Audio systems, audio devices, programs, and audio playback methods

Abstract

To provide an audio system, an audio device, a reproduction method and a program, which suppress sound leakage to the outside even if a user listens to audio at a desired sound volume in a room.SOLUTION: A multichannel audio device 1 voice-outputs an audio reproduction signal of each channel from each reproduction speaker 2, and voice-outputs an opposite phase signal of the audio reproduction signal from an opposite phase speaker 3. An attenuation rate and delay time of the audio reproduction signal which is voice-outputted from each reproduction speaker 2 at an installation position of the opposite phase speaker 3 are previously stored, and the opposite phase signal of the audio reproduction signal of each channel is attenuated based on each attenuation rate, is delayed based on each delay time and is voice-outputted from the opposite phase speaker 3 during audio reproduction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

【Technical Field】 【0001】 The present invention relates to audio playback technology, and particularly to technology for suppressing sound leakage of an audio playback signal. 【Background Art】 【0002】 A multi-channel audio device that plays multi-channel audio content using a plurality of speakers is known. For example, the multi-channel audio device described in Patent Document 1 plays and amplifies an audio playback signal for each channel of multi-channel audio content, and outputs it from the speaker corresponding to this channel. 【0003】 In addition, among multi-channel audio devices, there are those that can set acoustic profile information (output timing, volume level, etc.) of an audio playback signal for each channel of multi-channel audio content. For example, the multi-channel audio device described in Patent Document 2 picks up a test signal output from the speaker corresponding to each channel of multi-channel audio content with a dedicated measurement microphone installed at the listening point, and measures its delay time and attenuation rate. Then, for each channel of multi-channel audio content, acoustic profile information is set so that the acoustic characteristics of the audio playback signal output from the speaker corresponding to this channel are optimal at the listening point. 【Prior Art Documents】 【Patent Documents】 【0004】 【Patent Document 1】 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-367290 【Patent Document 2】 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-354300 【Summary of the Invention】 【Problems to be Solved by the Invention】 【0005】 According to conventional multi-channel audio devices such as those described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, users can enjoy immersive sound through the audio playback signals of each channel output from multiple speakers. In particular, according to the multi-channel audio device described in Patent Document 2, users can enjoy optimal sound at the listening point. 【0006】 However, when a user listens to audio at their preferred volume level indoors, the sound may leak outside, potentially causing discomfort to people outside. 【0007】 This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a technology that can suppress sound leakage to the outside even when a user listens to audio at their preferred volume level indoors. [Means for solving the problem] 【0008】 To solve the above problems, the present invention outputs an audio playback signal from a playback speaker and outputs an inverse-phase signal of this audio playback signal from an inverse-phase speaker. Here, the attenuation rate and delay time of the audio playback signal output from the playback speaker at the installation position of the inverse-phase speaker are stored in advance. Then, when outputting the audio playback signal from the playback speaker, the inverse-phase signal of this audio playback signal is attenuated based on the pre-stored attenuation rate and delayed based on the pre-stored delay time, and then output from the inverse-phase speaker. 【0009】 For example, the audio system of the present invention is An audio system comprising an audio device that outputs an audio playback signal, and a playback speaker that outputs the audio playback signal output from the audio device, It also features an inverse-phase speaker, The aforementioned audio device is An inverse phase signal generation means for generating an inverse phase signal of the audio playback signal, Installation location information storage means for storing the attenuation rate and delay time of the audio playback signal output from the playback speaker at the installation location of the out-of-phase speaker, The system includes an inverse phase signal output means that attenuates the inverse phase signal generated by the inverse phase signal generation means based on the attenuation rate stored in the installation location information storage means, and delays it based on the delay time stored in the installation location information storage means before outputting it to the inverse phase speaker. The aforementioned inverse-phase speaker is The inverted phase signal output from the aforementioned audio device is output as audio. 【0010】 Furthermore, for example, the audio device of the present invention is An audio device that outputs an audio playback signal to a playback speaker, An inverse phase signal generation means for generating an inverse phase signal of the audio playback signal, Installation location information storage means for storing the attenuation rate and delay time of the audio playback signal output from the playback speaker at the installation location of a phase-reverse speaker provided separately from the playback speaker, The system includes an inverse phase signal output means that attenuates the inverse phase signal generated by the inverse phase signal generation means based on the attenuation rate stored in the installation location information storage means, and delays it based on the delay time stored in the installation location information storage means before outputting it to the inverse phase speaker. [Effects of the Invention] 【0011】 In this invention, the attenuation rate and delay time of the audio playback signal output from the playback speaker at the installation location of the inverse-phase speaker are stored in advance. When the audio playback signal is output from the playback speaker, the inverse-phase signal of this audio playback signal is attenuated based on the stored attenuation rate and delayed based on the stored delay time, and then output from the inverse-phase speaker. Therefore, the audio playback signal output from the playback speaker can be canceled out by the inverse-phase signal at the installation location of the inverse-phase speaker. 【0012】 Therefore, according to the present invention, by installing an out-of-phase speaker in a location where sound leakage to the outside is expected to occur, it is possible to suppress sound leakage to the outside even when a user listens to audio at their preferred volume level indoors. [Brief explanation of the drawing] 【0013】 [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a multi-channel audio system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a sequence diagram illustrating the operation of setting installation location information for a multi-channel audio system. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a sequence diagram illustrating the operation of setting the installation location information for a multi-channel audio system, and is a continuation of Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the functional configuration of the multi-channel audio device 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the process for setting the installation location information of the multi-channel audio device 1. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the signal flow in the audio playback processing of the multi-channel audio device 1, and shows a portion of the functional configuration diagram shown in Figure 4. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the functional configuration of the wireless terminal 4. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the installation position information setting process of the wireless terminal 4. 【Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention】 【0014】 Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 【0015】 FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a multi-channel audio system according to the present embodiment. 【0016】 As shown in the figure, the multi-channel audio system according to the present embodiment includes a multi-channel audio device 1 connected to a media server 5 via an access point 7 and a network 6 such as a WAN (Wide Area Network) and a LAN (Local Area Network), reproduction speakers 2-1 to 2-5 provided for each channel (hereinafter also simply referred to as reproduction speakers 2), an inverse-phase speaker 3, and a wireless terminal 4 wirelessly connected to the multi-channel audio device 1 via the access point 7. 【0017】 The multi-channel audio device 1 downloads multi-channel audio content from the media server 5, reproduces the downloaded multi-channel audio content into an audio reproduction signal for each channel, and outputs it from the reproduction speakers 2-1 to 2-5. 【0018】 In the present embodiment, the case of reproducing 5ch multi-channel audio content is exemplified, and five reproduction speakers 2-1 to 2-5 corresponding to the C (Center) channel, FR (Front Right) channel, FL (Front Left) channel, SR (Surround Right) channel, and SL (Surround Left) channel are connected to the multi-channel audio device 1. 【0019】 The inverse-phase speaker 3 is installed in locations where sound leakage to the outside may occur, such as on the walls, windows, and doors of a room where a multi-channel audio system is installed. 【0020】 The multi-channel audio device 1 generates an inverse phase signal of the audio playback signal for each channel of the multi-channel audio content. For each channel, the output volume level and output timing of the inverse phase signal are adjusted based on the attenuation rate and delay time (hereinafter referred to as installation location information) of the audio playback signal output from the corresponding playback speaker 2 at the installation location of the inverse phase speaker 3. These inverse phase signals are then combined and output from the inverse phase speaker 3. This cancels out the audio playback signals output from each channel's playback speaker 2 near the installation location of the inverse phase speaker 3, suppressing sound leakage to the outside. 【0021】 The wireless terminal 4 is a smartphone, tablet PC (Personal Computer), etc., equipped with a microphone or microphone input terminal, and functions as a controller for remotely operating the multi-channel audio device 1. The wireless terminal 4 also measures the volume level and arrival timing of the audio playback signal output from the corresponding playback speaker 2 for each channel of the multi-channel audio content at the installation location of the inverse-phase speaker 3, and transmits these measurement results to the multi-channel audio device 1. 【0022】 Figures 2 and 3 are sequence diagrams illustrating the operation of setting installation location information for a multi-channel audio system. 【0023】 First, the user moves to the installation location of the out-of-phase speaker 3 carrying the wireless terminal 4, and there performs an operation to set the installation location information on the wireless terminal 4. When the wireless terminal 4 receives the operation to set the installation location information from the user (S100), it sends a C channel test request to the multi-channel audio device 1 (S101). In response, the multi-channel audio device 1 sends a test audio signal (hereinafter referred to as the test signal) to the C channel playback speaker 2-1 (S102), and the C channel playback speaker 2-1 outputs the test signal as sound (S103). The wireless terminal 4 picks up the test signal output from the C channel playback speaker 2-1 using its built-in microphone or a microphone connected to the microphone input terminal, and measures its volume level and arrival timing (S104). 【0024】 Next, the wireless terminal 4 transmits an FR channel test request to the multi-channel audio device 1 (S105). In response, the multi-channel audio device 1 transmits a test signal to the FR channel playback speaker 2-2 (S106), and the FR channel playback speaker 2-2 outputs the test signal as audio (S107). The wireless terminal 4 uses its built-in microphone or a microphone connected to the microphone input terminal to pick up the test signal output from the FR channel playback speaker 2-2 and measures its volume level and arrival timing (S108). 【0025】 Next, the wireless terminal 4 transmits an FL channel test request to the multi-channel audio device 1 (S109). In response, the multi-channel audio device 1 transmits a test signal to the FL channel playback speakers 2-3 (S110), and the FL channel playback speakers 2-3 output the test signal as audio (S111). The wireless terminal 4 uses its built-in microphone or a microphone connected to the microphone input terminal to pick up the test signal output from the FL channel playback speakers 2-3 and measures its volume level and arrival timing (S112). 【0026】 Next, the wireless terminal 4 transmits an SR channel test request to the multi-channel audio device 1 (S113). In response, the multi-channel audio device 1 transmits a test signal to the SR channel playback speakers 2-4 (S114), and the SR channel playback speakers 2-4 output the test signal as audio (S115). The wireless terminal 4 uses its built-in microphone or a microphone connected to the microphone input terminal to pick up the test signal output from the SR channel playback speakers 2-4 and measures its volume level and arrival timing (S116). 【0027】 Next, the wireless terminal 4 transmits an SL channel test request to the multi-channel audio device 1 (S117). In response, the multi-channel audio device 1 transmits a test signal to the SL channel playback speakers 2-5 (S118), and the SL channel playback speakers 2-5 output the test signal as audio (S119). The wireless terminal 4 uses its built-in microphone or a microphone connected to the microphone input terminal to pick up the test signal output from the SL channel playback speakers 2-5 and measures its volume level and arrival timing (S120). 【0028】 Then, once the wireless terminal 4 has finished measuring the volume level and arrival timing of the test signal for each channel, it transmits these measurement results to the multi-channel audio device 1 as the volume level and arrival timing of the test signal for each channel at the installation location of the inverse-phase speaker 3 (S121). In response, the multi-channel audio device 1 calculates the installation location information of the corresponding playback speaker 2 for each channel (S122). Specifically, for each channel, it calculates the attenuation rate of the test signal at the installation location of the inverse-phase speaker 3 based on the output volume level of the test signal from the corresponding playback speaker 2 and the volume level of the test signal at the installation location of the inverse-phase speaker 3 (measurement result). In addition, for each channel, it calculates the delay time of the test signal at the installation location of the inverse-phase speaker 3 based on the output timing of the test signal from the playback speaker 2 and the arrival timing of the test signal at the installation location of the inverse-phase speaker 3 (measurement result). 【0029】 Then, the multi-channel audio device 1 registers the attenuation rate and delay time of the test signal for each channel as installation position information for the playback speaker 2 corresponding to that channel (S123). 【0030】 In the examples shown in Figures 2 and 3, test requests are made in the order of C channel, FR channel, FL channel, SR channel, and SL channel, and the volume level and arrival timing of the test signal at the installation location of the inverse-phase speaker 3 are measured. However, the order of measurement is not limited to this. As long as the volume level and arrival timing of the test signal at the installation location of the inverse-phase speaker 3 can be measured for all channels of the multi-channel audio content, the measurements may be performed in any order for the multiple playback speakers 2. 【0031】 Next, we will describe in detail the multi-channel audio device 1 and wireless terminal 4 that constitute the multi-channel audio system according to this embodiment. 【0032】 Since existing general-purpose speakers can be used for the playback speaker 2 and the inverse-phase speaker 3, a detailed explanation of them will be omitted. 【0033】 First, let's explain the details of the multi-channel audio device 1. 【0034】 Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the functional configuration of the multi-channel audio device 1. 【0035】 As shown in the figure, the multi-channel audio device 1 includes a wireless network interface unit 100, a playback speaker connection unit 101, an inverse-phase speaker connection unit 102, a request reception unit 103, a music acquisition unit 104, an audio playback unit 105, an inverse-phase signal generation unit 106, an installation location information storage unit 107, a test signal output unit 108, a measurement result reception unit 109, an installation location information calculation unit 110, an inverse-phase signal output unit 111, and a main control unit 112. 【0036】 The wireless network interface unit 100 is an interface for wirelessly connecting to the access point 7. 【0037】 The playback speaker connection section 101, although not shown in the figure, has connection terminals for connecting playback speakers 2 corresponding to each channel. In this embodiment, it has a C channel connection terminal for connecting playback speaker 2-1 corresponding to the C channel, an FR channel connection terminal for connecting playback speaker 2-2 corresponding to the FR channel, an FL channel connection terminal for connecting playback speaker 2-3 corresponding to the FL channel, an SR channel connection terminal for connecting playback speaker 2-4 corresponding to the SR channel, and an SL channel connection terminal for connecting playback speaker 2-5 corresponding to the SL channel. 【0038】 The reverse-phase speaker connection section 102, although not shown in the figure, has connection terminals for connecting the reverse-phase speaker 3. 【0039】 The request receiving unit 103 receives various requests from the wireless terminal 4 via the wireless network interface unit 100. 【0040】 The music acquisition unit 104, in accordance with the music acquisition request received by the request reception unit 103 from the wireless terminal 4, accesses the media server 5 via the wireless network interface unit 100 and downloads multi-channel audio content from the media server 5. 【0041】 The audio playback unit 105 plays back the multi-channel audio content downloaded by the music acquisition unit 104 as audio playback signals for multiple channels (in this embodiment, FR channel, FL channel, C channel, SR channel, and SL channel). For each channel, it outputs the audio playback signal from the corresponding playback speaker 2 via the playback speaker connection unit 101. 【0042】 The inverse phase signal generation unit 106 generates an inverse phase signal for each channel of the audio playback signal reproduced by the audio playback unit 105. 【0043】 The installation location information storage unit 107 stores installation location information for each playback speaker 2 (the attenuation rate and delay time of the audio signal output from the playback speaker 2 at the installation location of the inverse-phase speaker 3). 【0044】 The test signal output unit 108 outputs a test signal from the playback speaker 2 corresponding to the channel specified in the test request via the playback speaker connection unit 101, in accordance with the test request received by the request reception unit 103 from the wireless terminal 4. 【0045】 The measurement result receiving unit 109 receives measurement results from the wireless terminal 4 via the wireless network interface unit 100, including the volume level and arrival timing of the test signal output from each playback speaker 2 at the installation location of the out-of-phase speaker 3. 【0046】 The installation location information calculation unit 110 calculates installation location information for each playback speaker 2 based on the output volume level and output timing of the test signal from the playback speaker 2, and the volume level and arrival timing of the test signal at the installation location of the inverse-phase speaker 3, which are included in the measurement results received by the measurement result receiving unit 109. Specifically, for each playback speaker 2, the attenuation rate of the test signal at the installation location of the inverse-phase speaker 3 is calculated based on the ratio of the output volume level of the test signal to the volume level of the test signal at the installation location of the inverse-phase speaker 3 (measurement result). Furthermore, for each playback speaker 2, the delay time of the test signal at the installation location of the inverse-phase speaker 3 is calculated based on the difference between the output timing of the test signal and the arrival timing of the test signal at the installation location of the inverse-phase speaker 3 (measurement result). The installation location information calculation unit 110 also stores the attenuation rate and delay time of the test signal calculated for each playback speaker 2 as installation location information, linked to the corresponding playback speaker 2, in the installation location information storage unit 107. 【0047】 The inverse phase signal output unit 111 adjusts the output volume level and output timing of the inverse phase signal for the corresponding channel, generated by the inverse phase signal generation unit 106, for each playback speaker 2, based on the installation location information stored in the installation location information storage unit 107, which is linked to the playback speaker 2. Specifically, for each playback speaker 2, the inverse phase signal for the corresponding channel is attenuated according to the attenuation rate included in the installation location information stored in the installation location information storage unit 107, which is linked to the playback speaker 2, and is also delayed according to the delay time included in the installation location information stored in the installation location information storage unit 107, which is linked to the playback speaker 2. The inverse phase signal output unit 111 also synthesizes the inverse phase signals of all channels whose output volume levels and output timings have been adjusted, and outputs this synthesized inverse phase signal from the inverse phase speaker 3 via the inverse phase speaker connection unit 102. 【0048】 The main control unit 112 then comprehensively controls each of the parts 100 to 111 of the multi-channel audio device 1. 【0049】 The functional configuration of the multi-channel audio device 1 shown in Figure 4 may be implemented in hardware using integrated logic ICs such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) and FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), or it may be implemented in software using a computer such as a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). Alternatively, it may be implemented as a process in a general-purpose computer such as a PC (Personal Computer) equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory, auxiliary storage devices such as flash memory and hard disk drives, and wireless communication devices such as wireless LAN adapters, by having the CPU load a predetermined program from the auxiliary storage device into memory and execute it. 【0050】 Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the process for setting the installation location information of the multi-channel audio device 1. 【0051】 When the request receiving unit 103 receives a test request from the wireless terminal 4 via the wireless network interface unit 100 (YES in S200), it outputs this test request to the main control unit 112. In response, the main control unit 112 instructs the test signal output unit 108 to output a test signal to the playback speaker 2 corresponding to the channel specified in this test request. The test signal output unit 108 transmits a test signal to the playback speaker 2 instructed by the main control unit 112 via the playback speaker connection unit 101, and outputs the test signal as audio from this playback speaker 2 (S201). 【0052】 Furthermore, the test signal output unit 108 notifies the main control unit 112 of the output volume level and output timing of the test signal from the playback speaker 2. In response, the main control unit 112 stores the output volume level and output timing notified by the test signal output unit 108, associating them with the playback speaker 2 corresponding to the channel specified in the test request (S202). 【0053】 Next, the main control unit 112 determines whether or not it has received a test request with the specification of a corresponding channel for all playback speakers 2 connected to the playback speaker connection unit 101 (S203). If no test request with the specification of a corresponding channel has been received for some of the playback speakers 2 (NO in S203), the process returns to S200. If no test request with the specification of a corresponding channel has been received for all of the playback speakers 2 (YES in S203), the process proceeds to S204. 【0054】 In S204, when the measurement result receiving unit 109 receives measurement results (volume level and arrival timing of the test signal for each channel at the installation location of the inverse-phase speaker 3) for the test signal output from each playback speaker 2 via the wireless network interface unit 100 from the wireless terminal 4 (YES in S204), it outputs these measurement results to the main control unit 112. 【0055】 In response, the main control unit 112 notifies the installation position information calculation unit 110 of the measurement results for the test signal output from each playback speaker 2, along with the output volume level and output timing stored in association with each playback speaker 2, and instructs the calculation of the installation position information for each playback speaker 2. In response, the installation position information calculation unit 110 calculates the installation position information for each playback speaker 2. Specifically, for each playback speaker 2, it calculates the attenuation rate of the test signal at the installation position of the inverse-phase speaker 3 based on the ratio of the output volume level of the test signal to the volume level of the test signal at the installation position of the inverse-phase speaker 3 (measurement result), and calculates the delay time of the test signal at the installation position of the inverse-phase speaker 3 based on the difference between the output timing of the test signal and the arrival timing of the test signal at the installation position of the inverse-phase speaker 3 (measurement result). Then, the installation location information calculation unit 110 stores the attenuation rate and delay time of the test signal calculated for each playback speaker 2 as installation location information, linked to the corresponding playback speaker 2, in the installation location information storage unit 107 (S205). 【0056】 Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the signal flow in the audio playback processing of the multi-channel audio device 1, and shows a portion of the functional configuration diagram shown in Figure 4. 【0057】 First, the main control unit 112 receives an audio playback request from the wireless terminal 4 via the request receiving unit 103. The music acquisition unit 104 downloads the multi-channel audio content specified in this audio playback request from the media server 5, and outputs it to the audio playback unit 105 (S300). 【0058】 Next, the audio playback unit 105 reproduces the multi-channel audio content input from the main control unit 112 into audio playback signals for multiple channels (in this embodiment, FR channel, FL channel, C channel, SR channel, and SL channel). Then, it outputs the audio playback signals for multiple channels to the playback speaker connection unit 101 and the inverse phase signal generation unit 106 (S301, S302). 【0059】 Next, the playback speaker connection unit 101 outputs the audio playback signals of multiple channels input from the audio playback unit 105 to the playback speaker 2 corresponding to each channel (S303), and outputs sound from this playback speaker 2. 【0060】 Meanwhile, the inverse phase signal generation unit 106 generates inverse phase signals for each of the multiple channels of audio playback signals input from the audio playback unit 105 and outputs them to the inverse phase signal output unit 111 (S304). In response, the inverse phase signal output unit 111 adjusts the output volume level and output timing of the inverse phase signals input from the inverse phase signal generation unit 106 according to the installation position information stored in the installation position information storage unit 107, which is linked to the playback speaker 2 corresponding to each channel of the inverse phase signal. Specifically, for each playback speaker 2, the inverse phase signal of the corresponding channel is attenuated according to the attenuation rate included in the installation position information linked to this playback speaker 2, and this installation position information The signal is delayed according to the delay time included in the signal. Then, the inverse phase signal output unit 111 synthesizes the inverse phase signals of all channels whose output volume levels and output timings have been adjusted, and outputs this synthesized inverse phase signal to the inverse phase speaker connection unit 102 (S305). 【0061】 In response, the inverse-phase speaker connection unit 102 outputs the combined inverse-phase signal to the inverse-phase speaker 3 (S306), and the inverse-phase speaker 3 outputs audio. 【0062】 Next, we will explain the details of the wireless terminal 4. 【0063】 Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the functional configuration of the wireless terminal 4. 【0064】 As shown in the figure, the wireless terminal 4 includes a wireless network interface unit 400, a human-machine interface unit 401, a various request transmission unit 402, a sound collection unit 403, a measurement unit 404, a measurement result transmission unit 405, and a main control unit 406. 【0065】 The wireless network interface unit 400 is an interface for wirelessly connecting to the access point 7. 【0066】 The human-machine interface unit 401 is an interface for displaying information to the user and receiving various operations from the user, and has input / output devices such as a touch panel. 【0067】 The various request transmission unit 402 transmits various requests to the multi-channel audio device 1 via the wireless network interface unit 400, such as a test request with channel specification and an audio playback request with song title specification, according to various operations received from the user via the human-machine interface unit 401. 【0068】 When the various request transmission unit 402 transmits a test request to the multi-channel audio device 1, the sound pickup unit 403 picks up the test signal output from the playback speaker 2 corresponding to the channel specified in the test request using the built-in microphone of its wireless terminal 4 or a microphone connected to the microphone input terminal. 【0069】 The measuring unit 404 is controlled by the sound receiving unit 403. Sound recording The volume level and arrival timing of the test signal are measured. 【0070】 The measurement result transmission unit 405 transmits the measurement results measured by the measurement unit 404 to the multi-channel audio device 1 via the wireless network interface unit 400. 【0071】 The main control unit 406 then comprehensively controls each of the wireless terminal 400-405. 【0072】 The functional configuration of the wireless terminal 4 shown in Figure 7 is realized in a portable computer such as a smartphone or tablet PC, which is equipped with a CPU, memory, auxiliary storage device such as flash memory, wireless communication device such as a wireless LAN adapter, microphone, and speaker, by the CPU executing a predetermined program. 【0073】 Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating the process for setting the installation location information of the wireless terminal 4. 【0074】 This process begins when the human-machine interface unit 401 receives a setting operation for installation location information from the user. 【0075】 First, the main control unit 406 notifies the various request transmission unit 402 of the unspecified channels among the multiple channels corresponding to the multiple playback speakers 2 connected to the multi-channel audio device 1, and instructs it to send a test request. In response, the various request transmission unit 402 sends a test request to the multi-channel audio device 1 via the wireless network interface unit 400, along with the channel specification notified by the main control unit 406 (S400). 【0076】 Subsequently, a test signal is output from the playback speaker 2 corresponding to the channel specified in this test request. When the sound pickup unit 403 picks up this signal (YES in S401), the measurement unit 404 measures the volume level and arrival timing of the test signal picked up by the sound pickup unit 403 (S402). The measurement unit then notifies the main control unit 406 of these measurement results (volume level and arrival timing). In response, the main control unit 406 stores the measurement results notified by the measurement unit 404, associating them with the channel specified in the test request transmitted in S400 (S403). 【0077】 Next, the main control unit 406 determines whether there are any channels among the multiple channels corresponding to the multiple playback speakers 2 connected to the multi-channel audio device 1 that are not specified in the test request transmitted by the various request transmission unit 402 (S404). If there are unspecified channels (YES in S404), the process returns to S400. On the other hand, if all of the multiple channels have been specified and there are no unspecified channels (NO in S404), the main control unit 406 notifies the measurement result transmission unit 405 of the measurement results for each of the test signals of the multiple channels. In response, the measurement result transmission unit 405 transmits the measurement results for each of the test signals of the channels corresponding to the multiple playback speakers 2 connected to the multi-channel audio device 1 to the multi-channel audio device 1 via the wireless network interface unit 400 (S405). 【0078】 One embodiment of the present invention has been described above. 【0079】 In this embodiment, for each playback speaker 2, the attenuation rate and delay time of the test signal output from the playback speaker 2 at the installation location of the inverse-phase speaker 3 are stored as installation location information for the playback speaker 2. When playing multi-channel audio content, for each playback speaker 2, the inverse-phase signal of the audio playback signal output from the playback speaker 2 is attenuated based on the attenuation rate included in the installation location information for the playback speaker 2, and delayed based on the delay time included in the installation location information for the playback speaker 2. Then, the inverse-phase signals with adjusted volume levels and output timings are combined, and this combined inverse-phase signal is output from the inverse-phase speaker 3. Therefore, the audio playback signals output from each playback speaker 2 can be canceled out at the installation location of the inverse-phase speaker 3. 【0080】 Therefore, according to this embodiment, by installing the out-of-phase speaker 3 in locations where sound leakage from the room where the multi-channel audio system is installed to the outside is expected to occur (for example, near windows, walls, and doors), it is possible to suppress sound leakage to the outside even when the user listens to multi-channel audio at their preferred volume level inside the room. 【0081】 Furthermore, in this embodiment, during the installation location information setting process, the wireless terminal 4 uses a built-in microphone or an external microphone placed at the installation location of the inverse-phase speaker 3 to capture the audio playback signal output from each playback speaker 2, and associates the measurement results of the volume level and arrival timing with the channel corresponding to the playback speaker 2. The measurement results for the test signal of each channel are then transmitted to the multi-channel audio device 1. In response, the multi-channel audio device 1 calculates the installation location information for each playback speaker 2 based on the output volume level and output timing of the audio playback signal from the playback speaker 2 and the measurement results for the test signal of the channel corresponding to the playback speaker 2 received from the wireless terminal 4. 【0082】 Therefore, according to this embodiment, even if the installation positions of the playback speakers 2-1 to 2-5 or the inverse-phase speaker 3 are changed, by performing the installation position information setting process again and recalculating the installation position information for each playback speaker 2, it is possible to suppress sound leakage to the outside even when the user listens to multi-channel audio at their preferred volume level indoors. 【0083】 It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and numerous modifications are possible within the scope of its essence. 【0084】 For example, in the above embodiment, the phase-reversing speaker 3 may be a wireless speaker wirelessly connected to the multi-channel audio device 1 via the access point 7 through the wireless network interface unit 100. Alternatively, it may be a wireless speaker wirelessly connected directly to the multi-channel audio device 1 via short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth®. In this case, it is preferable to correct the delay time included in the installation position information of each playback speaker 2 so that it is shortened by the transmission time of the audio signal transmitted from the multi-channel audio device 1 to the phase-reversing speaker 3. 【0085】 Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the sound pickup unit 403 and measurement unit 404 of the wireless terminal 4 may be built into the multi-channel audio device 1, and a microphone may be attached externally to the multi-channel audio device 1. In this case, when the multi-channel audio device 1 receives a test request from the wireless terminal 4, it outputs a test signal as sound from the playback speaker 2 corresponding to the channel specified in the test request. This test signal is picked up by the sound pickup unit 403 built into the multi-channel audio device 1 using an external microphone placed at the installation position of the out-of-phase speaker 3, and the volume level and arrival timing are measured by the measurement unit 404 built into the multi-channel audio device 1. After measuring the volume level and arrival timing of the test signal for all playback speakers 2, the measurement results are passed to the main control unit 112. Subsequently, S205 in Figure 5 is performed to cause the installation position information calculation unit 110 to calculate the installation position information for each playback speaker 2. 【0086】 In this case, the sound pickup unit 403, the measurement unit 404, and the measurement result transmission unit 405 can be omitted from the wireless terminal 4. Also, the measurement result receiving unit 109 can be omitted from the multi-channel audio device 1. Furthermore, in this case, if the inverse-phase speaker 3 is a wireless speaker, the microphone may be built into the inverse-phase speaker 3. 【0087】 Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a low-pass filter may be built into the inverse-phase signal output unit 111 of the multi-channel audio device 1 to cut the high-frequency components of the inverse-phase signal output from the inverse-phase signal output unit 111 to the inverse-phase speaker connection unit 102. By doing so, only the low-frequency components that are prone to sound leakage to the outside are output from the inverse-phase speaker 3, thereby reducing the influence of the inverse-phase signal on the listening environment inside the room. 【0088】 Furthermore, in the above embodiment, communication between the multi-channel audio device 1 and the wireless terminal 4 is performed via the access point 7, but the present invention is not limited to this. Wireless communication may also be performed directly between the multi-channel audio device 1 and the wireless terminal 4 using short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth®. 【0089】 Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a multi-channel audio system was described as one in which the multi-channel audio device 1 plays back multi-channel audio content downloaded from the media server 5 as an audio playback signal for each channel and outputs the sound from playback speakers 2-1 to 2-5. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention is broadly applicable to an audio system comprising an audio device that outputs an audio playback signal and playback speakers that output the audio playback signal output from the audio device. [Explanation of Symbols] 【0090】 1: Multichannel audio equipment 2-1~2-5: Playback Speakers 3: Out-of-phase speaker 4: Wireless terminal 5: Media server 6: Network 7: Access Point 100, 400: Wireless network interface section 101: Playback speaker connection section 102: Reverse phase speaker connection section 103: Request receiving unit 104: Music acquisition unit 105: Audio playback section 106: Inverse phase signal generation section 107: Installation location information storage unit 108: Test signal output unit 109: Measurement result receiving unit 110: Installation location information calculation unit 111: Inverse phase signal output section 112, 406: Main control section 401: Human-Machine Interface Section 402: Various request transmission unit 403: Sound collection unit 404: Measurement unit 405: Measurement result transmission unit

Claims

[Claim 1] An audio system comprising an audio device that outputs an audio playback signal, and a playback speaker that outputs the audio playback signal output from the audio device, It also features an inverse-phase speaker, The aforementioned audio device is An inverse phase signal generation means for generating an inverse phase signal of the audio playback signal, Installation location information storage means for storing the attenuation rate and delay time of the audio playback signal output from the playback speaker at the installation location of the out-of-phase speaker, The system includes an inverse phase signal output means that attenuates the inverse phase signal generated by the inverse phase signal generation means based on the attenuation rate stored in the installation location information storage means, and delays it based on the delay time stored in the installation location information storage means before outputting it to the inverse phase speaker. The aforementioned inverse-phase speaker is The inverted phase signal output from the aforementioned audio device is output as audio. An audio system characterized by the following features. [Claim 2] The audio system according to claim 1, The audio device is further provided with a wireless terminal for remote control, The aforementioned wireless terminal is Built-in or external microphone, A measuring means that picks up the audio playback signal output from the playback speaker with the microphone and measures the volume level and arrival timing of the audio playback signal at the installation position of the inverse-phase speaker, The system includes a measurement result transmission means for transmitting the measurement results obtained by the measurement means to the audio device, The aforementioned audio device is The system further includes a calculation means that calculates the attenuation rate and delay time of the audio playback signal at the installation location of the inverse-phase speaker based on the output volume level and output timing of the audio playback signal from the playback speaker and the measurement results received from the wireless terminal, and stores this calculation in the installation location information storage means. An audio system characterized by the following features. [Claim 3] The audio system according to claim 1, The aforementioned audio device further comprises a microphone. The aforementioned audio device is A measuring means that picks up the audio playback signal output from the playback speaker with the microphone and measures the volume level and arrival timing of the audio playback signal at the installation position of the inverse-phase speaker, The system further includes a calculation means that calculates the attenuation rate and delay time of the audio playback signal at the installation location of the inverse-phase speaker based on the output volume level and output timing of the audio playback signal from the playback speaker and the measurement results from the measurement means, and stores this calculation in the installation location information storage means. An audio system characterized by the following features. [Claim 4] The audio system according to claim 3, The aforementioned inverse-phase speaker is a wireless speaker. The microphone is built into the inverse-phase speaker. An audio system characterized by the following features. [Claim 5] An audio system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The aforementioned inverse phase signal output means is The system includes a low-pass filter that cuts out the high-frequency components of the inverse-phase signal output to the inverse-phase speaker. An audio system characterized by the following features. [Claim 6] An audio system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The aforementioned audio device plays multi-channel audio and outputs the audio playback signal for each channel. The playback speaker is provided for each channel. The inverse phase signal generation means generates an inverse phase signal of the audio playback signal for each channel, The installation location information storage means stores, for each playback speaker, the attenuation rate and delay time of the audio playback signal output from the playback speaker at the installation location of the out-of-phase speaker. The inverse phase signal output means, for each playback speaker, attenuates the inverse phase signal generated by the inverse phase signal generation means for the channel corresponding to the playback speaker based on the attenuation rate stored in the installation position information storage means in association with the playback speaker, and delays it based on the delay time stored in the installation position information storage means in association with the playback speaker, and then synthesizes and outputs the inverse phase signals for each channel. An audio system characterized by the following features. [Claim 7] The audio system according to claim 5, The aforementioned audio device plays multi-channel audio and outputs the audio playback signal for each channel. The playback speaker is provided for each channel. The inverse phase signal generation means generates an inverse phase signal of the audio playback signal for each channel, The installation location information storage means stores, for each playback speaker, the attenuation rate and delay time of the audio playback signal output from the playback speaker at the installation location of the out-of-phase speaker. The inverse phase signal output means, for each playback speaker, attenuates the inverse phase signal generated by the inverse phase signal generation means for the channel corresponding to the playback speaker based on the attenuation rate stored in the installation position information storage means in association with the playback speaker, and delays it based on the delay time stored in the installation position information storage means in association with the playback speaker, and then synthesizes and outputs the inverse phase signals for each channel. An audio system characterized by the following features. [Claim 8] An audio device that outputs an audio playback signal to a playback speaker, An inverse phase signal generation means for generating an inverse phase signal of the audio playback signal, Installation location information storage means for storing the attenuation rate and delay time of the audio playback signal output from the playback speaker at the installation location of a phase-reverse speaker provided separately from the playback speaker, The system includes an inverse phase signal output means that attenuates the inverse phase signal generated by the inverse phase signal generation means based on the attenuation rate stored in the installation position information storage means, and delays it based on the delay time stored in the installation position information storage means before outputting it to the inverse phase speaker. An audio device characterized by the following features. [Claim 9] The audio device according to claim 8, A measuring means for measuring the volume level and arrival timing of the audio playback signal output from the playback speaker at the installation location of the out-of-phase speaker, The system further includes a calculation means that calculates the attenuation rate and delay time of the audio playback signal at the installation location of the inverse-phase speaker based on the volume level and output timing of the audio playback signal from the playback speaker and the measurement results from the measurement means, and stores this calculation in the installation location information storage means. [Claim 10] An audio device according to claim 8 or 9, The aforementioned inverse phase signal output means is The system includes a low-pass filter that cuts out the high-frequency components of the inverse-phase signal output to the inverse-phase speaker. An audio device characterized by the following features. [Claim 11] An audio device according to claim 8 or 9, The aforementioned audio device plays multi-channel audio and outputs the audio playback signal for each channel from the playback speaker corresponding to that channel. The inverse phase signal generation means generates an inverse phase signal of the audio playback signal for each channel, The installation location information storage means stores, for each playback speaker, the attenuation rate and delay time of the audio playback signal output from the playback speaker at the installation location of the out-of-phase speaker. The inverse phase signal output means, for each playback speaker, attenuates the inverse phase signal generated by the inverse phase signal generation means for the channel corresponding to the playback speaker based on the attenuation rate stored in the installation position information storage means in association with the playback speaker, and delays it based on the delay time stored in the installation position information storage means in association with the playback speaker, and then synthesizes and outputs the inverse phase signals for each channel. An audio device characterized by the following features. [Claim 12] The audio device according to claim 10, The aforementioned audio device plays multi-channel audio and outputs the audio playback signal for each channel from the playback speaker corresponding to that channel. The inverse phase signal generation means generates an inverse phase signal of the audio playback signal for each channel, The installation location information storage means stores, for each playback speaker, the attenuation rate and delay time of the audio playback signal output from the playback speaker at the installation location of the out-of-phase speaker. The inverse phase signal output means, for each playback speaker, attenuates the inverse phase signal generated by the inverse phase signal generation means for the channel corresponding to the playback speaker based on the attenuation rate stored in the installation position information storage means in association with the playback speaker, and delays it based on the delay time stored in the installation position information storage means in association with the playback speaker, and then synthesizes and outputs the inverse phase signals for each channel. An audio device characterized by the following features. [Claim 13] A program that causes a computer to function as an audio device that outputs an audio playback signal to a playback speaker, Inverse phase signal generation means for generating an inverse phase signal of the audio playback signal, Installation location information storage means for storing the attenuation rate and delay time of the audio playback signal output from the playback speaker at the installation location of a phase-reverse speaker provided separately from the playback speaker, and An inverse phase signal output means that attenuates the inverse phase signal generated by the inverse phase signal generation means based on the attenuation rate stored in the installation position information storage means and delays it based on the delay time stored in the installation position information storage means before outputting it to the inverse phase speaker, To make the aforementioned computer function A program characterized by the following features. [Claim 14] An audio playback method using an audio system comprising an audio device that outputs an audio playback signal, and a playback speaker that outputs the audio playback signal output from the audio device, Install an out-of-phase speaker, The aforementioned audio device is A signal with the opposite phase to the aforementioned audio playback signal is generated, Based on the attenuation rate and delay time at the installation position of the inverse-phase speaker of the audio playback signal output from the playback speaker, which are stored in advance, the inverse-phase signal is attenuated and delayed before being output. The aforementioned inverse-phase speaker is The inverted phase signal output from the aforementioned audio device is output as audio. An audio playback method characterized by the following features.

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