Sound system

Abstract

A sound system (300) comprising a sound source control device (340) which outputs a plurality of sound source group signals and an amplifier (350) which has at least as many pieces of audio input (351) as the sound source group signals and which drives speakers (360) using the sound source group signal input to each piece of audio input (351). The sound source control device (340) classifies sound sources (330) larger in number than the sound source group signals into a plurality of groups (331-333) and outputs, for each group, the sound source group signal from the plurality of sound sources belonging to the group. The amplifier (350) determines, on the basis of the type of each sound source group signal and a setting for a sound field, the speakers (360) to be driven and the sound source group signal for driving each speaker (360).

Description

Sound system

[0001] The present invention relates to an audio system.

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an in-vehicle sound processing device is known that performs sound processing to simultaneously reproduce different sound sources in a vehicle interior space where multiple listening positions exist (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] JP 2018-170563 A

[0004] The in-vehicle sound processing device of Patent Document 1 receives a front seat sound source signal and a rear seat sound source signal, and drives speakers in the vehicle cabin using the sound source signals. The sound source signals are output from multiple sound sources. Therefore, the in-vehicle sound processing device needs to have the same number of sound source inputs as the sound sources and control the speakers to be driven for all input sound source signals. This can result in a complex device configuration and a sound source signal processing system.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an audio system that reduces the number of audio inputs to the amplifier and simplifies speaker control.

[0006] An acoustic system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a sound source control device that outputs a plurality of sound source group signals, and an amplifier that has audio inputs in at least the same number as the sound source group signals and drives speakers using the sound source group signals input to each of the audio inputs. The sound source control device classifies sound sources, the number of which is greater than the sound source group signals, into a plurality of groups, and outputs sound source group signals from the plurality of sound sources belonging to each group. The amplifier determines which speakers to drive and which sound source group signals to drive each speaker based on the type of each sound source group signal and sound field settings.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide an audio system that simplifies speaker control by reducing the number of audio inputs to an amplifier.

[0008] FIG. 1A is a block diagram showing the configuration of a sound field control system 1000 including a sound field control device 100 and an acoustic system 300 according to an embodiment. FIG. 1B is a flowchart showing an example of a sound field control method using the sound field control device 100. FIG. 2 shows a display layout of a touch panel 400 according to the first embodiment (part 1). FIG. 3 shows another display example of a layout diagram 220 showing the seating arrangement of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 shows a display layout of a touch panel 400 according to the first embodiment (part 2). FIG. 5 shows a display layout of a touch panel 400 according to the first embodiment (part 3). FIG. 6 shows a display layout of a touch panel 400 according to the first embodiment (part 4). FIG. 7 shows a display layout of a touch panel 400 according to a second embodiment (part 1). FIG. 8 shows a display layout of a touch panel 400 according to the second embodiment (part 2). FIG. 9 shows a display layout of a touch panel 400 according to the second embodiment (part 3). FIG. 10 shows a display layout of a touch panel 400 according to the second embodiment (part 4). FIG. 11 shows a display layout of a touch panel 400 according to the second embodiment (part 5). FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an acoustic system 300 according to a third embodiment. FIG. 13A is a schematic diagram (part 1) showing an image of a sound field formed in a vehicle cabin by the acoustic system 300 for each sound field setting. FIG. 13B is a schematic diagram (part 2) showing an image of a sound field formed in a vehicle cabin by the acoustic system 300 for each sound field setting. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing specific examples of multiple sound sources (Sound Sources) 330 in FIG. 12, groups (Streams) 331, 332, and 333 to which each sound source 330 belongs, and categories (Categories) to which each sound source 330 belongs. FIG. 15A is a part of a table (part 1) classifying combinations of sound source types belonging to the three groups (Main, Mix1, Mix2) in FIG. 14 by identification numbers (1) to (45). Fig. 15B is a part of a table (part 2) in which combinations of types of sound sources belonging to the three groups (Main, Mix1, Mix2) in Fig. 14 are classified by identification numbers (1) to (45). Fig. 15C is a part of a table (part 3) in which combinations of types of sound sources belonging to the three groups (Main, Mix1, Mix2) in Fig. 14 are classified by identification numbers (1) to (45).Fig. 15D is a part of a table (part 4) in which combinations of sound source types belonging to the three groups (Main, Mix1, Mix2) in Fig. 14 are classified by identification numbers (1) to (45). Fig. 16 is a part of a correspondence table (part 1) showing the correspondence between combinations of sound source types classified by identification numbers (1) to (45) in Figs. 15A to 15D, the speakers to be driven, and the groups of sound sources that drive each speaker. Fig. 17 is a part of a correspondence table (part 2) showing the correspondence between combinations of sound source types classified by identification numbers (1) to (45) in Figs. 15A to 15D, the speakers to be driven, and the groups of sound sources that drive each speaker. Fig. 18 is a part of a correspondence table (part 3) showing the correspondence between combinations of types of sound sources classified by identification numbers (1) to (45) in Fig. 15A to Fig. 15D, the speakers to be driven, and the groups of sound sources that drive each speaker. Fig. 19 is a part of a correspondence table (part 4) showing the correspondence between combinations of types of sound sources classified by identification numbers (1) to (45) in Fig. 15A to Fig. 15D, the speakers to be driven, and the groups of sound sources that drive each speaker.

[0009] (First embodiment) A sound field control system 1000 according to an embodiment is a system that forms one or more sound fields in a vehicle interior space and controls the sound field. A sound field (sound bubble) refers to an area in the vehicle interior where sound is heard. The sound includes sounds reproduced from multiple sound sources. As shown in FIG. 1A , the sound field control system 1000 includes an acoustic system 300 that forms a sound field by reproducing sound using multiple speakers, and a sound field control device 100 that controls the sound field of the multiple sound sources in accordance with operations by vehicle occupants. The sound field control system 1000 forms various sound fields in the vehicle interior space depending on the type of sound source and the sound field settings.

[0010] The sound field control device 100 includes a touch panel 400 and a control unit 200. The touch panel 400 is an example of a display disposed in the vehicle cabin and displays information indicating the state of the sound field. The touch panel 400 functions both as a display and as an input device that accepts touch operations by vehicle occupants. The control unit 200 can be implemented using a microcomputer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory, and input / output units. A computer program (sound field control program) that causes the microcomputer to function as the control unit 200 is installed and executed in the microcomputer. As a result, the microcomputer functions as multiple information processing units included in the control unit 200. Note that while an example in which the control unit 200 is implemented by software is shown here, it is also possible to configure the control unit 200 by providing dedicated hardware for executing each information processing. Furthermore, the multiple information processing units included in the control unit 200 may be configured as separate hardware. Furthermore, the control unit 200 may be configured using the same hardware as the sound source control device 340 (see FIG. 12 ) included in the acoustic system 300. The control unit 200 may also be used as an electronic control unit (ECU) used for other vehicle-related controls.

[0011] Referring to FIG. 1B , an example of a sound field control method using the sound field control device 100 will be described. The sound field control method is a procedure in which the control unit 200 operates according to a sound field control program. In step S01, the control unit 200 displays information indicating the current state of the sound field on the touch panel 400. In step S02, the control unit 200 accepts a sound field operation by a vehicle occupant. Specifically, the control unit 200 accepts a touch operation by the occupant on a sound field setting screen displayed on the touch panel 400. After accepting the operation, the control unit 200 proceeds to step S03, where the control unit 200 controls the sound field in accordance with the accepted operation. Specifically, the control unit 200 transmits a signal indicating the sound field setting after the operation to the acoustic system 300. Upon receiving the signal, the acoustic system 300 determines the speakers to be driven and the sound sources to drive each speaker based on the sound field setting after the operation, and drives the speakers. In step S04, the control unit 200 displays information indicating the state of the sound field after the control on the touch panel 400. The sound field control system 1000 forms various sound fields in the vehicle interior space according to the sound field settings after operation. By displaying information indicating the current sound field state on the touch panel 400, the occupant can visually grasp which sound source is being reproduced at which listening position in the vehicle interior. This enables the occupant to accurately operate the sound field (step S02). Furthermore, in step S04, information indicating the state of the sound field after control is displayed on the touch panel 400. This also enables the occupant to accurately confirm the operation of the sound field (step S02). In this way, the sound field control device 100 and the acoustic control method enable the occupant to accurately and efficiently operate the sound field by visually grasping the state of the sound field.

[0012] A specific example of the detailed configuration and operation of the acoustic system 300 will be described in the third embodiment. In the first embodiment, the detailed configuration and operation of the acoustic system 300 are not particularly important, and an existing acoustic system 300 that can realize a sound field in the vehicle cabin after operation can be used.

[0013] The display layout of the touch panel 400 and a specific sound field operation method according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 6. FIGS. 2 to 6 show specific examples of "information indicating the state of the sound field" displayed on the screen of the touch panel 400 arranged in the vehicle cabin in steps S01 and S04 of FIG. 1B. The information indicating the state of the sound field includes information indicating the correspondence between seats in the vehicle cabin and groups to which sound sources listened to at the seats belong. The multiple sound sources are classified into groups whose number is less than the number of sound sources. By displaying information indicating the correspondence between seats in the vehicle cabin and groups of sound sources listened to at the seats on the touch panel 400, an occupant looking at the touch panel 400 can visually understand which group of sound sources is being reproduced at which listening position or seat in the vehicle cabin.

[0014] For example, as shown in FIG. 2 , the information indicating the sound field includes a layout diagram 220 showing the arrangement of seats in the vehicle cabin, and sound source icons 231, 232, and 233 superimposed on seats 221, 222, and 223 in the layout diagram 220, which indicate groups of sound sources heard at the seats 221, 222, and 223. The layout diagram 220 is displayed from a bird's-eye view of the entire vehicle cabin from above the cabin. The layout diagram 220 and the sound source icons 231, 232, and 233 allow the occupant to intuitively understand the groups of sound sources heard at each of the seats 221, 222, and 223. In other words, it becomes possible to intuitively grasp the groups of sound fields formed at each of the seats 221, 222, and 223.

[0015] In the first embodiment, an example is shown in which the seats in the vehicle cabin are divided into front seats 221, 222 and a rear seat 223, and the sound field is operated and controlled. The front seats include a driver's seat 221 (left seat) and a passenger seat (right seat). As shown in FIG. 2 , a music icon 231 indicating "music," which is one of the sound source groups, a telephone icon 233 indicating "telephone," which is one of the sound source groups, and a navigation icon 232 indicating "navigation" (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as "navigation"), which is one of the sound source groups, are superimposed and displayed on the front seats 221, 222. By viewing this display, the occupant can understand that the sounds reproduced from the sound sources belonging to the music, telephone, and navigation groups are being heard in the front seats 221, 222. In other words, the occupant can understand that a sound field of sound sources belonging to the music, telephone, and navigation groups is being formed in the front seats 221, 222.

[0016] Meanwhile, a music icon 231 is displayed superimposed on the rear seat 223. By looking at this display, the passenger can understand that the sound being played from a sound source belonging to the music group is being heard in the rear seat 223. In other words, the passenger can understand that a sound field of a sound source belonging to music is being formed in the rear seat 223.

[0017] The screen of the touch panel 400 may display "information indicating the state of the sound field" and an input receiving unit 210 that receives touch operations on the touch panel 400 by the occupant. The input receiving unit 210 includes, for example, a start switch 211, a sound field selection switch 212, and a telephone selection switch 213. The occupant can operate the sound field by touching the switches 211, 212, and 213. The occupant can also grasp the state of the sound field before and after the operation from the states of the switches 211, 212, and 213. Therefore, the occupant can visually grasp the state of the sound field by the input receiving unit 210 and can accurately operate the sound field.

[0018] The activation switch 211 corresponds to the "Audio Zone Control" in FIGS. 2 and 4 to 6 and controls the activation or deactivation of the sound field control device 100. Each time the occupant performs a touch operation, the sound field control device 100 is switched between activation and deactivation. As shown in FIG. 2, the activation switch 211 is positioned to the right of a predetermined frame, which corresponds to the activated state. As shown in FIG. 4, the activation switch 211 is positioned to the left of a predetermined frame, which corresponds to the deactivated state. The sound field control device 100 and the sound field control method display information (activation switch 211) indicating the activation or deactivation of the sound field control device 100 on the touch panel 400, accept an operation to switch between activation and deactivation of the sound field control device 100, switch between activation and deactivation of the sound field control device 100 in accordance with the operation, and display information (activation switch 211) indicating the activation or deactivation of the sound field control device 100 after the switch on the touch panel 400. This allows the occupant to visually grasp the activation state of the sound field control device 100 and accurately operate the sound field control device 100.

[0019] The sound field control device 100 accepts a sound field operation by an occupant and controls the sound field in accordance with the operation only when the sound field control device 100 is activated. For example, in the activated state of FIG. 2 , information indicating the state of the sound field may be displayed in color. Specifically, the switches 211, 212, and 213 and the sound source icons 231, 232, and 233 may be displayed in color. This allows the occupant to intuitively understand that the sound field is operable. On the other hand, in the stopped state of FIG. 4 , information indicating the state of the sound field may be displayed in gray. Specifically, the switches 211, 212, and 213 and the sound source icons 231, 232, and 233 may be grayed out. This allows the occupant to intuitively understand that the sound field is not operable. It is also possible to change the color of only one of the switches 211, 212, 213 and the sound source icons 231, 232, 233, or only some of the switches 211, 212, 213 and only some of the sound source icons 231, 232, 233.

[0020] The sound field selection switch 212 is an example of a switchable display that corresponds to the "Audio Zone Selection" in FIGS. 2 and 4 to 6 and that allows audio to be heard in all seats 221, 222, and 223 in the vehicle cabin, and a second sound field that allows audio to be heard in the driver's seat 221 and the passenger seat 222 in the vehicle cabin but not in the rear seat 223 in the vehicle cabin. Each time an occupant touches the sound field selection switch 212, the first sound field and the second sound field are switched. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the sound field selection switch 212 displays "ALL" in the first sound field state, and as shown in FIG. 6, the sound field selection switch 212 displays "FRONT" in the second sound field state. As shown in FIGS. 2, 5, and 6, the sound field selection switch 212 indicates the sound field state (ALL / FRONT). Therefore, the occupant can visually grasp the current or future sound field state from the state of the sound field selection switch 212, and can accurately control the sound field. In addition, the display of the sound source icons 231, 232, and 233 in the layout diagram 220 may also be changed in conjunction with the state of the sound field selection switch 212. Specifically, as shown in Figures 2 and 5, in the first sound field state (ALL), the sound source icons 231 and 233 may be displayed superimposed on the rear seat 223.

[0021] On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 6, in the second sound field state (FRONT), a mute icon 235 may be displayed on the rear seat 223 to indicate that no sound is heard, i.e., that the vehicle is in a mute state where no sound field is formed. This allows the occupants to intuitively understand that the vehicle is in a mute state where no sound field is formed. Instead of the mute icon 235, no sound source icon may be displayed on the rear seat 223. Note that the sound field selection switch 212 can switch between the first sound field and the second sound field for all sound sources in any group, regardless of the sound source group.

[0022] On the other hand, the telephone selection switch 213 is a switch for switching the sound field of a sound source belonging to a telephone between a first sound field in which sound is heard in all seats 221, 222, and 223, and a second sound field in which sound is heard in the driver's seat 221 and the passenger seat 222 in the vehicle interior but not in the rear seat 223 in the vehicle interior, which corresponds to "Phone Zone Selection" in Figures 2 and 4 to 6. As shown in Figure 2, when the sound field of a sound source belonging to a telephone is the second sound field, the telephone selection switch 213 displays "FRONT." As shown in Figure 5, when the sound field of a sound source belonging to a telephone is the first sound field, the telephone selection switch 213 displays "ALL." Since the telephone selection switch 213 indicates the state of the sound field (ALL / FRONT), the occupant can visually confirm the state of the sound field of the sound source belonging to a telephone from the telephone selection switch 213. Furthermore, the display of sound source icons 231, 232, and 233 in layout diagram 220 may also be changed in conjunction with the state of telephone selection switch 213. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 5, when the first sound field (ALL) is selected with telephone selection switch 213, telephone icon 233 may be displayed superimposed on both the front seat and rear seat 223. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 2, when the second sound field (FRONT) is selected with telephone selection switch 213, telephone icon 233 is displayed superimposed on front seats 221 and 222, but telephone icon 233 is not displayed on rear seat 223. Note that in Fig. 2, since the first sound field (ALL) is selected with sound field selection switch 212, music icon 231 is displayed superimposed on rear seat 223. 6, since the second sound field (FRONT) is selected by the sound field selection switch 212, only the second sound field (FRONT) can be selected by the telephone selection switch 213. In this case, as shown in FIG. 6, when the second sound field (FRONT) is selected by the sound field selection switch 212, the telephone selection switch 213 may be displayed in gray. This allows the occupant to intuitively understand that the sound field of the sound source belonging to the telephone cannot be operated.

[0023] As shown in Figures 2, 4 to 6, the information indicating the state of the sound field may include a sentence 240 that explains the correspondence between seats 221, 222, and 223 in the vehicle cabin and the groups to which the sound sources heard at seats 221, 222, and 223 belong. As shown in Figures 2, 4 to 6, the content of the sentence 240 changes depending on the state of the sound field. For example, in the sound field state shown in Figure 2, a sentence 240 saying "Audio from sound sources belonging to music, navigation, and telephone can be heard in the front seats. Only music is available in the rear seats" may be displayed on the screen of the touch panel 400. In Figure 4, a sentence 240 saying "The sound field control device is stopped. To control the sound field, use the voice control menu or activate the sound field control device" may be displayed. In Figure 5, a sentence 240 saying "Audio from sound sources belonging to music, navigation, and telephone can be heard in the front seats. Music and telephone are available in the rear seats" may be displayed. 6, a sentence 240 may be displayed saying, "Audio from sound sources belonging to music, navigation, and telephone can be heard in the front seats. Audio from any sound source cannot be heard in the rear seats." From the content of the sentence 240, the passenger can visually grasp the current or post-operation state of the sound field and accurately operate the sound field.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 3 , an animation 234 of spreading ripples may be displayed around a sound source icon that is playing audio. Specifically, an animation 234 showing the outer edge of the space in which the audio spreads may be displayed around sound source icons 231, 232, and 233 that are actually playing audio from speakers. This allows the occupant to intuitively recognize the group of audio sources that are being played. For example, the animation 234 may be displayed on each of the three icons 231, 232, and 333 displayed in the front seats 221 and 222 in FIG. 2 . Alternatively, the three icons 231, 232, and 333 may be treated as a single icon, and the animation 234 may be displayed around the icon. Furthermore, the animation 234 may be controlled to be played when the vehicle is stopped and not displayed while the vehicle is moving. This allows the driver's attention to be maintained while driving.

[0025] In the first embodiment, the sound field of the sound source belonging to the navigation system is not subject to operation or control, but may be subject to operation or control in the same way as the sound fields of the sound sources belonging to other groups such as music and telephone.

[0026] 1A and 1B, the sound field control device 100 and the sound field control method are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the sound field control method is the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0027] The display layout of the touch panel 400 according to the second embodiment and a specific method for operating the sound field will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 11 . As shown in FIG. 7 , information indicating the state of the sound field is displayed on the screen of the touch panel 400. As examples of information indicating the state of the sound field, a layout diagram 220 with a sound source icon superimposed thereon, an input receiving section 210, and text 240 are displayed on the screen of the touch panel 400. The input receiving section 210 includes a start switch 211, a sound field selection switch 212, and a telephone selection switch 213. The operations of the start switch 211 and the sound field selection switch 212, and the text 240 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore repeated explanations will be omitted.

[0028] In the second embodiment, an example is shown in which the seats in the vehicle cabin are divided into three sections: a driver's seat 221 (left seat), a passenger seat 222 (right seat), and a rear seat 223, and the sound fields are operated and controlled. Various sound source icons are superimposed and displayed on each of the driver's seat 221, passenger seat 222, and rear seat 223 in the layout diagram 220. In addition, the driver's seat 221, passenger seat 222, and rear seat 223 are each colored differently, and the sound source icons are also colored in colors similar to the colors of the seats. It can be intuitively understood that different sound fields are formed in the three seats.

[0029] The telephone selection switch 213 is a switch corresponding to "Phone Zone Selection" in Figures 7 to 11. The telephone selection switch 213 is a switch for switching the sound field of the sound source belonging to the telephone between the first sound field and the third sound field. In the first sound field state, the sound of the sound source belonging to the telephone is heard in all seats 221, 222, and 223. In the third sound field state, the sound of the sound source belonging to the telephone is heard in the driver's seat 221 in the vehicle interior, but is not heard in the passenger seat 222 and the rear seat 223 in the vehicle interior.

[0030] As shown in Figures 7 and 11, when the sound field of the sound source belonging to the telephone is the third sound field, the telephone selection switch 213 displays "DRIVER," and as shown in Figures 9 and 10, when the sound field of the sound source belonging to the telephone is the first sound field, the telephone selection switch 213 displays "ALL." Each time the occupant touches the sound field selection switch 212, the first sound field and the third sound field are switched. Because the telephone selection switch 213 indicates the state of the sound field (ALL / DRIVER), the occupant can visually grasp the state of the sound field of the sound source belonging to the telephone from the telephone selection switch 213 and accurately operate the sound field of the sound source belonging to the telephone.

[0031] Furthermore, the display of the telephone icon 233 in the layout diagram 220 may also be changed in conjunction with the state of the telephone selection switch 213. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 9, when the first sound field (ALL) is selected with the telephone selection switch 213, the telephone icon 233 may be displayed superimposed on each of the driver's seat 221, the passenger seat 222, and the rear seat 223. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 7, when the third sound field (DRIVER) is selected with the telephone selection switch 213, the telephone icon 233 may be displayed superimposed on the driver's seat 221, and a telephone mute icon 33N may be displayed on the passenger seat 222 and the rear seat 223, indicating that the sound of a sound source belonging to a telephone cannot be heard, i.e., that a sound field for a sound source belonging to a telephone is not formed. Instead of displaying the telephone mute icon 33N, it is also possible not to display any of the telephone-related icons 233, 33N on the passenger seat 222 and the rear seat 223.

[0032] Note that since the sound field selection switch 212 shown in both Figures 7 and 9 displays "ALL," the sound field is formed in all seats in the vehicle cabin. Therefore, a music icon 231 is displayed superimposed on each of the driver's seat 221, passenger seat 222, and rear seat 223. On the other hand, since the sound field selection switch 212 shown in both Figures 10 and 11 displays "FRONT," the sound field is formed in the front seats in the vehicle cabin, i.e., the driver's seat 221 and passenger seat 222, but not in the rear seat 223. In the first embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, the telephone selection switch 213 was a switch for switching between the front seats and all seats. Therefore, when the second sound field (FRONT) was selected by the sound field selection switch 212, the telephone selection switch 213 was inoperable. However, in the second embodiment, the telephone selection switch 213 is a switch for switching between the driver's seat and all seats. 10 and 11, even if the second sound field (FRONT) is selected by the sound field selection switch 212, the telephone selection switch 213 can be operated. However, since the sound field selection switch 212 has priority over the telephone selection switch 213, even if the second sound field (FRONT) is selected by the sound field selection switch 212 and the first sound field (ALL) is selected by the telephone selection switch 213, as shown in FIG. 10, the sound field of the sound source belonging to the telephone is formed in the driver's seat 221 and the passenger seat 222, but not in the rear seat 223.

[0033] 8, when the activation switch 211 is in the stop position and the sound field control device 100 is in a stop state, information indicating the state of the sound field may be displayed in gray. Specifically, the switches 211, 212, 213 and the sound source icons 231, 232, 233 may be grayed out. This allows the occupant to intuitively understand that the sound field cannot be controlled. Note that the color of only one of the switches 211, 212, 213 and the sound source icons 231, 232, 233, or only some of the switches 211, 212, 213 and some of the sound source icons 231, 232, 233 may be changed.

[0034] In the second embodiment, the sound field of the sound source belonging to the navigation system is not subject to operation. The sound of the sound source belonging to the navigation system is output to the driver, like a guide voice related to route guidance. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 7 to 11 , a navigation icon 232 is displayed superimposed on the driver's seat 221, but the navigation icon 232 is not displayed superimposed on the passenger seat 222 or the rear seat 223. However, the sound field of the sound source belonging to other groups, such as music and telephone, may be subject to operation and control.

[0035] As described above, the first and second embodiments have been described, but the descriptions and drawings that form part of this disclosure should not be understood to limit the invention. Various alternative embodiments, examples, and operating techniques will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

[0036] Although the example shows a case where the groups to which sound sources belong include music, navigation, and telephone, sound sources may belong to other groups. Also, in the layout diagram 220, an example is shown in which a sound source icon is displayed indicating the group of sound sources that form the sound field for each seat. Instead of displaying a sound source icon, a color, pattern, or animation such as ripples that identifies the group of sound sources may be applied to the seat. Alternatively, letters that identify the group of sound sources, such as "music," "navigation," "NAVI," or "PHONE," may be superimposed on the seat.

[0037] A switch may be displayed on the touch panel 200 to select a fourth sound field in which sounds reproduced from all sound sources are heard at the driver's seat 221 in the vehicle interior but not heard at the other seats 222, 223 in the vehicle interior other than the driver's seat 221. An operation to select the fourth sound field by the occupant can be accepted. This allows the occupant to change the sound field in the vehicle interior to the fourth sound field.

[0038] The sound field control device 100 may collect speech from a passenger seated in a seat that cannot hear the audio played from a sound source related to a telephone call, and, based on the results of speech recognition of the speech, switch the sound field so that the audio can be heard in the seat that cannot hear the audio. Furthermore, the sound field control device 100 may display information indicating the state of the sound field after switching on the touch panel 200. For example, a microphone that collects the audio of a passenger seated in the passenger seat 222 or the rear seat 223 is installed in the vehicle interior. The control unit 200 recognizes the audio of the passenger seat collected by the microphone using existing voice recognition technology. For example, if predetermined keywords such as "telephone," "talk," "want to join," or "want to talk together" are found in the recognized audio, the control unit 200 determines that the passenger intends to join the phone call. In this case, the control unit 200 switches the sound field so that the audio can be heard in the seat that cannot hear the audio, without waiting for a touch operation by the passenger. The sound field control device 100 can control the sound field in accordance with the passenger's intention to join the phone call. Furthermore, the passengers can visually grasp the state of the sound field after the control.

[0039] In the above-described first and second embodiments, the touch panel 400 is used as an example of a display, and touch operations on the touch panel 400 are used as an example of the operation of the sound field by the vehicle occupant. However, the display that displays information indicating the state of the sound field may be a display that does not function as a position input device such as a touchpad. In this case, instead of touch operations on the touch panel 400, the occupant can operate the sound field by their own voice using known voice recognition technology, or by using other input devices attached to the vehicle, such as switches on the steering wheel or the instrument panel. In other words, the sound field control device 100 may accept operation of the sound field by the occupant's voice or other input devices.

[0040] Third Embodiment In the third embodiment, a configuration example and an operation example of an acoustic system 300 included in the sound field control system 1000 shown in Fig. 1A will be described. The acoustic system 300 forms a sound field in the vehicle cabin by reproducing sound using a plurality of speakers based on a sound field setting specified by an operation of an occupant received by the sound field control device 100.

[0041] The configuration of an acoustic system 300 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 12 . The acoustic system 300 includes a sound source control device 340 and an amplifier 350. The sound source control device 340 outputs a plurality of sound source group signals. The amplifier 350 has audio inputs 351 in a number at least equal to the number of sound source group signals, and drives a plurality of speakers 360 mounted on the vehicle using the sound source group signals input to each of the audio inputs 351. The sound source control device 340 classifies the sound sources 330, the number of which is greater than the number of sound source group signals, into a plurality of groups 331 to 333, the number of which is equal to the number of sound source group signals, and outputs the sound source signals output from the plurality of sound sources 330 belonging to each group 331 to 333 as sound source group signals for each group 331 to 333. The amplifier 350 determines the speakers 360 to drive and the sound source group signals to drive each speaker 360 based on the type of each sound source group signal and the sound field settings within the vehicle cabin. The multiple speakers 360 each convert the sound source group signals received from the amplifier 350 into sound and output the sound. In the third embodiment, a "sound field" refers to an area in the vehicle cabin where the sound reproduced from the multiple speakers 360 can be heard. The sound field is formed in the entire vehicle cabin or in part of the vehicle cabin. Furthermore, two or more sound fields with different sound sources can be formed simultaneously.

[0042] A smaller number of sound source group signals than the number of sound sources 330 are input to audio inputs 351 of amplifier 350. Amplifier 350 determines which speakers 36-1 to 36-N to drive and which sound source group signals to drive each speaker 36-1 to 36-N based on the type of each sound source group signal and the sound field settings. Therefore, the number of audio inputs to amplifier 350 is smaller than the number of sound sources 330, simplifying the control of multiple speakers 360 by amplifier 350. N indicates the number of speakers and is a natural number equal to or greater than 2.

[0043] In the third embodiment, the number of each component is exemplified as follows: The number of sound source group signals output by the sound source control device 340 is three. The sound source control device 340 classifies the sound sources 330 into three groups 331 to 333, the same number as the sound source group signals. The amplifier 350 has three audio inputs 351, the same number as the number of sound source group signals.

[0044] <Counting of Signals and Audio Inputs> Counting the number of sound source group signals and audio inputs 351 will be described. When the sound source 330 is a monaural sound source, the reproduced sound is monaural, and one sound source 330 generates one signal waveform. On the other hand, when a stereo sound source (including two-channel stereo, binaural, surround, four-channel stereo, 5.1-channel stereo, etc.) is played back in stereo, one sound source 330 generates two or more signal waveforms. However, in the present disclosure, the number of sound source group signals is counted based on the difference in the sound source from which the sound source group signals are generated, without taking into account the difference in the waveforms. In other words, if signals have different waveforms but the same sound source generated them, those signals are counted as one sound source group signal. Accordingly, the number of audio inputs 351 to which sound source group signals are input is also counted based on the difference in the sound source from which the input signals were generated, without taking into account the difference in the waveforms of the input signals. For example, if signals having different waveforms but generated by the same sound source are input to two or more independent terminals provided on amplifier 350, the two or more audio input terminals are counted as one audio input 351.

[0045] <Hardware Configuration of Amplifier and Sound Source Control Device> The amplifier 350 may include a control unit 352. The control unit 352 may comprise an information processing unit that determines the speaker 360 to be driven and the sound source group signals to drive each of the speakers 36-1 to 36-N based on the type of each sound source group signal and the sound field settings. Specifically, the control unit 352 may be implemented using a microcomputer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory, and input / output units. A computer program (speaker control program) that causes the microcomputer to function as the control unit 352 is installed and executed in the microcomputer. This causes the microcomputer to function as the control unit 352. Note that while an example of implementing the control unit 352 using software is shown here, it is also possible to configure the control unit 352 using dedicated hardware for executing information processing. The control unit 200 may also serve as an electronic control unit (ECU) used for other vehicle-related controls.

[0046] The sound source control device 340 transmits to the amplifier 350, in addition to the sound source group signals, a signal indicating the type of each sound source group signal and a signal indicating the sound field setting. The amplifier 350, for example, the control unit 352 of the amplifier 350, determines the speakers to be driven and the sound source group signals to drive each speaker based on the signals indicating the type of each sound source group signal and the signals indicating the sound field setting received from the sound source control device 340. Since the amplifier 350 can determine the speaker 360 to be driven and the sound source group signals to drive each speaker 36-1 to 36-N based on the signals received from the sound source control device, control of the speakers 360 by the amplifier 350 is simplified. Note that the sound source control device 340 may transfer to the amplifier 350 a signal indicating the sound field setting received from the control unit 200 of the sound field control device 100 of FIG. 1A. Specifically, in step S03 of FIG. 1B , the sound source control device 340 may receive a signal indicating the sound field setting after the operation from the control unit 200 and transfer the signal to the amplifier 350 .

[0047] The sound source control device 340 can be realized by a microcomputer equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory, and input / output units, or by dedicated hardware for executing each information processing, similar to the control unit 352. The sound source control device 340 may also be used as an electronic control unit (ECU) used for other vehicle-related controls.

[0048] (Specific Examples of Sound Sources) Specific examples of the multiple sound sources 330 and in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) will be described. The multiple sound sources 330 are classified into three groups 331 to 333. Group 331 is a music group. Sound sources belonging to music group 331 include a first tuner, a second tuner, ..., a first external input, a second external input, .... Examples of the first tuner, the second tuner, ... include various radio tuners including an AM tuner, an FM tuner, and an XM tuner, and a television tuner. Examples of the first external input, the second external input, ... include music playback from a mobile music player, music stream playback (Wireless Audio Streaming), and music playback from an application installed on a smartphone or mobile phone. A mobile music player, a smartphone, and a mobile phone are connected to the sound source control device 340 mounted on the vehicle by a predetermined connection cable, or wirelessly via short-range wireless communication or a wireless LAN (local area network).

[0049] Group 332 is a navigation (NAVI) group. Sound sources belonging to the navigation group 332 include a first navigation, a second navigation, and so on. Examples of the first navigation, the second navigation, and so on include voice guidance from a navigation device equipped in the vehicle and voice guidance from a navigation application installed on the occupant's mobile communication terminal such as a smartphone. The occupant's mobile communication terminal is connected to the sound source control device 340 mounted in the vehicle by a predetermined connection cable, or wirelessly via short-range wireless communication or a wireless LAN (local area network).

[0050] Group 333 is a group of telephones. Sound sources belonging to telephone group 333 include a first call, a first ring, a second call, a second ring, etc. Examples of the first call, the first ring, the second call, the second ring, etc. include a call using a telephone system equipped in a vehicle, a ring tone in the telephone system, a call using a call application installed in a mobile communication terminal of a passenger, and a ring tone in the call application.

[0051] A sound source signal may be output from each of the sound sources 330 described above. The sound source control device 340 receives these sound source signals and outputs, for each of groups 331 to 333, the sound source signals output from the multiple sound sources 330 belonging to that group as a sound source group signal. When multiple sound sources in the same group simultaneously output sound source signals, the sound source control device 340 may respond as follows. The sound source control device 340 may output, as an audio group signal, a representative sound source signal output from the sound source 330 with the highest priority among the sound source signals simultaneously output from the multiple sound sources 330 belonging to the same group 331 to 333. This reduces the number of audio inputs to the amplifier 350. This prevents sounds played back simultaneously from multiple sound sources from mixing together. The priority relationship between the multiple sound sources 330 belonging to the same group 331 to 333 may be predetermined, and the sound source control device 340 may store data indicating the priority relationship for each of the groups 331 to 333.

[0052] The multiple sound sources 330 and the sound source control device 340 may be collectively referred to as in-vehicle infotainment 310. In-vehicle infotainment 310 is an information and communication system that provides both information and entertainment. For example, the sound sources 330 and the sound source control device 340 mounted on the vehicle, including tuners and a telephone system, excluding external input from a smartphone or the like, may be housed in a single housing.

[0053] <Sound field formed in the vehicle cabin> With reference to Figures 13A and 13B, the sound field formed in the vehicle cabin by the acoustic system 300 will be described for each sound field setting. The arrow FD indicates the straight-ahead direction of the vehicle. The upper parts of Figures 13A and 13B show the case where the sound field selection is for all seats, i.e., the sound field selection switch 212 is set to "ALL". The lower parts of Figures 13A and 13B show the case where the sound field selection is for the front seats, i.e., the sound field selection switch 212 is set to "FRONT".

[0054] First, a case where the sound field is set as shown in Fig. 7 will be described. The sound field selection switch 212 is set to "ALL" and the telephone selection switch 213 is set to "DRIVER." The "ALL" setting of the sound field selection switch 212 in Fig. 7 corresponds to the all-seat sound field selection in Figs. 13A and 13B. Therefore, for example, when a sound source belonging to music group 331 is played, a music sound field 110 is formed in all seats in the vehicle interior, i.e., in an area including the driver's seat, passenger seat, and rear seats. In the sound field 110, the sound of the sound source belonging to music group 331 is heard.

[0055] When a sound source belonging to the telephone group 333, such as a ringtone, is played while the music sound field 110 is formed, a new telephone sound field 130 is formed in an area of ​​the vehicle cabin including the driver's seat (left seat). At this time, because the sound source belonging to the music group 331 continues to be played, music sound fields 112 and 113 are simultaneously formed in an area including the passenger seat and rear seats excluding the driver's seat. Thus, when the telephone selection switch 213 is set to "DRIVER," i.e., "Call Routing: Yes," the acoustic system 300 forms the sound field 130 of the telephone sound source in a limited area of ​​the vehicle cabin, in this case, the area including the driver's seat. At the same time, the audio fields 112 and 113 are formed in other areas of the vehicle cabin. In each sound field 130, 112, and 113, the audio of the music and telephone sound sources can be heard without mixing with each other.

[0056] Next, a case where the sound field settings are as shown in FIG. 9 will be described. The sound field selection switch 212 is set to "ALL," and the telephone selection switch 213 is set to "ALL." The "ALL" setting of the telephone selection switch 213 corresponds to "Call routing: None" in FIG. 13A. In this case, the telephone sound source is prioritized over the music sound source. Specifically, a sound field 131 for the telephone sound source is formed in an area including all seats in the vehicle cabin, and a sound field for the music sound source is not formed. In this way, when the music sound field 110 is formed and playback of a sound source belonging to the telephone group 333 begins, the entire vehicle cabin switches from the music sound field 110 to the telephone sound field 131.

[0057] Next, the sound field of the navigation sound source will be described. When a sound source belonging to the navigation group 332, such as voice guidance, is played while the music sound field 110 is formed, a new navigation sound field 120 is formed in an area including the driver's seat (left seat) in the vehicle cabin, as shown in FIG. 13B . At this time, because the playback of the sound source belonging to the music group 331 continues, music sound fields 112 and 113 are simultaneously formed in an area including the passenger seat and rear seats excluding the driver's seat. In this way, the sound field 120 of the sound source belonging to the navigation group 332 is formed in an area including the driver's seat, but is not formed in an area including the passenger seat and rear seats excluding the driver's seat. The acoustic system 300 simultaneously forms sound fields 120, 112, and 113 of the music and navigation sound sources, which belong to different groups. In each sound field 120, 112, and 113, the audio of the music and navigation sound sources is heard without mixing with each other.

[0058] In the above description, the navigation sound field 120 and the telephone sound field 130 are formed in the same area including the driver's seat. When a sound source belonging to the navigation group 332 competes with a sound source belonging to the telephone group 333, i.e., when the navigation and telephone sound fields are formed simultaneously, one of them may be prioritized over the other. For example, the image of the navigation and telephone sound fields 120, 133 formed when the telephone is prioritized over the navigation is shown in the upper right of Figure 13B. The telephone sound field 133 may be formed in an area close to the occupant's ear, and at the same time, the navigation sound field 120 may be formed in an area surrounding the sound field 133. This allows the navigation and telephone sound fields to be formed without being mixed together, allowing the occupant to hear the sounds of the telephone and navigation sound sources in each sound field 133, 120 without mixing with each other.

[0059] 13A and 13B corresponds to the case where the sound field selection switch 212 shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 is set to "FRONT." Therefore, when a sound source belonging to music group 331 is played, music sound field 111 is formed in the front seats of the vehicle interior, i.e., the area including the driver's seat and passenger seat, but no sound field is formed in the area including the rear seats. In sound field 111, the audio of the sound source belonging to music group 331 is heard. In addition, the above-mentioned "Call Routing: Yes," "Call Routing: No," sound field 120 of the navigation sound source, and competition between the navigation sound field 120 and telephone sound field 130 are the same as when the sound field selection is set to all seats except that a sound field is not formed in the rear seats, and therefore further explanation will be omitted.

[0060] <Sound Source Groups (Streams) and Sound Source Categories (Categories)> Specific examples of groups (Streams) 331, 332, and 333 to which each sound source 330 belongs and the categories to which each sound source 330 belongs will be described with reference to Fig. 14. All sound sources 330 are classified into one of group (Main) 331, group (Mix1) 332, and group (Mix2) 333. Group (Main) 331 is a music group, group (Mix1) 332 is a navigation group, and group (Mix2) 333 is a telephone group.

[0061] All sound sources are classified into multiple categories. The categories of sound sources are set for each of groups 331, 332, and 333. For example, sound sources 330 belonging to the music group 331 are classified into one of entertainment, TA (traffic announcement), Auto DJ, e-Call (emergency call), and other (OTHER). Sound sources 330 belonging to the navigation group 332 are classified into Normal-NAVI (normal navigation), Special-NAVI (special navigation), and SPI-NAVI. Sound sources 330 belonging to the telephone group 333 are classified into Wireless-TEL (wireless call), Wireless-TEL RING (wireless telephone call), SPI-TEL (special call), SPI-TEL RING (special telephone call), APP-TEL (smartphone call), APP-TEL RING (smartphone telephone call), Normal-VR (voice recognition), SPI-VR, Enhanced-VR, and other (OTHER). The sound sources 330, their groups, and their types shown in FIG. 14 are merely examples and do not limit the invention.

[0062] <Correspondence between Type Combinations and Identification Numbers> Figures 15A to 15D are tables in which combinations of sound source types belonging to the three groups (Main, Mix1, Mix2) in Figure 14 are classified by identification numbers (1) to (45). Each of Figures 15A to 15D shows the combination of each type in the music group (Main) 331 with each type in the telephone group (Mix2) 333. Figures 15A to 15D also show the types (None, Normal-NAVI, Special-NAVI, SPI-NAVI) in the navigation group (Main) 332. By combining Figures 15A to 15D, a single three-dimensional table is formed that shows all combinations of types belonging to the three groups (Main, Mix1, Mix2). For example, the identification number (28) shown in Figure 15B indicates a combination of one of the types of Entertainment, TA (Traffic announcement), or Auto DJ for the group (Main), the type (Normal-NAVI) for the group (Mix1), and one of the types of Normal-VR or SPI-VR for the group (Mix2).

[0063] Note that the type "None" or "NONE" indicates that no sound source group signal is output from the group. For example, the entirety of FIG. 15A shows a case (None) in which no sound source signal is output from any of the sound sources belonging to the group (Mix1). Therefore, the combination of the type (NONE) of the group (Mix2) and the type (NONE) of the group (Main) in FIG. 15A indicates a combination in which no sound source group signal is output from any of the groups (Main, Mix1, Mix2), and no speaker is driven, so no identification number is assigned.

[0064] 15A to 15D, the control unit 352 of the amplifier 350 can identify the identification numbers corresponding to the combinations of the types of sound source group signals of the groups 331, 332, and 333 received from the sound source control device 340. The combination tables shown in Fig. 15A to 15D can be stored in the storage unit 353 included in the amplifier 350, as shown in Fig. 12.

[0065] <Correspondence Table Between Combinations of Sound Source Types and Driven Speakers> FIGS. 16 to 19 are portions of a correspondence table showing the correspondence between combinations of sound source types, classified by identification numbers (1) to (45) in FIGS. 15A to 15D, and the speakers to be driven and the groups of sound sources that drive each speaker. The correspondence tables shown in FIGS. 16 to 19 can be stored in the memory unit 353 of the amplifier 350. FIGS. 16 to 19 differ in the sound field settings. In FIG. 16, the start switch 211 is on (Sound Bubble = ON), the sound field selection switch 212 is set to "ALL" (Sound Bubble Mode = ALL), and the telephone selection switch 213 is set to "ALL" (Call Routing = OFF). FIG. 17 differs from FIG. 16 in that the telephone selection switch 213 is set to "DRIVER" (Call Routing = ON). Fig. 18 differs from Fig. 16 in that the sound field selection switch 212 is set to "FRONT" (Sound Bubble Mode = Front). Fig. 19 differs from Fig. 16 in that the sound field selection switch 212 is set to "FRONT" (Sound Bubble Mode = Front) and the telephone selection switch 213 is set to "DRIVER" (Call Routing = ON).

[0066] Figures 16 to 19 show the identification numbers (1), (8), (16), and (35) selected from the identification numbers (1) to (45) and corresponding to the 10 sound field states shown in Figures 13A and 13B. The identification numbers (1), (8), (16), and (35) in Figures 16 to 19 correspond to the identification numbers (1), (8), (16), and (35) shown in Figures 13A, 13B, and 15A to 15D, respectively.

[0067] Each of Figures 16 to 19 illustrates 20 speakers 36-1 to 36-20 mounted in a vehicle. The left front seat (FL) is the driver's side, and the right front seat (FR) is the passenger's side. On the left front seat (FL), three speakers 36-1 to 36-3 are attached to either the driver's side door, the driver's side of the instrument panel, or the driver's side pillar. A headrest speaker 36-4 is also attached to the driver's headrest. Thus, the left front seat (FL) is provided with four speakers 36-1 to 36-4 facing the driver seated in the driver's seat. Similarly to the left front seat (FL), the right rear seat (FR) is also provided with a total of four speakers 36-6 to 36-9 facing the passenger seated in the passenger seat. A speaker 36-5 is also attached to the center of the instrument panel.

[0068] Meanwhile, three speakers 36-10 to 36-12 are attached to the left rear seat (RL) and are directed toward the passenger sitting in the left rear seat. Three speakers 36-13 to 36-15 are attached to the right rear seat (RR) and are directed toward the passenger sitting in the right rear seat. A subwoofer 36-16 is attached under the seat or in the trunk. Four surround speakers 36-17 to 36-20 are attached to the left front seat (FL), right front seat (FR), left rear seat (FL), and right rear seat (FR), respectively.

[0069] For each of the identification numbers (1), (8), (16), and (35), the speaker 360 to be driven and the groups 331 to 333 to which the sound source group signals that drive the respective speakers 36-1 to 36-20 belong will be described.

[0070] The identification number (1) in FIG. 16 indicates a case where a sound source group signal is output from a sound source belonging to any of the types Entertainment, TA (Traffic announcement), and Auto DJ in the music group 331 (Main), and no sound source group signal is output from any of the sound sources belonging to the navigation group 332 (Mix1) and the telephone group 333 (Mix2). The identification number (1) in FIG. 16 corresponds to the identification number (1) in FIG. 15A. As shown in FIG. 16, the amplifier 350 drives all speakers 36-1 to 36-20 with the sound source group signal from the music group 331 (Main). Therefore, the music sound field 110 shown in the upper left of FIG. 13A is formed in the vehicle cabin.

[0071] Identification number (8) in Fig. 16 indicates a case where a sound source group signal is output from a sound source belonging to any one of the types of Entertainment, TA (Traffic announcement), or Auto DJ in the music group 331 (Main), a sound source group signal is output from a sound source belonging to any one of the types of Normal-NAVI, Special-NAVI, or SPI-NAVI in the navigation group 332 (Mix1), and no sound source group signal is output from any sound source belonging to the telephone group 333 (Mix2). Identification number (8) in Fig. 16 corresponds to identification number (8) in Figs. 15B to 15D. 16, at this time, amplifier 350 drives all speakers 36-1 to 36-3 and 36-5 to 36-20 except for headrest speaker 36-4 embedded in the driver's seat headrest with sound source group signals belonging to music group 331 (Main), and drives headrest speaker 36-4 with sound source group signals belonging to navigation group 332 (Mix1). Thus, music sound fields 112 and 113 and navigation sound field 120 shown in the upper left of FIG. 13B are simultaneously formed inside the vehicle cabin.

[0072] The identification number (16) in Figure 16 indicates a case where a sound source group signal is output from a sound source belonging to any one of the following categories in the music group 331 (Main): Entertainment, TA (Traffic announcement), or Auto DJ; a sound source group signal is output from a sound source belonging to any one of the following categories in the telephone group 333 (Mix2): WL-TEL, WL-TEL RING, SPI-TEL, SPI-TEL RING, APP-TEL, or APP-TEL RING; and no sound source group signal is output from any sound source belonging to the navigation group 332 (Mix1). The identification number (16) in Figure 16 corresponds to the identification number (16) in Figure 15A. In this case, the amplifier 350 drives all speakers 36-1 to 36-4 and 36-6 to 36-20, except for speaker 36-5 located in the center of the instrument panel, with sound source group signals belonging to the telephone group 333 (Mix2); speaker 36-5 is not driven. Therefore, a telephone sound field 131 shown in the upper right of FIG. 13A is formed inside the vehicle cabin.

[0073] The identification number (16) in FIG. 17 indicates the same combination as the identification number (16) in FIG. 16. However, it differs from FIG. 16 in that the telephone selection switch 213 is set to "DRIVER" (Call Routing = ON). The identification number (16) in FIG. 17 corresponds to the identification number (16) in FIG. 15A. At this time, the amplifier 350 drives all speakers 36-1 to 36-4 and 36-6 to 36-20 except for the speaker 36-5 located in the center of the instrument panel, but does not drive the speaker 36-5. The amplifier 350 drives the headrest speaker 36-4 with a sound source group signal belonging to the telephone group 333 (Mix2), and drives the speakers 36-1 to 36-3 and 36-6 to 36-20 with a sound source group signal belonging to the music group 331 (Main). Therefore, a telephone sound field 130 and music sound fields 112 and 113 shown in the upper center of FIG. 13A are simultaneously formed in the vehicle interior.

[0074] 17 indicates a case where a sound source group signal is output from a sound source belonging to any one of the following categories: Entertainment, TA (Traffic announcement), or Auto DJ in the music group 331 (Main), a sound source group signal is output from a sound source belonging to any one of the following categories: Normal-NAVI, Special-NAVI, or SPI-NAVI in the navigation group 332 (Mix1), and a sound source group signal is output from a sound source belonging to any one of the following categories: WL-TEL, WL-TEL RING, SPI-TEL, SPI-TEL RING, APP-TEL, or APP-TEL RING in the telephone group 333 (Mix2). At this time, the amplifier 350 drives all speakers 36-1 to 36-4 and 36-6 to 36-20 except for speaker 36-5 located in the center of the instrument panel, and does not drive speaker 36-5. Amplifier 350 drives headrest speaker 36-4 with a sound source group signal belonging to telephone group 333 (Mix2), drives speakers 36-1 to 36-3 with a sound source group signal belonging to navigation group 332 (Mix1), and drives speakers 36-6 to 36-20 with a sound source group signal belonging to music group 331 (Main). Thus, within the vehicle cabin, a telephone sound field 133, a navigation sound field 120 surrounding sound field 133, and music sound fields 112 and 113 are simultaneously formed, as shown in the upper right of Fig. 13B.

[0075] On the other hand, the identification numbers (1), (8), (16), and (35) in Figures 18 and 19 represent the same combinations of sound source types as the identification numbers (1), (8), (16), and (35) in Figures 16 and 17, respectively. However, the sound field settings in Figures 18 and 19 differ from those in Figures 16 and 17 (Sound Bubble Mode = ALL) in that the sound field selection switch 212 is set to "FRONT" (Sound Bubble Mode = Front). Therefore, of the multiple speakers 36-1 to 36-20, the speakers 36-9 to 36-20 other than those facing the front seats (FL, FR) are not driven (Mute), regardless of the type combination. At this time, sound fields 111, 112, 120, 130, 132, and 133 are formed in the vehicle cabin when the sound field selection is set to the front seats, as shown in the lower part of Figures 13A and 13B.

[0076] 16 to 19, the amplifier 350 may have a correspondence table that lists combinations of types of sound source group signals, speakers 360 to be driven, and sound source group signals that drive each of the speakers 36-1 to 36-20. The amplifier 350 can refer to the correspondence table to determine which speakers 36-1 to 36-20 to drive and the sound source group signals that drive each of the speakers 36-1 to 36-20. This simplifies the control of the speakers 360 by the amplifier 350.

[0077] As described above, the third embodiment provides the following advantageous effects. For example, the sound field 130 of the sound sources belonging to the telephone group 333 (Mix2) when "Call Routing: On" is set as shown in FIG. 13A and the sound field 120 of the sound sources belonging to the navigation group 332 (Mix1) shown in FIG. 13B are limited to only one seat in the vehicle cabin, namely, the driver's seat. In this manner, when the sound field of the audio reproduced from the sound sources belonging to the first group is limited to only one seat in the vehicle cabin (the driver's seat), the amplifier 350 assigns a first sound source group signal output from the sound sources belonging to the first group to the speaker facing the driver's seat occupant, and assigns a second sound source group signal output from the sound sources belonging to the second group (e.g., music) to the second speaker facing the occupants in the other seats (the passenger seat and rear seats). As shown by the identification numbers (8), (16), and (35) in Figures 16 to 19, the amplifier 350 simultaneously drives the first and second speakers using the first and second sound source group signals. As shown in Figures 13A and 13B, a sound field for the sound reproduced from the sound source belonging to the first group and a sound field for the sound reproduced from the sound source belonging to the second group can be simultaneously formed separately from each other. In other words, sound fields in which two different sounds can be heard can be simultaneously formed. Each sound can be clearly heard in each sound field without the two sounds being mixed together.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 13B , when a sound field 133 of the first sound source group signal and a sound field 120 of the second sound source group signal are formed in an area including a passenger seated in a specific seat (here, the driver's seat) in the vehicle cabin, the amplifier 350 assigns a high-priority first sound source group signal to the headrest speaker 36-4, which is close to the passenger's ear, and assigns a low-priority first sound source group signal to the speakers 36-1 to 36-3, which are farther from the passenger's ear, as indicated by the identification number (35) in FIG. 17 . In this way, when two sound source sound fields aimed at a specific passenger compete with each other but belong to different groups, the assigned speaker is allocated according to the distance from the passenger's ear. Speakers at different distances to the passenger's ear are allocated according to the priority of the first and second sound source group signals. This allows the sound fields 133 and 120 of the first and second sound source group signals to be formed in an area including the driver's seat, as shown in FIG. 13B . The passenger can hear the audio of the first and second sound source group signals in accordance with the priority.

[0079] When multiple speakers 36-1 to 36-4 facing a passenger (e.g., the driver) seated in a specific seat in the vehicle cabin are simultaneously driven using multiple sound source group signals (e.g., navigation and telephone), the amplifier 350 assigns a high-priority sound source group signal (telephone) to the speaker 36-4 that is closest to the passenger's ear, and assigns a low-priority sound source group signal to the speakers 36-1 to 36-3 that are farther from the passenger's ear. By assigning speakers that are different distances to the passenger's ear according to the priority of the sound source group signal, the passenger can hear multiple sounds according to the priority of the sound source group signal.

[0080] The multiple speakers directed toward a passenger seated in a specific seat in the vehicle cabin include headrest speakers 36-4 and 36-9 attached to the headrest of the specific seat, and specific seat speakers 36-1 to 36-3 and 36-6 to 36-8 attached to the door closest to the specific seat, the instrument panel on the specific seat side, or the pillar on the specific seat side. The amplifier assigns sound source group signals output from sound sources belonging to a telephone group 331 (Mix2) to the headrest speakers 36-4 and 36-9, and assigns sound source group signals output from sound sources belonging to a navigation group 332 (Mix1) to the specific seat speakers. Because the sound of the sound source belonging to the telephone, which has a higher priority than the navigation system, can be reproduced from the headrest speaker 36-4, which is closer to the passenger's ear, the amplifier 350 can appropriately drive the speaker 360.

[0081] Although the third embodiment has been described above, the descriptions and drawings that form part of this disclosure should not be understood to limit the invention. Various alternative embodiments, examples, and operating techniques will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

[0082] For example, the sound source control device 340 may transmit to the amplifier 350 a signal identifying the sound source 330 that outputs each sound source group signal, instead of a signal identifying the type of each sound source group signal. The sound source control device 340 can determine the type of sound source 330 from the signal identifying the sound source 330, for example, based on the correspondence table between sound sources 330 and types shown in FIG. 14. Therefore, the amplifier 350 can determine the speakers to be driven and the sound source group signals to drive each speaker, based on the signal identifying the sound source and the signal indicating the sound field setting received from the sound source control device 340. This simplifies the control of the speakers 360 by the amplifier 350.

[0083] 14, the case has been described in which sound sources 330 are classified into a music group 331 (Main), a navigation group 332 (Mix1), and a telephone group 331 (Main). However, they may be classified into two or four or more groups.

[0084] In the third embodiment, the amplifier 350 does not drive speakers facing areas in the vehicle cabin where a sound field is not formed. Alternatively, the amplifier 350 may drive speakers facing areas in the vehicle cabin where a sound field is not formed using an active noise cancellation signal that is out of phase with the sound source group signals that drive the other speakers. This allows the active noise cancellation signal to cancel sounds that leak from areas where a sound field is formed into areas where a sound field is not formed, thereby enabling precise control of the outer edges of the sound field.

[0085] 100 Sound field control device, 110 to 113, 120, 130 to 133 Sound field, 220 Layout diagram, 211 Start switch (information indicating start or stop of sound field control device), 221, 222, 223 Seat, 221 Driver's seat, 231 to 233 Sound source icon, 234 Ripple spreading animation, 235, 33N Mute icon, 240 Text, 330 Sound source, 331 Music group, 332 Navigation group, 333 Telephone group, 350 Amplifier, 351 Voice input, 360 Speaker, 36-1 to 36-3, 36-6 to 36-8 Speaker for specific seat, 36-4, 36-9 Headrest speaker, 400 Touch panel (display)

Claims

1. a sound source control device that outputs a plurality of sound source group signals; an amplifier having audio inputs in the same number as the sound source group signals, and driving a plurality of speakers mounted on a vehicle using the sound source group signals input to each of the audio inputs; the sound source control device classifies sound sources, the number of which is greater than the sound source group signals, into a plurality of groups, and outputs sound source signals output from a plurality of sound sources belonging to each group as the sound source group signals; The amplifier determines the speakers to be driven and the sound source group signals to drive each speaker based on the type of each sound source group signal and a sound field setting that is an area in the vehicle cabin where sounds reproduced from the plurality of speakers are heard. Sound system.

2. 2. The acoustic system according to claim 1, wherein the sound source control device outputs, as the sound source group signal, a representative sound source signal output from a sound source with the highest priority among sound source signals simultaneously output from a plurality of sound sources belonging to the same group.

3. 2. The acoustic system according to claim 1, wherein when a plurality of speakers directed toward an occupant sitting in a specific seat in the vehicle cabin are simultaneously driven using a plurality of sound source group signals, the amplifier assigns a high-priority sound source group signal to a speaker that is closer to the occupant's ear and a low-priority sound source group signal to a speaker that is farther from the occupant's ear.

4. the plurality of speakers directed toward the occupant seated in the specific seat in the vehicle compartment include a headrest speaker attached to a headrest of the specific seat, and a specific seat speaker attached to a door closest to the specific seat, an instrument panel on the specific seat side, or a pillar on the specific seat side; the amplifier assigns a sound source group signal output from a sound source belonging to a telephone group to the headrest speaker, and assigns a sound source group signal output from a sound source belonging to a navigation group to the specific seat speaker; 4. The sound system of claim 3.

5. The acoustic system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the amplifier includes a correspondence table that lists combinations of types of each sound source group signal, speakers to be driven, and the sound source group signals that drive each speaker, and the amplifier determines the speakers to be driven and the sound source group signals that drive each speaker by referring to the correspondence table.

6. the sound source control device transmits a signal indicating the type of each sound source group signal and a signal indicating the sound field setting to the amplifier; The amplifier determines the speakers to be driven and the sound source group signals to drive each speaker based on a signal indicating the type of each sound source group signal and a signal indicating the sound field setting, both of which are received from the sound source control device. The acoustic system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. the sound source control device transmits to the amplifier a signal identifying a sound source that outputs each sound source group signal and a signal indicating a setting of the sound field; The amplifier determines the speakers to be driven and a sound source group signal to drive each speaker based on a signal identifying the sound source and a signal indicating the sound field setting received from the sound source control device. The acoustic system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

8. 5. The audio system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of sound sources are classified into one of a music group, a navigation group, and a telephone group.

9. The acoustic system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the amplifier drives the speaker facing an area in the vehicle cabin where the sound field is not formed using an active noise cancellation signal that is in opposite phase to the sound source group signal that drives the other speakers.

10. 5. The acoustic system according to claim 1, wherein, when the sound field of the sound reproduced from the sound source belonging to a first group is limited to only some of the seats in the vehicle cabin, the amplifier assigns a first sound source group signal output from the sound source belonging to the first group to a first speaker directed toward occupants in some of the seats, and assigns a second sound source group signal output from the sound source belonging to a second group to a second speaker directed toward occupants in other seats, and simultaneously drives the first and second speakers using the first and second sound source group signals.

11. The acoustic system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when the sound field of the first sound source group signal and the sound field of the second sound source group signal are formed in an area including an occupant sitting in a specific seat in the vehicle cabin, the amplifier assigns the first sound source group signal with a higher priority to a speaker that is close to the ears of the occupant, and assigns the first sound source group signal with a lower priority to a speaker that is farther from the ears of the occupant.

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