the acoustic signals SL' and SR' is not required, and the sound quality correction processing unit 28 and the adders 22L1, 22L2, 22R1, and 22R2 may not be provided.

[0102] <4. Application to BF Processing and NC Processing: Sixth Embodiment> As a sixth embodiment, an example in which a BF (beam forming) function is provided in addition to the NC function will be described.

[0103] FIG. 11 shows an example of the arrangement of the microphones 30 and 40 and the signal processing units 10B and 20B. A total of three microphones are arranged as the microphones 30 in the left housing 5L of the sound output device 1 as follows. Left channel FF microphone 30FL Left channel FB microphone 30BL1 Left channel FB microphone 30BL2

[0104] In addition, a total of nine microphones are arranged in the right housing 5R as microphones 30 and 40 as follows. 30FR microphone for right channel FF 30BR1+ microphone for BF and R channel FB 30BR2+ microphone for BF and R channel FB ·BF microphone 40BF1 ·BF microphone 40BF2 ·BF microphone 40BF3 ·BF microphone 40BF4 ·BF microphone 40BF5 ·BF microphone 40BF6

[0105] The microphones 30BR1+ and 30BR2+ are used in combination for both NC and BF. For the purpose of capturing a wide range of noise for the NC effect, the microphones 30BL1, 30BL2, 30BR1+, and 30BR2+ used for NC are arranged symmetrically on the left and right. On the other hand, in order to create strong directionality in BF, microphones 40BF1, 40BF2, 40BF3, 30BR1+, 40BF4, 30BR2+, 40BF5, and 40BF6 for BF are arranged consecutively in one direction (for example, on the right housing 5R).

[0106] The signal processing units 10B and 20B are each an LSI compatible with six-channel input. 11, as in FIG. 7, signal paths for generating or outputting positive signals are indicated by solid lines, and signal paths for generating or outputting negative signals are indicated by dotted lines.

[0107] The signal processing unit 10B has the function of generating NC and BF signals in addition to playing music, etc., and inputs audio signals picked up by six microphones 30 (30FL, 30BL1, 30BL2, 30FR, 30BR1+, 30BR2+) as shown by the solid lines. The signal processing unit 20B has a function of generating BF signals, and receives as input audio signals collected by six microphones 40 (40BF1, 40BF2, 40BF3, 40BF4, 40BF5, 40BF6) as indicated by dotted lines. That is, the LSI serving as signal processing unit 10B is responsible for music playback and NC+BF processing, while the other LSI, signal processing unit 20B, is responsible for only BF processing.

[0108] The signal processing unit 10B then supplies the positive signals including the NC signal components of the FF and FB methods and the BF signal to the positive terminals of the speakers 50 and 60. The signal processing unit 20B also supplies a negative signal, which is a BF signal, to the negative terminals of the speakers 50 and 60.

[0109] FIG. 12 shows the internal configuration of the signal processing units 10B and 20B. The signal processing units 10B and 20B have the same configuration as the signal processing units 10 and 20 in FIG. 4, but the configurations corresponding to the acoustic signal generation units 15 and 16 in FIG. 4 are NC+BF signal generation units 15B and 16B that generate NC and BF signals. 4 are BF signal generators 25B and 26B that generate BF signals.

[0110] The NC+BF signal generation unit 15B generates NC signals of the FF method and the FB method for the L channel based on the audio signals from the microphones 30FL, 30BL1, and 30BL2, and also generates a BF signal based on the audio signals from the microphones 30BR1+ and 30BR2+. The audio signal generated by this NC+BF signal generation unit 15B is combined with the audio signal SL by an adder 12L and then supplied to the positive terminal of the speaker 50 via a power amplifier 13L and a DAC 14L. The NC+BF signal generation unit 16B generates NC signals of the FF method and the FB method for the R channel based on the audio signals from the microphones 30FR, 30BR1+, and 30BR2+, and also generates a BF signal based on the audio signals from the microphones 30BR1+ and 30BR2+. The audio signal generated by this NC+BF signal generation unit 16B is combined with the audio signal SR by an adder 12R and then supplied to the positive terminal of the speaker 60 via a power amplifier 13R and a DAC 14R.

[0111] The BF signal generating unit 25B generates a BF signal for the L channel based on audio signals from the six microphones 40. This BF signal is supplied to the negative terminal of the speaker 50 via the power amplifier 23L, the DAC 24L, and the switch unit 27L. The BF signal generating unit 26B generates a BF signal for the R channel based on audio signals from the six microphones 40. This BF signal is supplied to the negative terminal of the speaker 60 via a power amplifier 23R, a DAC 24R, and a switch unit 27R.

[0112] With this configuration, by making both signal processing units 10B and 20B function, it is possible to obtain the NC effect and the BF effect when outputting sound such as music or external sound. Furthermore, when BF processing is not required, the signal processing unit 20B can be powered off, the negative terminals of the speakers 50 and 60 can be grounded using the switches 27L and 27R, and the NC processing in the signal processing unit 10B can be stopped, thereby achieving a significant power saving effect.

[0113] <5. Application to left and right separated earphones: Seventh embodiment> As a seventh embodiment, an example in which the NC and BF functions are applied to left and right separated earphones will be described.

[0114] 13 shows the configuration of only the L channel side. The R channel is not shown, but has the same configuration as the L channel side.

[0115] As an example of the configuration of the L channel side of the left-right separated sound output device 1, a total of 11 microphones are arranged in the left housing 5L, including five microphones 30 and six microphones 40. Of course, 11 microphones is just one example.

[0116] 13, as in FIG. 7, signal paths for generating or outputting positive signals are indicated by solid lines, and signal paths for generating or outputting negative signals are indicated by dotted lines. The signal processing units 10C and 20C are each an LSI compatible with six-channel input. The signal processing unit 10C has a processing function for reproducing music and the like, and also receives as input audio signals collected by five microphones 30 as indicated by solid lines. The signal processing unit 20C receives input of audio signals collected by six microphones 40, as indicated by dotted lines.

[0117] The signal processing unit 10C then supplies a positive signal including the acoustic signal generated based on the microphone 30 to the positive terminals of the speakers 50 and 60. The signal processing unit 20C also supplies a negative signal including an acoustic signal generated based on the microphone 40 to the negative terminals of the speakers 50 and 60.

[0118] FIG. 14 shows the internal configuration of the signal processing units 10C and 20C. Signal processing units 10C and 20C have a configuration corresponding to the L channel portion in signal processing units 10 and 20 in Fig. 4. That is, they have acoustic signal generation unit 15C as a configuration corresponding to acoustic signal generation unit 15 in Fig. 4, and acoustic signal generation unit 25C as a configuration corresponding to acoustic signal generation unit 25 in Fig. 4.

[0119] The acoustic signal generation unit 15C generates an acoustic signal for the L channel based on audio signals from the five microphones 30. When the microphones 30 are arranged as shown in Fig. 13, an NC signal or a BF signal can be generated. The acoustic signal generated by the acoustic signal generation unit 15C is combined with the acoustic signal SL by an adder 12L and then supplied to the positive terminal of the speaker 50 via a power amplifier 13L and a DAC 14L.

[0120] The acoustic signal generation unit 25C generates an acoustic signal for the L channel based on audio signals from the six microphones 40. When the microphones 40 are arranged as shown in FIG. 13, a BF signal can be generated. This acoustic signal is supplied to the negative terminal of the speaker 50 via the power amplifier 23L, the DAC 24L, and the switch unit 27L.

[0121] In other words, in this seventh embodiment, signal processing units 10C and 20C are used only on the L channel, and by operating both signal processing units 10C and 20C, it is possible to obtain the NC effect, BF effect, or other effects when outputting sound such as music or external voices. Furthermore, when these processes are not required, the power supply to the signal processing unit 20C can be turned off and the negative terminal of the speaker 50 can be connected to ground by the switch unit 27L, thereby achieving a power saving effect.

[0122] The seventh embodiment is suitable for cases where it is desired to use a larger number of microphones per channel and improve the performance of various signal processes. The acoustic signal generation units 15C and 25C are not limited to NC signal generation processing and BF signal generation processing, but may also perform external sound emphasis signal generation processing, specific frequency emphasis signal generation processing, sound arrival emphasis processing from a specific direction, or a combination of these.

[0123] <6. Cooperation with External Devices: Eighth Embodiment> As the eighth embodiment, an example will be described in which the sound output device 1 cooperates with an external terminal device 90. Fig. 15 shows an example in which the sound output device 1 has the same configuration as that in Fig. 4, for example, but further includes a configuration as a communication control unit 72.

[0124] The communication control unit 72 is, for example, a chip (SoC: System-on-a-chip) as a communication control unit for Bluetooth, and is capable of short-distance wireless communication with the terminal device 90. 9, the communication control unit 72 can control the signal processing units 10 and 20. For example, the communication control unit 72 can control the power on / off of the signal processing unit 20 and the switching of the switch units 27L and 27R. The communication control unit 72 can also control the stopping of the signal generation function of the acoustic signal generation units 15 and 16 of the signal processing unit 10.

[0125] With this configuration, for example, the terminal device 90 transmits a control signal to the sound output device 1 in response to a user's operation or various situations, and the communication control unit 72 controls the operation of the signal processing units 10 and 20. For example, the figure shows an interface for operation displayed on the screen of a terminal device 90 such as a smartphone, allowing the user to turn on / off the power saving mode. In response to a user operation using this interface, the terminal device 90 transmits a control signal to the communication control unit 72 .

[0126] The terminal device 90 is configured as a so-called information processing device, and is internally configured to have a processor such as a CPU, a storage unit such as a ROM, RAM, or non-volatile memory, an interface device unit such as a display unit or an operation unit, various sensor units, a communication device unit, etc. The CPU in this terminal device 90 performs the control signal transmission process as shown in FIG.

[0127] In step S101, the CPU of the terminal device 90 branches the process depending on whether the current mode is auto mode or manual mode. The manual mode is a mode in which the signal processing unit 20 in the sound output device 1 is turned on / off in response to a user operation. The auto mode is a mode in which the signal processing unit 20 is automatically turned on / off in response to a situation determination.

[0128] In the manual mode, the CPU of the terminal device 90 monitors the user's operations in steps S102 and S103. When it is detected that the user has performed an operation to turn off the power saving mode as shown in FIG. 15, the CPU of the terminal device 90 proceeds from step S102 to step S120 and transmits an on control signal for the signal processing unit 20 to the sound output device 1. In response to receiving the ON control signal, the communication control unit 72 of the sound output device 1 controls the signal processing unit 20 to turn on and controls the switch units 27L and 27R to switch to negative signal connection. In some cases, it may start some processing functions (e.g., BF function) on the signal processing unit 10 side. In other words, by turning off the power saving mode, both the signal processing units 10 and 20 become functional.

[0129] Also, when it is detected that the user has performed an operation to turn on the power saving mode as shown in Figure 15, the CPU of the terminal device 90 proceeds from step S103 to step S121 and transmits an off control signal for the signal processing unit 20 to the sound output device 1. In response to receiving the off control signal, the communication control unit 72 of the sound output device 1 controls the power supply to the signal processing unit 20 to be turned off and the switches 27L and 27R to be switched to ground connections. In some cases, some processing functions (e.g., BF function) of the signal processing unit 10 may be stopped. That is, by turning on the power saving mode, the signal processing unit 20 is turned off, and only the signal processing unit 10 side is in a functioning state.

[0130] In the case of the automatic mode, the CPU of the terminal device 90 proceeds from step S101 to step S110 to perform a situation determination process. Various situation determinations are possible as follows. - Judging ambient noise conditions - Current location status determination Determining the remaining battery level of the sound output device 1 through communication with the communication control unit 72 Determining the volume setting of the sound output device 1 through communication with the communication control unit 72 - Determine the user's movement status (whether the user is moving a lot, such as walking) - Determining the user's physical condition (e.g., brain waves, pulse, blood pressure, etc.) - Determining the playback audio situation (audio signal SL, SR type, genre, volume, etc.)

[0131] In this way, the surrounding conditions, environmental conditions, conditions of the sound output device 1, conditions of the user, etc. are detected / determined to determine whether or not to execute the operation of the signal processing unit 20 that generates a negative signal. If it is determined that the operation of the signal processing unit 20 should be switched on or off, the CPU of the terminal device 90 proceeds from step S111 to step S112, and transmits an on control signal or an off control signal to the sound output device 1. In response to receiving an ON control signal or an OFF control signal, the communication control unit 72 of the sound output device 1 controls the ON / OFF of the signal processing unit 20 and controls the switching of the switch units 27L and 27R. In some cases, the communication control unit 72 may start or stop some of the processing functions of the signal processing unit 10.

[0132] By performing such processing on the terminal device 90 side, the sound output device 1 side can accurately perform automatic on / off control of the signal processing unit 20 without having particularly high-performance computing resources or detection means, etc.

[0133] <7. Summary and Variations> The above embodiment provides the following effects. The sound processing device of the embodiment is configured as a sound output device 1 itself, such as headphones 1A, 1B, earphones 1C, 1D, or an internal circuit thereof. Such an acoustic processing device includes a first signal processing unit 10 that uses input audio signals from a first group of microphones 30 to generate positive signals to be supplied to the respective positive terminals of the first and second speakers 50, 60, and a second signal processing unit 20 that uses input audio signals from a second group of microphones 40 to generate negative signals to be supplied to the respective negative terminals of the first and second speakers 50, 60. In this configuration, the signal processing units 10 and 20 can be configured in a variety of ways in accordance with the number and arrangement of the first group of microphones 30 and the number and arrangement of the second group of microphones 40. The signal processing unit 10 generates and supplies positive signals (positive terminal signals) to the positive terminals of the speakers 50 and 60, respectively, so that the signal processing unit 10 can function independently. Furthermore, since the signal processing unit 20 generates and supplies negative signals (negative terminal signals) to the negative terminals of the speakers 50 and 60, the signal processing unit 20 can be configured to enhance or change the functionality of the signal processing unit 10. In some cases, the signal processing unit 20 may function independently on its own.

[0134] In the second to eighth embodiments, the negative terminals of the speakers 50 and 60 are configured to be switchable to a ground connection state. By connecting the negative terminals of the speakers 50 and 60 to ground, the speakers 50 and 60 output sound only in response to positive signals. In this case, the signal processing unit 20 can be turned off. That is, depending on the situation, the signal processing units 10 and 20 can be made to function, or only the signal processing unit 10 can be made to function. This makes it possible to reduce power consumption, extend the sound output time, and switch to the desired sound output depending on the situation. The switching between the state in which the signal processing unit 20 supplies a negative signal to each negative terminal of the speakers 50, 60 and the state in which each negative terminal is connected to ground is expected to be performed in response to manual operation by the user, by automatic control, or by control via communication.

[0135] In the fourth and eighth embodiments, examples have been given in which the signal processing unit 20 is provided with a control unit (CPU 70 or communication control unit 72) that controls switching between a state in which a negative signal is supplied to each negative terminal of the speakers 50, 60 and a state in which each negative terminal is connected to ground. This allows the state in which the signal processing units 10 and 20 are functioning and the state in which only the signal processing unit 10 is functioning to be automatically executed depending on the situation, or executed in response to operation (including remote operation), thereby making it possible to reduce power consumption, extend the acoustic output time, switch to a desirable acoustic output depending on the situation, etc.

[0136] In the fourth and eighth embodiments, the control unit (CPU 70 and communication control unit 72) controls the signal processing unit 20 to be powered off when the negative terminals of the speakers 50 and 60 are connected to the ground. This can particularly provide power saving effects and an increase in the duration of sound output. For example, if the signal processing unit 20 has the function of generating an NC signal as in the fourth embodiment, even if the signal processing unit 20 is turned off in a quiet environment, the user will not feel uncomfortable due to noise, and the power consumption can be reduced. The power-off state may be a complete power-off state, or a state in which the power supply for main processing is cut off, such as by putting the signal processing unit 20 into a sleep state.

[0137] In the fourth embodiment, an example was shown in which the control unit (CPU 70) receives input audio signals from a group of microphones 30 from the signal processing unit 10, analyzes the audio signals, and controls the signal processing unit 20 according to the analysis results. Since the signal processing unit 10 receives audio signals from the group of microphones 30, the CPU 70 can always detect, analyze, and so on the input audio signals. Therefore, for example, by determining the noise situation through noise analysis or the like and controlling the on / off of the signal processing unit 20 or switching between negative signal supply and ground connection, the NC function can be automatically strengthened or eliminated depending on the surrounding noise situation. In other words, the signal processing unit 20 can function at the appropriate timing.

[0138] In the eighth embodiment, an example has been shown in which the control unit (communication control unit 72) controls the signal processing unit 20 based on information acquired through communication from the terminal device 90, which is an external device. The communication control unit 72 can acquire operation information and control information, for example, by communicating with the terminal device 90. The communication control unit 72 then controls the signal processing unit 20 in accordance with the received information. This enables remote control using the terminal device 90 or the like. Furthermore, it is also possible to use the resources of the terminal device 90 to determine the surrounding environmental conditions, noise conditions, current location, state of the sound output device 1, user situation, etc., and control the signal processing unit 20 accordingly, thereby enabling control to achieve an appropriate operating state without increasing the processing load on the sound output device 1 side. The terminal device 90 as an external device is not limited to a smartphone, but may be a personal computer, a mobile phone, a tablet terminal, a remote controller, or any other type of device.

[0139] In the first to sixth embodiments, the signal processing unit 10 includes a first acoustic signal generating unit 15 that generates a first positive signal to be supplied to the positive terminal of the speaker 50, and a second acoustic signal generating unit 16 that generates a second positive signal to be supplied to the positive terminal of the speaker 60, and the signal processing unit 20 includes a third acoustic signal generating unit 25 that generates a first negative signal to be supplied to the negative terminal of the speaker 50, and a fourth acoustic signal generating unit 26 that generates a second negative signal to be supplied to the negative terminal of the speaker 60. This allows appropriate sound output to be provided from the L-channel and R-channel speakers 50 and 60, respectively. For example, when generating a positive signal as an NC signal, the signal processing unit 10 can supply an NC signal based on the microphones (30FL, 30BL1, 30BL2) on the L channel side to the L channel speaker 50, and supply an NC signal based on the microphones (30FR, 30BR1, 30BR2) on the R channel side to the R channel speaker 60. Similarly, on the signal processing unit 20 side, when generating a negative signal as an NC signal, an NC signal based on the microphones (40BL1, 40BL2, 40BL3) on the L channel side can be supplied to the L channel speaker 50, and an NC signal based on the microphones (40BR1, 40BR2, 40BR3) on the R channel side can be supplied to the R channel speaker 60. That is, the signal processing units 10 and 20 can supply appropriate signals to the L channel and the R channel, respectively. As a modified example, a configuration example in which the signal processing unit 10 branches a positive signal generated by one acoustic signal generating unit and supplies the branched signal to the positive terminals of the speakers 50 and 60 is also conceivable. Similarly, a configuration example in which the signal processing unit 20 branches a negative signal generated by one acoustic signal generating unit and supplies the branched signal to the negative terminals of the speakers 50 and 60 is also conceivable.

[0140] In the third to seventh embodiments, one or both of the signal processing units 10 and 20 are provided with an acoustic signal generating unit (15, 16, 25, 26) that generates an NC signal. For example, these are NC signal generating units 15A, 16A, 25A, 26A, etc., and NC+BF signal generating units 15B and 16B. This makes it possible to realize an NC system using an acoustic processing device having the signal processing units 10 and 20. In the NC system, it is possible to switch between a case where both the signal processing units 10 and 20 are functioning and a case where only the signal processing unit 10 is functioning.

[0141] In the sixth to eighth embodiments, one or both of the signal processing units 10 and 20 are provided with acoustic signal generating units (15, 16, 25, 26) that generate BF signals. For example, these are NC+BF signal generating units 15B and 16B, BF signal generating units 25B and 26B, etc. This makes it possible to realize a BF system using a sound processing device having the signal processing units 10 and 20. In the BF system, it is possible to switch between a case where both the signal processing units 10 and 20 are functioning and a case where only the signal processing unit 10 is functioning.

[0142] In the first to seventh embodiments, an example has been described in which the positive signal generated by the signal processing unit 10 is a signal obtained by combining the acoustic signal generated by the acoustic signal generating unit (15, 16) in the signal processing unit 10 and the input acoustic signal (SL, SR). As a result, the signal processing unit 10 synthesizes the input audio signals SL and SR, such as music, with the internally generated audio signals (such as NC and BF signals) to generate a positive signal, enabling NC processing and BF processing to be realized in, for example, a music playback system. In this case, appropriate operation can be achieved by switching between the signal processing units 10 and 20. It is also possible to configure the signal processing unit 20 to synthesize input audio signals SL and SR such as music with an internally generated audio signal (such as an NC signal or a BF signal) to generate a negative signal.

[0143] In the first to sixth embodiments, examples have been given in which the positive signal generated by the signal processing unit 10 and the negative signal generated by the signal processing unit 20 contain signal components with the same acoustic function. For example, it is assumed that both the signal processors 10 and 20 generate NC signals, and the positive and negative signals contain NC signal components (or BF signal components). In this case, by turning the signal processor 20 on and off, it becomes possible to switch between emphasizing and deemphasizing the function (e.g., NC function or BF function).

[0144] In the sixth embodiment, an example has been given in which the signal component for a specific acoustic function is included in either the positive signal generated by the signal processing unit 10 or the negative signal generated by the signal processing unit 20. For example, in the sixth embodiment, the signal component of the NC signal is contained only in the positive signal, i.e., the signal processor 10 generates the NC signal and the BF signal, and the positive signal contains the NC signal component and the BF signal component, while the signal processor 20 generates the BF signal, and the negative signal contains the BF signal component (but does not contain the NC signal component). In this way, by including signals with different acoustic functions in the positive signal and the negative signal, it is possible to diversify the use. For example, in the sixth embodiment, it is possible to use either the NC function alone or the NC function and the BF function. As a modification of the configuration of the sixth embodiment, it is also possible to assume an example in which the power to the signal processing unit 10 is turned off and the positive terminals of the speakers 50 and 60 are connected to ground. In this case, the NC function can be turned on / off depending on the situation. Furthermore, although not shown, for example, if the signal processing unit 10 generates a positive signal containing an NC signal component and the signal processing unit 20 generates a negative signal containing a specific frequency emphasis signal component, the specific frequency emphasis function can be turned on / off by turning the signal processing unit 20 on / off. As in these examples, by including signals with different acoustic functions in the positive and negative signals, the signal processing units 10 and 20 can be operated according to the required function, allowing different functions to be used and switching between simultaneous operation and partial operation.

[0145] In each embodiment, the sound output device 1 including the speakers 50 and 60 has been described. By realizing headphones or earphones incorporating the signal processing units 10 and 20, it is possible to provide headphones or earphones that are useful to users.

[0146] In each embodiment, the sound output device 1 includes the first group of microphones 30 and the second group of microphones 40. By providing microphones 30, 40 and processing the audio signals picked up by them in signal processing units 10, 20, appropriate processing according to the specific microphone arrangement, number of microphones, etc. can be performed in signal processing units 10, 20. In other words, by providing an appropriate number and arrangement of microphones 30, 40 necessary for the processing of signal processing units 10, 20, the effects of the acoustic functions due to the positive and negative signals generated by signal processing units 10, 20 can be made more appropriate.

[0147] In the eighth embodiment, the terminal device 90 is an information processing device capable of communicating with the sound output device 1 (sound processing device), and performs a situation determination process (S110) and a transmission process (S112) of transmitting a control signal from the signal processing unit 20 to the sound output device 1 based on the result of the situation determination process. This allows the operating state of the sound output device 1 to be automatically controlled by determining the surrounding environmental state, noise state, current location, state of the sound output device 1, user situation, etc. Furthermore, the sound output device 1 does not need to have resources for the determination process.

[0148] The program of the embodiment is a program that causes a CPU, DSP, or the like in an information processing device that can communicate with the sound processing device, or a device including these, to execute the processing shown in FIG. That is, the program of the embodiment is a program that executes a situation determination process and a transmission process that transmits a control signal of the signal processing unit 20 to the sound output device 1 based on the result of the situation determination process. The terminal device 90 described above can be realized by such a program.

[0149] Such a program can be recorded in advance on a HDD as a recording medium built into a device such as the terminal device 90, or on a ROM or the like in a microcomputer having a CPU. Alternatively, the software may be temporarily or permanently stored (recorded) on a removable recording medium such as a flexible disk, a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), an MO (Magneto Optical) disk, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), a Blu-ray Disc (registered trademark), a magnetic disk, a semiconductor memory, a memory card, etc. Such removable recording media may be provided as a so-called package software. Such a program can be installed onto a personal computer or the like from a removable recording medium, or can be downloaded from a download site via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet.

[0150] Furthermore, such a program is suitable for widespread provision of the terminal device 90 of the embodiment. For example, by downloading the program to a mobile terminal device such as a smartphone or tablet, a mobile phone, a personal computer, a game device, a video device, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), or the like, these devices can function as the terminal device 90 of the present disclosure.

[0151] The sound processing device of the embodiment (sound output device 1 itself or its built-in device, or a separate device) is not limited to devices such as headphones or earphones for playing music, etc., but can also be realized as headphones or earphones for calls, sound pickup devices, hearing aids, etc. In addition to being applicable to wearable headphones and earphones, it can also be used as a stationary speaker system.

[0152] The effects described in this specification are merely examples and are not limiting, and other effects may also be present.

[0153] The present technology can also be configured as follows. (1) a first signal processing unit that generates positive signals to be supplied to positive terminals of the first speaker and the second speaker using input audio signals from the first group of microphones; a second signal processing unit that generates negative signals to be supplied to negative terminals of the first speaker and the second speaker using input audio signals from a second group of microphones. Sound processing equipment. (2) The negative terminal of the first speaker and the negative terminal of the second speaker are configured to be switchable between a state in which a negative signal is supplied and a state in which the negative terminals are connected to ground. The sound processing device according to (1) above. (3) a configuration in which a state in which a negative signal is supplied to the negative terminal of the first speaker and a state in which the negative terminal of the second speaker is connected to ground can be switched; A control unit that controls the switching is provided. The sound processing device according to (1) or (2) above. (4) The control unit controls the second signal processing unit to be powered off when the negative terminal of the first speaker and the negative terminal of the second speaker are connected to ground. The sound processing device according to (3) above. (5) The control unit The input audio signals from the first group of microphones are input to the first signal processing unit, and the audio signal analysis is performed, and the second signal processing unit is controlled according to the analysis result. The sound processing device according to (3) or (4) above. (6) The control unit controls the second signal processing unit based on information acquired through communication from an external device. The sound processing device according to any one of (3) to (5) above. (7) The first signal processing unit includes: a first acoustic signal generating unit that generates a first positive signal to be supplied to a positive terminal of the first speaker; a second acoustic signal generating unit that generates a second positive signal to be supplied to a positive terminal of the second speaker; and The second signal processing unit includes: a third acoustic signal generating unit that generates a first negative signal to be supplied to a negative terminal of the first speaker; a fourth acoustic signal generating unit that generates a second negative signal to be supplied to a negative terminal of the second speaker; have The sound processing device according to any one of (1) to (6) above. (8) One or both of the first signal processing unit and the second signal processing unit An acoustic signal generating unit that generates a noise canceling signal The sound processing device according to any one of (1) to (7) above. (9) One or both of the first signal processing unit and the second signal processing unit An acoustic signal generator that generates a beamforming signal is provided. The sound processing device according to any one of (1) to (8) above. (10) The positive signal generated by the first signal processing unit is a signal obtained by combining the acoustic signal generated by the acoustic signal generating unit in the first signal processing unit and the input acoustic signal. The sound processing device according to any one of (1) to (9) above. (11) The positive signal generated by the first signal processing unit and the negative signal generated by the second signal processing unit contain signal components of the same acoustic function. The sound processing device according to any one of (1) to (10) above. (12) A signal component for a specific acoustic function is included in one of the positive signal generated by the first signal processing unit and the negative signal generated by the second signal processing unit. The sound processing device according to any one of (1) to (11) above. (13) The first speaker and the second speaker are provided. The sound processing device according to any one of (1) to (12) above. (14) the first group of microphones and the second group of microphones. The sound processing device according to any one of (1) to (13) above. (15) a first signal processing step of generating positive signals to be supplied to positive terminals of the first speaker and the second speaker using input audio signals from the first group of microphones; a second signal processing step of generating negative signals to be supplied to negative terminals of the first speaker and the second speaker using input audio signals from a second group of microphones; An acoustic processing method that performs the above. (16) A control method for an information processing device capable of communicating with a sound processing device including: a first signal processing unit that uses input audio signals from a first group of microphones to generate positive signals to be supplied to positive terminals of a first speaker and a second speaker; and a second signal processing unit that uses input audio signals from a second group of microphones to generate negative signals to be supplied to negative terminals of the first speaker and the second speaker, A situation determination process; a transmission process of transmitting a control signal for the second signal processing unit to the sound processing device based on a result of the situation determination process; A control method for performing the above. (17) An information processing device capable of communicating with a sound processing device including: a first signal processing unit that uses input audio signals from a first group of microphones to generate positive signals to be supplied to positive terminals of a first speaker and a second speaker; and a second signal processing unit that uses input audio signals from a second group of microphones to generate negative signals to be supplied to negative terminals of the first speaker and the second speaker, A situation determination process; a transmission process of transmitting a control signal for the second signal processing unit to the sound processing device based on a result of the situation determination process; A program that executes the following.

[0154] Up to this point, we have clearly explained the positive terminal and the positive signal supplied to the positive terminal, and the negative terminal and the negative signal supplied to the negative terminal, but in all of the above explanations, the relationship between positive and negative poles may be reversed. Therefore, technologies assuming a first pole terminal and a second pole terminal, a first signal and a second signal, as shown in the following (101) to (117), are possible.

[0155] For example, if the "first pole terminal" in the following (101) to (117) is the positive pole terminal, the "first signal" is the positive signal, and the "second pole terminal" is the negative terminal and the "second signal" is the negative signal, it is the same as (1) to (17) above. On the other hand, it is also possible to consider the "first pole terminal" as the negative terminal, the "first signal" as the negative signal, the "second pole terminal" as the positive terminal and the "second signal" as the positive signal, and in that case too, it is possible to obtain the same effect as that explained in the embodiment.

[0156] (101) a first signal processing unit that generates first signals to be supplied to first pole terminals of the first speaker and the second speaker using input audio signals from the first group of microphones; a second signal processing unit that generates second signals to be supplied to second pole terminals of the first speaker and the second speaker using input audio signals from a second group of microphones. Sound processing equipment. (102) The second pole terminal of the first speaker and the second pole terminal of the second speaker are configured to be switchable between a state in which the second signal is supplied and a state in which the second pole terminal is connected to ground. The sound processing device according to (101) above. (103) a state in which the second signal is supplied to the second pole terminal of the first speaker and a state in which the second pole terminal of the second speaker is connected to ground can be switched; A control unit that controls the switching is provided. The sound processing device according to (101) or (102) above. (104) The control unit controls the second signal processing unit to be powered off when the second pole terminal of the first speaker and the second pole terminal of the second speaker are connected to ground. The sound processing device according to (103) above. (105) The control unit The input audio signals from the first group of microphones are input to the first signal processing unit, and the audio signal analysis is performed, and the second signal processing unit is controlled according to the analysis result. The sound processing device according to (103) or (104) above. (106) The control unit controls the second signal processing unit based on information acquired through communication from an external device. The sound processing device according to any one of (103) to (105) above. (107) The first signal processing unit includes: a first acoustic signal generating unit that generates a first signal to be supplied to the first pole terminal of the first speaker; a second acoustic signal generating unit that generates a second first signal to be supplied to the first pole terminal of the second speaker; and The second signal processing unit includes: a third acoustic signal generating unit that generates a first second signal to be supplied to the second pole terminal of the first speaker; a fourth acoustic signal generating unit that generates a second signal to be supplied to the second pole terminal of the second speaker; have The sound processing device according to any one of (101) to (106) above. (108) One or both of the first signal processing unit and the second signal processing unit An acoustic signal generating unit that generates a noise canceling signal The sound processing device according to any one of (101) to (107) above. (109) One or both of the first signal processing unit and the second signal processing unit An acoustic signal generator that generates a beamforming signal is provided. The sound processing device according to any one of (101) to (108) above. (110) The first signal generated by the first signal processing unit is a signal obtained by combining an acoustic signal generated by an acoustic signal generating unit in the first signal processing unit and an input acoustic signal. The sound processing device according to any one of (101) to (109) above. (111) The first signal generated by the first signal processing unit and the second signal generated by the second signal processing unit contain signal components with the same acoustic function. The sound processing device according to any one of (101) to (110) above. (112) A signal component for a specific acoustic function is included in one of the first signal generated by the first signal processing unit and the second signal generated by the second signal processing unit. The sound processing device according to any one of (101) to (111) above. (113) The first speaker and the second speaker are provided. The sound processing device according to any one of (101) to (112) above. (114) the first group of microphones and the second group of microphones. The sound processing device according to any one of (101) to (113) above. (115) a first signal processing step of generating first signals to be supplied to first pole terminals of the first speaker and the second speaker using input audio signals from the first group of microphones; a second signal processing step of generating second signals to be supplied to second pole terminals of the first speaker and the second speaker using input audio signals from a second group of microphones; An acoustic processing method that performs the above. (116) A control method for an information processing device capable of communicating with a sound processing device including: a first signal processing unit that uses input audio signals from a first group of microphones to generate first signals to be supplied to first pole terminals of a first speaker and a second speaker; and a second signal processing unit that uses input audio signals from a second group of microphones to generate second signals to be supplied to second pole terminals of the first speaker and the second speaker, A situation determination process; a transmission process of transmitting a control signal for the second signal processing unit to the sound processing device based on a result of the situation determination process; A control method for performing the above. (117) An information processing device capable of communicating with a sound processing device including: a first signal processing unit that uses input audio signals from a first group of microphones to generate first signals to be supplied to first pole terminals of a first speaker and a second speaker; and a second signal processing unit that uses input audio signals from a second group of microphones to generate second signals to be supplied to second pole terminals of the first speaker and the second speaker, A situation determination process; a transmission process of transmitting a control signal for the second signal processing unit to the sound processing device based on a result of the situation determination process; A program that executes the following. [Explanation of symbols]

[0157] 1. Sound output device 1A,1B headphones 1C, 1D earphones 5L left housing 5R Right Cabinet 10, 10A, 10B, 10C Signal processing section 15,15C,16,25,25C,26 Acoustic signal generation section 15A,15A1,15A2,25A,25A1,25A2 NC signal generation section 16A,16A1,16A2,26A,26A1,26A2 NC signal generation section 15B,16B,NC+BF signal generation section 25B,26B BF signal generation section 20, 20A, 20B, 20C Signal processing section 27L, 27R switch section 30,40 microphone 50,60 speakers 70 CPU 71 Noise Analysis Section 72 Communication control section 90 Terminal Equipment

Claims

1. a first signal processing unit that generates positive signals to be supplied to positive terminals of the first speaker and the second speaker using input audio signals from the first group of microphones; a second signal processing unit that generates negative signals to be supplied to negative terminals of the first speaker and the second speaker using input audio signals from a second group of microphones. Sound processing equipment.

2. a first signal processing unit that generates positive signals to be supplied to positive terminals of the first speaker and the second speaker using input audio signals from the first group of microphones; a second signal processing unit that generates negative signals to be supplied to negative terminals of the first speaker and the second speaker using input audio signals from a second group of microphones; a state in which a negative signal is supplied to the negative terminal of the first speaker and a state in which the negative terminal of the second speaker is connected to ground can be switched; Further, a control unit that controls the switching is provided. The control unit The input audio signals from the first group of microphones are input to the first signal processing unit, and the audio signal analysis is performed, and the second signal processing unit is controlled according to the analysis result. Sound processing equipment.

3. The negative terminal of the first speaker and the negative terminal of the second speaker are configured to be switchable between a state in which a negative signal is supplied and a state in which the negative terminals are connected to ground. The sound processing device according to claim 1 .

4. a state in which a negative signal is supplied to the negative terminal of the first speaker and a state in which the negative terminal of the second speaker is connected to ground can be switched; A control unit that controls the switching is provided. The sound processing device according to claim 1 .

5. The control unit controls the second signal processing unit to be powered off when the negative terminal of the first speaker and the negative terminal of the second speaker are connected to ground. The sound processing device according to claim 2 or 4.

6. The control unit controls the second signal processing unit based on information acquired through communication from an external device. The sound processing device according to claim 2 or 4.

7. The first signal processing unit includes: a first acoustic signal generating unit that generates a first positive signal to be supplied to a positive terminal of the first speaker; a second acoustic signal generating unit that generates a second positive signal to be supplied to a positive terminal of the second speaker; and The second signal processing unit includes: a third acoustic signal generating unit that generates a first negative signal to be supplied to a negative terminal of the first speaker; a fourth acoustic signal generating unit that generates a second negative signal to be supplied to a negative terminal of the second speaker; have The sound processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

8. One or both of the first signal processing unit and the second signal processing unit An acoustic signal generating unit that generates a noise canceling signal The sound processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

9. One or both of the first signal processing unit and the second signal processing unit An acoustic signal generator that generates a beamforming signal is provided. The sound processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

10. The positive signal generated by the first signal processing unit is a signal obtained by combining the acoustic signal generated by the acoustic signal generating unit in the first signal processing unit and the input acoustic signal. The sound processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

11. The positive signal generated by the first signal processing unit and the negative signal generated by the second signal processing unit contain signal components of the same acoustic function. The sound processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

12. A signal component for a specific acoustic function is included in one of the positive signal generated by the first signal processing unit and the negative signal generated by the second signal processing unit. The sound processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

13. The first speaker and the second speaker are provided. The sound processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

14. the first group of microphones and the second group of microphones. The sound processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

15. a first signal processing step of generating positive signals to be supplied to positive terminals of the first speaker and the second speaker using input audio signals from the first group of microphones; a second signal processing step of generating negative signals to be supplied to negative terminals of the first speaker and the second speaker using input audio signals from a second group of microphones; An acoustic processing method.

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