Information generation method capable of objectively improving timbre on basis of human body shape and sound data processing device capable of intuitively and easily changing impression of sound

Abstract

A system S according to one embodiment of the present invention acquires, in an anechoic chamber, head-related transfer functions (HRTFs) exhibited when sound is emitted in a plurality of sound-emitting directions D toward the head of an individual P, averages the plurality of HRTFs, and calculates, as a TPTRC, a TRC for the individual P for clarifying timbre information of the sound. The system S generates a TPTRC(W) by multiplying the TPTRC by each of different multipliers W, makes the individual P listen to sounds conforming to the TPTRC(W)s and select a preferred sound from among the sounds, and stores the TPTRC(W) selected by the individual P as TPTRCadj. The system S averages the TPTRCadjs respectively stored for a plurality of different individuals P1-Pn to generate a general-purpose TPTRCadj. A sound data processor according to one embodiment of the present invention superimposes the general-purpose TPTRCadj on input sound data and outputs the result to an audio device such as earphones.

Description

Information generation method that enables objective improvement of tone quality based on human body shape, and sound data processing device that enables intuitive and easy change of sound impression

[0001] The present invention relates to acoustic technology, and more particularly to technology for improving tone quality.

[0002] In sound-producing devices such as earphones, headphones, and speakers, their amplitude-frequency characteristics are commercialized by setting an arbitrary target frequency response. This target frequency response is called the target response (hereinafter referred to as "TR"), and the amplitude-frequency characteristics are called the target response curve (hereinafter referred to as "TRC").

[0003] The TRC of a sound-generating device varies from product to product or manufacturer to manufacturer. For example, widely known TRCs include the Harman TRC proposed by Harman, Inc. of the United States, the free-field TRC derived based on sound wave propagation to the human body in a free sound field, and the diffuse-field TRC derived based on sound wave propagation to the human body in a diffuse sound field.

[0004] Patent Document 1, for example, is a patent document disclosing a technology using TRCs. In the invention described in Patent Document 1, an audio signal input to a speaker is corrected by a graphic equalizer so that a sound having an amplitude-frequency characteristic according to a TRC selected by a listener from among a plurality of TRCs is generated.

[0005] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-224100

[0006] Regarding the sound quality of sound generating devices, although manufacturers set TRCs that they consider desirable for each product, it is known that the satisfaction level with sound quality, particularly with regard to timbre, varies greatly among listeners.

[0007] To solve the above problems, listeners commonly change the amplitude-frequency characteristics using parametric equalizers, graphic equalizers, etc. However, this method results in problems such as varying levels of satisfaction with the timbre depending on the music piece, since the timbre is subjectively changed by the listener.

[0008] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention provides a means for generating a sound with a tone that objectively satisfies a listener.

[0009] The present invention provides a method for generating information for improving tone quality using individual characteristics, the method comprising the steps of: when sound is emitted from multiple directions into a person's head, identifying a transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function when the sound reaches the person's ear for each of the multiple directions; and calculating a transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function by averaging the transfer functions or information equivalent to the transfer functions identified for each of the multiple directions.

[0010] According to the present invention, information is obtained that objectively indicates the amplitude-frequency characteristics of a tone that brings high satisfaction to a listener.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a sound production direction D in a method according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of a method for generating a TRC-I according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a method for generating a TRC-I according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a method for generating a TRC-I according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a sound data processing system according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a sound production device according to an embodiment.

[0012] [First Embodiment] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a method for generating information for improving timbre using individual characteristics according to the present invention will be described as Embodiment 1. According to the method described below, a TRC (hereinafter referred to as "TRC-I") for generating a sound that gives a listener high satisfaction in terms of timbre when heard by the listener can be obtained.

[0013] The generation of the TRC-I is mainly performed by a data processing device. The data processing device used to generate the TRC-I is, for example, a general-purpose computer. The general-purpose computer includes a memory for storing various data, a processor for performing various data processing in accordance with a program stored in the memory, and an interface for inputting, outputting, or transmitting data to and from an external device. The computer's processor performs data processing in accordance with the program according to this embodiment that is continuously stored in the memory, thereby realizing a system (hereinafter referred to as "system S") that performs the operations (including data processing) described below.

[0014] [First Example] A first example of the first embodiment will be described below. In this example, when sounds are emitted from multiple directions toward the head of an individual P, head-related transfer functions (hereinafter referred to as "HRTFs") of the left and right ears for each of the multiple directions are used to generate the TRC-I. Hereinafter, the multiple directions from which sounds are emitted for identifying the HRTFs will be collectively referred to as sound generation direction D.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the sound production direction D in this embodiment. FIG. 1A is a diagram showing a polar coordinate system PCS for defining the sound production direction D. FIG. 1B is a diagram of individual P viewed from above in the −z direction of the polar coordinate system PCS, i.e., from above. FIG. 1C is a diagram of individual P viewed from the front in the −x direction of the polar coordinate system PCS. The origin of the polar coordinate system PCS is the head center point C, which is the midpoint of the line connecting individual P's left ear L and right ear R. Individual P is positioned in the polar coordinate system PCS so that the front direction of individual P is the +x direction of the polar coordinate system PCS and the left direction of individual P is the +y direction of the polar coordinate system PCS. All of the multiple sound production directions D are directed toward the origin (head center point C). Each of the multiple sound generation directions D is identified by a combination of a horizontal angle Φ (see FIG. 1B), which is a counterclockwise angle when viewed from above with the +x direction as the reference (0 degrees), and an elevation angle Θ (see FIG. 1C), which is an angle when the +z direction is the reference (0 degrees). Hereinafter, a sound generation direction D with a horizontal angle Φ and an elevation angle Θ will be referred to as a sound generation direction D(Φ, Θ). For example, the sound generation direction D (135 degrees, 30 degrees) illustrated in FIG. 1 means a direction with a horizontal angle of 135 degrees and an elevation angle of 30 degrees, i.e., a direction from a diagonally upper left rear of individual P toward the center point C of the head.

[0016] In this embodiment, the range of the horizontal angle of the sound producing direction D is 0 degrees to 360 degrees, and the range of the elevation angle of the sound producing direction D is 0 degrees to 120 degrees, but this is not limiting.

[0017] In this embodiment, the horizontal angle resolution and elevation angle resolution of the sound generation direction D are both 5 degrees, but this is not limited to this. If the horizontal angle resolution and elevation angle resolution of the sound generation direction D are both 5 degrees, the number of sound generation directions D is (360 ÷ 5) × (120 ÷ 5) + 1 = 1729.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of a method for generating a TRC-I according to this embodiment.

[0019] The system S assigns an initial value of 0 to a counter H, which is a counter for the horizontal angle, and a counter E, which is a counter for the elevation angle (step S101).

[0020] Next, the system S identifies the HRTFs for each of the left and right ears of the individual P when a sound emitted in an anechoic chamber in a sound direction D (H degrees, E degrees) toward the center point C of the head reaches the ear (step S102). Hereinafter, the HRTF for the left ear will be referred to as "HRTF-L," and the HRTF for the right ear will be referred to as "HRTF-R." Furthermore, the HRTF for the sound direction D (H degrees, E degrees) will be referred to as "HRTF-L (H degrees, E degrees)" or "HRTF-R (H degrees, E degrees)."

[0021] Any known method may be used to identify the HRTF, examples of which are given below, but are not limited to these.

[0022] (1) A method in which a test sound is emitted from an actual speaker in an anechoic chamber and the HRTF at the entrance of the ear canal is measured using a miniature microphone, a probe microphone, etc. (2) A method in which the HRTF is calculated by a simulation based on the wave equation using a three-dimensional morphological model obtained by scanning or photographing the head and outer ear.

[0023] The system S stores the HRTF-L (H degree, E degree) and HRTF-R (H degree, E degree) identified in step S102 (step S103).

[0024] Next, the system S determines whether the counter H is 355 (step S104). If the counter H is not 355 (step S104; No), the system S adds 5 to the counter H (step S105). Thereafter, the system S repeats the processes from step S102 onwards.

[0025] If counter H is 355 (step S104; Yes), system S assigns an initial value of 0 to counter H (step S106). Next, system S determines whether counter E is 120 (step S107). If counter E is not 120 (step S107; No), system S adds 5 to counter E (step S108). Thereafter, system S repeats the processes from step S102 onwards.

[0026] If the counter E is 120 (step S107; Yes), the system S converts the average values ​​of the 1729 HRTF-Ls stored in step S103 into an averaged HRTF-L (hereinafter referred to as "HRTF-L"). ａｖ The average value of the 1729 HRTF-Rs was calculated as the averaged HRTF-R (hereinafter referred to as "HRTF-R"). ａｖ ") (step S109).

[0027] In this application, the average value of an HRTF refers to the amplitude-frequency characteristic represented by an HRTF (function formula) averaged with respect to amplitude. Furthermore, in this application, when an HRTF is referred to, it refers to the function formula or the amplitude-frequency characteristic represented by the function formula. In other words, the function formula and the amplitude-frequency characteristic obtained by converting the function formula into the frequency domain are equivalent information, and therefore, in this application, they are not distinguished. Furthermore, in this application, when an HRTF is referred to, it may also refer to an impulse response or step response obtained by converting an HRTF. Since these are also equivalent information to an HRTF, they are not distinguished in this application.

[0028] The average value calculated by the system S in step S109 is not limited to the arithmetic average value (arithmetic mean value, simple average value), but may be any average value in the broad sense, that is, any reference value that, assuming that all values ​​in the target set are a certain value, will be the same as the reference value calculated using actual values. In other words, any of the arithmetic mean value, weighted mean value, geometric mean value (geometric mean value), etc. may be adopted.

[0029] The frequency band to be averaged in step S109 may be changed arbitrarily depending on the purpose, etc. That is, the averaging process may be performed over the entire audible range, or, for example, only over a frequency band from 800 Hz to 12 kHz. At the boundary between the frequency band to be averaged and the frequency band not to be averaged, amplitude smoothing is performed by multiplication with a window function, etc.

[0030] HRTF-L ａｖ and HRTF-R ａｖSince HRTF-L is an HRTF obtained by averaging HRTFs related to various directions, it cancels out information required for the perception of the direction of sound, and as a result, it plays the role of a TRC that clarifies information that affects the recognition of the timbre of sound. ａｖ and HRTF-R ａｖ The sound with the superimposed timbre is a sound that brings high satisfaction to the individual P who is the listener.

[0031] For example, the HRTF-L calculated by a method that does not weight the sound direction D, such as a simple average value, ａｖ and HRTF-R ａｖ On the other hand, the weighted average calculated using different weights for the sound direction D is ａｖ and HRTF-R ａｖ When calculated as ａｖ and HRTF-R ａｖ gives the listener the directional perception that the sound comes from the direction to which a large weight is assigned.

[0032] Therefore, for example, the HRTF-L calculated by weighted averaging using weights assigned as follows: ａｖ and HRTF-R ａｖ The sound with the superimposed harmonics provides a high level of satisfaction to the individual P who is the listener in terms of tone, and also gives the listener the feeling that the sound is coming from the front.

[0033] A weight of "1" is assigned to HRTF-L and HRTF-R when the horizontal angle Φ is within the range of 0 to 45 degrees and 315 to 360 degrees. A weight of "-2" is assigned to HRTF-L and HRTF-R when the horizontal angle Φ is 90 degrees and 270 degrees. A weight of "-4" is assigned to HRTF-L and HRTF-R when the horizontal angle Φ is 135 degrees and 225 degrees. A weight of "-6" is assigned to HRTF-L and HRTF-R when the horizontal angle Φ is 180 degrees. For HRTF-L and HRTF-R where the horizontal angle Φ is within the range of 45 degrees to 315 degrees (excluding 45 degrees, 90 degrees, 135 degrees, 180 degrees, 225 degrees, 270 degrees, and 315 degrees), weights are assigned that are obtained by interpolating (for example, linearly interpolating) the weights assigned to the above 45 degrees, 90 degrees, 135 degrees, 180 degrees, 225 degrees, 270 degrees, and 315 degrees.

[0034] Although the above example is an example in which the weight is varied depending on the horizontal angle, the weight may be varied depending on the elevation angle, or the weight may be varied depending on the combination of the horizontal angle and the elevation angle.

[0035] HRTF-L calculated as above ａｖ and HRTF-R ａｖ can be used as a new TRC that reflects the three-dimensional shape of the body of individual P and clarifies information that influences the timbre recognition of sound. ａｖ and HRTF-R ａｖ This is called TPTRC (Timbre Personalized Target Response Curve).

[0036] In the following description, unless otherwise specified, no distinction will be made between data processing relating to the left ear and data processing relating to the right ear.

[0037] The system S stores the TPTRC calculated in step S109 (step S110). The TPTRC stored in this manner is TRC-I in this embodiment.

[0038] Second Example A second example of the first embodiment will now be described.

[0039] In the method of this embodiment, a plurality of amplitude-adjusted TPTRCs (hereinafter referred to as "TPTRC(W)") are prepared by multiplying the amplitude of the TPTRC stored in step S110 of the first embodiment by different multipliers (hereinafter referred to as "multipliers W"), and sounds obtained by superimposing the TPTRCs (W) whose amplitudes have been adjusted by the different multipliers W on sounds to be evaluated (for example, sounds from existing music) are played to individual P, who then selects his / her favorite sound from these sounds, and the TPTRC(W) that brings the highest satisfaction to individual P is identified as TRC-I.

[0040] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a method for generating a TRC-I according to this embodiment.

[0041] First, the system S assigns an initial value of 0.5 to a variable w that holds the median value of the candidates for the multiplier W (step S201).

[0042] Next, the system S multiplies the amplitude of the TPTRC by (w-0.3), w, and (w+0.3), respectively, to generate three amplitude-adjusted TPTRCs (W), namely, TPTRC(0.2), TPTRC(0.5), and TPTRC(0.8) (step S202).

[0043] The frequency band to be subjected to the process of multiplying the amplitude by a multiplier in step S202 (and steps S206, S210, and S214 described below) may be changed arbitrarily depending on the purpose, etc. That is, the multiplier multiplication process may be performed on the entire audible range, or, for example, the multiplier multiplication process may be performed only on the frequency band from 900 Hz to 11 kHz. At the boundary between the frequency band to be multiplied by a multiplier and the frequency band to which the multiplier is not multiplied, the amplitude is smoothed by multiplication with a window function, etc.

[0044] Next, for each of TPTRC(0.2), TPTRC(0.5), and TPTRC(0.8) generated in step S202, system S sequentially outputs sounds obtained by superimposing the TPTRC(W) and the inverse characteristic of the TRC unique to the sound producing device such as earphones connected to system S (hereinafter referred to as "inverse characteristic IP") on the evaluation sound to the sound producing device such as earphones connected to system S (step S203). Note that if the TRC of the sound producing device is flat, superimposing the inverse characteristic IP is not necessary (the same applies to steps S207, S211, and S215 described below).

[0045] In step S203, individual P listens to the sounds produced by the sound producing device, selects the sound that gives the highest satisfaction among the three sounds, and inputs the selection result to system S. System S acquires the selection result input by individual P (step S204).

[0046] The system S assigns the multiplier W (hereinafter referred to as "multiplier W1") used to generate the TPTRC (W) superimposed on the sound corresponding to the selection result acquired in step S204 to a variable w (step S205). For example, if the selection result acquired in step S204 indicates a sound superimposed with TPTRC (0.2), the system S assigns 0.2 to the variable w in step S205.

[0047] Next, the system S multiplies the amplitude of the TPTRC by (w-0.2), w, and (w+0.2), respectively, to generate three amplitude-adjusted TPTRCs (W) (step S206). For example, if 0.2 is substituted for the variable w in step S205, the system S generates TPTRC(0.0), TPTRC(0.2), and TPTRC(0.4) in step S206.

[0048] Next, for each of the three TPTRC(W) generated in step S206, the system S sequentially outputs a sound in which the TPTRC(W) and the inverse characteristic IP are superimposed on the evaluation sound to a sound generating device such as an earphone connected to the system S (step S207).

[0049] In step S207, individual P listens to the sounds produced by the sound producing device, selects the sound that gives the highest satisfaction among the three sounds, and inputs the selection result to system S. System S acquires the selection result input by individual P (step S208).

[0050] The system S assigns the multiplier W (hereinafter referred to as "multiplier W2") used to generate the TPTRC (W) superimposed on the sound corresponding to the selection result acquired in step S208 to a variable w (step S209). For example, if the selection result acquired in step S208 indicates a sound superimposed with TPTRC (0.4), the system S assigns 0.4 to the variable w in step S209.

[0051] Next, the system S multiplies the amplitude of the TPTRC by (w-0.1), w, and (w+0.1), respectively, to generate three amplitude-adjusted TPTRCs (W) (step S210). For example, if 0.4 is substituted for the variable w in step S209, the system S generates TPTRCs (0.3), (0.4), and (0.5) in step S210.

[0052] Next, for each of the three TPTRC(W) generated in step S210, the system S sequentially outputs a sound in which the TPTRC(W) and the inverse characteristic IP are superimposed on the evaluation sound to a sound generating device such as an earphone connected to the system S (step S211).

[0053] In step S211, individual P listens to the sounds produced by the sound producing device, selects the sound that gives the highest satisfaction among the three sounds, and inputs the selection result to system S. System S acquires the selection result input by individual P (step S212).

[0054] The system S assigns the multiplier W (hereinafter referred to as "multiplier W3") used to generate the TPTRC (W) superimposed on the sound corresponding to the selection result acquired in step S212 to the variable w (step S213). For example, if the selection result acquired in step S212 indicates a sound superimposed with TPTRC (0.3), the system S assigns 0.3 to the variable w in step S213.

[0055] Next, the system S multiplies the amplitude of the TPTRC by (w-0.05), w, and (w+0.05), respectively, to generate three amplitude-adjusted TPTRCs (W) (step S214). For example, if 0.3 is substituted for the variable w in step S213, the system S generates TPTRC(0.25), TPTRC(0.3), and TPTRC(0.35) in step S214.

[0056] Next, for each of the three TPTRC(W) generated in step S214, the system S sequentially outputs a sound in which the TPTRC(W) and the inverse characteristic IP are superimposed on the evaluation sound to a sound generating device such as an earphone connected to the system S (step S215).

[0057] In step S215, individual P listens to the sounds produced by the sound producing device, selects the sound that gives the most satisfaction from the three sounds, and inputs the selection result to system S. System S acquires the selection result input by individual P (step S216).

[0058] The system S selects the TPTRC(W) superimposed on the sound corresponding to the selection result acquired in step S216 as the TPTRC(W) (hereinafter referred to as the “TPTRC”) that brings the highest satisfaction to the individual P. ａｄｊ For example, if the selection result obtained in step S216 indicates a sound with TPTRC (0.35) superimposed thereon, the system S stores the TPTRC (0.35) as the TPTRC (0.35) in step S217. ａｄｊ The TPTRC stored in this way is ａｄｊ is TRC-I in this embodiment.

[0059] TPTRC, which is the TRC-I finally obtained in this example ａｄｊ is a TRC in which the degree of clarity of information that affects the timbre perception of a sound is adjusted according to the preferences of individual P.

[0060] In step S217, the system S ａｄｊ Instead of storing the multiplier W (for example, "0.35") used to generate the TPTRC(W) superimposed on the sound according to the selection result acquired in step S216, the multiplier W may be stored.

[0061] As described above, in this embodiment, a series of steps (hereinafter referred to as the "sound selection step") is repeated multiple times: individual P listens to sounds on which amplitude-adjusted TPTRC(W) obtained by multiplying TPTRC by a predetermined number of different multipliers W is superimposed, and individual P selects one sound from these sounds. In the above example, three sound options are presented to individual P in one sound selection step, but the number may be two or more. However, three options are preferable because they reduce the burden on individual P when selecting and provide accurate results with high accuracy.

[0062] Also, in the above example, the sound selection procedure is repeated four times, but the number of times may be one or more.

[0063] Furthermore, in the above example, the difference between two adjacent values ​​of the multipliers W used to generate the sound options presented to individual P in the preceding sound selection procedure was assumed to be the same, but the difference between two adjacent multipliers W may be changed arbitrarily as long as the variation in the multipliers W used in the subsequent sound selection procedure is smaller than the variation in the multipliers W used in the preceding sound selection procedure.

[0064] Furthermore, if the multiplier W corresponding to the sound selected in the preceding sound selection procedure differs from the multiplier W corresponding to the sound selected in the subsequent sound selection procedure by more than a predetermined threshold, the system S may return to the preceding sound selection procedure and repeat the subsequent processing.

[0065] Furthermore, it may be possible to confirm whether the sound selection is correct by mixing a sound generated using a multiplier W whose value is different from the multiplier W corresponding to the sound selected in the preceding sound selection procedure with the sound presented to the individual P in the subsequent sound selection procedure. In other words, if a sound generated using a multiplier W whose value is different from the multiplier W corresponding to the sound selected in the preceding sound selection procedure is selected in the subsequent sound selection procedure, it is highly likely that the sound selection was incorrect, and the system S may return to the preceding sound selection procedure and repeat the subsequent processes.

[0066] Furthermore, although the multipliers W used in the above examples are all 1 or less, the range of the multipliers W is not limited to 1 or less, and any multiplier W equal to or greater than 0 may be used.

[0067] In addition, individual P is TPTRC ａｄｊ After listening to the superimposed sound for a predetermined time or more, the process according to the flow of FIG. 3 is executed again, and the TPTRC for individual P is ａｄｊ Updates may be made.

[0068] Furthermore, in the above example, the selection of sounds is made subjectively by the individual P, but the selection of sounds may also be made by the system S based on vital information of the individual P. Examples of vital information include brain waves, heart rate, pulse rate, body temperature, etc., but any type of vital information may be used as long as it is correlated with the satisfaction level of the individual P while listening to the sound.

[0069] In this case, while the system S is producing sounds in steps S203, S207, S211, and S215, it acquires vital information (e.g., brain waves) of the individual P measured by a measuring device (e.g., an electroencephalograph), and instead of acquiring the selection results input by the individual P in steps S204, S208, S212, and S216, it evaluates the level of satisfaction of the individual P based on the acquired vital information, and selects the sound that brought the highest level of satisfaction to the individual P based on the evaluation results.

[0070] When sound is selected based on vital information, the sound is selected objectively compared to when sound is selected based on the subjective opinion of individual P, which reduces the burden on individual P and makes it less likely that an incorrect sound will be selected.

[0071] Third Example A third example of the first embodiment will now be described.

[0072] In the method of this embodiment, for each of multiple individuals (hereinafter referred to as individuals P1 to Pn, where n is any natural number), the average value of the TPTRC stored in step S110 of the first embodiment is identified as TRC-I.

[0073] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a method for generating a TRC-I according to this embodiment.

[0074] First, the system S acquires the TPTRC for each of the individuals P1 to Pn (step S301).

[0075] Next, the system S calculates the average value of the amplitude of the acquired TPTRC for each of the individuals P1 to Pn as a general-purpose TPTRC (step S302).

[0076] Next, the system S stores the calculated general-purpose TPTRC (step S303). The general-purpose TPTRC stored in this manner is TRC-I in this embodiment.

[0077] Since the generic TPTRC is an average of the TPTRCs of multiple individuals, it is a TRC that clarifies information that influences the timbre perception of sound for a person with an average three-dimensional body shape. Therefore, when an individual without HRTF identification listens to sound with the generic TPTRC superimposed, that individual is likely to be highly satisfied with the timbre.

[0078] In this embodiment, the TPTRC stored in step S217 of the second embodiment is used instead of the TPTRC stored in step S110 of the first embodiment. ａｄｊ may be used. In that case, TPTRC ａｄｊ Average value of (general purpose TPTRC ａｄｊ ) is identified as TRC-I.

[0079] In this embodiment, TPTRC (or TPTRC ａｄｊ ) are averaged. Therefore, the generalized TPTRC (or generalized TPTRC) for only the left or right ear is ａｄｊ ) and use it as a general-purpose TPTRC for both ears (or a general-purpose TPTRC ａｄｊ ) can also be used.

[0080] In addition, the system S calculates the HRTF-L for each of the plurality of individuals P1 to Pn after averaging in step S109 of the first embodiment. ａｖ or HRTF-L ａｖ Instead of averaging the HRTF-L or HRTF-R values ​​for each of the multiple individuals P1 to Pn, the generalized TPTRC may be calculated by averaging multiple HRTF-L or HRTF-R values ​​at once before being averaged in step S109 of the first embodiment.

[0081] Fourth Example A fourth example of the first embodiment will now be described.

[0082] In the method of this embodiment, for each of multiple individuals (hereinafter referred to as individuals P1 to Pn, where n is any natural number), the correspondence between the three-dimensional shape of the body and the TPTRC is determined using the TPTRC stored in step S110 of the first embodiment and information representing the three-dimensional shape of the individual's body corresponding to that TPTRC, and based on that correspondence, a TPTRC suitable for the individual for which HRTF is not specified is identified as TRC-I.

[0083] In executing this embodiment, first, when executing the first embodiment, information representing the three-dimensional shape of the body of individual P (hereinafter referred to as "body shape data") is acquired. The body shape data represents at least the three-dimensional shape of individual P's head, and preferably also the three-dimensional shape of individual P's outer ears. The body shape data may be acquired by any method, such as direct measurement by scanning or calculation based on images obtained by photographing from multiple directions. In step S102 of the first embodiment, if the HRTF is identified by simulation and the three-dimensional shape of individual P's body is measured or calculated, data representing the three-dimensional shape is acquired as body shape data. The system S stores the acquired body shape data of individual P in association with the TPTRC of individual P.

[0084] When body shape data and TPTRC are stored in correspondence with each other for each of individuals P1 to Pn, system S performs regression analysis using sample data with body shape data as the explanatory variable and TPTRC as the target variable, and calculates a regression equation.

[0085] As described above, while the regression equation is being calculated, the system S acquires body shape data of an individual (hereinafter referred to as individual X) for whom HRTF has not been specified.

[0086] Next, the system S substitutes the acquired body shape data as an explanatory variable into a regression equation to obtain a TPTRC calculated as a response variable, thereby obtaining a TPTRC suitable for the individual X. The system S stores the calculated TPTRC as the TPTRC for the individual X.

[0087] In addition, when body shape data and TPTRC for a new individual are obtained, the system S may use the data as sample data to recalculate the regression equation.

[0088] Instead of the regression equation used in the above-described method, a machine learning model may be used. In this case, the system S constructs or updates the machine learning model for each of the individuals P1 to Pn using training data in which the body shape data is an explanatory variable and the TPTRC is a target variable.

[0089] Then, the system S substitutes the body shape data of the individual X as an explanatory variable into the machine learning model, and obtains a TPTRC that is output as a target variable. As a result, a TPTRC suitable for the individual X is obtained. The system S stores the calculated TPTRC as the TPTRC for the individual X.

[0090] As described above, the TPTRC for individual X identified and stored using a regression or machine learning model is TRC-I in this example.

[0091] In this embodiment, the TPTRC stored in step S217 of the second embodiment is used instead of the TPTRC stored in step S110 of the first embodiment. ａｄｊ In that case, the TPTRC appropriate for individual X may be ａｄｊ is identified as TRC-I.

[0092] Fifth Example A fifth example of the first embodiment will now be described.

[0093] In the method of this embodiment, for each of a plurality of individuals (hereinafter referred to as individuals P1 to Pn, where n is an arbitrary natural number), the TPTRC stored in step S217 of the second embodiment is ａｄｊ Using the multiplier W used to generate the TPTRC and information representing the three-dimensional shape of the individual P's body, the correspondence between the three-dimensional shape of the body and the multiplier W is identified, and based on the correspondence, a TPTRC suitable for the individual P who does not follow the sound selection procedure of the second embodiment is generated. ａｄｊ is identified as TRC-I.

[0094] In carrying out this embodiment, first, for each of the individuals P1 to Pn, the TPTRC is calculated according to the methods of the first and second embodiments. ａｄｊWhen the first embodiment is executed, the body shape data of the individual P is acquired. The system S uses the acquired body shape data of the individual P as the TPTRC of the individual P. ａｄｊ is stored in association with the multiplier W used to generate the

[0095] When the body shape data and the multiplier W are stored in correspondence with each other for each of the individuals P1 to Pn, the system S performs regression analysis using sample data with the body shape data as the explanatory variable and the multiplier W as the target variable, and calculates a regression equation.

[0096] As described above, in the state where the regression equation is calculated, the system S specifies the TPTRC according to the method of the first embodiment, but the TPTRC according to the method of the second embodiment is not specified. ａｄｊ For an individual X whose identity has not been specified, the body shape data of the individual X is acquired.

[0097] Next, the system S substitutes the acquired body shape data as an explanatory variable into the regression equation to obtain a multiplier W calculated as a response variable. As a result, a multiplier W suitable for the individual X is obtained. The system S multiplies the TPTRC for the individual X by the multiplier W calculated in this way to obtain the TPTRC for the individual X. ａｄｊ Generate.

[0098] When body shape data and the multiplier W for a new individual are obtained, the system S may use the data as sample data to recalculate the regression equation.

[0099] Instead of the regression equation used in the above-described method, a machine learning model may be used. In this case, the system S constructs or updates the machine learning model for each of the individuals P1 to Pn using training data in which the body shape data is an explanatory variable and the multiplier W is a response variable.

[0100] Then, the system S substitutes the body shape data of the individual X as an explanatory variable into the machine learning model, and obtains a multiplier W that is output as a target variable. As a result, a TPTRC suitable for the individual X is obtained. ａｄｊ The system S calculates the TPTRC for the individual X. ａｄｊ Remember.

[0101] As described above, the TPTRC for individual X is generated and stored using the multiplier W determined using the regression or machine learning model. ａｄｊ is TRC-I in this embodiment.

[0102] Second Embodiment An embodiment of a device according to the present invention that generates sound data or produces sound using the TRC-I identified in the first embodiment described above will be described below as a second embodiment. The device described below produces a sound that gives a listener a high level of satisfaction in terms of timbre.

[0103] 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a sound data processing system 1 according to this embodiment. The sound data processing system 1 shown in FIG. 5 includes a sound data processing device 11 and a sound generation device 12. The sound data processing device 11 includes a sound data acquisition unit 111 that acquires sound data representing sound from an external device, and a sound data processing unit 112 that performs processing such as superimposing TRC-I on the sound data acquired by the sound data acquisition unit 111. The sound data processing unit 112 outputs the sound data generated through processing to the sound generation device 12.

[0104] The sound data processing device 11 may be a device such as a dedicated module or unit, or may be a general-purpose computer (for example, a server device, a personal computer, a smartphone, etc.). When the sound data processing device 11 is realized by a computer, a processor performs processing such as superimposing TRC-I on sound data in accordance with a program according to this embodiment that is persistently stored in memory.

[0105] The sound generating device 12 is a device that generates sounds represented by the sound data input from the sound data processing device 11, and may be in the form of earphones, headphones, speakers, or the like.

[0106] The sound data input to the sound data processing device 11 and the sound data output from the sound data processing device 11 to the sound generation device 12 may be either a digital signal or an analog signal. The sound data processing device 11 and the sound generation device 12 convert the digital signal to an analog signal or vice versa as necessary.

[0107] Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a sound generation device 12 implemented in place of the sound data processing system 1 according to this embodiment. The sound generation device 12 shown in Fig. 6 is a sound generation device incorporating the sound data processing device 11 provided in the sound data processing system 1 shown in Fig. 5. That is, the sound generation device 12 shown in Fig. 6 includes, within its housing, the sound data processing device 11 including a sound data acquisition unit 111 that acquires sound data representing sound from an external device, and a sound data processing unit 112 that performs processing such as superimposing TRC-I on the sound data acquired by the sound data acquisition unit 111, and a sound generation unit 113 that generates sound represented by the sound data processed by the sound data processing unit 112.

[0108] First Embodiment In this embodiment, the sound data processing unit 112 generates sound data by simply superimposing TRC-I on input sound data, and outputs the generated sound data.

[0109] According to this embodiment, a sound is generated for the listener according to a TRC obtained by combining a TRC specific to the sound generating device 12 in FIG. 5 or the sound generating unit 113 in FIG. 6 and TRC-I.

[0110] The frequency band on which the sound data processing unit 112 superimposes the TRC-I may be changed arbitrarily depending on the purpose, etc. That is, the TRC-I may be superimposed over the entire audible range, or, for example, the TRC-I may be superimposed only over a frequency band from 1 kHz to 10 kHz. At the boundary between the frequency band on which the TRC-I is superimposed and the frequency band on which it is not superimposed, amplitude smoothing is performed by multiplication with a window function, etc.

[0111] Second Embodiment In this embodiment, the sound data processing unit 112 generates sound data by superimposing the following two amplitude-frequency characteristics on input sound data, and outputs the generated sound data.

[0112] (1) Inverse characteristics of the TRC inherent to the sound generating device 12 of FIG. 5 or the sound generating unit 113 of FIG. 6 (2) TRC-I

[0113] According to this embodiment, the inherent TRC of the sound generating device 12 in FIG. 5 or the sound generating unit 113 in FIG. 6 is cancelled, and sounds according to only TRC-I are generated for the listener.

[0114] In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the frequency band on which the sound data processing unit 112 superimposes the amplitude frequency characteristics described above may be changed arbitrarily depending on the purpose or the like.

[0115] Third Embodiment In this embodiment, the sound data processing unit 112 generates sound data by superimposing the following three amplitude frequency characteristics on input sound data, and outputs the generated sound data.

[0116] (1) Inverse characteristics of the inherent TRC of the sound generating device 12 of FIG. 5 or the sound generating unit 113 of FIG. 6 (2) TRC-I (3) A specific TRC selected by a product designer or the like

[0117] According to this embodiment, the inherent TRC of the sound generating device 12 in FIG. 5 or the sound generating unit 113 in FIG. 6 is cancelled, and a sound is generated for the listener according to a TRC that is a combination of a specific TRC selected by, for example, a product designer and TRC-I.

[0118] In this embodiment, as in the first and second embodiments, the frequency band on which the sound data processing unit 112 superimposes the above-mentioned amplitude frequency characteristics may be changed arbitrarily depending on the purpose, etc.

[0119] [Fourth Example] In this example, a TPTRC for individual P identified by the method of the first example of the first embodiment, or a general-purpose TPTRC identified by the method of the third example of the first embodiment, is used. In the description of this example, the TPTRC for individual P or the general-purpose TPTRC will be simply referred to as TPTRC.

[0120] In this embodiment, the sound data processing unit 112 acquires a multiplier W that changes in response to the listener's operation, and multiplies the acquired multiplier W by the TPTRC to obtain TPTRC(W), which is then superimposed on the input sound data and output.

[0121] The sound data processing device 11 (FIG. 5) or the sound generation device 12 (FIG. 6) is provided with, for example, an operator such as a knob or fader (which may be either a physical operator or a virtual operator) that accepts operation by a listener, and obtains a multiplier W according to the operation performed by the listener on the operator.

[0122] Furthermore, the sound data processing device 11 (FIG. 5) or the sound production device 12 (FIG. 6) may acquire a multiplier W transmitted from an external device, such as a terminal device used by the listener, or a multiplier W input from the device, depending on an operation performed by the listener on the external device.

[0123] According to the sound data processing system 1 (FIG. 5) or the sound generating device 12 (FIG. 6) of this embodiment, the listener can change the multiplier W to suit his or her taste while listening to the sound being generated.

[0124] In this embodiment, as in the first to third embodiments, the frequency band on which the sound data processing unit 112 superimposes the TPTRC(W) may be changed arbitrarily depending on the purpose, etc.

[0125] [Fifth Example] In this example, when a listener listens to music or the like, a multiplier W is selected based on the direct-to-indirect ratio of the sounds emitted by the music or the like, that is, the ratio of the energy of the direct sound to the energy of the indirect sound, and TCTRC(W) whose amplitude has been adjusted using the selected multiplier W is superimposed on the music or the like and emitted.

[0126] First, a plurality of sounds with different direct-to-indirect ratios are prepared as evaluation sounds. For each of the evaluation sounds, the TPTRC of individual P is calculated according to the method of the second example of the first embodiment. ａｄｊ The following is the TPTRC identified using the sound for evaluation of the direct-indirect ratio R. ａｄｊ TPTRC ａｄｊ It is represented as (R).

[0127] The sound data processing unit 112 temporarily stores the input sound data when the individual P listens to the sound of a piece of music or the like, and specifies the direct-indirect ratio r of the sound represented by the whole or part of the sound data by a known method. ａｄｊ , i.e., TPTRC ａｄｊ (r) is superimposed on the temporarily stored sound data, and then the sound data is output.

[0128] In addition, the stored TPTRC ａｄｊ If the R in (R) is discrete, the sound data processing unit 112 interpolates them to obtain the TPTRC ａｄｊIn addition, the sound data processing unit 112 may specify TPTRC (r). ａｄｊ Instead of storing (R), a multiplier W corresponding to the direct-indirect ratio R is stored, and the TPTRC is multiplied by the multiplier W corresponding to the direct-indirect ratio r of the sound to be generated to obtain the TPTRC. ａｄｊ (r) may be calculated.

[0129] In this example, the TPTRC of person P ａｄｊ Instead, general-purpose TPTRC ａｄｊ may also be used.

[0130] In this embodiment, as in the first to fourth embodiments, the frequency band on which the sound data processing unit 112 superimposes the TPTRC(W) may be changed arbitrarily depending on the purpose, etc.

[0131] 1...sound data processing system, 11...sound data processing device, 12...sound production device, 111...sound data acquisition unit, 112...sound data processing unit, 113...sound production unit.

Claims

**Claim 1**: A method for generating information for improving sound quality using personal characteristics, comprising: For each of the plurality of directions when sound is emitted from a plurality of directions to a person's head, identifying a transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function when the sound reaches the person's ear; Calculating a transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function, which is an average of the transfer functions or information equivalent to the transfer functions identified for each of the plurality of directions; wherein: In the step of calculating the averaged transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function, averaging is performed only for a predetermined frequency band. A method. **Claim 2**: A method for generating information for improving sound quality using personal characteristics, comprising: For each of the plurality of directions when sound is emitted from a plurality of directions to a person's head, identifying a transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function when the sound reaches the person's ear; Calculating a transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function, which is an average of the transfer functions or information equivalent to the transfer functions identified for each of the plurality of directions; wherein: In the step of identifying the transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function, for each of a plurality of persons, identifying the transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function; In the step of calculating the averaged transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function, calculating a transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function, which is an average of the transfer functions or information equivalent to the transfer functions identified for each of the plurality of persons. A method. **Claim 3**: Calculating a transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function, for which the amplitude in the amplitude-frequency characteristic represented by the averaged transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function is multiplied by a multiplier of 0 or more, to obtain amplitude-adjusted transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function. The method according to claim 1 or 2, comprising the above step. **Claim 4**: A method for generating information for improving sound quality using personal characteristics, comprising: For each of the plurality of directions when sound is emitted from a plurality of directions to a person's head, identifying a transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function when the sound reaches the person's ear; Calculating a transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function, which is an average of the transfer functions or information equivalent to the transfer functions identified for each of the plurality of directions; Calculating a transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function, for which the amplitude in the amplitude-frequency characteristic represented by the averaged transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function is multiplied by a multiplier of 0 or more, to obtain amplitude-adjusted transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function; wherein: In the step of calculating the amplitude-adjusted transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function, multiply by a multiplier only for a predetermined frequency band Method **Claim 5** In the step of calculating the averaged transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function, calculate a weighted average value using different weights according to the angle The method according to any one of claims 1, 2, and 4 **Claim 6** A method for generating information for improving tone quality using individual characteristics, comprising: For each of the plurality of directions when sound is emitted from a plurality of directions to a person's head, identifying a transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function when the sound reaches the person's ear Calculating an averaged transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function by averaging the transfer functions or information equivalent to the transfer functions identified for each of the plurality of directions Multiplying the amplitude in the amplitude-frequency characteristic represented by the averaged transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function by a multiplier of 0 or more to calculate an amplitude-adjusted transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function Comprising In the step of calculating the amplitude-adjusted transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function, for each of a plurality of multipliers of 0 or more, calculating the amplitude-adjusted transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function using the multiplier In the step of calculating the amplitude-adjusted transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function, emitting a sound in which a plurality of amplitude-adjusted transfer functions or information equivalent to the transfer functions calculated in the step are superimposed, and providing a step of allowing a person who listens to the sound to select one sound Method **Claim 7** In the step of allowing the selection of the one sound, superimpose the inverse characteristic of the target response curve of the sound-emitting device used for the sound emission on the sound to be emitted The method according to claim 6 **Claim 8** Performing the step of allowing the selection of the one sound a plurality of times In each of the steps of allowing the selection of the one sound performed a plurality of times, setting the number of sounds to be listened to by a person to a predetermined number, and making the variation in the multipliers multiplied by the transfer functions or information equivalent to the transfer functions superimposed on each of the predetermined number of sounds smaller in subsequent steps than in preceding steps The method according to claim 6 **Claim 9** Performing the step of allowing the selection of the one sound a plurality of times Of the steps of causing the person to select one sound to be played a plurality of times, a subsequent step is executed after the person has listened to a sound superimposed with a transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function, superimposed on the sound selected in the preceding step, for a predetermined time or longer. The method according to claim 6. **Claim 10** A method for generating information for improving tone quality using individual characteristics, comprising: For each of the plurality of directions when sounds are emitted from a plurality of directions to a person's head, a step of identifying a transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function when the sound reaches the person's ear; A step of calculating a transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function, obtained by averaging the transfer functions or information equivalent to the transfer functions identified for each of the plurality of directions; A step of calculating a transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function, with the amplitude adjusted by multiplying the amplitude in the amplitude-frequency characteristic represented by the averaged transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function by a multiplier of 0 or more; comprising: In the step of calculating the transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function with the amplitude adjusted, for each of a plurality of multipliers of 0 or more, calculating the transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function with the amplitude adjusted using the multiplier; A step of emitting a sound in which each of a plurality of transfer functions or information equivalent to the transfer functions with the amplitude adjusted, calculated in the step of calculating the transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function with the amplitude adjusted, is superimposed, obtaining the vital information of the person who listened to the sound, and selecting one sound based on the vital information. Method. **Claim 11** In the step of selecting the one sound, superimpose the inverse characteristic of the target response curve of the sound-emitting device used for sound emission on the sound to be emitted. The method according to claim 10. **Claim 12** A method for generating information for improving tone quality using individual characteristics, comprising: For each of the plurality of directions when sounds are emitted from a plurality of directions to a person's head, a step of identifying a transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function when the sound reaches the person's ear; A step of calculating a transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function, obtained by averaging the transfer functions or information equivalent to the transfer functions identified for each of the plurality of directions; A step of calculating a transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function, with the amplitude adjusted by multiplying the amplitude in the amplitude-frequency characteristic represented by the averaged transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function by a multiplier of 0 or more; Using information representing the three-dimensional shape of a person's body as an explanatory variable, and using a regression equation or a machine learning model with the multiplier used in the step of calculating the amplitude-adjusted transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function as the objective variable, a step of specifying a multiplier corresponding to the three-dimensional shape of a specific person's body, and comprising in the step of calculating the amplitude-adjusted transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function, using the multiplier specified in the step of specifying the multiplier method.

13. For each of a plurality of people, performing a step of causing the one sound to be selected, For each of the plurality of people, using data with information representing the three-dimensional shape of the person's body as an explanatory variable and the multiplier used in calculating the transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function superimposed on the sound selected in the step of causing the one sound to be selected as the objective variable, generating or updating a regression equation or a machine learning model, and using the regression equation or the machine learning model generated or updated in the step of generating or updating the regression equation or the machine learning model, comprising a step of specifying a multiplier corresponding to the three-dimensional shape of a specific person's body, performing a step of calculating information equivalent to the amplitude-adjusted transfer function or the transfer function for the specific person using the multiplier specified in the step of specifying the multiplier The method according to claim 6.

14. For each of a plurality of people, performing a step of selecting the one sound, For each of the plurality of people, using data with information representing the three-dimensional shape of the person's body as an explanatory variable and the multiplier used in calculating the transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function superimposed on the sound selected in the step of selecting the one sound as the objective variable, generating or updating a regression equation or a machine learning model, and using the regression equation or the machine learning model generated or updated in the step of generating or updating the regression equation or the machine learning model, comprising a step of specifying a multiplier corresponding to the three-dimensional shape of a specific person's body, performing a step of calculating information equivalent to the amplitude-adjusted transfer function or the transfer function for the specific person using the multiplier specified in the step of specifying the multiplier The method according to claim 10.

15. A method for generating information for improving a tone color using an individual's characteristics, For each of the plurality of directions when sound is emitted from a plurality of directions to a person's head, a step of specifying a transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function when the sound reaches the person's ear; A step of calculating a transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function obtained by averaging the transfer functions or information equivalent to the transfer functions specified for each of the plurality of directions; A step of calculating a transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function with amplitude adjusted by multiplying the amplitude in the amplitude-frequency characteristic represented by the averaged transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function by a multiplier of 0 or more; A step of specifying a direct-to-indirect ratio which is the ratio of the energy of direct sound and indirect sound included in the emitted sound; Comprising; In the step of calculating the transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function with amplitude adjusted, use a multiplier corresponding to the direct-to-indirect ratio specified in the step of specifying the direct-to-indirect ratio; Method.

16. For each of a plurality of persons, perform a step of causing the one sound to be selected, Comprising a step of calculating a transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function obtained by averaging the transfer functions or information equivalent to the transfer functions superimposed on the sounds selected by each of the plurality of persons; The method according to claim 6.

17. For each of a plurality of persons, perform a step of selecting the one sound, Comprising a step of calculating a transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function obtained by averaging the transfer functions or information equivalent to the transfer functions superimposed on the sounds selected for each of the plurality of persons; The method according to claim 10.

18. A system for generating information for improving tone quality using individual characteristics, For each of the plurality of directions when sound is emitted from a plurality of directions to a person's head, specify a transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function when the sound reaches the person's ear, Calculate a transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function obtained by averaging the transfer functions or information equivalent to the transfer functions specified for each of the plurality of directions, When calculating the averaged transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function, perform averaging only for a predetermined frequency band; System.

19. A system for generating information for improving tone quality using individual characteristics, For each of the plurality of directions when sound is emitted from a plurality of directions to a person's head, specify a transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function when the sound reaches the person's ear, Calculating a transfer function obtained by averaging the transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function specified for each of the plurality of directions, or information equivalent to the transfer function, When specifying the transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function, for each of a plurality of persons, specifying the transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function, When calculating the transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function obtained by averaging the transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function specified for each of the plurality of persons, calculating a transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function obtained by averaging the transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function specified for each of the plurality of persons System.

20. A system for generating information for improving tone quality using individual characteristics, For each of the plurality of directions when sound is emitted from a plurality of directions to a person's head, specifying a transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function when the sound reaches the person's ear, Calculating a transfer function obtained by averaging the transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function specified for each of the plurality of directions, or information equivalent to the transfer function, Multiplying the amplitude in the amplitude-frequency characteristic represented by the averaged transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function by a multiplier of 0 or more to calculate a transfer function with adjusted amplitude or information equivalent to the transfer function, When calculating the transfer function with adjusted amplitude or information equivalent to the transfer function, multiplying by a multiplier only for a predetermined frequency band System.

21. A system for generating information for improving tone quality using individual characteristics, For each of the plurality of directions when sound is emitted from a plurality of directions to a person's head, specifying a transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function when the sound reaches the person's ear, Calculating a transfer function obtained by averaging the transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function specified for each of the plurality of directions, or information equivalent to the transfer function, Multiplying the amplitude in the amplitude-frequency characteristic represented by the averaged transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function by a multiplier of 0 or more to calculate a transfer function with adjusted amplitude or information equivalent to the transfer function, When calculating the transfer function with adjusted amplitude or information equivalent to the transfer function, for each of a plurality of multipliers of 0 or more, calculating the transfer function with adjusted amplitude or information equivalent to the transfer function using the multiplier, Generating a sound in which each of the calculated plurality of transfer functions with adjusted amplitude or information equivalent to the transfer function is superimposed, and causing a person who hears the sound to select one sound System.

22. A system for generating information for improving tone quality using individual characteristics, For each of the plurality of directions when sounds are emitted from a plurality of directions to a person's head, specifying a transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function when the sound reaches the person's ear, calculating a transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function, which is an average of the transfer functions or information equivalent to the transfer functions specified for each of the plurality of directions, multiplying the amplitude in the amplitude-frequency characteristic represented by the averaged transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function by a multiplier equal to or greater than 0 to calculate a transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function with amplitude adjustment, when calculating the transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function with amplitude adjustment, for each of a plurality of multipliers equal to or greater than 0, calculating the transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function with amplitude adjustment using the multiplier, emitting a sound in which each of the calculated plurality of transfer functions or information equivalent to the transfer functions with amplitude adjustment is superimposed, obtaining vital information of a person who hears the sound, and selecting one sound based on the vital information system. **Claim 23** A system for generating information for improving tone quality using individual characteristics, for each of the plurality of directions when sounds are emitted from a plurality of directions to a person's head, specifying a transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function when the sound reaches the person's ear, calculating a transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function, which is an average of the transfer functions or information equivalent to the transfer functions specified for each of the plurality of directions, multiplying the amplitude in the amplitude-frequency characteristic represented by the averaged transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function by a multiplier equal to or greater than 0 to calculate a transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function with amplitude adjustment, using a regression equation or a machine learning model with information representing the three-dimensional shape of a person's body as an explanatory variable and the multiplier used in the step of calculating the transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function with amplitude adjustment as an objective variable to specify a multiplier corresponding to the three-dimensional shape of a specific person's body, using the specified multiplier when calculating the transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function with amplitude adjustment system. **Claim 24** A system for generating information for improving tone quality using individual characteristics, for each of the plurality of directions when sounds are emitted from a plurality of directions to a person's head, specifying a transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function when the sound reaches the person's ear, calculating a transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function, which is an average of the transfer functions or information equivalent to the transfer functions specified for each of the plurality of directions, Multiply the amplitude in the amplitude-frequency characteristic represented by the averaged transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function by a multiplier of 0 or more to calculate an amplitude-adjusted transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function. Identify the direct-to-reverberant ratio, which is the ratio of the energy of the direct sound and the reverberant sound contained in the emitted sound. When calculating the amplitude-adjusted transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function, use a multiplier corresponding to the identified direct-to-reverberant ratio. System.

25. A program for causing a computer to execute a process for generating information for improving timbre using personal characteristics, wherein for each of the plurality of directions when sound is emitted from a plurality of directions to a person's head, a process of identifying a transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function when the sound reaches the person's ear, and a process of calculating an averaged transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function by averaging the transfer functions or information equivalent to the transfer functions identified for each of the plurality of directions are executed, and in the process of calculating the averaged transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function, averaging is performed only for a predetermined frequency band. A program for causing a computer to execute a process for generating information for improving timbre using personal characteristics, wherein for each of the plurality of directions when sound is emitted from a plurality of directions to a person's head, a process of identifying a transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function when the sound reaches the person's ear, and a process of calculating an averaged transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function by averaging the transfer functions or information equivalent to the transfer functions identified for each of the plurality of directions are executed,

26. wherein in the process of identifying the transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function, for each of a plurality of persons, the transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function is identified, and in the process of calculating the averaged transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function, an averaged transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function obtained by averaging the transfer functions or information equivalent to the transfer functions identified for each of the plurality of persons is calculated. A program for causing a computer to execute a process for generating information for improving timbre using personal characteristics, wherein for each of the plurality of directions when sound is emitted from a plurality of directions to a person's head, a process of identifying a transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function when the sound reaches the person's ear, and a process of calculating an averaged transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function by averaging the transfer functions or information equivalent to the transfer functions identified for each of the plurality of directions are executed, and in the process of identifying the transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function, for each of a plurality of persons, the transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function is identified, and in the process of calculating the averaged transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function, an averaged transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function obtained by averaging the transfer functions or information equivalent to the transfer functions identified for each of the plurality of persons is calculated.

27. A program for causing a computer to execute a process for generating information for improving timbre using personal characteristics, wherein for each of the plurality of directions when sound is emitted from a plurality of directions to a person's head, a process of identifying a transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function when the sound reaches the person's ear, A process of calculating a transfer function obtained by averaging the transfer functions or information equivalent to the transfer functions specified for each of the plurality of directions, or information equivalent to the transfer function, A process of calculating a transfer function with adjusted amplitude or information equivalent to the transfer function by multiplying the amplitude in the amplitude-frequency characteristic represented by the averaged transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function by a multiplier of 0 or more is executed, In the process of calculating the transfer function with adjusted amplitude or information equivalent to the transfer function, the multiplication is performed only for a predetermined frequency band for a program. **Claim 28** A program for causing a computer to execute a process for generating information for improving a tone quality using individual characteristics, the program including: a process of specifying, for each of the plurality of directions when sound is emitted from a plurality of directions to a person's head, a transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function when the sound reaches the person's ear; a process of calculating a transfer function obtained by averaging the transfer functions or information equivalent to the transfer functions specified for each of the plurality of directions, or information equivalent to the transfer function; a process of calculating a transfer function with adjusted amplitude or information equivalent to the transfer function by multiplying the amplitude in the amplitude-frequency characteristic represented by the averaged transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function by a multiplier of 0 or more is executed, In the process of calculating the transfer function with adjusted amplitude or information equivalent to the transfer function, for each of a plurality of multipliers of 0 or more, the transfer function with adjusted amplitude or information equivalent to the transfer function is calculated using the multiplier; A sound in which a plurality of transfer functions with adjusted amplitude or information equivalent to the transfer function calculated in the process of calculating the transfer function with adjusted amplitude or information equivalent to the transfer function are superimposed is emitted, and a person who hears the sound is made to select one sound for a program. **Claim 29** A program for causing a computer to execute a process for generating information for improving a tone quality using individual characteristics, the program including: a process of specifying, for each of the plurality of directions when sound is emitted from a plurality of directions to a person's head, a transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function when the sound reaches the person's ear; a process of calculating a transfer function obtained by averaging the transfer functions or information equivalent to the transfer functions specified for each of the plurality of directions, or information equivalent to the transfer function; A process of multiplying an amplitude in an amplitude-frequency characteristic represented by the averaged transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function by a multiplier of 0 or more to calculate an amplitude-adjusted transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function, and causing execution of In the process of calculating the amplitude-adjusted transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function, for each of a plurality of multipliers of 0 or more, causing the amplitude-adjusted transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function to be calculated using the multiplier, causing a sound in which each of the plurality of amplitude-adjusted transfer functions or information equivalent to the transfer function calculated in the process of calculating the amplitude-adjusted transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function is superimposed to be emitted, acquiring vital information of a person who listened to the sound, and causing one sound to be selected based on the vital information for a program.

30. A program for causing a computer to execute a process for generating information for improving a tone color using personal characteristics, the program comprising: a process of specifying a transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function when sound reaches a person's ear for each of the plurality of directions when sound is emitted from a plurality of directions to a person's head; a process of calculating an averaged transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function by averaging the transfer functions or information equivalent to the transfer function specified for each of the plurality of directions; a process of multiplying an amplitude in an amplitude-frequency characteristic represented by the averaged transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function by a multiplier of 0 or more to calculate an amplitude-adjusted transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function; a process of specifying a multiplier corresponding to the three-dimensional shape of a specific person's body using a regression equation or a machine learning model having information representing the three-dimensional shape of a person's body as an explanatory variable and the multiplier used in the step of calculating the amplitude-adjusted transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function as an objective variable and causing execution of in the process of calculating the amplitude-adjusted transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function, causing the multiplier specified in the process of specifying the multiplier to be used for a program.

31. A program for causing a computer to execute a process for generating information for improving a tone color using personal characteristics, the program comprising: a process of specifying a transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function when sound reaches a person's ear for each of the plurality of directions when sound is emitted from a plurality of directions to a person's head; a process of calculating a transfer function obtained by averaging the transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function specified for each of the plurality of directions, or information equivalent to the transfer function; a process of calculating a transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function with its amplitude adjusted by multiplying the amplitude in the amplitude-frequency characteristic represented by the averaged transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function by a multiplier equal to or greater than 0; a process of specifying a direct-to-reverberant ratio, which is a ratio of the energy of direct sound and reverberant sound included in the sound to be pronounced; and causing the execution of; in the process of calculating the transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function with its amplitude adjusted, using a multiplier corresponding to the direct-to-reverberant ratio specified in the process of specifying the direct-to-reverberant ratio; a program therefor.

32. generating sound data representing a sound obtained by superimposing the averaged transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function calculated by a method comprising: specifying, for the sound represented by the input sound data, the inverse characteristic of the target response curve of a specific sound-emitting device and the transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function when the sound reaches the human ear for each of the plurality of directions when sound is emitted from a plurality of directions to the human head; and calculating the averaged transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function obtained by averaging the transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function specified for each of the plurality of directions; a sound data processing apparatus.

33. generating sound data representing a sound obtained by superimposing the averaged transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function calculated by a method comprising: specifying, for the sound represented by the input sound data, the inverse characteristic of the target response curve of a specific sound-emitting device, a specific target response curve, and the transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function when the sound reaches the human ear for each of the plurality of directions when sound is emitted from a plurality of directions to the human head; and calculating the averaged transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function obtained by averaging the transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function specified for each of the plurality of directions; a sound data processing apparatus. A sound data processing apparatus that generates sound data representing a sound obtained by superimposing the averaged transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function calculated by a method comprising: a step of specifying a transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function when the sound represented by the input sound data reaches the person's ear for each of the plurality of directions when sound is emitted from a plurality of directions to the person's head; and a step of calculating an averaged transfer function or information equivalent to the transfer function by averaging the transfer functions or information equivalent to the transfer functions specified for each of the plurality of directions, In the process of generating the sound data, the superimposing process is performed only for a predetermined frequency band Sound data processing apparatus.