Wireless microphone system and wireless microphone system setting method

Abstract

To provide a wireless microphone system and a wireless microphone system setting method, capable of performing control depending on a position of a wireless microphone.SOLUTION: A wireless microphone system 1 comprises: at least one wireless microphone 3 for transmitting a voice signal and a position identification signal using a radio wave; a receiver; and a controller 20 for acquiring the voice signal and the position identification signal from the receiver. The controller 20 includes: a storage unit; a position identification unit that, on the basis of the position identification signal, identifies a position of the wireless microphone 3; and a control unit that, on the basis of the position and control information, controls at least one of the voice signal, a sound emitting device 31 for reproducing the voice signal, and the wireless microphone 3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a wireless microphone system and a method for setting up a wireless microphone system. [Background technology]

[0002] A known technology for a wireless microphone system is described in Patent Document 1. The wireless microphone system in this document includes a wireless microphone and a main device. When the main device receives an audio signal from the wireless microphone, it reproduces the audio signal. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-252064 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] A wireless microphone user uses the wireless microphone in a specified location to communicate with a specific person. However, the user may leave the specified location while still wearing the wireless microphone. If the user forgets to turn off the wireless microphone, there is a risk that the user's conversation outside the specified location may be amplified. In this way, when using a wireless microphone, there is a risk of unintended amplification of speech. In this regard, there is room for improvement in wireless microphone systems and wireless microphone system setting methods. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] (1) A wireless microphone system that solves the above problem includes at least one wireless microphone that transmits an audio signal and a position-identifying signal by radio waves, at least one receiving device that receives the audio signal and the position-identifying signal, and a control device that acquires the audio signal and the position-identifying signal from the receiving device, wherein the control device has a storage unit that stores control information, a position identifying unit that identifies the position of the wireless microphone based on the position-identifying signal, and a control unit that controls the audio signal, a sound emitting device that reproduces the audio signal, the receiving device, and at least one of the wireless microphones based on the position and the control information. With this configuration, audio reproduction can be controlled according to the position of the wireless microphone.

[0006] (2) In the wireless microphone system, the control information includes information indicating an audio control range for reproducing the audio signal. With this configuration, audio reproduction can be controlled based on the audio control range.

[0007] (3) In the wireless microphone system, the control unit outputs the audio signal to the sound emitting device when the position is within the audio control range, and stops outputting the audio signal to the sound emitting device when the position is outside the audio control range. With this configuration, playback of the audio signal can be controlled depending on whether the wireless microphone is located within the audio control range.

[0008] (4) In the wireless microphone system, the control unit receives the audio signal when the position is within the audio control range, and stops receiving the audio signal when the position is outside the audio control range. With this configuration, playback of the audio signal can be controlled depending on whether the wireless microphone is located within the audio control range.

[0009] (5) In the wireless microphone system, the control unit instructs the sound emitting device to play the audio signal when the position is within the audio control range, and instructs the sound emitting device to stop playing the audio signal when the position is outside the audio control range.

[0010] With this configuration, when the wireless microphone is located within the audio control range, the sound emitting device reproduces the audio signal. When the wireless microphone is located outside the audio control range, the sound emitting device does not reproduce the audio signal. In this way, the reproduction of the audio signal can be controlled depending on whether the wireless microphone is located within the audio control range.

[0011] (6) In the above wireless microphone system, the control unit sends an instruction to the wireless microphone to execute output of the audio signal when the position is within the audio control range, and sends an instruction to the wireless microphone to stop output of the audio signal when the position is outside the audio control range.

[0012] With this configuration, when the wireless microphone is located within the audio control range, the wireless microphone outputs an audio signal. When the wireless microphone is located outside the audio control range, the wireless microphone does not output an audio signal. In this way, playback of an audio signal can be controlled depending on whether the wireless microphone is located within the audio control range.

[0013] (7) In the wireless microphone system, when the position is outside the audio control range, the control unit transmits a command to stop output of the audio signal and an energy saving command to execute power consumption limit control. With this configuration, when the wireless microphone is located outside the audio control range, the power consumption of the wireless microphone can be reduced.

[0014] (8) In the wireless microphone system, the control unit performs a first processing mode on the audio signal when the position is within the audio control range, and performs a second processing mode different from the first processing mode on the audio signal when the position is outside the audio control range, the first processing mode and the second processing mode being amplification processing or mute processing. With this configuration, the processing mode of the audio signal can be changed depending on whether the wireless microphone is located within the audio control range.

[0015] (9) In the wireless microphone system, the control device has a first audio control range and a second audio control range set within the first audio control range as the audio control range, and the control unit stores position state information indicating whether the position is within the audio control range, the position state information being a parameter that takes either a first state in which the position is within the audio control range or a second state in which the position is outside the audio control range, and when determining whether the position is within the audio control range, if the position state information is in the first state, the first audio control range is used as the audio control range, and if the position state information is in the second state, the second audio control range is used as the audio control range.

[0016] With this configuration, the audio control range used to determine the position of the wireless microphone differs when the position of the wireless microphone moves from within the audio control range to outside the audio control range and when the position of the wireless microphone moves from outside the audio control range to within the audio control range. This makes it possible to prevent the audio signal from being continuously switched between playback and non-playback when the wireless microphone is located near the boundary of the audio control range.

[0017] (10) In the wireless microphone system, the control device has, as the control information, a plurality of audio control ranges for each wireless microphone. With this configuration, when the wireless microphone is within one of the audio control ranges, the audio signal can be reproduced within that audio control range.

[0018] (11) The wireless microphone system includes a plurality of the receiving devices, the control device has the audio control range set for each of the plurality of receiving devices as the control information, and the control unit determines whether the position is within the audio control range for each of the plurality of audio control ranges set for each of the receiving devices. With this configuration, an audio signal output from one wireless microphone can be reproduced in the plurality of audio control ranges set for each receiving device.

[0019] (12) The wireless microphone system includes a plurality of the wireless microphones, and the control device has, as the control information, a plurality of audio control ranges set for each of the wireless microphones, and the control unit uses the audio control range corresponding to the wireless microphone when determining whether the position is within the audio control range.

[0020] According to this configuration, it is possible to individually control each of the plurality of wireless microphones depending on whether the position of the wireless microphone is within the audio control range.

[0021] (13) In the wireless microphone system, the wireless microphone further transmits an identification signal indicating identification information of the wireless microphone, the receiving device further receives the identification signal, the control device has, as the control information, first association information that associates the identification information with the wireless microphone, and the control unit identifies the wireless microphone based on the identification signal and the first association information. With this configuration, the wireless microphone can be identified by the identification information.

[0022] (14) In the wireless microphone system, the wireless microphone outputs the audio signal using a preset frequency channel, the control device has second association information associating the frequency channel with the wireless microphone as the control information, and the control unit identifies the wireless microphone based on the frequency channel and the second association information. With this configuration, the wireless microphone can be identified by the frequency channel.

[0023] (15) In the wireless microphone system, the control device further includes a setting unit for setting the audio control range. With this configuration, the audio control range can be set by the setting unit.

[0024] (16) In the wireless microphone system, the setting unit includes an information output unit that outputs, to a display unit, layout information indicating a layout of where the receiving device is to be placed and placement information indicating the placement of the receiving device relative to the layout, an information receiving unit that accepts input of the placement of the receiving device relative to the layout and the audio control range in the layout, and an information setting unit that stores the audio control range relative to the layout and the placement of the receiving device in the storage unit. With this configuration, the audio control range can be set while viewing the layout and the placement of the receiving device displayed on the display unit.

[0025] (17) In the wireless microphone system, the setting unit further includes a calibration unit that associates an actual position with a position identified based on a position identification signal output when the wireless microphone is placed at the actual position. This configuration makes it possible to easily associate an actual position with a position identified based on the position identification signal.

[0026] (18) A wireless microphone system setting method for solving the problem is a wireless microphone system setting method for setting a range for reproducing an audio signal of a wireless microphone system, the wireless microphone system comprising at least one wireless microphone that transmits an audio signal and a position specifying signal by radio waves, at least one receiving device that receives the audio signal and the position specifying signal, and a control device that acquires the audio signal and the position specifying signal from the receiving device, the control device comprising a storage unit that stores control information, a position specifying unit that specifies the position of the wireless microphone based on the position specifying signal, and a position specifying unit that specifies the position of the wireless microphone based on the position and the control information. and a control unit that controls at least one of the audio signal, the sound emitting device that reproduces the audio signal, the receiving device, and the wireless microphone, wherein the control information includes information indicating an audio control range for reproducing the audio signal, and includes a first step of setting the layout of a location where the receiving device is placed as layout information in the control device, a second step of setting the placement of the receiving device in the control device with respect to the layout, a third step of setting the audio control range in the layout, and a fourth step of associating an actual position with the position identified based on the position identification signal output when the wireless microphone is placed at the actual position.

[0027] This configuration allows for a simple correlation between the audio control range of the wireless microphone system and the range set in real space for audio playback, thereby enabling control of audio signal playback depending on whether the wireless microphone is located within the audio control range. [Effects of the Invention]

[0028] According to the wireless microphone system and the wireless microphone system setting method, control can be performed according to the position of the wireless microphone. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a first example of use of the wireless microphone system. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a second example of use of the wireless microphone system. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a third example of use of the wireless microphone system. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a wireless microphone according to a first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a receiving device and a control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a coordinate system for indicating the position of the wireless microphone of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart of a first control process executed by a control unit. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between an actual position and a position identified based on a position identification signal. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart of a second control process executed by a control unit in the second embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart of a third control process executed by a control unit in the third embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart of a fourth control process executed by a control unit in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart of a fifth control process executed by a control unit in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the relationship between a first voice control range and a second voice control range in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 14] 13 is a flowchart of a sixth control process executed by a control unit in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a voice control range in the seventh embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a voice control range in the eighth embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a voice control range in the ninth embodiment. [Figure 18] 13 is a table showing the relationship between the identification information of the wireless microphone and the audio control range in the ninth embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a voice control range in the ninth embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing the relationship between the identification information of the wireless microphone, the identification information of the receiving device, and the audio control range in the tenth embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a first modified example of a usage example of the wireless microphone system. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a second modified example of a usage example of the wireless microphone system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] First Embodiment A wireless microphone system 1 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 8. As shown in Figure 1, the wireless microphone system 1 includes at least one wireless microphone 3, at least one receiving device 10, and a control device 20. In this embodiment, the wireless microphone system 1 further includes a sound emitting device 31.

[0031] The wireless microphone system 1 processes the audio signal output from the wireless microphone 3 according to the position of the wireless microphone 3. The wireless microphone system 1 processes the audio signal depending on whether or not the wireless microphone 3 is within a predetermined area. Hereinafter, the predetermined area will be referred to as the "audio control range R." The audio control range R is set as a range within a predetermined location within which the wireless microphone system 1 executes controls related to audio playback. The audio control range R is set in a location where the wireless microphone 3 is used. Examples of places where the audio control range R is set include rooms in office buildings, rooms in facilities, stages, halls, sports fields, plazas, and designated booths in exhibition halls.

[0032] 1 shows a first example of setting a voice control range R. FIG. 1 shows a first example of the layout of rooms 18 in a facility. In this example, a voice control range R is set in one room 18A. A hallway 19 and another room 18B are areas outside the voice control range R.

[0033] 2 shows a second example of setting the voice control range R. FIG. 2 shows a second example of the layout of rooms 18 in a facility. In this example, a voice control range R is set for each of two rooms 18A and 18B. A hallway 19 is an area outside the voice control range R.

[0034] 3 shows a third example of setting a voice control range R. FIG. 3 shows a third example of the layout of rooms 18 in a facility. In this example, one voice control range R is set to span two rooms 18A and 18B. A hallway 19 is an area outside the voice control range R.

[0035] As described above, the audio control range R can be set in various ways. The setting of the audio control range R is not limited to a space partitioned by walls, such as the room 18. For example, the audio control range R can be set in a plaza. For example, if the wireless microphone 3 is used at an athletic meet, a circular audio control range R is set. Furthermore, if a concert is held outdoors, the audio control range R is set in the concert hall.

[0036] <Wireless microphone> The wireless microphone 3 will be described with reference to FIG. The wireless microphone 3 transmits an audio signal and a position identification signal by radio waves. For example, a 2.4 GHz band wave is used as a carrier wave. For example, the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard is used as the communication standard for the wireless microphone 3. The wireless microphone 3 periodically transmits a position identification signal. The wireless microphone 3 may have an energy saving mode control and a normal mode control. The energy saving mode is a control for reducing power consumption. For example, when no audio is input to the wireless microphone 3 for a predetermined time or more, the control unit 23 executes the energy saving mode control. When audio is input to the wireless microphone 3, the control unit 23 executes the normal mode control. The power consumption in the normal mode control is greater than the power consumption in the energy saving mode control.

[0037] The wireless microphone 3 transmits a position identification signal whether it is operating in the energy saving mode or in the normal mode.

[0038] In one example, in the energy saving mode, the wireless microphone 3 stops at least one of the microphone amplifier 5, the AD converter 6, the encoding unit 7, and the transmission unit 8. In another example, when operating in the energy saving mode, the wireless microphone 3 transmits the position identification signal at a longer period than when operating in the normal mode.

[0039] The wireless microphone 3 includes a microphone element 4, a microphone amplifier 5, an AD converter 6, an encoding unit 7, a transmitting unit 8, and a microphone control unit 9.

[0040] The microphone element 4 converts the input audio into an analog audio signal (electrical signal). The microphone amplifier 5 amplifies the output of the microphone element 4 and outputs it. The AD converter 6 converts the analog signal output from the microphone amplifier 5 into a digital signal using the PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) method. The encoding unit 7 compresses the signal formed by the AD converter 6 using a predetermined codec program. Examples of codec methods include Enhanced Voice Services (EVS) and Advanced Audio Coding (AAC). Audio data is generated by the operation of the encoding unit 7. The audio data has a frame structure. The audio data may be encrypted.

[0041] The transmitter 8 has a transmitting antenna. The transmitter 8 forms an audio signal by modulating a carrier wave based on the audio data, and transmits the audio signal from the transmitting antenna. Furthermore, the transmitter 8 transmits a position identification signal. The transmitter 8 transmits a synchronization signal for frame synchronization. The transmitter 8 transmits the audio signal and the position identification signal in frame units. The transmitter 8 may transmit identification information of the wireless microphone 3. An example of the identification information is a BD address defined in the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard.

[0042] The microphone control unit 9 has a processor that controls the encoding unit 7 and the transmission unit 8. The microphone control unit 9 controls each of the encoding unit 7 and the transmission unit 8 by executing a program in a memory unit within the microphone control unit 9.

[0043] The microphone control unit 9 also generates a position identification signal and transmits it from the transmission unit 8. The position identification signal is a signal that is transmitted so that the receiving device 10 continues to receive signals from the wireless microphone 3 in order to identify the position of the wireless microphone 3, as will be described later, even when no audio is being input to the microphone element 4 and no audio data is being generated. The position identification signal may be a signal that includes some data in its payload. For example, the payload may include meaningless null data or may include identification information for the wireless microphone 3. The microphone control unit 9 generates a data packet that includes such some data in its payload and outputs it to the transmission unit 8, which then transmits the position identification signal.

[0044] The microphone control unit 9 may omit generating a position identification signal while audio data is being generated when audio is being input to the microphone element 4. In this case, the audio signal generated based on the audio data is used as a position identification signal for identifying the position of the wireless microphone 3.

[0045] <Receiving device> The receiving device 10 will be described with reference to FIG. The receiving device 10 receives the audio signal and the position identification signal and includes an antenna 11, a receiving unit 12, a decoding unit 13, an audio signal processing unit 14, a mixer 15, a DA converter 16, and an amplifier 17.

[0046] The antenna 11 has a plurality of array antennas. In one example, the antenna 11 has two array antennas. One of the two array antennas is arranged orthogonal to the other. The array antenna includes a plurality of antenna elements. The plurality of antenna elements are arranged in a linear row at equal intervals.

[0047] The receiving unit 12 demodulates the radio waves received via the antenna 11 to obtain an audio signal and a position identification signal, and outputs them to the control device 20. The receiving unit 12 also outputs the audio signal to the decoding unit 13 for playback output of the audio signal.

[0048] The decoder 13 extracts audio data by decoding the demodulated audio signal. The audio signal processor 14 performs various processes on the digital audio signal to adjust the volume and sound quality. The audio signal processor 14 adjusts the volume and performs muting based on commands issued from the control device 20.

[0049] When the receiving unit 12 receives audio signals from multiple wireless microphones 3, the mixer 15 mixes the audio data of each of the multiple audio signals. The DA converter 16 converts the audio data into a playback analog signal. The amplifier 17 amplifies the playback analog signal output from the DA converter 16. The amplifier 17 outputs the amplified playback analog signal to a sound output device 31 (e.g., a speaker).

[0050] In one example, the audio signal processing unit 14, the mixer 15, the DA converter 16, and the amplifier 17 are housed together with the control device 20 in a single case. The audio signal processing unit 14, the mixer 15, the DA converter 16, and the amplifier 17 may be housed in a case separate from the case that houses the control device 20. The audio signal processing unit 14, the mixer 15, the DA converter 16, and the amplifier 17 may be housed together with the receiving unit 12 in a single case. The receiving unit 12 may be housed together with the antenna 11 in a single case. The receiving unit 12 may be housed in a case separate from the case of the antenna 11.

[0051] <Control device> The control device 20 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. The control device 20 acquires an audio signal and a position identification signal from the receiving device 10. The control device 20 includes a storage unit 21, a position identification unit 22, and a control unit 23. In this embodiment, the control device 20 further includes a setting unit 25 for setting an audio control range R.

[0052] The storage unit 21 stores control information. The storage unit 21 is configured with a semiconductor memory. The position identification unit 22 identifies the position of the wireless microphone 3 based on the position identification signal. For example, the position identification unit 22 identifies the position of the wireless microphone 3 by an AOA (Angle of Arrival) method.

[0053] As shown in Fig. 6, for example, the position identifying unit 22 identifies the position of the wireless microphone 3 in an XY coordinate system centered on the position of the antenna 11. The position identifying unit 22 may have a polar coordinate system instead of the XY coordinate system. A point in Fig. 6 indicates the position of the wireless microphone 3. The intersection of the X axis and the Y axis in Fig. 6 indicates the position of the antenna 11.

[0054] The control unit 23 controls the following objects based on the position and control information of the wireless microphone 3. The objects controlled by the control unit 23 are at least one of the audio signal, the sound emitting device 31 that reproduces the audio signal, the receiving device 10, and the wireless microphone 3.

[0055] The control unit 23 has a processor that controls the receiving device 10 (receiving unit 12, decoding unit 13, audio signal processing unit 14, mixer 15, DA converter 16, amplifier 17), memory unit 21, position identification unit 22, and setting unit 25. The control unit 23 executes a program stored in the control unit 23. The control unit 23 controls the receiving device 10, memory unit 21, position identification unit 22, and setting unit 25 by executing the program.

[0056] The control information includes information indicating an audio control range R in which an audio signal is reproduced. The audio control range R is information set by the user. The control information may further include command information for the receiving device 10 and the wireless microphone 3. Examples of the command information include the following commands:

[0057] The commands given to the receiving unit 12 include a command to output the received audio signal to the decoding unit 13 and a command to stop outputting the received audio signal to the decoding unit 13. The commands given to the wireless microphone 3 include a command to transmit an audio signal and a command to stop transmitting an audio signal. The commands given to the audio signal processing unit 14 include a command to output an audio signal to the sound emitting device 31, a command to stop outputting an audio signal to the sound emitting device 31, a command to amplify the audio signal to a first level, a command to amplify the audio signal to a second level lower than the first level, a command to amplify the audio signal to a third level lower than the second level, and a command to perform muting.

[0058] In this embodiment, the control unit 23 executes the following control in response to an instruction to the audio signal processing unit 14. When the position is within the sound control range R, the control unit 23 outputs a sound signal to the sound emitting device 31. When the position is outside the sound control range R, the control unit 23 stops outputting the sound signal to the sound emitting device 31.

[0059] The first control process executed by the control device 20 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. The control unit 23 periodically executes the first control process. In step S11, the control unit 23 identifies the position of the wireless microphone 3. In step S12, the control unit 23 determines whether the position of the wireless microphone 3 is within the audio control range R or not.

[0060] In step S12, if the control unit 23 determines that the position of the wireless microphone 3 is within the audio control range R, in step S13, the control unit 23 outputs an audio signal to the sound emitting device 31 by instructing the audio signal processing unit 14.

[0061] If the control unit 23 determines in step S12 that the position of the wireless microphone 3 is not within the audio control range R, then in step S14 the control unit 23 issues a command to the audio signal processing unit 14 to stop outputting the audio signal to the sound emitting device 31. In this embodiment, "the position of the wireless microphone 3 is not within the audio control range R" has the same meaning as "the position of the wireless microphone 3 is outside the audio control range R."

[0062] <Settings section> The setting unit 25 includes an information output unit 26, an information receiving unit 27, and an information setting unit 28. The information output unit 26 outputs layout information and placement information indicating the placement of the receiving device 10 relative to the layout to the display unit 33. The layout information indicates the layout of the location where the receiving device 10 is placed.

[0063] The information receiving unit 27 receives input of the placement of the receiving device 10 relative to the layout and the audio control range R in the layout from the input unit 34. The information setting unit 28 stores the audio control range R relative to the layout and the placement of the receiving device 10 in the storage unit 21.

[0064] The display unit 33 is configured by the display unit 33 of the personal computer 32 or a smartphone. The input unit 34 is configured by the keyboard of the personal computer 32 or a touch panel of the smartphone. The personal computer 32 and the smartphone are connected to the control device 20 directly or indirectly via a network.

[0065] The setting unit 25 further includes a calibration unit 29. The calibration unit 29 associates the actual position with the position identified based on the position identification signal output when the wireless microphone 3 is placed.

[0066] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the relationship between the actual position and the position identified based on the position identification signal output when the wireless microphone 3 is placed.

[0067] An example of calibration will be described with reference to FIG. 8. An example will be given in which an audio control range R is set in a rectangular predetermined room 18C. Wireless microphones 3 are placed at the four corners (i.e., real positions PA) of the predetermined room 18C in real space. The real positions PA of the four corners are identified in an XY coordinate system with the antenna 11 at the center. In this state, the wireless microphones 3 are used. Then, the receiver 12 acquires a position identification signal. The control device 20 identifies the positions of the wireless microphones 3 at the four corners of the predetermined room 18C. The calibration unit 29 associates the real positions PA with the positions thus identified. Specifically, the calibration unit 29 derives a conversion formula for converting the coordinates (X-axis values ​​and Y-axis values) of the four positions PB identified by the position identification unit 22 into the coordinates (real X-axis values ​​and Y-axis values) of the four real positions PA centered around the antenna 11. The conversion formula derived by the calibration unit 29 is used in the control unit 23 as a formula for correcting the position identified based on the position identification signal.

[0068] <How to set up a wireless microphone system> A method for setting up a wireless microphone system will be described with reference to FIG. The wireless microphone system setting method is a method for setting a range in which control relating to audio reproduction is performed. In this embodiment, the range in which control relating to audio reproduction is performed is an "audio control range R."

[0069] The wireless microphone system setting method includes first to fourth steps. In the first step, the layout of the location where the receiving device 10 is placed is set as layout information in the control device 20. Specifically, the layout information is input to the control device 20 from the input unit 34, and the layout information is stored in the storage unit 21. The layout based on the layout information is displayed on the display unit 33.

[0070] In the second step, the placement of the receiving device 10 in the layout is set in the control device 20. Specifically, an icon of the receiving device 10 is placed in the layout displayed on the display unit 33. This sets the position of the receiving device 10 in the layout.

[0071] In the third step, the audio control range R in the layout is set. Specifically, in the layout displayed on the display unit 33, the audio control range R is set by enlarging / reducing or moving the frame line 41 of the rectangular audio control range R that is displayed overlapping the layout.

[0072] In the fourth step, the actual position is associated with the position identified based on the position identification signal output when the wireless microphone 3 is placed at the actual position. Specifically, the above-mentioned calibration is performed.

[0073] The operation of this embodiment will be described. In the case of a conventional wireless microphone system 1, as long as the system receives an audio signal output from the wireless microphone 3, the audio signal is reproduced regardless of the location of the wireless microphone 3. This raises the risk of audio unintended by the user being reproduced. In this regard, in this embodiment, the wireless microphone system 1 identifies the position of the wireless microphone 3. The control unit 23 then performs various controls based on the position of the wireless microphone 3. Therefore, the wireless microphone system 1 can perform controls according to the position of the wireless microphone 3. This makes it possible, for example, to reproduce the audio signal only in the area where the audio signal from the wireless microphone 3 is to be amplified (i.e., audio control range R).

[0074] The effects of this embodiment will be described. (1) The wireless microphone system 1 includes a wireless microphone 3, a receiving device 10, and a control device 20. The control device 20 has a control unit 23. The control unit 23 controls at least one of the audio signal, the sound emitting device 31 that reproduces the audio signal, the receiving device 10, and the wireless microphone 3 based on the position and control information. This configuration allows control according to the position of the wireless microphone 3.

[0075] (2) The control information includes information indicating an audio control range R in which the audio signal is reproduced. According to this configuration, control regarding audio reproduction can be performed based on the audio control range R.

[0076] (3) When the position is within the sound control range R, the control unit 23 outputs a sound signal to the sound emitting device 31. When the position is outside the sound control range R, the control unit 23 stops outputting a sound signal to the sound emitting device 31.

[0077] According to this configuration, when the wireless microphone 3 is located within the audio control range R, an audio signal is output to the sound emitting device 31, and audio is reproduced. When the wireless microphone 3 is located outside the audio control range R, no audio signal is output to the sound emitting device 31, and audio is not reproduced. In this way, the reproduction of the audio signal can be controlled depending on whether the wireless microphone 3 is located within the audio control range R or not.

[0078] (4) The control device 20 further includes a setting unit 25 for setting the audio control range R. According to this configuration, the audio control range R can be set by the setting unit 25.

[0079] (5) The setting unit 25 includes an information output unit 26 and an information receiving unit 27. The information output unit 26 outputs layout information and placement information indicating the placement of the receiving device 10 relative to the layout to the display unit 33. The information receiving unit 27 accepts input of the placement of the receiving device 10 relative to the layout and the audio control range R in the layout. With this configuration, the audio control range R can be set while viewing the layout and the placement of the receiving device 10 displayed on the display unit 33.

[0080] (6) The setting unit 25 includes a calibration unit 29. The calibration unit 29 associates a real position with a position identified based on a position identification signal output when the wireless microphone 3 is placed at the real position. This configuration makes it possible to easily associate a real position in real space with a position identified based on the position identification signal.

[0081] (7) The wireless microphone system setting method includes first to fourth steps. In the first step, the layout of the location where the receiving device 10 is placed is set as layout information in the control device 20. In the second step, the placement of the receiving device 10 relative to the layout is set in the control device 20. In the third step, an audio control range R in the layout is set. In the fourth step, a correspondence is made between the real position and a position identified based on a position identification signal output when the wireless microphone 3 is placed at the real position. The real position is a predetermined position within a range defined in real space.

[0082] This configuration makes it possible to easily associate the audio control range R in the wireless microphone system 1 with the range set in real space for audio playback. This makes it possible to control the playback of audio signals depending on whether the position of the wireless microphone 3 is within the audio control range R.

[0083] Second Embodiment A wireless microphone system 1 according to the second embodiment will now be described. In the wireless microphone system 1 of this embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0084] In this embodiment, the control unit 23 executes the following control. The control unit 23 receives the audio signal when the position is within the audio control range R. When the position is outside the audio control range R, the control unit 23 stops receiving the audio signal.

[0085] The second control process executed by the control device 20 will be described with reference to Fig. 9. The control unit 23 periodically executes the second control process. In step S21, the control unit 23 identifies the position of the wireless microphone 3. In step S22, the control unit 23 determines whether the position of the wireless microphone 3 is within the audio control range R or not.

[0086] If the control unit 23 determines in step S22 that the position of the wireless microphone 3 is within the audio control range R, then in step S23, the control unit 23 instructs the receiving unit 12 to output an audio signal from the receiving unit 12 to the decoding unit 13. The processing in step S23 corresponds to "receiving an audio signal" in FIG. 9.

[0087] If the control unit 23 determines in step S22 that the position of the wireless microphone 3 is not within the audio control range R, then in step S24 the control unit 23 issues a command to the receiving unit 12 to stop the receiving unit 12 from outputting the audio signal to the decoding unit 13. The processing in step S24 corresponds to "stopping reception of audio signals" in FIG. 9.

[0088] The effects of this embodiment will now be described. When the position of the wireless microphone 3 is within the audio control range R, the control unit 23 causes the receiving unit 12 to output the audio signal received, and causes the decoding unit 13 and subsequent units to process the audio signal. In this way, the audio signal is reproduced.

[0089] When the position of the wireless microphone 3 is outside the audio control range R, the control unit 23 does not output the audio signal received by the receiving unit 12, and the units after the decoding unit 13 do not process the audio signal. As a result, the audio signal is not reproduced. In this way, the reproduction of the audio signal can be controlled depending on whether the position of the wireless microphone 3 is within the audio control range R or not.

[0090] <Third embodiment> A wireless microphone system 1 according to the third embodiment will be described. In the wireless microphone system 1 of this embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0091] In this embodiment, the control unit 23 executes the following control. When the position is within the audio control range R, the control unit 23 commands the sound emitting device 31 to reproduce an audio signal. When the position is outside the audio control range R, the control unit 23 commands the sound emitting device 31 to stop reproducing an audio signal.

[0092] The third control process executed by the control device 20 will be described with reference to Fig. 10. The control unit 23 periodically executes the third control process. In step S31, the control unit 23 identifies the position of the wireless microphone 3. In step S32, the control unit 23 determines whether the position of the wireless microphone 3 is within the audio control range R or not.

[0093] If the control unit 23 determines in step S32 that the position of the wireless microphone 3 is within the audio control range R, the control unit 23 instructs the sound emitting device 31 to reproduce an audio signal in step S33.

[0094] If the control unit 23 determines in step S32 that the position of the wireless microphone 3 is not within the audio control range R, the control unit 23 commands the sound emitting device 31 to stop reproducing the audio signal in step S34.

[0095] The effects of this embodiment will be described below. In this embodiment, when the wireless microphone 3 is located within the audio control range R, the sound emitting device 31 reproduces an audio signal. When the wireless microphone 3 is located outside the audio control range R, the sound emitting device 31 does not reproduce an audio signal. In this way, the reproduction of an audio signal can be controlled depending on whether the wireless microphone 3 is located within the audio control range R or not.

[0096] <Fourth embodiment> A wireless microphone system 1 according to the fourth embodiment will be described. In the wireless microphone system 1 of this embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0097] In this embodiment, the control unit 23 executes the following control. When the control unit 23 is located within the audio control range R, it transmits an audio signal output execution command to the wireless microphone 3. When the control unit 23 is located outside the audio control range R, it transmits an audio signal output stop command to the wireless microphone 3.

[0098] The fourth control process executed by the control device 20 will be described with reference to Fig. 11. The control unit 23 periodically executes the fourth control process. In step S41, the control unit 23 identifies the position of the wireless microphone 3. In step S42, the control unit 23 determines whether the position of the wireless microphone 3 is within the audio control range R or not.

[0099] If the control unit 23 determines in step S42 that the position of the wireless microphone 3 is within the audio control range R, the control unit 23 transmits an audio signal output execution command to the wireless microphone 3 in step S43.

[0100] If, in step S42, control unit 23 determines that the position of wireless microphone 3 is not within audio control range R, in step S44 control unit 23 transmits an audio signal output stop command to wireless microphone 3. Furthermore, in step S45 control unit 23 transmits an energy saving command to execute power consumption limit control.

[0101] The effects of this embodiment will be described. (1) When the control unit 23 is located within the audio control range R, it transmits an audio signal output execution command to the wireless microphone 3. This causes the wireless microphone 3 to transmit the audio signal. Upon receiving the audio signal, the receiving device 10 outputs the audio signal to the sound emitting device 31, and the audio signal is reproduced.

[0102] When the control unit 23 is located outside the audio control range R, it transmits an audio signal output stop command to the wireless microphone 3. This causes the wireless microphone 3 to stop transmitting the audio signal. Since the receiving device 10 does not receive the audio signal, the audio signal is not output to the sound emitting device 31, and the audio signal is not reproduced. In this way, the reproduction of the audio signal can be controlled depending on whether the wireless microphone 3 is located within the audio control range R or not.

[0103] (2) When the control unit 23 is located outside the audio control range R, it transmits a command to stop outputting the audio signal and an energy saving command to execute power consumption limit control. With this configuration, when the wireless microphone 3 is located outside the audio control range R, it is possible to reduce the power consumption of the wireless microphone 3. Furthermore, when the wireless microphone 3 is located outside the audio control range R, no audio signal is output from the wireless microphone 3, which makes it possible to prevent others from intercepting the audio signal.

[0104] Fifth Embodiment A wireless microphone system 1 according to the fifth embodiment will be described. In the wireless microphone system 1 of this embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0105] In this embodiment, the control unit 23 executes the following control. When the position is within the audio control range R, the control unit 23 performs a first mode processing on the audio signal. When the position is outside the audio control range R, the control unit 23 performs a second mode processing on the audio signal, which is different from the first mode. The first mode processing and the second mode processing are amplification processing or mute processing. In this embodiment, the first mode processing amplifies the audio signal to a predetermined level or above. The second mode processing executes mute processing on the audio signal.

[0106] The fifth control process executed by the control device 20 will be described with reference to Fig. 12. The control unit 23 periodically executes the fifth control process. In step S51, the control unit 23 identifies the position of the wireless microphone 3. In step S52, the control unit 23 determines whether the position of the wireless microphone 3 is within the audio control range R or not.

[0107] If the control unit 23 determines in step S52 that the position of the wireless microphone 3 is within the audio control range R, the control unit 23 instructs the audio signal processing unit 14 to amplify the audio signal to a predetermined level or higher in step S53.

[0108] If the control unit 23 determines in step S52 that the position of the wireless microphone 3 is not within the audio control range R, the control unit 23 instructs the audio signal processing unit 14 to perform muting processing on the audio signal in step S54.

[0109] The effects of this embodiment will be described. When the position is within the audio control range R, the control unit 23 performs a first mode processing on the audio signal. When the position is outside the audio control range R, the control unit 23 performs a second mode processing on the audio signal, which is different from the first mode. Therefore, the processing mode of the audio signal can be changed depending on whether the position of the wireless microphone 3 is within the audio control range R or not.

[0110] Sixth Embodiment A wireless microphone system 1 according to the sixth embodiment will be described. In the wireless microphone system 1 of this embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0111] 13, the control device 20 has a first voice control range R1 and a second voice control range R2 set within the first voice control range R1 as the voice control range R. The control unit 23 stores position state information indicating whether the position is within the voice control range R. The position state information is a parameter that takes either a first state in which the position is included in the voice control range R, or a second state in which the position is outside the voice control range R.

[0112] When determining whether the position is within the voice control range R, if the position state information is in the first state, the control unit 23 uses the first voice control range R1 as the voice control range R. If the position state information is in the second state, the control unit 23 uses the second voice control range R2 as the voice control range R.

[0113] The sixth control process executed by the control device 20 will be described with reference to Fig. 14. This control process is executed immediately before determining whether or not the position of the wireless microphone 3 is within the audio control range R.

[0114] In step S61, the control unit 23 identifies the position of the wireless microphone 3. In step S62, the control unit 23 determines whether the position state information is in the first state. If the position state information is not in the first state, it indicates that the position state information is in the second state.

[0115] If the control unit 23 determines in step S62 that the position state information is the first state, the control unit 23 uses the first voice control range R1 as the voice control range R in step S63.

[0116] If the control unit 23 determines in step S62 that the position state information is not the first state, the control unit 23 uses the second voice control range R2 as the voice control range R in step S64.

[0117] The effects of this embodiment will be described. According to this configuration, the audio control range R used to determine the position of the wireless microphone 3 is different when the position of the wireless microphone 3 moves from within the audio control range R to outside the audio control range R and when the position of the wireless microphone 3 moves from outside the audio control range R to within the audio control range R.

[0118] Specifically, when the position of the wireless microphone 3 moves from inside the audio control range R to outside the audio control range R, the audio control range R shrinks as the wireless microphone 3 crosses the boundary of the audio control range R. Therefore, at the point of crossing the boundary, the wireless microphone 3 moves away from the boundary of the new audio control range R. Also, when the position of the wireless microphone 3 moves from outside the audio control range R to inside the audio control range R, the audio control range R expands as the wireless microphone 3 crosses the boundary of the audio control range R. Therefore, at the point of crossing the boundary, the wireless microphone 3 moves away from the boundary of the new audio control range R. This makes it possible to prevent the audio signal from being continuously switched between playback and non-playback when the wireless microphone 3 is located near the boundary of the audio control range R.

[0119] Seventh Embodiment A wireless microphone system 1 according to the seventh embodiment will be described. In the wireless microphone system 1 of this embodiment, components common to those of the first embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment, and redundant description will be omitted. The wireless microphone system 1 includes a plurality of sound emitting devices 31.

[0120] The control device 20 has a plurality of audio control ranges R for each wireless microphone 3 as control information.

[0121] 15 is a diagram showing a plurality of audio control ranges R set for one wireless microphone 3. In this embodiment, a third audio control range R3 and a fourth audio control range R4 are set for one wireless microphone 3.

[0122] When the position is within the third sound control range R3, the control unit 23 outputs a sound signal to the first sound emitting device 31A in response to a command to the sound signal processing unit 14. When the position is within the fourth sound control range R4, the control unit 23 outputs a sound signal to the second sound emitting device 31B in response to a command to the sound signal processing unit 14. When the position is outside the third sound control range R3 and outside the fourth sound control range R4, the control unit 23 stops outputting the sound signal to the first sound emitting device 31A and stops outputting the sound signal to the second sound emitting device 31B.

[0123] The effects of this embodiment will be described. The control device 20 has, as control information, multiple audio control ranges R for each wireless microphone 3. With this configuration, even if the wireless microphone 3 is within one of the multiple audio control ranges R, the audio signal can be reproduced within that audio control range R. A user can use a single wireless microphone 3 in multiple areas.

[0124] Eighth Embodiment A wireless microphone system 1 according to the eighth embodiment will be described. In the wireless microphone system 1 of this embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0125] The wireless microphone system 1 includes a plurality of receiving devices 10. A sound emitting device 31 is connected to each of the plurality of receiving devices 10. The control device 20 has an audio control range RX set for each of the plurality of receiving devices 10 as control information.

[0126] 16 is a diagram showing audio control ranges RX set for each of the multiple receiving devices 10. The control unit 23 determines, for each of the multiple audio control ranges RX, whether the position of the wireless microphone 3 is within the audio control range RX.

[0127] With this configuration, an audio signal output from one wireless microphone 3 can be reproduced in multiple audio control ranges RX, each provided for a different receiving device 10. For example, a receiving device 10 is provided in each of two rooms that are separated from each other. The audio signal from the wireless microphone 3 can be reproduced in both rooms. This eliminates the need to provide a wireless microphone 3 for each room, increasing the convenience of the wireless microphone system 1.

[0128] Ninth Embodiment A wireless microphone system 1 according to the ninth embodiment will be described. In the wireless microphone system 1 of this embodiment, components common to those of the first embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment, and redundant description will be omitted. The wireless microphone system 1 includes a plurality of wireless microphones 3.

[0129] The control device 20 has audio control ranges R5 and R6 set for each wireless microphone 3 as control information.

[0130] After identifying the wireless microphone 3, the control unit 23 acquires the audio control range R set for the wireless microphone 3 and determines whether the position of the wireless microphone 3 is within the audio control range R.

[0131] 17 is a diagram showing audio control ranges R5 and R6 of each of multiple wireless microphones 3. In one example, the wireless microphone system 1 includes a first wireless microphone 3A and a second wireless microphone 3B. The first wireless microphone 3A has identification information MA. The second wireless microphone 3B has identification information MB.

[0132] 18 is a table showing the relationship between the identification information of each of the wireless microphones 3A and 3B and the audio control ranges R5 and R6. In this example, the control unit 23 operates as follows. When the position of the first wireless microphone 3A is within the audio control range R5, the control unit 23 outputs an audio signal to the sound emitting device 31 in response to a command to the audio signal processing unit 14. When the position of the first wireless microphone 3A is outside the audio control range R5, the control unit 23 stops outputting the audio signal to the sound emitting device 31 in response to a command to the audio signal processing unit 14.

[0133] When the position of the second wireless microphone 3B is within the audio control range R6, the control unit 23 outputs an audio signal to the sound emitting device 31 in response to a command to the audio signal processing unit 14. When the position of the second wireless microphone 3B is outside the audio control range R6, the control unit 23 stops outputting the audio signal to the sound emitting device 31 in response to a command to the audio signal processing unit 14.

[0134] As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, audio control ranges R for multiple wireless microphones 3 may be set for each of multiple receiving devices 10. In one example, the wireless microphone system 1 includes a first wireless microphone 3A, a second wireless microphone 3B, a first receiving device 10A, and a second receiving device 10B. In this embodiment, the first wireless microphone 3A has identification information MA. The second wireless microphone 3B has identification information MB. The first receiving device 10A has identification information LCA. The second receiving device 10B has identification information LCB. A first sound emitting device 31A is connected to the first receiving device 10A. A second sound emitting device 31B is connected to the second receiving device 10B.

[0135] An example of setting the audio control range R will be described below. An eleventh audio control range R11 for the first wireless microphone 3A is set for the first receiving device 10A. A twelfth audio control range R12 for the second wireless microphone 3B is set for the first receiving device 10A. A thirteenth audio control range R13 for the first wireless microphone 3A is set for the second receiving device 10B. A fourteenth audio control range R14 for the second wireless microphone 3B is set for the second receiving device 10B.

[0136] When the position of the first wireless microphone 3A is within the eleventh sound control range R11, the control unit 23 outputs a sound signal to the first sound emitting device 31A in response to a command to the sound signal processing unit 14. When the position of the second wireless microphone 3B is within the twelfth sound control range R12, the control unit 23 outputs a sound signal to the first sound emitting device 31A in response to a command to the sound signal processing unit 14.

[0137] When the position of the first wireless microphone 3A is within a thirteenth sound control range R13, the control unit 23 outputs an audio signal to the second sound emitting device 31B in response to a command to the audio signal processing unit 14. When the position of the second wireless microphone 3B is within a fourteenth sound control range R14, the control unit 23 outputs an audio signal to the second sound emitting device 31B in response to a command to the audio signal processing unit 14.

[0138] When the position of the first wireless microphone 3A is outside the eleventh sound control range R11, the control unit 23 stops the output of the sound signal to the first sound emitting device 31A by instructing the sound signal processing unit 14. When the position of the second wireless microphone 3B is outside the twelfth sound control range R12, the control unit 23 stops the output of the sound signal to the first sound emitting device 31A by instructing the sound signal processing unit 14.

[0139] When the position of the first wireless microphone 3A is outside the thirteenth sound control range R13, the control unit 23 stops the output of the sound signal to the second sound emitting device 31B by instructing the sound signal processing unit 14. When the position of the second wireless microphone 3B is outside the fourteenth sound control range R14, the control unit 23 stops the output of the sound signal to the second sound emitting device 31B by instructing the sound signal processing unit 14.

[0140] This allows the sound amplification ranges of the first wireless microphone 3A and the second wireless microphone 3B to be different around the first sound emitting device 31A. Also, the sound amplification ranges of the first wireless microphone 3A and the second wireless microphone 3B can be different around the second sound emitting device 31B.

[0141] In this embodiment, the control device 20 identifies the multiple wireless microphones 3 as follows. The wireless microphone 3 transmits an identification signal indicating identification information of the wireless microphone 3. The wireless microphone 3 periodically transmits the identification signal. The receiving device 10 receives the identification signal. The control device 20 has, as control information, first association information that associates the identification information with the wireless microphone 3. The first association information is stored in the memory unit 21. When the receiving unit 12 receives the identification information transmitted from the wireless microphone 3, the control unit 23 identifies the wireless microphone 3 based on the identification signal and the first association information.

[0142] The effects of this embodiment will be described. (1) When determining whether the position of the wireless microphone 3 is within the audio control range R, the control unit 23 uses the audio control range R corresponding to the wireless microphone 3. With this configuration, it is possible to individually control each of the multiple wireless microphones 3 depending on whether the position of the wireless microphone 3 is within the audio control range R. Furthermore, the multiple wireless microphones 3 are configured to be distinguishable from each other, and are configured so that the audio control range R can be set for each wireless microphone. This allows the user to individually control the audio for their own microphone (also called "my microphone").

[0143] (2) The wireless microphone 3 transmits an identification signal indicating the identification information of the wireless microphone 3. The control device 20 has, as control information, first association information that associates the identification information with the wireless microphone 3. The control unit 23 identifies the wireless microphone 3 based on the identification signal and the first association information. With this configuration, the wireless microphone 3 can be identified by the identification information.

[0144] Tenth Embodiment A wireless microphone system 1 according to a tenth embodiment will be described. In the wireless microphone system 1 of this embodiment, components common to those of the first embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment, and redundant description will be omitted. The wireless microphone system 1 includes a plurality of wireless microphones 3.

[0145] In this embodiment, a method for identifying a wireless microphone 3 that is different from that in the ninth embodiment will be described. Each of the multiple wireless microphones 3 has a unique frequency channel. The control device 20 has, as control information, second association information that associates the frequency channel with the wireless microphone 3.

[0146] The wireless microphone 3 outputs an audio signal using a specific frequency channel as a carrier wave. When the receiver 12 receives the carrier wave of the frequency channel transmitted from the wireless microphone 3, the controller 23 identifies the wireless microphone 3 based on the frequency channel and the second related information. Specifically, the controller 23 has a tuner. With this configuration, the wireless microphone 3 can be identified by the frequency channel.

[0147] <Modification> This embodiment can be modified as follows: This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined and implemented within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0148] <First Modification> As shown in FIG. 21 , a plurality of sound emitting devices 31 may be connected to the receiving device 10. An independent sound control range R may be set to correspond to the position of each sound emitting device 31. The plurality of sound control ranges R set in this manner are common to a plurality of wireless microphones 3. In one example, when a wireless microphone 3 is within the sound control range R, the sound emitting device 31 corresponding to the sound control range R operates. Such a wireless microphone system 1 is suitable for use in guiding exhibits at museums, art galleries, exhibitions, etc.

[0149] <Second Modification> As shown in FIG. 22 , a plurality of sound emitting devices 31 may be connected to the receiving device 10. In this case, a 21st sound control range R21 and a 22nd sound control range R22 are set individually and independently to correspond to the positions of the sound emitting devices 31 at both ends. In addition, the volume of the audio signals output from the plurality of sound emitting devices 31 is set for each of the plurality of sound emitting devices 31. An example will be described below. In this example, three sound emitting devices, a first sound emitting device 31X, a second sound emitting device 31Y, and a third sound emitting device 31Z, are arranged at a predetermined interval. The 21st sound control range R21 is set in the range between the first sound emitting device 31X and the second sound emitting device 31Y. The 22nd sound control range R22 is set in the range between the second sound emitting device 31Y and the third sound emitting device 31Z. In this description, the first level, the second level, and the third level indicate the volume of the audio signals output from the sound emitting devices 31. The third level indicates a volume lower than the second level. The second level indicates a lower volume than the first level.

[0150] Based on the wireless microphone 3 being within the 21st audio control range R21, the control unit 23 controls the volume of the audio signals output from the receiving device 10 to each of the first sound emitting device 31X to the third sound emitting device 31Z by issuing an instruction to the audio signal processing unit 14 as follows.

[0151] When the wireless microphone 3 is within the 21st sound control range R21, the control unit 23 amplifies the sound signal output from the first sound emitting device 31X to a first level, amplifies the sound signal output from the second sound emitting device 31Y to a second level, and amplifies the sound signal output from the third sound emitting device 31Z to a third level.

[0152] Based on the fact that the wireless microphone 3 is within the 22nd audio control range R22, the control unit 23 controls the volume of the audio signals output from the receiving device 10 to each of the first sound emitting device 31X to the third sound emitting device 31Z by issuing an instruction to the audio signal processing unit 14 as follows.

[0153] When the wireless microphone 3 is within the 22nd sound control range R22, the sound signal output from the first sound emitting device 31X is amplified to a third level, the sound signal output from the second sound emitting device 31Y is amplified to a second level, and the sound signal output from the third sound emitting device 31Z is amplified to a first level.

[0154] According to this configuration, as the wireless microphone 3 moves, the volume of the reproduced sound increases at the location where the wireless microphone 3 moves. In this way, the sound can be controlled in a manner according to the movement of the wireless microphone 3.

[0155] <Third Modification> In the above embodiments, the wireless microphone 3 may be provided with an indicator. The indicator displays whether the audio signal of the wireless microphone 3 is being reproduced. For example, in the first, second, third, and fifth to tenth embodiments, a signal indicating whether the audio signal of the wireless microphone 3 is being reproduced may be transmitted from the control device 20 to the wireless microphone 3. For example, in the first embodiment, when the audio signal output is switched to stopped in step S14, the control device 20 responds by sending a signal indicating that the audio signal is not being reproduced to the wireless microphone 3. At this time, the wireless microphone 3 switches the indicator to "indicating that the audio signal is not being reproduced" based on receiving a signal indicating that the audio signal is not being reproduced (hereinafter referred to as a non-reproduction signal). When the wireless microphone 3 does not receive the non-reproduction signal, the indicator switches to "indicating that the audio signal is being reproduced." When the audio signal output is switched from stopped to output by the processing of step S13, the control device 20 responds by sending a "signal indicating that the audio signal is being reproduced" to the wireless microphone 3. This allows the user to know from the display state of the indicator on the wireless microphone 3 whether or not he or she is in a location where audio is being reproduced.

[0156] In the fourth embodiment, the wireless microphone 3 receives instructions from the control unit 23 in steps S43 and S44, and the wireless microphone 3 displays an indicator in response to the instructions.

[0157] <Fourth Modification> In the ninth and tenth embodiments, the available wireless microphones 3 may be switched according to a schedule.

[0158] For example, the wireless microphones 3 that can be used for each audio control range R are set in a schedule. The schedule is stored in the control device 20. In one example, the control device 20 limits the wireless microphones 3 that can be played back in accordance with the schedule.

[0159] 17 or 18, a schedule is set so that the wireless microphone 3 (identification information MA) is available in audio control range R5 during the time period from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. A schedule is set so that the wireless microphone 3 (identification information MB) is available in audio control range R6 during the time period from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. In this case, during the time period from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, an audio signal is output to the sound emitting device 31 only when the wireless microphone 3 (identification information MA) is within audio control range R5. During the time period from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, an audio signal is not output even if the wireless microphone 3 (identification information MB) is within audio control range R6. On the other hand, during the time period from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, an audio signal is output to the sound emitting device 31 only when the wireless microphone 3 (identification information MB) is within audio control range R6. During the time period from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, an audio signal is not output even if the wireless microphone 3 (identification information MA) is within audio control range R5.

[0160] <Fifth Modification> In the above embodiment, the control unit 23 has given instructions to the receiving unit 12 and the audio signal processing unit 14 as examples of instructions to the receiving device 10, but the present invention is not limited to this. The instruction issued by the control unit 23 may be an instruction to the decoding unit 13 to decode the audio signal received from the receiving unit 12 or to stop decoding. The instruction issued by the control unit 23 may be an instruction to the mixer 15 to mix the audio data processed by the audio signal processing unit 14 or to stop mixing. The instruction issued by the control unit 23 may be an instruction to the DA converter 16 to perform DA processing on the audio data input from the mixer 15 or to stop DA processing. The instruction issued by the control unit 23 may be an instruction to the amplifier 17 to amplify and output the audio signal input from the DA converter 16 or to stop amplifying and outputting the audio signal. In short, the command issued from the control unit 23 should instruct the receiving device 10 to process the audio signal received by the antenna 11 in each part from the receiving unit 12 to the amplifier 17 and output it to the sound emitting device 31, or not to output it.

[0161] <Other variations> In the above embodiment, the position of the wireless microphone 3 is specified using two-dimensional coordinates. However, by using a three-dimensional array antenna, the position of the wireless microphone 3 may be specified using three-dimensional coordinates. In this case, the audio control range R can be set in a space where people move up and down, such as a space including stairs. Examples of spaces including stairs include a baseball stadium, an open stairwell in a house, and a space including stairs on a train platform.

[0162] In the above embodiment, the layout information may be obtained from map information on the Internet. When setting the voice control range R, the layout information may set the placement of the antenna 11 in the layout using a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) or an indoor positioning system (IPS). [Explanation of symbols]

[0163] R...audio control range, 1...wireless microphone system, 3...wireless microphone, 10...receiving device, 20...control device, 21...memory unit, 22...position identification unit, 23...control unit, 25...setting unit, 26...information output unit, 27...information receiving unit, 28...information setting unit, 29...calibration unit, 31...sound emission device, 33...display unit.

Claims

1. A wireless microphone system, at least one wireless microphone that transmits an audio signal and a location signal by radio waves; at least one receiving device that receives the audio signal and the location identification signal; a control device that acquires the audio signal and the location identification signal from the receiving device, The control device a storage unit that stores control information; a position identification unit that identifies the position of the wireless microphone based on the position identification signal; a control unit that controls at least one of the audio signal, a sound emitting device that reproduces the audio signal, the receiving device, and the wireless microphone based on the position and the control information, the control information includes information indicating an audio control range for reproducing the audio signal; Wireless microphone system.

2. The control unit When the position is within the sound control range, outputting the sound signal to the sound emitting device; When the position is outside the audio control range, output of the audio signal to the sound emitting device is stopped.

2. The wireless microphone system according to claim 1.

3. The control unit receiving the audio signal when the location is within the audio control range; stopping reception of the audio signal when the location is outside the audio control range; 3. The wireless microphone system according to claim 1.

4. The control unit When the position is within the audio control range, instruct the sound emitting device to reproduce the audio signal; When the position is outside the audio control range, instruct the sound emitting device to stop playing the audio signal.

4. The wireless microphone system according to claim 1.

5. The control unit When the position is within the audio control range, an output execution command of the audio signal is transmitted to the wireless microphone; When the position is outside the audio control range, an instruction to stop outputting the audio signal is sent to the wireless microphone.

5. The wireless microphone system according to claim 1.

6. The control unit When the position is outside the audio control range, a command to stop outputting the audio signal and an energy saving command to execute power consumption limit control are transmitted to the wireless microphone.

6. The wireless microphone system according to claim 5.

7. The control unit When the position is within the audio control range, a first manner of processing is performed on the audio signal; When the position is outside the audio control range, a second manner processing different from the first manner processing is performed on the audio signal; the first type processing is an amplification processing, the second mode processing is a mute processing; 7. The wireless microphone system according to claim 1.

8. the control device has, as the audio control range, a first audio control range and a second audio control range set within the first audio control range, The control unit storing location status information indicating whether the location is within the voice control range; the position state information is a parameter that takes either a first state in which the position is within the voice control range or a second state in which the position is outside the voice control range, When determining whether the location is within the voice control range, When the location state information is the first state, the first voice control range is used as the voice control range; When the location state information is the second state, the second voice control range is used as the voice control range.

8. The wireless microphone system according to claim 1.

9. the control device has, as the control information, a plurality of the audio control ranges for one of the wireless microphones; 9. The wireless microphone system according to claim 1.

10. a plurality of the receiving devices; the control device has, as the control information, the audio control ranges set for the plurality of receiving devices, the control unit determines whether the position is within a plurality of the audio control ranges set for each of the receiving devices.

10. The wireless microphone system according to claim 1.

11. A plurality of the wireless microphones are provided, the control device has, as the control information, a plurality of the audio control ranges set for each of the plurality of wireless microphones, The control unit When determining whether the position is within the audio control range, the audio control range corresponding to the wireless microphone is used. The wireless microphone system according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The wireless microphone further transmits an identification signal indicating identification information of the wireless microphone, The receiving device further receives the identification signal, the control device includes, as the control information, first association information that associates the identification information with the wireless microphone; the control unit identifies the wireless microphone based on the identification signal and the first related information.

12. The wireless microphone system according to claim 11.

13. the wireless microphone outputs the audio signal through a preset frequency channel; the control device includes, as the control information, second association information that associates the frequency channel with the wireless microphone; the control unit identifies the wireless microphone based on the frequency channel and the second related information.

12. The wireless microphone system according to claim 11.

14. The control device further includes a setting unit for setting the voice control range. The wireless microphone system according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. The setting unit an information output unit that outputs, to a display unit, layout information indicating a layout of a location where the receiving device is placed and placement information indicating a placement of the receiving device relative to the layout; an information receiving unit that receives input of the placement of the receiving device relative to the layout and the audio control range in the layout; an information setting unit that stores the audio control range for the layout and the arrangement of the receiving device in the storage unit, 15. The wireless microphone system according to claim 14.

16. The setting unit further includes a calibration unit, the calibration unit associates an actual position with the position identified based on a position identification signal output in a state where the wireless microphone is placed at the actual position; 16. A wireless microphone system according to claim 14 or 15.

17. 1. A wireless microphone system setting method for setting a range related to playback of an audio signal in a wireless microphone system, comprising: The wireless microphone system includes: at least one wireless microphone that transmits an audio signal and a location signal by radio waves; at least one receiving device that receives the audio signal and the location identification signal; a control device that acquires the audio signal and the location identification signal from the receiving device, The control device a storage unit that stores control information; a position identification unit that identifies the position of the wireless microphone based on the position identification signal; a control unit that controls at least one of the audio signal, a sound emitting device that reproduces the audio signal, the receiving device, and the wireless microphone based on the position and the control information, the control information includes information indicating an audio control range for reproducing the audio signal; a first step of setting a layout of a location where the receiving device is to be placed as layout information in the control device; a second step of setting the placement of the receiving device in the control device with respect to the layout; a third step of setting the audio control range in the layout; a fourth step of associating an actual position with the position identified based on the position identifying signal output in a state where the wireless microphone is placed at the actual position, How to set up a wireless microphone system.

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