Sound environment evaluation method

Abstract

To provide a means for enabling evaluation of the sound environment of an indoor space taking background noise into consideration. [Solution] The sound environment evaluation method comprises the steps of inputting structural information indicating at least the shape of an indoor space and the form of partitions into a computer, setting a virtual sound source inside the indoor space and inputting the information into the computer, inputting background noise information indicating the background noise inside the indoor space into the computer, causing the computer to output sound environment information indicating the sound environment in the indoor space based on the structural information, virtual sound source, and background noise information, inputting background noise modification information that specifies the details of the modification to the background noise into the computer, and outputting modified sound environment information that indicates the sound environment in the indoor space after the modification to the background noise based on the structural information, virtual sound source, background noise information, and background noise modification information.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sound environment evaluation method. [Background technology]

[0002] In buildings such as office buildings and rental buildings, the interior space is divided into various shapes and sizes and rented out to multiple offices or tenants. For example, in an office, the space is divided into office areas where employees and other personnel work, conference rooms, private rooms such as the president's office, etc. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-031933 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When a meeting is held in a conference room, the speaker's voice can leak outside through partition walls and doors. Improving the soundproofing performance of partition walls and doors can reduce the sound pressure level of the leaking voice, but improving soundproofing performance is expensive, and it is difficult to predict how much soundproofing performance is needed.

[0005] Here, noises such as the sounds of people's activities and air conditioning noise exist indoors, and act as background noise against the voice of a speaker leaking out from a conference room or the like. If the background noise is sufficiently loud compared to the leaked voice, it becomes difficult to hear the meaning of the leaked voice (masking effect). Patent Document 1 discloses a background noise generator that generates background noise. Installing a background noise generator to increase the background noise may be able to suppress information leakage from leaked voice, but if the background noise is too loud, it reduces the comfort of the indoor space. Therefore, before installing a background noise generator or carrying out soundproofing work, it is considered to evaluate the sound environment of the indoor space taking background noise into consideration.

[0006] The present invention provides a means for enabling evaluation of the sound environment of an indoor space taking background noise into consideration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, a sound environment evaluation method according to the present invention is a sound environment evaluation method for evaluating the sound environment of an indoor space, and comprises the steps of: inputting structural information indicating at least the shape and partition configuration of the indoor space into a computer; setting a virtual sound source inside the indoor space and inputting the information to the computer; inputting background noise information indicating background noise inside the indoor space into the computer; causing the computer to output sound environment information indicating the sound environment in the indoor space based on the structural information, the virtual sound source, and the background noise information; inputting background noise modification information that specifies the details of a modification to the background noise into the computer; and causing the computer to output changed sound environment information that indicates the sound environment in the indoor space after the background noise has been modified, based on the structural information, the virtual sound source, the background noise information, and the background noise modification information; a step of inputting a plurality of pieces of background noise change information into the computer, and outputting a table in which the plurality of pieces of changed sound environment information corresponding to the plurality of pieces of input background noise change information and the sound environment information are arranged; and a step of setting measurement points inside the indoor space and inputting them into the computer is further included, and an output image in which a drawing showing the indoor space, the positions of the virtual sound source, and the positions of the measurement points are arranged together with the table is output. do.

[0008] According to the above configuration, sound environment information is output based on structural information, virtual sound source, and background noise information, and modified sound environment information is output based on background noise modification information, so it is possible to evaluate the sound environment of an indoor space taking background noise into consideration. In particular, it is possible to evaluate the impact on the sound environment of a modification (change) of background noise. 。

[0009] The background noise change information may also include an amount of increase or decrease in background noise.

[0010] According to the above configuration, the changed sound environment information reflects an increase or decrease in background noise, so it is possible to evaluate the effect of an increase or decrease in background noise on the sound environment.

[0011] The background noise modification information may also include the position of a background noise generating device and the magnitude of the background noise generated by the background noise generating device.

[0012] According to the above configuration, the post-change sound environment information reflects the position of the background noise generating device and the volume of the background noise it generates, making it possible to evaluate the impact on the sound environment of installing a background noise generating device.

[0013] Preferably, the indoor space includes a plurality of partitioned spaces, and the background noise information and the background noise modification information are input for each of the spaces.

[0014] According to the above configuration, it is possible to evaluate the sound environment when the background noise differs from space to space.

[0015] Preferably, the indoor space includes a plurality of partitioned spaces, and the sound environment information and the changed sound environment information are output for each of the spaces.

[0016] According to the above configuration, it is possible to evaluate the effect on the sound environment of a change (variation) in background noise for each space.

[0017] Also ,before The sound environment information and the changed sound environment information may be information indicating the difference between the volume of the sound from the virtual sound source at the measurement point and the volume of background noise at the measurement point.

[0018] According to the above configuration, the difference in loudness between the sound from the virtual sound source and the background noise is displayed, so that the influence of the background noise on the sound environment at the measurement point can be easily evaluated. For example, it is possible to evaluate the extent to which the content of the sound from the virtual sound source at the measurement point becomes difficult to hear due to the background noise.

[0019] The sound environment information and the changed sound environment information may be information indicating the difference by dividing it into a plurality of classes.

[0020] According to the above configuration, the influence of the sound environment due to background noise at the measurement point can be easily grasped and evaluated by classification.

[0021] Also ,before The sound environment information and the changed sound environment information may be information indicating the degree of leakage of information contained in the sound from the virtual sound source to the measurement point, divided into a plurality of classes.

[0022] According to the above configuration, the degree of leakage of information contained in the sound from the virtual sound source can be easily grasped and evaluated by classifying the information.

[0023]

[0024]

[0025] It is also preferable that the sound pressure level of the virtual sound source is changeable.

[0026] According to the above configuration, it is possible to evaluate the sound environment when the sound pressure level of the sound from the virtual sound source is changed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an office section. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of walls, ceilings, doors, etc. in an office. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a sound environment evaluation device. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a flow of a sound environment evaluation method. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a flow of a sound environment evaluation method. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of sound environment information to be output. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] The sound environment evaluation method will be described below with reference to the drawings. The sound environment evaluation method of this embodiment is a method for evaluating the sound environment of an indoor space taking background noise into consideration, and is a method executed by a sound environment evaluation device (computer). The steps of the sound environment evaluation method may all be executed by the same device, or may be executed by multiple devices.

[0029] Office buildings, rental buildings, and other buildings are rented out as multiple offices (corresponding to indoor spaces). The office tenant divides the rented office into spaces of a specified shape and size for use.

[0030] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, an office is divided into various spaces such as an office space 2, a conference room 3, and a president's office 4 for use. Each space is separated by walls 6, and doors 7 are installed in the walls 6 as needed. The office has a ceiling 9, and various alarm devices 11, lighting, sprinklers, etc. are installed in the ceiling 9. Various wiring 13 and piping are installed in the space between the ceiling 9 and a slab 12 (floor) on the upper floor, and the alarm devices 11, lighting, sprinklers, etc. are connected to the wiring 13 and piping.

[0031] When a conference is held in the conference room 3, the speaker's voice leaks into adjacent conference rooms 3 and the office space 2. Whether the meaning of the leaked voice can be heard or not depends on background noise. In the sound environment evaluation method of this embodiment, sound environment information indicating the sound environment and changed sound environment information are output in order to evaluate the sound environment taking into account such background noise. Specifically, the sound environment evaluation method comprises the following steps.

[0032] (1) A step of inputting structural information indicating at least the shape of the indoor space and the partition configuration into a computer; (2) A step of setting a virtual sound source inside the indoor space and inputting the information into the computer; (3) A step of inputting background noise information indicating the background noise inside the indoor space into a computer; (4) A step of outputting sound environment information indicating the sound environment in the indoor space based on the structural information, virtual sound source, and background noise information into a computer; (5) A step of inputting background noise modification information specifying the content of the modification of the background noise into a computer; (6) A step of outputting changed sound environment information indicating the sound environment in the indoor space after the modification of the background noise based on the structural information, virtual sound source, background noise information, and background noise modification information into a computer.

[0033] In step (1), structural information about the indoor space to be evaluated is input to a computer. The structural information is information that indicates at least the shape of the indoor space and the form of the partitions, such as the floor plan of the indoor space, and information that indicates the size, height, thickness, and soundproofing performance of the partitions such as the walls 6, doors 7, and ceiling 9.

[0034] In step (2), a virtual sound source is set and input to the computer. The virtual sound source is a simulation of the voice of a speaker in a conference, etc., and its position, volume (sound pressure level), etc. are set and input.

[0035] In step (3), background noise information indicating the background noise inside the indoor space is input to the computer. For example, the background noise information is information indicating the volume (sound pressure level) of the background noise.

[0036] In a typical office, background noise is 40 dB or less, but with recent improvements in building structure performance, it can be as low as 30 dB. For an office environment, background noise of approximately 45 dB is ideal, with the Architectural Institute of Japan stating a maximum of 50 dB. While 55 dB is just about acceptable, anything above 60 dB is unsuitable for an office environment. While various sound pressure levels can be considered for background noise in indoor spaces, this embodiment allows for the evaluation of the sound environment by inputting background noise information.

[0037] Background noise can also be artificially generated using a background noise generator. In this case, a sound source that is not bothersome to people in the room even if it is generated constantly is used. For example, the sound of an air conditioner operating, music, or natural sounds (birds singing, the murmuring of a river, the sound of wind, the rustling of leaves, etc.) can be used as background noise. The input background noise information may include the type of background noise. The input background noise information may also be an audio file or the like that indicates the background noise itself.

[0038] Background noise varies depending on the shape and use of the room. For example, background noise will be louder in an office space 2 where people are constantly present. Background noise will be quieter in a closed conference room 3. To reflect this in the evaluation, background noise information may be input for each space.

[0039] The input background noise information may include the position and sound pressure level of a background noise generating device installed in the indoor space, the position, size, type, and sound absorption performance of a sound absorbing material, and the like.

[0040] In step (4), the sound environment is calculated based on the input structural information, virtual sound source, and background noise information, and the sound environment information is output. The sound environment information makes it possible to evaluate the sound environment of an indoor space taking background noise into account. The sound environment information is, for example, information indicating the difference between the volume of a sound from a virtual sound source at a measurement point set inside the indoor space and the volume of the background noise at the measurement point. If the background noise at the measurement point is louder than the sound from the virtual sound source at the measurement point, the sound from the virtual sound source becomes difficult to hear due to a masking effect. In other words, the magnitude of the indicated difference can be used to evaluate the extent to which the content of the sound from the virtual sound source at the measurement point becomes difficult to hear due to the background noise.

[0041] This difference (the difference between the volume of the sound from the virtual sound source and the volume of the background noise; hereafter referred to as the "SNR") may be divided into multiple classes and shown. For example, an SNR of less than -22 dB would be classified as Class "1st." In Class "1st," the sound is virtually inaudible at the measurement point, and the speech intelligibility is less than 1% (according to the "Architectural Institute of Japan Environmental Standards AIJES-S0003-2021 Speech Privacy Evaluation Criteria and Design Guidelines - Preventing Information Leakage through Voice"; the same applies below).

[0042] A signal-to-noise ratio of -22dB or greater but less than -13dB is classified as Class 2. In Class 2, the sound is audible at the measurement point, but the content is almost incomprehensible even if you concentrate on the sound, and the speech intelligibility is between 1% and 20%.

[0043] A signal-to-noise ratio of -13dB or greater but less than -5dB is classified as Class 3. In Class 3, the sound can be heard at the measurement point, but the content is almost incomprehensible unless you concentrate on the sound, and the speech intelligibility is between 20% and 80%.

[0044] An S / N ratio of -5 dB or higher is considered "no class." "No class" means that the content can be understood at the measurement point (without concentrating on the audio), and the speech intelligibility is 80% or higher.

[0045] The classification defined in this way can be said to indicate the degree of leakage of information contained in the sound from the virtual sound source to the measurement point.

[0046] The sound environment information may represent the above-mentioned S / N ratio and classification as numerical values ​​or character strings, or may represent them visually. For example, the numerical values ​​and classification may be represented by different colors in a table or character string, or by different patterns or colors on a map of the indoor space.

[0047] The sound environment information may be output for each partitioned space. For example, the sound environment information may be output for the office space 2, the two conference rooms 3, and the president's office 4 separately.

[0048] The sound environment information may be presented auditorily. For example, the sound environment information may include sound that is expected to be generated from a virtual sound source, propagate through a room space, and be heard at the measurement point (hereinafter referred to as "expected sound"), background noise at the measurement point, and a sound obtained by mixing the expected sound and background noise (hereinafter referred to as "mixed sound"). This sound environment information may be an audio file that can be handled by a computer or the like, or the sound itself emitted from headphones 23 (described later) of the sound environment evaluation device.

[0049] In step (5), background noise modification information specifying the changes to the background noise is input into the computer. For example, the background noise modification information is information indicating an increase or decrease in background noise, i.e., a change in loudness (sound pressure level). The background noise in a room changes due to the installation of a background noise generator or sound-absorbing material, etc. Inputting the background noise modification information makes it possible to evaluate the impact on the sound environment of a change (variation) in the background noise. The input background noise modification information may include the amount of increase or decrease in background noise (+5 dB, -5 dB, etc.). The input background noise modification information may also include a change in the type of background noise. The input background noise modification information may include the position and sound pressure level of a background noise generator installed in the indoor space, and the position, size, type, and sound-absorbing performance of sound-absorbing material, etc.

[0050] In step (6), the sound environment is calculated based on the input structural information, virtual sound source, background noise information, and background noise change information, and changed sound environment information is output. The changed sound environment information has the same content as the above-mentioned sound environment information, but reflects the change (change) in the background noise. By comparing the sound environment information and the changed sound environment information, it is possible to evaluate the sound environment of an indoor space taking into account the change (change) in the background noise.

[0051] The post-change sound environment information may be output for each partitioned space. For example, the post-change sound environment information may be output for the office space 2, the two conference rooms 3, and the president's office 4 individually.

[0052] When the sound environment information and the changed sound environment information are output in a visually recognizable form, it is preferable that the sound environment before the change in background noise and the sound environment after the change in background noise are output in a form that allows comparison (for example, displayed adjacent to each other).

[0053] Even when the sound environment information and the changed sound environment information are output in an auditorily recognizable form, it is preferable that the sound environment before the change in background noise and the sound environment after the change in background noise be output in a form that allows for comparison. For example, it is preferable that the expected sound, background noise, and mixed sound be output in a form that allows for comparison between the sound environment before and after the change in background noise. For this reason, it is preferable that the background noise evaluation method further includes a step of outputting, to a computer, alternating playback information that alternately plays back mixed sound corresponding to the sound environment information and mixed sound corresponding to the changed sound environment information, and a step of outputting, to a computer, alternating playback information that allows switching between playing back mixed sound corresponding to the sound environment information and mixed sound corresponding to the changed sound environment information.

[0054] Here, if the shape or structure of the indoor space, for example, the size, height, or soundproofing performance of the walls 6 and doors 7, is changed, there is a possibility that the sound leaking from the conference room 3 and the state of background noise will also change. In order to evaluate changes in the sound environment due to such structural changes to the indoor space, it is preferable that the sound environment evaluation method further comprises the following steps.

[0055] (7) A process of inputting structural change information that specifies the content of the structural change into a computer. (8) A process of causing the computer to output sound environment information (after structural change) that indicates the sound environment of the indoor space after the structural change has been made, based on the structural information, virtual sound source, background noise information, and structural change information. (9) A process of causing the computer to output post-change sound environment information (after structural change) that indicates the sound environment of the indoor space after the structural change and background noise change have been made, based on the structural information, virtual sound source, background noise information, background noise change information, and structural change information.

[0056] In step (7), structural change information specifying the content of structural changes to the interior space is input into the computer. The structural changes include, for example, shape changes including changes to the position of office sections, changes to the height, position, and shape of partition walls (walls 6), changes to the scope of construction (work) such as extending partition walls (walls 6) to the slab 12, changes to the shape of doors 7, changes to the shape of ceilings 9, addition of soundproofing materials 15, removal of soundproofing materials 15, and changes to the shape of floors, and include at least one of these.

[0057] In step (8), the sound environment is calculated based on the input structural information, virtual sound source, background noise information, and structural modification information, and sound environment information (after structural modification) is output. This sound environment information (after structural modification) makes it possible to evaluate the sound environment taking into account the structural modification and background noise. The output sound environment information (after structural modification) has the same content as the sound environment information output in step (4) above.

[0058] In step (9), the sound environment is calculated based on the input structural information, virtual sound source, background noise information, background noise change information, and structural change information, and post-change sound environment information (after structural change) is output. This post-change sound environment information (after structural change) makes it possible to evaluate the sound environment taking into account the effects of background noise and structural change. The output post-change sound environment information (after structural change) has the same content as the sound environment information output in step (6) above.

[0059] [Sound environment evaluation device] A sound environment evaluation device for executing the sound environment evaluation method will be described with reference to FIG.

[0060] The sound environment evaluation device includes a control unit 18 and a storage unit 33, and is connected to a display unit 19 and an input operation unit 21. The control unit 18 is configured as a computer equipped with a processor such as a CPU, and the functions of the functional blocks included in the control unit 18 are realized when a program is executed by the processor. The control unit 18 simulates (calculates) a sound environment in accordance with input information and outputs the simulated sound environment. The storage unit 33 stores data required for the calculation and programs for realizing the functional blocks.

[0061] The display unit 19 is a display device such as a liquid crystal panel or a display, and displays images such as drawings showing the configuration and layout of the office, as well as various types of information. The input operation unit 21 accepts various manual operations. The display unit 19 may be a touch panel, in which case the input operation unit 21 may be configured to be operated via the display unit 19.

[0062] The control unit 18 includes, as functional blocks, a structural information input unit 25, a sound source setting unit 26, a measurement point input unit 27, a background noise input unit 28, a sound environment calculation unit 29, and an output control unit 31.

[0063] The structural information input unit 25 accepts input of structural information 35a and structural change information 35b. The structural information 35a and structural change information 35b are manually input to the structural information input unit 25 via the input operation unit 21 and stored in the storage unit 33. The structural information 35a and structural change information 35b may also be input to the structural information input unit 25 by receiving information from an external source.

[0064] The sound source setting unit 26 receives setting input for the virtual sound source 38. The position of the virtual sound source 38 and the volume of the sound (sound pressure level) are manually input to the sound source setting unit 26 via the input operation unit 21 and stored in the storage unit 33. Information related to the virtual sound source 38 may be input to the sound source setting unit 26 by receiving information from an external source.

[0065] The measurement point input unit 27 receives input for setting measurement points 39. The number and positions of measurement points 39 are manually input to the sound source setting unit 26 via the input operation unit 21 and stored in the storage unit 33. Information related to the measurement points 39 may be input to the measurement point input unit 27 by receiving information from an external source.

[0066] The background noise input unit 28 accepts input of background noise information 40a and background noise modification information 40b. The background noise information 40a and background noise modification information 40b are manually input to the background noise input unit 28 via the input operation unit 21 and stored in the storage unit 33. The background noise information 40a and background noise modification information 40b may be input to the structural information input unit 25 by receiving information from outside. The background noise input unit 28 may accept input of multiple pieces of background noise information 40a, or may accept input of multiple pieces of background noise modification information 40b.

[0067] The sound environment calculation unit 29 simulates (calculates) the sound environment based on the input information. More specifically, the sound environment calculation unit 29 calculates and generates the above-mentioned sound environment information 41 and changed sound environment information 42, and stores them in the storage unit 33. The sound environment calculation unit 29 also calculates and generates post-structural change sound environment information 41 and changed sound environment information 42 based on the input structural change information 35b, and stores them in the storage unit 33. When multiple pieces of background noise information 40a (or multiple pieces of background noise change information 40b) are input, the sound environment calculation unit 29 generates and outputs multiple pieces of sound environment information 41 (changed sound environment information 42) in association with each of the multiple pieces of input background noise information 40a (background noise change information 40b).

[0068] The sound environment is calculated, for example, as follows: Based on the structural information 35a, the sound environment calculation unit 29 identifies the sound propagation path from the set virtual sound source 38 to the measurement point 39 and the amount of sound attenuation along that propagation path, and calculates the loudness of the sound from the virtual sound source at the measurement point. The sound environment calculation unit 29 then identifies the loudness of the background noise at the measurement point 39 based on the background noise information 40a (and the background noise modification information 40b). The sound environment calculation unit 29 calculates the difference (SN ratio) between the loudness of the sound from the virtual sound source at the measurement point and the loudness of the background noise at the measurement point, and stores this numerical value and the class to which it belongs as sound environment information 41 (and post-modification sound environment information 42) in the storage unit 33. The sound environment calculation unit 29 also performs a similar calculation using the structural modification information 35b to calculate and generate post-structural modification sound environment information 41 and post-modification sound environment information 42, and stores these in the storage unit 33.

[0069] If the background noise information 40a and the background noise modification information 40b include the position and sound pressure level of the background noise generating device, the position, size, type, and sound absorption performance of the sound absorbing material, etc., it is preferable for the sound environment calculation unit 29 to refer to these when calculating the sound environment (for example, calculating the volume of the background noise at the measurement point 39).

[0070] The output control unit 31 controls the method of outputting sound environment information, which is the sound environment calculated by the sound environment calculation unit 29. For example, the output control unit 31 controls whether the sound environment information is to be presented numerically, visually, or aurally, based on a manual operation received via the input operation unit 21.

[0071] [Flow of sound environment evaluation for background noise] The flow of sound environment evaluation regarding background noise will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0072] First, the input operation unit 21 is operated to input structural information 35a to the structural information input unit 25 (step #01). The structural information input unit 25 stores the input structural information 35a in the storage unit 33. When performing a sound environment evaluation, various information such as office drawings is displayed on the display unit 19. Various pieces of information such as the structural information 35a may be input using the input operation unit 21, the display unit 19, etc., while referring to the information displayed on the display unit 19.

[0073] Next, the input operation unit 21 is operated to input the setting contents of the virtual sound source 38 to the sound source setting unit 26 (step #02). For example, the position of the virtual sound source 38 and the volume of the sound (sound pressure level) are input using the input operation unit 21 and the display unit 19 while referring to information (such as a map of the indoor space) displayed on the display unit 19. The sound source setting unit 26 stores the input setting contents of the virtual sound source 38 in the storage unit 33.

[0074] Next, the input operation unit 21 is operated to input background noise information 40a to the background noise input unit 28 (step #04). For example, the volume of background noise for each room (space), the location and sound pressure level of the background noise generating device to be installed, etc. are input using the input operation unit 21 and the display unit 19 while referring to information displayed on the display unit 19 (such as a map of the indoor space). The sound source setting unit 26 stores the input background noise information 40a in the memory unit 33.

[0075] Next, the input operation unit 21 is operated to input the setting contents of the measurement point 39 to the measurement point input unit 27 (step #04). For example, the position of the measurement point 39 is input using the input operation unit 21 and the display unit 19 while referring to information (such as a map of the indoor space) displayed on the display unit 19. The measurement point input unit 27 stores the input setting contents of the measurement point 39 in the memory unit 33.

[0076] Next, the sound environment calculation unit 29 calculates the sound environment based on the structural information 35a, the setting contents of the virtual sound source 38, the setting contents of the measurement point 39, and the background noise information 40a stored in the memory unit 33, and generates sound environment information 41 and stores it in the memory unit 33 (step #05).

[0077] Next, the output control unit 31 outputs the sound environment information 41 (step #06). The manner in which the sound environment information 41 is output is controlled based on a manual operation received via the input operation unit 21. For example, the sound environment information 41 is output in any one of a numerical, visual, and auditory manner, or a combination thereof. The output may be displayed on the display unit 19, played back from headphones 23 (audio output device), or transmitted to an external device of the sound environment evaluation device.

[0078] Next, the input operation unit 21 is operated to input background noise modification information 40b to the background noise input unit 28 (step #07). For example, the changed background noise level for each room (space), the position and sound pressure level of the background noise generating device to be installed, etc. are input using the input operation unit 21 and the display unit 19, etc., while referring to information displayed on the display unit 19 (such as a map of the indoor space). The sound source setting unit 26 stores the input background noise modification information 40b in the memory unit 33.

[0079] Next, the sound environment calculation unit 29 calculates the sound environment based on the structural information 35a, the settings of the virtual sound source 38, the settings of the measurement points 39, the background noise information 40a, and the background noise modification information 40b stored in the memory unit 33, and generates modified sound environment information 42, which is stored in the memory unit 33 (step #08).

[0080] Next, the output control unit 31 outputs the changed sound environment information 42 (step #09). The manner in which the changed sound environment information 42 is output is controlled based on a manual operation received via the input operation unit 21. For example, the changed sound environment information 42 is output in any one of a numerical, visual, and auditory manner, or a combination thereof. The output may be displayed on the display unit 19, played back from headphones 23 (audio output device), or transmitted to an external device of the sound environment evaluation device. The sound environment information 41 and the changed sound environment information 42 may be output in a form that allows them to be compared.

[0081] [Sound environment evaluation flow for structural changes] The flow of sound environment evaluation taking structural changes into consideration will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 5. This sound environment evaluation can be performed additionally following the flow in Fig. 4.

[0082] The input operation unit 21 is operated to input the structure change information 35b to the structure information input unit 25 (step #11). The structure information input unit 25 stores the input structure change information 35b in the storage unit 33.

[0083] Next, the sound environment calculation unit 29 calculates the sound environment of the indoor space after the structural change based on the structural information 35a, structural change information 35b, settings of the virtual sound source 38, settings of the measurement point 39, and background noise information 40a stored in the memory unit 33, and generates sound environment information 41 after the structural change and stores it in the memory unit 33 (step #12).

[0084] Next, the output control unit 31 outputs the post-structural change sound environment information 41 (step #13). The manner in which the post-structural change sound environment information 41 is output is controlled in the same manner as in step #06 described above.

[0085] Next, the sound environment calculation unit 29 calculates the sound environment after the structure and background noise have been changed based on the structure information 35a, structure change information 35b, settings of the virtual sound source 38, settings of the measurement points 39, background noise information 40a, and background noise change information 40b stored in the memory unit 33, and generates changed sound environment information 42 after the structure has been changed, which is stored in the memory unit 33 (step #14).

[0086] Next, the output control unit 31 outputs the post-change sound environment information 42 after the structural change (step #15). The manner in which the post-change sound environment information 42 is output is controlled in the same manner as in step #09 described above.

[0087] [Examples of sound environment information] An example of the sound environment information 41 and the changed sound environment information 42 to be output will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 shows an example of information visually displayed in the output image.

[0088] On the left side of the output image, an office diagram is displayed, showing office space 2, two conference rooms 3, and the president's office 4. A virtual sound source 38 is shown to be located in conference room 3 on the left. The sound pressure level of the sound from virtual sound source 38 is shown in a contour diagram. A measurement point 39a is shown to be located in conference room 3 on the right, and measurement points 39b and 39c are shown to be located in office space 2. A background noise generator 40c is shown to be located in office space 2. The above information is based on the input structural information 35a, the settings for virtual sound source 38 and measurement point 39, and background noise information 40a, and is reflected in the output image showing sound environment information 41 and changed sound environment information 42.

[0089] On the right side of the output image, three tables are arranged showing sound environment information 41 and changed sound environment information 42, which indicate the sound environment at measurement points 39a, 39b, and 39c (measurement points (1) to (3) in the tables).

[0090] The table on the bottom right (sound environment at measurement point (1)) will be explained. The fifth row (bottom row) shows the sound pressure level (31.8 dB) of the sound reaching measurement point 39a from virtual sound source 38 in the next room. Clicking on the icon (speaker-shaped) on the far right will play the expected sound at measurement point 39a (sound reaching measurement point 39a from virtual sound source 38).

[0091] The second line shows the sound environment when the background noise is 30 dB. The signal-to-noise ratio (the difference between the loudness of the sound from the virtual sound source 38 and the loudness of the background noise) is 1.8 dB, so it is classified as "no class." Clicking on the icon (speaker shape) on the far right plays the mixed sound (sound obtained by mixing the predicted sound and background noise) at measurement point 39 a. These sound environments are based on the input background noise information 40 a and correspond to sound environment information 41.

[0092] The third line shows the sound environment when the background noise is changed to 40 dB (after change 1), and the fourth line shows the sound environment when the background noise is changed to 50 dB (after change 2). The S / N ratios are -8.2 dB and -18.2 dB, and the classes are "3rd" and "2nd." This information indicates that increasing the background noise reduces the S / N ratio, making it difficult to hear the sound from conference room 3 on the left. Clicking on the icon (speaker-shaped) on the far right plays back the mixed sound when the background noise is 40 dB and 50 dB. These sound environments are based on the input background noise change information 40 b, and correspond to the changed sound environment information 42.

[0093] The other tables corresponding to measurement points 39b and 39c have similar content and will not be described in detail. In this way, the output image shows the indoor space and the positions corresponding to the measurement points, and the sound environment of the measurement points. The output image may be configured to accept a selection operation of the measurement points, and the mixed sound at the selected measurement points may be output (played).

[0094] Other Embodiments Other embodiments will be described below. In the following description, the same content as in the above-described embodiment will be omitted.

[0095] In the above embodiment, the sound environment evaluation method includes steps (1) to (9), and the process flow in Figure 4 and the process flow in Figure 5 are executed. Steps (7) to (9) and the process flow in Figure 5 may be omitted. In other words, input, calculation, output, etc. related to structural changes may not be performed.

[0096] In the above embodiment, the setting input of the measurement points 39 is performed in the processing flow of Fig. 4. A configuration is also possible in which the measurement points 39 are not input. For example, the sound environment (the propagation state of sound from a virtual sound source, the distribution of sound pressure levels, the S / N ratio, etc.) may be calculated over the entire indoor space, and sound environment information 41 and changed sound environment information 42 may be output.

[0097] The sound pressure level of the virtual sound source 38 may be changeable. For example, sound environment information 41 and changed sound environment information 42 may be generated and output for the virtual sound source 38 with a certain sound pressure level, the sound pressure level of the virtual sound source 38 after the change may be input, and sound environment information 41 and changed sound environment information 42 may be further generated and output for the input changed sound pressure level.

[0098] [Modification] In the above embodiment, background noise information 40a and background noise modification information 40b were input to the sound environment evaluation device, and sound environment information 41 and modified sound environment information 42 were output. An embodiment is also possible in which the input of background noise modification information 40b and the output of modified sound environment information 42 are omitted. That is, the above-described steps (5) and (6) may be omitted, and steps #07 to #09 in the flowchart of FIG. 4 may also be omitted. Such a sound environment evaluation method makes it possible to evaluate a sound environment taking into account the input background noise information 40a. The remaining configuration, processing, and other aspects may be the same as those of the above-described embodiment. For example, an evaluation of the sound environment of an indoor space for one type of background noise may be performed, and sound environment information 41 may be output visually and aurally. Furthermore, sound environment information 41 may be output both before and after a structural modification for one type of background noise. [Industrial Applicability]

[0099] The present invention can be applied to evaluation of a sound environment in an indoor space. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 18: Control unit (computer) 19:Display section 21: Input operation section 25: Structural information input section 26: Sound source setting section 27: Measurement point input section 28: Background noise input section 29:Sound environment calculation section 31: Output control section 33: Storage section 35a: Structure information 38: Virtual sound source 39: Measurement point 40a: Background noise information 40b: Background noise change information 41:Sound environment information 42: Sound environment information after change

Claims

1. A sound environment evaluation method for evaluating a sound environment in an indoor space, comprising: inputting structural information indicating at least the shape of the interior space and the shape of the partition wall into a computer; a step of setting a virtual sound source inside the indoor space and inputting the virtual sound source into the computer; inputting background noise information indicating background noise inside the indoor space into the computer; a step of causing the computer to output sound environment information indicating a sound environment in the indoor space based on the structural information, the virtual sound source, and the background noise information; inputting background noise modification information specifying the modification of the background noise into the computer; and causing the computer to output changed sound environment information that indicates the sound environment in the indoor space after the background noise has been changed, based on the structural information, the virtual sound source, the background noise information, and the background noise change information, the sound environment information and the changed sound environment information are visually output side by side, A plurality of pieces of background noise modification information are input to the computer; a table in which the sound environment information and the plurality of pieces of changed sound environment information corresponding to the plurality of pieces of input background noise change information are arranged is output; further comprising a step of setting measurement points within the indoor space and inputting the measurement points into the computer; A sound environment evaluation method in which an output image is output in which a drawing showing the indoor space, the position of the virtual sound source, and the position of the measurement point is arranged alongside the table.

2. The sound environment evaluation method according to claim 1 , wherein the background noise change information includes an amount of increase or decrease in background noise.

3. The sound environment evaluation method according to claim 1 , wherein the background noise modification information includes the position of a background noise generating device and the volume of the background noise generated by the background noise generating device.

4. The interior space includes a plurality of partitioned spaces, The sound environment evaluation method according to claim 1 , wherein the background noise information and the background noise modification information are input for each of the spaces.

5. The interior space includes a plurality of partitioned spaces, The sound environment evaluation method according to claim 1 , wherein the sound environment information and the changed sound environment information are output for each of the spaces.

6. A sound environment evaluation method described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the sound environment information and the changed sound environment information are information indicating the difference between the loudness of the sound from the virtual sound source at the measurement point and the loudness of the background noise at the measurement point.

7. The sound environment evaluation method according to claim 6 , wherein the sound environment information and the changed sound environment information are information indicating the difference by dividing the difference into a plurality of classes.

8. A sound environment evaluation method described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the sound environment information and the modified sound environment information are information that indicates the degree of leakage of information contained in the sound from the virtual sound source to the measurement point, divided into multiple classes.

9. The sound environment evaluation method according to claim 1 , wherein the sound pressure level of the virtual sound source is changeable.

Images