Patent Grant
12156004
This application is the U.S. National Phase under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of International Patent Application No. PCT/JP2021/016894, filed on Apr. 28, 2021, which in turn claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-203136, filed on Dec. 8, 2020, the entire disclosures of which Applications are incorporated by reference herein.
The present disclosure relates to a loudspeaker device that is controllable in directionality of a sound field.
Patent Literature (PTL) 1 discloses a loudspeaker device that includes a pair of loudspeakers positioned back to back with each other on the same straight line and that controls directionality through phase control.
PTL 2 discloses a loudspeaker device that includes a bidirectional open loudspeaker and a nondirectional closed loudspeaker that are positioned to face in the same direction on the same straight line, and that controls transmission of sound to the back.
PTL 3 discloses a loudspeaker device that includes two pairs of loudspeakers positioned in the same plane, the loudspeakers in each pair being positioned opposite to each other, and that controls a sound field by changing the phase inversion.
A video conference or a web conference can be held in a conference space that is separated simply by a partition or the like. A participant of this conference would not want voice of the other party outputted from a loudspeaker device to be overheard by an outsider who is outside this conference space. In this case, a reduction in the directionality of the loudspeaker device can keep sound from spreading.
However, to control the directionality of a spatial sound field using any one of the aforementioned conventional loudspeaker devices in the video conference or the web conference, many loudspeakers are to be arranged into a column. Unfortunately, this increases the loudspeaker device in size and in complexity.
The present disclosure provides a loudspeaker device that is capable of controlling directionality of a sound field with a simple configuration.
In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, a loudspeaker device includes: a first loudspeaker that outputs a sound; a second loudspeaker that is adjacent to the first loudspeaker in a predetermined direction and outputs a sound in a direction intersecting with a direction in which the first loudspeaker outputs the sound; and a phase control circuit that switches between a first switching state and a second switching state, the first switching state being a state in which an input sound signal is inputted to both the first loudspeaker and the second loudspeaker, the second switching state being a state in which the input sound signal is inputted to one of the first loudspeaker and the second loudspeaker while an inverted sound signal is inputted to an other of the first loudspeaker and the second loudspeaker, the inverted sound signal being obtained by inverting a phase of the input sound signal.
The loudspeaker device according to the present disclosure is capable of controlling directionality of a sound field with a simple configuration.
(Underlying Knowledge Forming Basis of the Present Disclosure)
Known technologies of controlling the directionality of a sound field include a parametric loudspeaker that uses ultrasound and a line array loudspeaker, for example. However, the former needs many loudspeakers and an ultrasound control circuit, and the latter needs a dedicated circuit for controlling the phase of each loudspeaker.
Furthermore, another known technology is to perform phase control with a dipole loudspeaker device that includes a pair of loudspeakers placed opposite to each other. However, to control the directionality of a spatial sound field using a configuration of the loudspeaker device of this kind, a plurality of loudspeakers are to be spatially arranged. This raises an issue that many loudspeakers are to be used. Moreover, the configuration of the loudspeaker of this kind is unable to achieve a sufficient effect because the presence of people among the plurality of loudspeakers disturbs the sound field. Thus, such a configuration is unsuitable for use in a small space. The present inventors have found the aforementioned issues and reached a subject according to the present disclosure.
The present disclosure provides a loudspeaker device that is capable of controlling directionality of a sound field with a simple configuration.
Hereinafter, certain exemplary embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying Drawings. However, unnecessarily detailed description may be omitted. For example, detailed explanation of a well-known matter and repeated description of substantially identical structures may be omitted. Such omission makes the following description exclude unnecessary redundancy and be easily understood by those skilled in the art.
The accompanying Drawings and the following Description are provided to help those skilled in the art to well understand the present disclosure, and not to restrict the subject of the claims.
The following describes Embodiment 1 with reference to
[1-1. Configuration of Loudspeaker Device]
First, placement of loudspeaker 1 and loudspeaker 2 included in loudspeaker device 100 (see
Loudspeaker device 100 includes loudspeaker 1 and loudspeaker 2. Loudspeaker 1 is an example of a first loudspeaker, and loudspeaker 2 is an example of a second loudspeaker. Loudspeaker 1 and loudspeaker 2 have the same characteristics and the same performance. As illustrated in
In the present specification below, direction X combining direction X1 in which loudspeaker 1 outputs a sound with direction X2 in which loudspeaker 2 outputs a sound refers to the “upward direction”. A direction perpendicular to each of direction X1 and direction X2 refers to the lateral direction. A direction perpendicular to each of the upward direction and the lateral direction refers to the longitudinal direction. The longitudinal direction is an example of a predetermined direction. Reference plane 3 includes direction X (the upward direction) and the lateral direction.
Loudspeaker 1 and loudspeaker 2 are placed adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction. Loudspeaker 1 and loudspeaker 2 are placed symmetrically with respect to reference place 3 so that the respective directions in which the sounds are outputted (emitted) intersect with each other when viewed in the lateral direction as illustrated in
Moreover, loudspeaker 1 and loudspeaker 2 are placed so that one of loudspeaker 1 and loudspeaker 2 is located in the direction in which the other outputs the sound. Here, the phrase “one of loudspeaker 1 and loudspeaker 2 is located in the direction in which the other outputs the sound” is described more specifically. For example, when loudspeaker 1 is viewed from the direction perpendicular to direction X1, loudspeaker 2 is located forward of loudspeaker 1 (in the direction in which loudspeaker 1 outputs the sound) in the direction parallel to direction X1. In other words, loudspeaker 1 and loudspeaker 2 are arranged opposite to each other at an angle. In the present specification below, this arrangement is referred to as “acute-angled opposite arrangement”.
Note that loudspeaker 1 and loudspeaker 2 may be configured so that angle θ described above is variable. With an adjustment made to angle θ, the directionality characteristics in a target frequency band and a range of the directionality can be adjusted.
Next, a configuration of loudspeaker device 100 is described with reference to
As illustrated in
Enclosure 4 and enclosure 5 are placed so that loudspeaker 1 and loudspeaker 2 are in a relative positional relationship as illustrated in
Although each of enclosure 4 and enclosure 5 is in the shape of a triangular prism in the present embodiment, this is not intended to be limiting. Any shape, such as a rectangular prism or a cylinder, may be used if the relative position between loudspeaker 1 and loudspeaker 2 is maintained as in
When each of loudspeaker 1 and loudspeaker 2 of loudspeaker device 100 is placed facing obliquely upward with respect to the vertical direction as illustrated in
Next, an electrical configuration of loudspeaker device 100 according to Embodiment 1 is described with reference to
As illustrated in
Input terminal 7 externally receives an input sound signal (hereinafter, also referred to as a “loudspeaker input signal”). Loudspeaker 1 includes input terminal 10. Loudspeaker 2 includes input terminal 11. Phase switching circuit 6 is electrically connected between input terminal 10 of loudspeaker 1 and input terminal 7.
Input terminal 10 of loudspeaker 1 receives an input sound signal or an inverted sound signal from phase switching circuit 6. The inverted sound signal is obtained by inverting the phase of the input sound signal. Loudspeaker 1 outputs a sound based on the input sound signal or the inverted sound signal inputted to input terminal 10.
Moreover, input terminal 11 of loudspeaker 2 directly receives the input sound signal inputted to input terminal 7. More specifically, a positive terminal of input terminal 7 is electrically connected to a positive terminal of input terminal 11 of loudspeaker 2. A negative terminal of input terminal 7 is electrically connected to a negative terminal of input terminal 11 of loudspeaker 2. Loudspeaker 2 outputs a sound based on the input sound signal inputted to input terminal 11.
Phase switching circuit 6 switches connection between input terminal 7 and input terminal 10 of loudspeaker 1 between two ways. One way is to connect the terminals of the same polarity, and the other way is to connect the terminals of opposite polarities. Assume that “input terminal 7 is connected to input terminal 10 of loudspeaker 1 at the same polarity.” In this case, the positive terminal of input terminal 7 is electrically connected to the positive terminal of input terminal 10 of loudspeaker 1, and the negative terminal of input terminal 7 is electrically connected to the negative terminal of input terminal 10 of loudspeaker 1. At this time, phase switching circuit 6 outputs the input sound signal received from input terminal 7, to input terminal 10 of loudspeaker 1 as it is (without inverting the phase). Furthermore, assume that “input terminal 7 is connected to input terminal 10 of loudspeaker 1 at opposite polarities.” In this case, the positive terminal of input terminal 7 is electrically connected to the negative terminal of input terminal 10 of loudspeaker 1, and the negative terminal of input terminal 7 is electrically connected to the positive terminal of input terminal 10 of loudspeaker 1. At this time, phase switching circuit 6 outputs the inverted sound signal obtained by inverting the phase of the input sound signal received from input terminal 7, to input terminal 10 of loudspeaker 1.
In this way, phase switching circuit 6 is capable of switching between a first switching state (hereinafter, also referred to as the “in-phase state”) and a second switching state (hereinafter, also referred to as the “in-antiphase state”). In the first switching state, phase switching circuit 6 outputs the input sound signal received from input terminal 7, to input terminal 10 of loudspeaker 1 as it is. Thus, in the first switching state, input terminal 10 of loudspeaker 1 receives the input sound signal outputted from phase switching circuit 6, and input terminal 11 of loudspeaker 2 receives the input sound signal outputted from input terminal 7. On the other hand, in the second switching state, phase switching circuit 6 outputs the inverted sound signal obtained by inverting the phase of the input sound signal received from input terminal 7, to input terminal 10 of loudspeaker 1. Thus, in the second switching state, input terminal 10 of loudspeaker 1 receives the inverted sound signal outputted from phase switching circuit 6, and input terminal 11 of loudspeaker 2 receives the input sound signal outputted from input terminal 7.
Thus, as illustrated in
Selector switch 8 receives an operation from a user, and outputs a signal in response to the received operation to phase switching circuit 6. On the basis of the signal from selector switch 8, phase switching circuit 6 is capable of switching between the in-phase state and the in-antiphase state. Note that phase switching circuit 6 may be used as a mechanical switching circuit and that selector switch 8 may be used as a mechanical selector switch. Then, by mechanically working with an operation of the selector switch, phase switching circuit 6 may switch the state between the in-phase state and the in-antiphase state.
[1-2. Operation of Loudspeaker Device]
Next, an operation of loudspeaker device 100 according to Embodiment 1 is described.
First, the following describes an operation of loudspeaker device 100 that is performed when phase switching circuit 6 switches to the in-antiphase state, with reference
Each of sound field curve 12 in
Loudspeaker 1 and loudspeaker 2 outputs the sounds that are in antiphase with each other. Thus, the sounds in antiphase overlap on reference plane 3. As illustrated in
Thus, the switching to the in-antiphase state by phase switching circuit 6 of loudspeaker device 100 according to the present embodiment enables the sound to be outputted at a constant sound pressure in the longitudinal direction. At the same time, this switching enables the sound pressure of the sound outputted in the lateral direction and upward direction to be reduced as compared with the longitudinal direction.
Next, the following describes an operation of loudspeaker device 100 that is performed when phase switching circuit 6 switches to the in-phase state, with reference
Each of sound field curve 14 illustrated in
Loudspeaker 1 and loudspeaker 2 outputs the sounds that are in phase with each other. Thus, the sounds in phase overlap on reference plane 3. As illustrated in
Thus, the switching to the in-phase state by phase switching circuit 6 of loudspeaker device 100 according to the present embodiment enables the sounds to be outputted in all directions around loudspeaker device 100.
As described above, the directionality of the sounds outputted from loudspeaker 1 and loudspeaker 2 of loudspeaker device 100 according to the present embodiment can be controlled through the operation of the user. This allows the user to use loudspeaker device 100 that outputs the sound having the directionality that is more suitable for the situation.
[1-3. Advantageous Effects]
As described above, loudspeaker device 100 according to the present embodiment includes: loudspeaker 1 that outputs a sound; loudspeaker 2 that is adjacent to loudspeaker 1 in the longitudinal direction and outputs a sound in a direction intersecting with a direction in which loudspeaker 2 outputs the sound; and phase control circuit 6 that is capable of switching between: a first switching state in which an input sound signal is inputted to both loudspeaker 1 and loudspeaker 2; and a second switching state in which the input sound signal is inputted to one of loudspeaker 1 and loudspeaker 2 while an inverted sound signal, which is obtained by inverting a phase of the input sound signal, is inputted to the other of loudspeaker 1 and loudspeaker 2.
This enables phase switching circuit 6 to switch the sounds outputted from loudspeaker 1 and loudspeaker 2 between the in-phase state and the in-antiphase phase. When the sounds outputted from loudspeaker 1 and loudspeaker 2 are switched to the in-phase state, the sounds can be outputted in all directions around loudspeaker device 100. On the other hand, when the sounds outputted from loudspeaker 1 and loudspeaker 2 are switched to the in-antiphase state, the sound pressure can vary with the listening position because the sound fields created by loudspeakers 1 and 2 cancel each other out near reference plane 3. To be more specific, the directionality of the sounds outputted from loudspeaker 1 and loudspeaker 2 is controlled, so that a sound pressure difference is made between the longitudinal direction and each of the lateral and upward directions of loudspeaker device 100. Thus, the sounds outputted from loudspeaker 1 and loudspeaker 2 can be listened to relatively easily in the longitudinal direction of loudspeaker device 100. In contrast, it is difficult to listen to the sounds outputted from loudspeaker 1 and loudspeaker 2 in the lateral direction of loudspeaker device 100 as compared with listening in the longitudinal direction. As a result, the directionality of the sound field can be controlled with a simple configuration.
Moreover, the direction in which loudspeaker 1 outputs the sound forms an angle from 60° to 120° with the direction in which loudspeaker 2 outputs the sound.
With this, when the sounds outputted from loudspeaker 1 and loudspeaker 2 are switched to the in-antiphase state, the sound fields created by loudspeaker 1 and loudspeaker 2 can effectively cancel each other out near reference plane 3.
Furthermore, loudspeaker 1 and loudspeaker 2 are placed so that one of loudspeaker 1 and loudspeaker 1 is located in the direction in which the other outputs the sound.
This achieves an overall downsizing of loudspeaker device 100.
Moreover, loudspeaker device 100 according to the present embodiment further includes input terminal 7 that receives the input sound signal. Phase control circuit 6 is capable of determining whether to output the input sound signal received from the input terminal or the inverted sound signal obtained by inverting the phase of the input sound signal. In the first switching state, the input sound signal outputted from phase control circuit 6 is inputted to loudspeaker 1 and the input sound signal from input terminal 7 is inputted to loudspeaker 2. In the second switching state, the inverted sound signal outputted from phase control circuit 6 is inputted to loudspeaker 1 and the input sound signal from input terminal 7 is inputted to loudspeaker 2.
This enables phase switching circuit 6 to easily switch between the first switching state and the second switching state.
The following describes Embodiment 2 with reference to
[2-1. Configuration of Loudspeaker Device]
A configuration of loudspeaker device 200 according to Embodiment 2 is described with reference to
Loudspeaker device 200 according to Embodiment 2 is different from loudspeaker device 100 according to Embodiment 1 in that loudspeaker device 200 includes two loudspeaker devices 100 according to Embodiment 1, the two loudspeaker devices 100 forming a line array configuration in the lateral direction. To be more specific, loudspeaker device 200 includes loudspeaker device 100a and loudspeaker device 100b as illustrated in
Each of loudspeaker device 100a and loudspeaker device 100b has the same configuration as loudspeaker device 100 according to Embodiment 1. More specifically, loudspeaker device 100a includes loudspeaker 1a, loudspeaker 2a, enclosure 4a, and enclosure 5a. Loudspeaker device 100b includes loudspeaker 1b, loudspeaker 2b, enclosure 4b, and enclosure 5b.
Loudspeaker device 200 includes: a pair of loudspeaker 1a and loudspeaker 2a in the acute-angled opposite arrangement; and a pair of loudspeaker 1b and loudspeaker 2b in the acute-angled opposite arrangement. These pairs form a line array configuration in the lateral direction. Hereinafter, loudspeaker 1a and loudspeaker 1b may be collectively referred to as “loudspeaker 1”, and loudspeaker 2a and loudspeaker 2b may be collectively referred to as “loudspeaker 2”.
Next, an electrical configuration of loudspeaker device 200 according to Embodiment 2 is described with reference to
As illustrated in
Loudspeaker 1a includes input terminal 10a. Loudspeaker 2a includes input terminal 11a. Loudspeaker 1b includes input terminal 10b. Loudspeaker 2b includes input terminal 11b. Loudspeaker 1a and loudspeaker 2a are electrically connected to be able to output sounds that are in phase or in antiphase with each other. Loudspeaker 1b and loudspeaker 2b are electrically connected to be able to output sounds that are in phase or in antiphase with each other.
Input terminal 7a of loudspeaker device 100a receives a signal of sound source L (hereinafter, referred to as “signal L”). Input terminal 7b of loudspeaker device 100b receives a signal of sound source R (hereinafter, referred to as “signal R”). For example, signal L is assigned an L-channel signal of a stereo sound source, and signal R is assigned an R-channel signal of the stereo sound source.
In the present embodiment, signal L and signal R are assigned the L-channel signal and R-channel signal of the stereo sound source, respectively. However, the signals of the stereo sound source may not necessarily be used. For example, a signal of a monaural sound source, or more specifically, the same signal may be assigned to signal L and signal R.
[2-2. Operation of Loudspeaker Device]
Next, an operation of loudspeaker device 200 according to Embodiment 2 is described.
The configuration of loudspeaker device 200 basically includes two loudspeaker devices 100 according to Embodiment 1 that form the line array configuration in the lateral direction. On this account, loudspeaker device 200 has the same sound field characteristics as loudspeaker device 100 according to Embodiment 1. The following describes a conference space as an example of a specific space in which loudspeaker device 200 is to be placed.
The space in which loudspeaker device 200 is to be placed is described with reference to
The space in which loudspeaker device 200 is to be placed is a conference space set up in an open space, for example. As illustrated in
Furthermore, the top of the conference space enclosed by partition 30 is not covered. Upper end parts of partition 30 are supported by a plurality of beams 39 placed at spacings. For convenience of description,
In this conference space, four conference participants 23, 24, 25, 26 (23 to 26) are seated at table 27 to participate in a video conference or a web conference. Outsider 28 is not participating in the video conference or the web conference held in the conference space. Outsider 28 can go down an aisle next to the entrance of partition 30 outside the conference space.
Next, the following describes a case where loudspeaker device 200 is mounted on beam 39 in the aforementioned conference space and where both of phase switching circuits 6a and 6b (see
As illustrated in
Loudspeaker device 200 is used as a conference loudspeaker that outputs sound of a remote location in a video conference or a web conference, for example. Both of phase switching circuits 6a and 6b are switched to the in-phase state. Thus, loudspeaker 1a and loudspeaker 2a of loudspeaker device 200 output sounds that are in phase with each other, and loudspeaker 1b and loudspeaker 2b of loudspeaker device 200 also output sounds that are in phase with each other.
As shown by sound field curve 31 in
Next, the following describes a case where loudspeaker device 200 is placed on a desk (table 27) in the aforementioned conference space and where both of phase switching circuits 6a and 6b are in the in-phase state, with reference to
As illustrated in
Loudspeaker device 200 is used as a conference loudspeaker that outputs sound of a remote location in a video conference or a web conference, for example, as in the case of the mounting-above in
As shown by sound field curve 33 in
Next, the following describes a case where loudspeaker device 200 is mounted on beam 39 in the aforementioned conference space and where both of phase switching circuits 6a and 6b (see
As illustrated in
Loudspeaker device 200 is used as a conference loudspeaker that outputs sound of a remote location in a video conference or a web conference, for example. Both of phase switching circuits 6a and 6b are switched to the in-antiphase state. Thus, loudspeaker 1a and loudspeaker 2a of loudspeaker device 200 output sounds that are in antiphase with each other, and loudspeaker 1b and loudspeaker 2b of loudspeaker device 200 also output sounds that are in antiphase with each other.
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
Next, the following describes a case where loudspeaker device 200 is placed on a desk (table 27) in the aforementioned conference space and where both of switching circuits 6a and 6b are in the in-antiphase state, with reference to
As illustrated in
Loudspeaker device 200 is used as a conference loudspeaker that outputs sound of a remote location in a video conference or a web conference, for example. Both of phase switching circuits 6a and 6b are switched to the in-antiphase state. Thus, loudspeaker 1a and loudspeaker 2a of loudspeaker device 200 output sounds that are in antiphase with each other, and loudspeaker 1b and loudspeaker 2b of loudspeaker device 200 also output sounds that are in antiphase with each other.
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
As described above, to keep the sound of the conference that is outputted from loudspeaker device 200 from propagating outside the conference space in which the video conference or the web conference is held, the user simply switches both of phase switching circuits 6a and 6b to the in-antiphase state by operating selector switch 8a and selector switch 8b (see
In contrast, when the user enjoys listening to music or the like in the conference space, the sound of the music outputted from loudspeaker device 200 is allowed to propagate outside the conference space. Thus, the user simply switches both of phase switching circuits 6a and 6b to the in-phase state by operating selector switch 8a and selector switch 8b.
[2-3. Advantageous Effects]
As described above, the loudspeaker device according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of pairs of loudspeaker 1 and loudspeaker 2. The plurality of pairs of loudspeaker 1 and loudspeaker 2 form a line array configuration in the lateral direction intersecting with the longitudinal direction.
In this case, the plurality of loudspeaker devices 100 according to Embodiment 1 are arranged in the line array configuration in the lateral direction. This increases the sharpness of the directional characteristics, the directional range, and the directional distance. Loudspeaker device 200 according to the present embodiment includes two loudspeaker devices 100 according to Embodiment 1 that are arranged in the line array configuration in the lateral direction. Here, the sharpness of the directional characteristics, the directional range, and the directional distance can be adjusted by changing the number of loudspeaker devices 100 to be arranged.
Furthermore, the directionality of the sound outputted from loudspeaker device 200 is controlled to make a sound pressure difference between the longitudinal direction and each of the lateral and upward directions. Such controlled directional characteristics in a frequency range from 500 Hz to 2 kHz, which is a human voice range, can make a sound pressure difference of 15 dB to 20 dB between the listening position of conference participants 23 to 26 and the listening position of outsider 28.
This reduces the sound that propagates to outsider 28 at the entrance of partition 30 and the sound that leaks from between ceiling 29 and partition 30.
Thus, in the video conference or the web conference, the sound of the conference that is outputted from loudspeaker device 200 and leaks outside the conference space can be reduced without using a headphone for example. On this account, the conference can be held without lowering the volume of loudspeaker device 200.
In general, for the loudspeaker device mounted on beam 39 to face downward from beam 39 for example, the sound outputted from the loudspeaker device diffusely reflects off a top surface of table 27. Furthermore, in such a case, audio feedback is caused by positive feedback of the sound outputted from the loudspeaker device and then received by a conference microphone placed on table 27. However, the sound pressure of the sound that propagates directly below loudspeaker device 200 (that is, propagates upward when viewed from loudspeaker device 200) according to the present embodiment is relatively low as a result of the directionality control. Thus, the sound outputted from loudspeaker device 200 is unlikely to propagate to table 27. This can reduce the sound diffusion caused by the reflection from the top surface of table 27, and also reduce the audio feedback caused by the conference microphone.
The following describes Embodiment 3 with reference to
[3-1. Configuration of Loudspeaker Device]
A configuration of loudspeaker device 300 according to Embodiment 3 is described with reference to
Loudspeaker device 300 according to Embodiment 3 is different from loudspeaker device 200 according to Embodiment 2 in that loudspeaker device 300 further includes another loudspeaker device 100 according to Embodiment 1 on each side of loudspeaker device 200 according to Embodiment 2 in the lateral direction. To be more specific, loudspeaker device 300 according to Embodiment 3 includes four loudspeaker devices 100 according to Embodiment 1, the four loudspeaker devices 100 forming a line array configuration in the lateral direction.
As illustrated in
Loudspeaker device 300 has the line array configuration that includes, in the lateral direction: a pair of loudspeaker 1a and loudspeaker 2a in the acute-angled opposite arrangement; a pair of loudspeaker 1b and loudspeaker 2b in the acute-angled opposite arrangement; a pair of loudspeaker 1c and loudspeaker 2c in the acute-angled opposite arrangement; and a pair of loudspeaker 1d and loudspeaker 2d in the acute-angled opposite arrangement. Two pairs of loudspeakers placed on both sides of loudspeaker device 300 in the lateral direction, that is, the pair of loudspeaker 1c and loudspeaker 2c and the pair of loudspeaker 1d and loudspeaker 2d are used for outputting masking sounds. Each of loudspeaker 1a and loudspeaker 1b is an example of a first loudspeaker. Each of loudspeaker 2a and loudspeaker 2b is an example of a second loudspeaker. Each of loudspeaker 1c, loudspeaker 2c, loudspeaker 1d, and loudspeaker 2d is an example of a third loudspeaker.
Next, an electrical configuration of loudspeaker device 300 according to Embodiment 3 is described with reference to
As illustrated in
Loudspeaker device 100c and loudspeaker device 100d output masking sounds based on signal ML and signal MR, respectively (hereinafter, these signals are collectively referred to as the “masking signals”). Signal L may be assigned an L-channel signal of a stereo sound source, and signal R may be assigned an R-channel signal of the stereo sound source. Signal ML and signal MR are sound signals used for outputting the masking sounds that reduce the perception of sounds outputted from loudspeaker device 100a and loudspeaker device 100b. A masking sound may be white noise or natural sound, such as sound of a brook or sound of chirping birds. Alternatively, the masking sound may include a sound in a frequency range of human voice. Signal ML and signal MR may be assigned the same sound source.
It is preferred for loudspeaker device 100c and loudspeaker device 100d to output the masking sounds at a sound pressure lower by a predetermined value than sound pressure of the sounds from loudspeaker device 100a and loudspeaker device 100b when listened to in the longitudinal direction. Here, the predetermined value is smaller than a difference between the sound pressure in the longitudinal direction and the sound pressure in the lateral direction when the sounds outputted from loudspeaker device 100a and loudspeaker device 100b are in antiphase. More specifically, it is preferred for the sound pressure of the sounds from loudspeaker device 100c and loudspeaker device 100d to be lower than the sound pressure of the sounds from loudspeaker device 100a and loudspeaker device 100b listened to at a position in the longitudinal direction with respect to loudspeaker device 100a and loudspeaker device 100b. At the same time, it is preferred for the sound pressure of the sounds from loudspeaker device 100c and loudspeaker device 100d to be set higher than the sound pressure of the sounds from loudspeaker device 100a and loudspeaker device 100b listened to at a position in the lateral direction with respect to loudspeaker device 100a and loudspeaker device 100b. Thus, it is preferred for a sound reproduction device located outside loudspeaker device 300 to input an input sound signal to each of loudspeaker device 100a and loudspeaker device 100b and also input a masking signal to each of loudspeaker device 100c and loudspeaker device 100d so that the conditions of the sound pressure described above are satisfied.
Next, placement of loudspeaker device 300 is described with reference to
To place loudspeaker device 300 on a desk, such as a table, loudspeaker device 300 is placed facing upward as illustrated in
[3-2. Operation of Loudspeaker Device]
Next, an operation of loudspeaker device 300 according to Embodiment 3 is described.
First, the following describes a case where loudspeaker device 300 is mounted above on beam 39 in the aforementioned conference space (see
As illustrated in
Two loudspeaker devices 100a and 100b positioned at the middle of loudspeaker device 300 are used as conference loudspeakers that output sounds of a remote location (sounds of a conference) in a video conference or a web conference, for example. Loudspeaker 1a and loudspeaker 2a of loudspeaker device 100a output sounds that are in antiphase with each other. Loudspeaker 1b and loudspeaker 2b of loudspeaker device 100b also output sounds that are in antiphase with each other.
On the other hand, two loudspeaker devices 100c and 100d positioned at both sides of loudspeaker device 300 output the masking sounds that are in phase with each other. Thus, loudspeaker device 100c and loudspeaker device 100d generate a wide sound field of the masking sounds around loudspeaker device 300.
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
Loudspeaker device 100c and loudspeaker device 100d of loudspeaker device 300 that output the masking sounds operate in the in-phase state. The directionality of the sounds outputted from loudspeaker device 100c and loudspeaker device 100d is controlled as illustrated in
Next, the following describes a case where loudspeaker device 300 is placed on a desk (table 27) in the aforementioned conference space, with reference to
Sound field curve 48 indicated by a broken line in
Two loudspeaker devices 100a and 100b positioned at the middle of loudspeaker device 300 are used as conference loudspeakers that output sounds of a remote location (sounds of a conference) in a video conference or a web conference, for example. Loudspeaker 1a and loudspeaker 2a of loudspeaker device 100a output sounds that are in antiphase with each other. Loudspeaker 1b and loudspeaker 2b of loudspeaker device 100b also output sounds that are in antiphase with each other. On the other hand, two loudspeaker devices 100c and 100d positioned at both sides of loudspeaker device 300 output the masking sounds that are in phase with each other. Thus, loudspeaker device 100c and loudspeaker device 100d generate a wide sound field of the masking sounds around loudspeaker device 300.
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
Loudspeaker device 100c and loudspeaker device 100d of loudspeaker device 300 that output the masking sounds operate in the in-phase state. The directionality of the sounds outputted from loudspeaker device 100c and loudspeaker device 100d is controlled as illustrated in
Thus, the masking sounds outputted from loudspeaker device 100c and loudspeaker device 100d as well as the sounds of the conference outputted from loudspeaker device 100a and loudspeaker device 100b propagate in the longitudinal direction of loudspeaker device 300. On this account, conference participants 23 to 26 can listen to the masking sounds as well as the sounds of the conference. The sound pressure of the sounds of the conference is higher in the longitudinal direction than in the lateral direction of loudspeaker device 300. For this reason, the sounds of the conference are less likely to be masked by the masking sounds in the longitudinal direction than in the lateral direction of loudspeaker device 300.
In contrast, the sound pressure of the sounds of the conference that propagate in the lateral direction of loudspeaker device 300 is lower than the sound pressure in the longitudinal direction. Thus, it is difficult for outsider 28 to listen to the sounds of the conference. Furthermore, although the masking sounds propagate in the longitudinal and lateral directions of loudspeaker device 300 at the same sound pressure, the sound pressure of the sounds of the conference is lower in the lateral direction than in the longitudinal direction. For this reason, the sounds of the conference are more likely to be masked by the masking sounds in the lateral direction than in the longitudinal direction. This enables loudspeaker device 300, which outputs the masking sounds, to further increase a difference in intelligibility of the sounds of the conference depending on a listening position.
Furthermore, it is preferred for the sound pressure of the masking sounds from loudspeaker device 100c and loudspeaker device 100d to be lower than the sound pressure of the sounds of the conference from loudspeaker device 100a and loudspeaker device 100b listened to at a position in the longitudinal direction with respect to loudspeaker device 100a and loudspeaker device 100b. At the same time, it is preferred for the sound pressure of the masking sounds from loudspeaker device 100c and loudspeaker device 100d to be set higher than the sound pressure of the sounds of the conference from loudspeaker device 100a and loudspeaker device 100b listened to at a position in the lateral direction with respect to loudspeaker device 100a and loudspeaker device 100b. In this case, conference participants 23 to 26 situated in the longitudinal direction of loudspeaker device 300 listen to the sounds of the conference outputted from loudspeaker device 100a and loudspeaker device 100b at the sound pressure higher than that of the masking sounds outputted from loudspeaker device 100c and loudspeaker device 100d. Thus, conference participants 23 to 26 can listen to the sounds of the conference relatively clearly. In contrast, outsider 28 situated lateral to loudspeaker device 300 listens to the sounds of the conference outputted from loudspeaker device 100a and loudspeaker device 100b at the sound pressure lower than that in the longitudinal direction and also listens to the masking sounds outputted from loudspeaker device 100c and loudspeaker device 100d at the sound pressure higher than that of the sounds of the conference. Thus, it is more difficult for outsider 28 to listen to the sounds of the conference.
As described above, loudspeaker device 300 used as the conference loudspeaker according to the present embodiment is mounted on beam 39 to face downward from beam 39 located above the center of table 27, or is placed in the center of table 27 to face upward. Loudspeaker device 100a and loudspeaker device 100b output the directionality-controlled sounds of the conference within the conference space. Loudspeaker device 100c and loudspeaker device 100d output the masking sounds in all directions around the conference space.
Four conference participants 23 to 26 sit at table 27 in the longitudinal direction of loudspeaker device 300. Outsider 28 can pass by the entrance that is open without partition 30, or more specifically, can pass by the lateral side of loudspeaker device 300. In these circumstances, the directionality control over the sound in the human voice range from 500 Hz to 2 kHz makes a sound pressure difference of 15 dB to 20 dB between the listening position of conference participants 23 to 26 and the listening position of outsider 28.
Furthermore, loudspeaker device 100c and loudspeaker device 100d are positioned next to loudspeaker device 100a and loudspeaker device 100b, respectively, in the longitudinal direction. Then, loudspeaker device 100c and loudspeaker device 100d output the masking sounds. Loudspeaker device 100c and loudspeaker device 100d output the in-phase masking sounds, which are environmental sounds, such as natural sounds. The sound pressure of the masking sounds is lower by 10 dB to 15 dB than that of the sounds outputted from loudspeakers 1 and loudspeakers 2 included in loudspeaker device 100a and loudspeaker device 100b. As a result, outside the conference space, the sound pressure of the sounds of the conference outputted from loudspeaker device 100a and loudspeaker device 100b is lower than the sound pressure of the masking sounds outputted from loudspeaker device 100c and loudspeaker device 100d.
This can reduce propagation of the sounds of the conference from the entrance of partition 30 to outsider 28 other than conference participants 23 to 26. This can also reduce leakage of the sounds of the conference from between ceiling 29 and partition 30 to outside the conference space.
Hence, loudspeaker device 300 according to the present embodiment allows conference participants 23 to 26 to have the conference without using headphones for example or without lowering the volume of the loudspeaker to avoid leakage of the sounds of the conference to the outside of the conference space.
[3-3. Advantageous Effects]
As described above, loudspeaker device 300 according to the present embodiment further includes loudspeaker 1c, loudspeaker 1d, loudspeaker 2c, and loudspeaker 2d that are adjacent to loudspeaker 1a, loudspeaker 1b, loudspeaker 2a, and loudspeaker 2b in the lateral direction intersecting with the longitudinal direction. Loudspeaker 1c, loudspeaker 1d, loudspeaker 2c, and loudspeaker 2d output the sounds based on the masking signals different from the loudspeaker input signals (the input sound signals or the inverted sound signals).
With this, the masking sounds are outputted in the longitudinal and lateral directions of loudspeaker device 300. Thus, the sounds outputted from loudspeaker 1a, loudspeaker 1b, loudspeaker 2a, and loudspeaker 2b can be listened to in the longitudinal direction of loudspeaker device 300. However, it is more difficult for these sounds to be listened to in the lateral direction of loudspeaker device 300.
[3-4. Advantageous Effects of Line Array Configuration]
Here, advantageous effects achieved by an arrangement of a plurality of loudspeaker devices in a line array in the lateral direction (hereinafter, this arrangement is referred to as the line array configuration) are described with reference to
As illustrated in (a) of
Furthermore, as illustrated in (a) of
Furthermore, as illustrated in (a) of
Two solid lines in (b) of
As shown, (b) of
Moreover, (b) of
[4-1. Configuration of Loudspeaker Device]
A configuration of loudspeaker device 400 according to Embodiment 4 is described with reference to
As illustrated in
Loudspeaker 1 and loudspeaker 2 have the same configurations as loudspeaker 1 and loudspeaker 2 described in Embodiment 1 above. Loudspeaker 1 and loudspeaker 2 are configured so that angle θ (see
Angle sensor 56 detects angle θ described above. Angle sensor 56 outputs the detected angle θ to controller 58.
In response to angle θ detected by angle sensor 56, controller 58 adjusts a gain of an input sound signal to be inputted to input terminal 7 (see
As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
Thus, in response to angle θ of 50° detected by angle sensor 56 for example, controller 58 increases the gain of the input sound signal or inverted sound signal corresponding to the frequency of 500 Hz. In response to angle θ of 80° detected by angle sensor 56 for example, controller 58 increases the gains of the input sound signals or inverted sound signals corresponding to the frequencies of 500 Hz and 2 KHz.
In this way, even when the user changes angle θ to any angle by rotating loudspeaker 1 and loudspeaker 2 with respect to each other, unevenness in the directional characteristics among a plurality of frequencies can be reduced.
In addition to the configuration described above, if a correspondence relationship between angle θ and a height of loudspeaker device 400 from a floor is predetermined, controller 58 may obtain information about the height of loudspeaker device 400 from the floor. Then, controller 58 may adjust the gain of the input sound signal or inverted sound signal to be inputted to each of loudspeaker 1 and loudspeaker 2, on the basis of the obtained information about the height of loudspeaker device 400 from the floor.
[4-2. Advantageous Effects]
In the present embodiment, angle θ that the direction in which loudspeaker 1 outputs the sound forms with the direction in which loudspeaker 2 outputs the sound is variable.
Thus, an adjustment made to angle θ allows the directional characteristics of a target frequency band or a range of the directionality to be adjusted.
Furthermore, loudspeaker device 400 according to the present embodiment further includes controller 58 that adjusts, in response to angle θ, a gain of the input sound signal or inverted sound signal to be inputted to loudspeaker 1 and loudspeaker 2.
Thus, even when the user changes angle θ to any angle by rotating loudspeaker 1 and loudspeaker 2 with respect to each other, unevenness in the directional characteristics among a plurality of frequencies can be reduced.
[Other Variations]
Embodiments 1 to 4 have been described thus far as examples of the technology disclosed in the present disclosure. However, the technology according to the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments and is applicable to embodiments implemented through modification, substitution, addition, and omission as appropriate. Furthermore, a new embodiment may be implemented through a combination of structural components described in Embodiments 1 to 4.
The following are examples of other variations.
In the embodiments described above, loudspeaker device 100 (200, 300, or 400) faces upward or downward as an example of the overall orientation. The loudspeaker device may be oriented in any direction. For example, the loudspeaker device may face in a lateral or slanting direction.
In Embodiments 2 and 3 described above, loudspeaker devices 100a and 100b (100a, 100b, 100c, and 100d) included in loudspeaker device 200 (300) are in the in-line arrangement in a single row in the lateral direction. However, this is not intended to be limiting. For example, loudspeaker devices 100a and 100b (100a, 100b, 100c, and 100d) included in loudspeaker device 200 (300) can be freely arranged on a plane.
Alternatively, a spatial arrangement including upward and downward facing orientations as illustrated in
Loudspeaker device 100 (200, 300, or 400) according to each of the embodiments described above includes phase switching circuit 6. Phase switching circuit 6 enables the sounds from loudspeaker 1 and loudspeaker 2 to be in phase or in antiphase with each other. However, this is not intended to be limiting. Loudspeaker device 100 need not include phase switching circuit 6, and may cause the sound signals from input terminal 7 to be in phase or in antiphase with each other. Then, loudspeaker 1 and loudspeaker 2 may output these signals. For example, in each of loudspeaker device 100a and loudspeaker device 100b for receiving the loudspeaker input signals according to Embodiment 3 above, input terminal 7 may be electrically connected to each of input terminal 10 and input terminal 11 to cause loudspeaker 1 and loudspeaker 2 to output the sounds in antiphase. Moreover, in each of loudspeaker device 100c and loudspeaker device 100d for receiving the masking signals according to Embodiment 3 above, input terminal 7 may be electrically connected to each of input terminal 10 and input terminal 11 to cause loudspeaker 1 and loudspeaker 2 to output the sounds in phase.
In loudspeaker device 300 according to Embodiment 3 above, the input sound signal (the loudspeaker input signal) and the masking signal are received from the input terminal. However, the way of externally receiving the sound signal is not limited to this. For example, loudspeaker device 300 may receive the input sound signal and the masking signal from a communication device. To be more specific, the communication device may input the input sound signal and the masking signal to loudspeaker device 300 through wired or wireless communication with an external sound reproduction device having a communication function. The communication device includes a central processing unit (CPU), a memory, and a communication interface. The communication interface of the communication device receives an input sound signal from the sound reproduction device and then outputs the received input sound signal to loudspeaker device 100a and loudspeaker device 100b. This enables loudspeaker device 100a and loudspeaker device 100b to output the sounds of the conference on the basis of the input sound signals. Furthermore, loudspeaker device 100c and loudspeaker device 100d output masking sounds based on masking signals previously stored in the memory of the communication device. At this time, to perform the sound signal control by loudspeaker device 300 according to Embodiment 3 above, the CPU of the communication device controls an amplification factor of an amplifier for each sound signal. Here, loudspeaker device 300 may include a storage medium, such as a memory, for storing a masking signal. Then, loudspeaker device 300 may read the masking signal from the storage medium and causes each of loudspeaker device 100c and loudspeaker device 100d to output a masking sound. Each of loudspeaker device 100, loudspeaker device 200, and loudspeaker device 400 according to Embodiments 1, 2, and 4 above may also receive the input sound signal from the communication device as in the above case.
In each of the embodiments described above, loudspeaker 1 and loudspeaker 2 are placed symmetrically with respect to reference place 3 so that the respective directions in which the sounds are outputted intersect with each other, and are also placed so that one of loudspeaker 1 and loudspeaker 2 is located in the direction in which the other outputs the sound. However, this is not intended to be limiting. Loudspeaker 1 and loudspeaker 2 may be placed symmetrically with respect to reference place 3 so that the respective directions in which the sounds are outputted intersect with each other, and may also be placed so that one of these loudspeakers is located in a direction opposite to the direction in which the other outputs the sound. To be more specific, loudspeaker 1 and loudspeaker 2 may be placed back to back with each other at an angle. Here, the phrase “one of these loudspeakers is located in a direction opposite to the direction in which the other outputs the sound” is described more specifically. For example, when loudspeaker 1 is viewed from the direction perpendicular to direction X1, loudspeaker 2 is located behind loudspeaker 1 (in a direction opposite to the direction in which the sound is outputted from loudspeaker 1) in the direction parallel to direction X1. In this case, loudspeaker device 100 (200, 300, or 400) takes the overall shape of a chevron-like enclosure. One of loudspeakers 1 and 2 is located on one slope of the enclosure, and the other is located on the other slope of the enclosure. Here, note that the sound field characteristics (the directionality characteristics) of loudspeaker device 100 when viewed from the lateral direction are sharper in the configurations described in Embodiments 1 to 4. Thus, the configurations according to Embodiments 1 to 4 are more preferred.
In each of the embodiments described above, phase switching circuit 6 keeps or inverts the phase of the input sound signal to be inputted to loudspeaker 1. However, this is not intended to be limiting. Any circuit that is capable of controlling the phase in loudspeaker device 100 (200, 300, or 400) according to the present disclosure can be used. For example, phase switching circuit 6 only has to switch the sound signals to be inputted to loudspeakers 1 and 2 between the in-phase state and the in-antiphase state by controlling the input sound signal.
Phase switching circuit 6 can be implemented in various ways. For example, phase switching circuit 6 may be configured with an electric selector switch or a relay, or may include a processor. The processor used as a control circuit reads a program from a storage medium that stores the program, and performs the program to execute various operations. In this case, a change made to the program stored in the storage medium can change the details of an operation. This increases the flexibility in changing the details of control. Examples of the processor include a CPU and a micro-processing unit (MPU). Examples of the storage medium include a hard disk, a flash memory, and an optical disk. Furthermore, a wired logic circuit, which allows no program rewriting, may be used as the control circuit. The wired logic circuit as the control circuit is useful for increasing the processing speed. Examples of the wired logic circuit include an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Alternatively, the control circuit may be implemented by a combination of a processor and a wired logic circuit. The control circuit implemented by the combination of the processor and the wired logic circuit increases the flexibility in software design and also increases the processing speed. Furthermore, the control circuit and another circuit having a different function may configure a single semiconductor element. Examples of the circuit having the different function include an A/D-D/A converter circuit. The control circuit may include a single semiconductor element or a plurality of semiconductor elements. For the configuration including the plurality of semiconductor elements, each of the controls described in claims may be implemented by a different semiconductor element. Furthermore, the control circuit may include a semiconductor element and a passive element, such as a resistor or a capacitor.
Each of the elements in each of the above embodiments may be configured in the form of an exclusive hardware product, or may be realized by executing a software program suitable for the element. Each of the elements may be realized by means of a program executing unit, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or a processor, reading and executing the software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.
The above embodiments have been presented as examples of the technique disclosed according to the present application. The accompanying drawings and the detailed description are provided for this purpose.
Therefore, the components described in the accompanying drawings and the detailed description may include, in addition to components essential to overcoming problems, components that are not essential to overcoming problems but are included in order to exemplify the technique described above. Thus, those non-essential components should not be deemed essential due to the mere fact that the non-essential components are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the detailed description.
The above embodiment is an example of the technique in the present disclosure, and thus various modifications, substitutions, additions, and omissions are possible in the scope of the claims and equivalent scopes thereof.
The present disclosure is applicable to a loudspeaker device that is controllable in directionality of a sound field. More specifically, the present disclosure is applicable to a loudspeaker device or a spatial sound device that is used for a conference system.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-203136 | Dec 2020 | JP | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/JP2021/016894 | 4/28/2021 | WO |
| Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| WO2022/123806 | 6/16/2022 | WO | A |
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20110293111 | Chang | Dec 2011 | A1 |
| 20130177169 | Kanaya | Jul 2013 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 08-019089 | Jan 1996 | JP |
| 2011-009990 | Jan 2011 | JP |
| 2013-012991 | Jan 2013 | JP |
| Entry |
|---|
| International Search Report issued on Jul. 27, 2021 in International Patent Application No. PCT/JP2021/016894, with English translation. |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20230199390 A1 | Jun 2023 | US |
